Genesis 29:19 kjv
And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.
Genesis 29:19 nkjv
And Laban said, "It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to another man. Stay with me."
Genesis 29:19 niv
Laban said, "It's better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me."
Genesis 29:19 esv
Laban said, "It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man; stay with me."
Genesis 29:19 nlt
"Agreed!" Laban replied. "I'd rather give her to you than to anyone else. Stay and work with me."
Genesis 29 19 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 29:18 | And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel... | Jacob's desire and initial agreement. |
| Gen 29:20 | And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days for the love he had for her. | Jacob's faithful devotion. |
| Gen 29:21-26 | Laban's deception with Leah. | Foreshadows Laban's cunning and breaking promises. |
| Gen 29:27-28 | Laban makes Jacob serve another seven years. | Laban's manipulative use of labor. |
| Gen 30:26-30 | Send me away... you know my service which I have done for you... Laban said, "I have learned... the Lord has blessed me for your sake." | Laban acknowledges Jacob's value and divine blessing through him. |
| Gen 31:4-7 | Jacob tells his wives how Laban changed his wages ten times. | Laban's repeated deceit and greed. |
| Gen 31:41-42 | Thus have I been twenty years in your house; I served you fourteen years for your two daughters... | Jacob recounts his diligent but exploited service. |
| Exod 21:2 | If you buy a Hebrew slave... in the seventh year he shall go out free for nothing. | Contrasts Laban's continuous servitude with God's law regarding indentured service. |
| Deut 23:21 | When you vow a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay paying it... | Highlights the importance of fulfilling vows, implicitly critiquing Laban's disregard. |
| Prov 13:4 | The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. | Jacob's diligence contrasts Laban's scheming to gain without direct effort. |
| Prov 16:9 | The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. | God's sovereignty working through human plans and deceptions. |
| Prov 19:21 | Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. | God's ultimate plan prevails over Laban's schemes. |
| Jer 17:9-10 | The heart is deceitful above all things... I the Lord search the heart and test the mind... | Illustrates the fallen nature that produces deception, like Laban's. |
| Rom 8:28 | And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him... | God used Laban's deception to ultimately fulfill His covenant promises to Jacob. |
| Rom 12:17 | Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. | Principle of uprightness contrasted with Laban's deviousness. |
| Phil 2:3 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. | Calls to selflessness, a direct contrast to Laban's self-interest. |
| 1 Thess 4:6 | that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter... because the Lord is an avenger in all these things. | God's justice regarding those who exploit others, relevant to Laban's actions. |
| 1 Tim 6:10 | For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil... | Laban's desire to retain Jacob's wealth-producing labor reflects greed. |
| Jas 1:17 | Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights... | Laban's "better" statement highlights a contrast between superficial "goodness" and true divine goodness. |
| Gen 24:50 | Laban and Bethuel answered and said, "The thing comes from the Lord; we cannot speak to you bad or good." | Earlier instance of Laban's family responding to marriage proposal, showing a veneer of divine acceptance, yet later he acts contrary to fairness. |
Genesis 29 verses
Genesis 29 19 Meaning
Laban's statement expresses an apparent agreement to Jacob's request for Rachel, presenting it as a logical and preferable option compared to giving his daughter to a stranger. On the surface, it appears hospitable and considerate, suggesting a patriarchal desire to keep familial connections. However, beneath this agreeable facade lies Laban's underlying motive: to retain Jacob's invaluable labor and secure continued benefits for himself and his household, subtly manipulating Jacob into prolonging his stay and servitude.
Genesis 29 19 Context
Genesis 29 begins Jacob's journey to Haran to find a wife from his mother's relatives, as instructed by Isaac and Rebekah (Gen 28:1-2). His arrival at a well near Haran leads to his first encounter with Rachel, Laban's daughter. Jacob's passionate devotion to Rachel prompts him to offer seven years of labor in exchange for her hand in marriage. This verse follows Jacob's declaration of intent and Laban's calculation. Laban's immediate, seemingly agreeable response ("It is better...") positions him as a patriarch who cares for his daughters and for maintaining kinship. However, it also subtly initiates the protracted period of manipulation and exploitation that Jacob would endure under Laban. Historically, arranged marriages were customary, often involving a bride-price or bride-service. Jacob's offer of labor was a form of bride-service, a legitimate means of acquiring a wife for those without immediate wealth. Within the ancient Near Eastern context, maintaining good family relations and securing beneficial labor or alliances were paramount. Laban's words outwardly fulfill custom but covertly serve his self-interest by securing Jacob's proven diligent work ethic.
Genesis 29 19 Word analysis
- And Laban said: (וַיֹּאמֶר לָבָן, vayyōʾmer Lāvān). A common biblical narrative connector. It emphasizes that this is Laban's direct response, indicating his active role in the unfolding events. Laban is consistently portrayed as shrewd and calculating throughout the Genesis narrative.
- It is better: (ט֣וֹב, ṭôv). This Hebrew word often translates to "good." Here, in a comparative context, it signifies "better" or "favorable." While it literally means "good" or "beneficial," Laban uses it to present his decision as wise and advantageous, particularly to Jacob. The choice of ṭov is interesting, echoing the divine declaration of creation being "good" (Gen 1). Here, a human, driven by self-interest, declares something "good," showcasing the stark contrast between divine and human assessment of value and goodness. Laban's 'good' is for his own benefit.
- that I give her to you: (תִּתִּֽי אֹתָ֖הּ לָ֑ךְ, tittî ’ōtāh lāḵ). This phrase highlights Laban's authority over his daughter's marriage. In the patriarchal society, the father held the primary right to bestow his daughter. Laban frames this as a grant from him, establishing his position of power. It signifies the transfer of patriarchal authority over Rachel to Jacob, conditioned by the bride-service.
- than that I should give her to another man: (מִתִּתִּ֥י אֹתָ֛הּ לְאִ֣ישׁ אַחֵ֑ר, mittittî ’ōtāh lĕʾîš ’aḥēr). This comparative statement enhances the perceived favor Laban is extending. It implicitly suggests that other potential suitors might be less desirable, or that Jacob's family connection (being his nephew) makes him the obvious, 'better' choice. It also eliminates other potential options, making Jacob feel he's getting a unique offer. This aligns with the custom of endogamy (marrying within one's family or tribe) and can be seen as upholding family honor and preserving familial assets.
- abide with me: (שֵׁ֖בָה עִמָּדִֽי, šēḇāh ‘immādî). This is an imperative verb, a command or strong exhortation, meaning "dwell," "remain," or "stay." While seemingly hospitable, this is the most critical part of Laban's statement, revealing his underlying motive. He recognizes Jacob's strength, diligence, and divine blessing on his labor (cf. Gen 30:27). Laban doesn't just consent to the marriage; he actively ensures Jacob remains bound to his household, thereby securing his labor and the associated blessings (Gen 30:27). It extends beyond a simple agreement to a demand for Jacob's prolonged presence and service.
Genesis 29 19 Bonus section
Laban's statement also highlights the significant shift in power dynamics within this extended family. While Jacob had fled his homeland under duress, he arrives at Laban's house possessing divine promises (Gen 28:15). Laban, though head of his household, quickly recognizes the benefit of Jacob's presence. The term "another man" emphasizes Laban's desire to keep the potential blessing Jacob brings within his own family's sphere, rather than letting it benefit an outsider. This perspective hints at an ancient near Eastern "zero-sum game" mentality regarding wealth and divine favor, where blessings channeled through Jacob must remain within Laban's orbit to be maximized.
Genesis 29 19 Commentary
Genesis 29:19 is a pivotal verse, outwardly affirming Jacob's romantic intentions for Rachel while subtly revealing the shrewd and self-serving character of Laban. His response, "It is better that I give her to you, than that I should give her to another man," cloaks his practical calculations under the guise of family solidarity and seemingly honorable custom. While bride-service for marriage was common, Laban's enthusiastic acceptance, immediately followed by the command "abide with me," points to his underlying desire to exploit Jacob's proven industriousness and the blessings of the Lord evident in Jacob's work (Gen 30:27). This single verse foreshadows the extensive manipulation and unfair dealings Jacob would suffer under Laban for the next twenty years (Gen 31:41), culminating in Laban changing Jacob's wages multiple times. It sets the stage for a long-standing tension between an honest worker seeking to build his family and a kinsman driven by avarice, even as God sovereignly uses these challenging circumstances to build Jacob's family and fortunes, ultimately fulfilling His covenant promises.