Genesis 29:13 kjv

And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.

Genesis 29:13 nkjv

Then it came to pass, when Laban heard the report about Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him and kissed him, and brought him to his house. So he told Laban all these things.

Genesis 29:13 niv

As soon as Laban heard the news about Jacob, his sister's son, he hurried to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home, and there Jacob told him all these things.

Genesis 29:13 esv

As soon as Laban heard the news about Jacob, his sister's son, he ran to meet him and embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban all these things,

Genesis 29:13 nlt

As soon as Laban heard that his nephew Jacob had arrived, he ran out to meet him. He embraced and kissed him and brought him home. When Jacob had told him his story,

Genesis 29 verses

Genesis 29 13 Meaning

Genesis 29:13 describes Laban's immediate and effusive reception of his nephew, Jacob. Upon hearing of Jacob's arrival through his daughter Rachel, Laban swiftly acts with open arms, embracing, kissing, and welcoming Jacob into his home. Following this warm greeting, Jacob recounts his journey and the events leading to his presence, presumably detailing his flight from Esau and his encounter with God at Bethel.

Genesis 29 13 Context

Genesis 29:13 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jacob's flight from Esau and his journey to Haran, to the home of his mother's brother, Laban. Prior to this verse, Jacob had experienced a transformative dream at Bethel, confirming God's covenant with him and promising His presence and protection. He then continued his journey to the land of the people of the East, encountering Rachel, Laban's daughter, at a well (Gen 29:1-10). Rachel, upon learning Jacob's identity as her kinsman, immediately ran to inform her father, Laban (Gen 29:12). This verse describes Laban's subsequent swift and demonstrative welcome, setting the stage for Jacob's twenty-year stay in Haran, a period marked by both divine guidance and human deception and struggle with Laban.

Genesis 29 13 Word analysis

• And it came to pass, when (וַיְהִי כִּשְׁמֹעַ - vayehî kishmo‘a): "And it happened when," a common Hebrew narrative device signifying the continuation or transition of a significant event. It introduces the sequence of events immediately following Rachel's announcement.
• Laban (לָבָן - Lāvān): Maternal uncle of Jacob. His name means "white." He will become a complex figure in Jacob's life, known for his cunning and manipulative character despite this initial warm welcome.
• heard (שְׁמֹעַ - shamo‘a): To hear or understand. Refers to Laban's reception of the "tidings." It implies active reception and comprehension of the news regarding Jacob's identity.
• the tidings of (שֶׁמַע - shema‘): News, report, or intelligence. Specifically, it refers to the report delivered by Rachel concerning Jacob. The rapid succession of actions following this hearing underscores its impact.
• Jacob (יַעֲקֹב - Ya‘aqōv): Son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham. His name means "he takes by the heel" or "supplanter," reflecting his birth and early life events.
• his sister's son (בֶּן־אֲחֹתוֹ - ben-akhoto): Literally "son of his sister." This specific familial connection highlights their blood relationship and is the basis for Laban's obligation of kinsman-reception and protection, as well as the immediate emotional bond.
• that he ran (וַיָּרָץ - vayyārotz): And he ran. This verb signifies speed, urgency, and eagerness. It's a spontaneous and active gesture, far beyond a mere walk. It depicts Laban's striking enthusiasm and quick reaction.
• to meet him (לִקְרָאתוֹ - likrato): To his encounter, towards him. This highlights the directness and purposefulness of Laban's action to engage Jacob personally.
• and embraced him (וַיְחַבֶּק־לוֹ - vayḥabbeq-lô): And he hugged him closely. A physical act of warmth and affection, common in ancient Near Eastern familial greetings. It signifies acceptance and closeness.
• and kissed him (וַיְנַשֵּׁק־לוֹ - vaynaššēq-lô): And he kissed him. Another intimate and culturally significant gesture of welcome, deep affection, and kinship recognition. It confirms the bond between them.
• and brought him (וַיְבִאֵהוּ - vayəvi'ehu): And he caused him to come, he led him. Indicates Laban taking active charge, bringing Jacob from the well to his dwelling, fulfilling the role of the host.
• to his house (אֶל־בֵּיתוֹ - 'el-bêtô): To his home, household. Providing shelter and safety, a fundamental act of hospitality. It signifies incorporating Jacob into his family and abode.
• And he told (וַיְסַפֵּר - vayəsapper): And he related, recounted, told in detail. This indicates Jacob narrating his experiences fully.
• Laban (לְלָבָן - l'Lāvān): The recipient of Jacob's story.
• all these things (אֵת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה - 'ēt kol-haddevārîm hā'elleh): Refers to the totality of Jacob's journey and experiences up to that point. This would likely include his flight from Esau, the vision at Bethel, and God's promises. It is Jacob’s opportunity to establish his narrative and context to his host.

Words-group Analysis:

• "when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him": This phrase captures the immediate and decisive reaction of Laban based purely on kinship. The speed and directness of his response indicate a strong impulse, whether out of genuine familial affection, cultural expectation of hospitality, or perhaps shrewd calculation given Jacob's connection to the family of Abraham.
• "embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house": These three actions portray a full, effusive welcoming sequence. From the physical affection (embrace, kiss) to the provision of shelter, Laban appears to completely integrate Jacob into his household, fulfilling the duties of a good host to a close relative.
• "And he told Laban all these things": This signifies Jacob's complete disclosure to Laban. Jacob recounts his personal history, providing the full context for his arrival. This oral tradition serves to deepen the understanding and bond between them, as Jacob shares his vulnerability and the divine providence that guided him.

Genesis 29 13 Bonus section

The Hebrew verb "ran" (vayyārotz) for Laban is notably strong. It's the same verb used for Abraham running to meet the angels in Gen 18:2, for Abraham's servant running towards Rebekah in Gen 24:17, and even for the Prodigal Son's father in Luke 15:20 (though that is New Testament Greek, the concept of running is powerful). This repeated action suggests a spontaneous, emotional, and urgent response. For Laban, it likely indicates not just familial warmth, but also perhaps an eagerness to assess the "tidings" himself, considering his calculating nature revealed later in the narrative. The explicit mention of "his sister's son" grounds Laban's actions in the kinship system, emphasizing Jacob's direct claim on his hospitality, though this claim would later be severely tested by Laban's cunning.

Genesis 29 13 Commentary

Genesis 29:13 presents a vibrant image of familial welcome and the warmth of hospitality. Laban's eager response—running, embracing, kissing, and bringing Jacob into his home—is indicative of the strong kinship ties and the cultural imperative of offering shelter to a relative, especially one arriving from afar. This initial greeting suggests an ideal reception, setting an expectation of benevolent care for Jacob, who arrived weary and perhaps penniless from his long journey.

However, the passage also subtly sets the stage for future conflict. Laban's immediate, almost excessive, warmth might not be solely altruistic. In the ancient Near East, a male relative arriving could be seen as an asset to the household's labor force. Jacob's narrative of "all these things" would have certainly included details of God's blessing and the patriarchal inheritance, making Jacob a valuable, if not divinely blessed, addition. The dramatic shift from Laban's affectionate embrace in this verse to his repeated deception and exploitation of Jacob later in Genesis reflects a complex relationship driven by both familial duty and self-interest. This encounter, while outwardly gracious, hints at the proving ground that Laban's household will become for Jacob, refining his character and solidifying his dependence on God amidst human trickery.

• Practical usage: This verse reminds us that initial impressions, even of great warmth, can sometimes mask deeper intentions. It also highlights the biblical ideal of welcoming the stranger and caring for family, even as it illustrates the pitfalls when that hospitality is mixed with selfish motives.