Genesis 29:12 kjv

And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son: and she ran and told her father.

Genesis 29:12 nkjv

And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's relative and that he was Rebekah's son. So she ran and told her father.

Genesis 29:12 niv

He had told Rachel that he was a relative of her father and a son of Rebekah. So she ran and told her father.

Genesis 29:12 esv

And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's kinsman, and that he was Rebekah's son, and she ran and told her father.

Genesis 29:12 nlt

He explained to Rachel that he was her cousin on her father's side ? the son of her aunt Rebekah. So Rachel quickly ran and told her father, Laban.

Genesis 29 verses

Genesis 29 12 Meaning

This verse marks a pivotal moment in Jacob's journey, revealing his identity and family lineage to Rachel upon their first meeting at the well. By stating he was "her father's brother" (her maternal uncle) and "Rebekah's son," Jacob quickly established a direct familial bond, facilitating an immediate and trusting reception. Rachel's swift response, running to inform her father, Laban, underscores the significance of this kinship revelation within the cultural context of establishing lineage and welcoming kinsmen.

Genesis 29 12 Context

Genesis 29:12 is situated immediately after Jacob's arrival at the well in Haran and his initial interaction with Rachel. Jacob is on a journey from Beersheba to Haran, having fled from his brother Esau, and carrying the divine promises and blessings he received in his dream at Bethel (Gen 28). This meeting with Rachel is not accidental; it represents a divine appointment ensuring Jacob's finding of a wife from his kinsmen, as Abraham had arranged for Isaac (Gen 24). The broader context highlights God's continued faithfulness to His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob, guiding his steps even in exile to build the family that would become the twelve tribes of Israel. This verse is the crucial bridge connecting Jacob, the lone fugitive, to the family from whom his wives and ultimately the foundational sons of Israel would come. Culturally, kinship was paramount for security, inheritance, and tribal identity in the ancient Near East. Jacob’s self-identification clarifies his status as a kinsman seeking refuge, not a stranger.

Genesis 29 12 Word analysis

• And Jacob: Hebrew: וַיַּגֵּד יַעֲקֹב (va-ya'gged Ya'aqov). Jacob (יַעֲקֹב - Ya'aqov): Meaning "heel-grabber" or "supplanter." His very name carries the weight of his past (Gen 25:26, Gen 27:36) and anticipates his future struggles and ultimate triumph. This scene shows him taking a proactive step, rather than his past deceptive actions.
• told: Hebrew: וַיַּגֵּד (vayyaged). From the root נגד (naged), a Hiphil imperfect verb. This signifies a direct, active declaration, "he caused to know" or "he made known." It's not a casual remark but an intentional communication, conveying important information promptly.
• Rachel: Hebrew: רָחֵל (Rach-el). Meaning "ewe" or "lamb." Her name might hint at her innocence or perhaps her future role as a mother figure to tribes, a common name given in pastoral societies. Her immediate and eager response to Jacob's news reinforces the suitability of her character for the patriarchal lineage.
• that he was: Implied within the Hebrew structure.
• her father's brother: Hebrew: אֲחִי אָבִיהָ ('achi 'aviha). Literally, "the brother of her father." This specifically refers to her maternal uncle, Laban's sister's son. This clarifies his direct kinship tie to Laban, Rachel's father, establishing an immediate and recognizable relationship within their tribal structure.
• and that he was: Hebrew: וְכִי בֶן־רִבְקָה (ve-chi ben Rivqa). The conjunction ve-chi means "and that," linking the two identifiers.
• Rebekah's son: Hebrew: בֶן־רִבְקָה (ben Rivqa). "Son of Rebekah." Rebekah (רִבְקָה - Rivqa): While sometimes translated "ensnarer," her actions (e.g., in Gen 24, her alacrity) more accurately align with "to bind, to tie," which could refer to a bond or strong character. Identifying himself as Rebekah’s son specifically links him through her, Laban's sister (Gen 24:29), validating his direct kinship and thus his right to be there and seek shelter.
• and she ran: Hebrew: וַתָּרָץ (va-taraatz). From the root רוץ (ruts), meaning "to run." The immediate and enthusiastic nature of her action indicates the gravity and excitement of the news of a long-lost kinsman's arrival. This reflects the value placed on familial ties and reunion.
• and told: Hebrew: וַתַּגֵּד (va-taged). Same root as "told" (Jacob), signifying a clear and emphatic declaration.
• her father: Hebrew: לְאָבִיהָ (le'aviha). "To her father." Laban, as the patriarchal head of the household, was the one to whom such important news, especially concerning an unexpected kinsman, needed to be conveyed directly and immediately.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "Jacob told Rachel": This phrase marks Jacob's deliberate action of revealing his identity. After his difficult journey and immediate action at the well (Gen 29:10), his next priority is to clarify who he is, anticipating a proper welcome as a kinsman rather than a mere traveler.
• "he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son": This dual declaration is highly significant. "Her father's brother" identifies his relationship to Rachel's father (Laban is his uncle), while "Rebekah's son" identifies his maternal lineage specifically, solidifying the familial bond through Laban's sister Rebekah. This dual approach leaves no room for doubt regarding his rightful claim to kinship and the accompanying expectations of hospitality and protection. It also subtly emphasizes his direct lineage back to Abraham through Isaac and Rebekah, integral to the divine covenant.
• "she ran and told her father": Rachel's swift, energetic response underscores the importance of this revelation in the patriarchal culture. It highlights the deeply ingrained value of family ties and the authority structure, where significant news regarding kinsmen must immediately be brought before the household head, Laban, for appropriate action and welcome (as seen in Gen 29:13).

Genesis 29 12 Bonus section

The scene at the well (Genesis 29) deliberately echoes Abraham's servant's search for Isaac's wife in Genesis 24, also occurring at a well, involving family, and marked by providential encounter. This narrative parallelism underscores the theme of divine faithfulness in preserving the covenant lineage. The well is not just a water source but a sacred and communal space where life-altering meetings often occur, highlighting God's direct involvement in the seemingly mundane aspects of daily life. The immediacy of Rachel’s action, followed by Laban’s enthusiastic reception (Gen 29:13), contrasts with some of Jacob’s previous experiences and highlights the strength of family bonds and the expected hospitality within kinship networks. This entire episode signifies a major turning point in Jacob's life from fugitive to family patriarch.

Genesis 29 12 Commentary

Genesis 29:12 is a concise yet immensely weighty verse. It chronicles Jacob’s critical self-identification to Rachel, setting in motion the patriarchal history of Israel's direct family. Jacob doesn't simply introduce himself; he meticulously defines his relationship by leveraging two powerful identifiers: he is "her father's brother" (Laban's nephew, thus Rachel's maternal cousin/uncle by blood, often rendered as "uncle" in this context) and, more precisely, "Rebekah's son." This dual clarification is deliberate; the first indicates his familial connection to Rachel's direct paternal line, while the second solidifies his tie through Laban's sister, Rebekah, thus demonstrating kinship and a legitimate claim to hospitality and safe harbor. This specific lineage validates him as part of their extended family.

Rachel’s immediate response – she "ran and told her father" – is key. It indicates the importance placed on such familial revelations in that ancient culture. The news of a returning kinsman was a matter for the patriarch of the house, signifying a potentially long-term stay, marriage prospects, or an expansion of the family unit, all highly valued elements of their society. This simple act opens the door for Jacob to finally find refuge and begin building his own family, fulfilling part of God's covenantal promise to him at Bethel, as he is now in the very household from which his mother came, indicating God's guiding hand throughout his tumultuous journey. The events following this encounter (Laban’s warm reception, Jacob’s labor for Rachel, the birth of his children) flow directly from this critical verse, marking the inception of the family from whom the twelve tribes of Israel would descend.

Practical usage examples:

• Recognizing the value of family and heritage, as demonstrated by Jacob's clear identification and Rachel's response.
• Understanding that divine guidance can lead to unexpected yet pivotal encounters, even when human steps seem uncertain.