Genesis 29:12
Genesis 29:12 in Multiple Translations
He told Rachel that he was Rebekah’s son, a relative of her father, and she ran and told her father.
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.
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.
And Rachel, hearing from Jacob that he was her father's relation and that he was the son of Rebekah, went running to give her father news of it.
(He had told her that he was a relative of her father, Rebekah's son.) She ran and told her father what had happened.
(For Iaakob tolde Rahel, that he was her fathers brother, and that he was Rebekahs sonne) then she ranne and tolde her father.
and Jacob declareth to Rachel that he [is] her father's brother, and that he [is] Rebekah's son, and she runneth and declareth to her father.
Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s relative, and that he was Rebekah’s son. She ran and told her father.
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.
And he told her that he was her father’s brother, and the son of Rebecca: but she went in haste and told her father.
Jacob told Rachel that he was one of her father’s relatives, the son of her aunt Rebekah. So she ran and told that to her father.
Jacob said to Rachel, “I am your father’s relative. My mother’s name is Rebekah, and she is your father’s sister.” Then Rachel ran home and told her father Laban what happened.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 29:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 29:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּגֵּ֨ד
יַעֲקֹ֜ב
לְ/רָחֵ֗ל
כִּ֣י
אֲחִ֤י
אָבִ֨י/הָ֙
ה֔וּא
וְ/כִ֥י
בֶן
רִבְקָ֖ה
ה֑וּא
וַ/תָּ֖רָץ
וַ/תַּגֵּ֥ד
לְ/אָבִֽי/הָ
וַ/יַּגֵּ֨ד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
יַעֲקֹ֜ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
לְ/רָחֵ֗ל
Râchêl
H7354
Rachel
Prep | N-proper
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֲחִ֤י
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms
אָבִ֨י/הָ֙
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וְ/כִ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
בֶן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
רִבְקָ֖ה
Ribqâh
H7259
Rebekah
N-proper
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וַ/תָּ֖רָץ
rûwts
H7323
to run
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
וַ/תַּגֵּ֥ד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
לְ/אָבִֽי/הָ
ʼâb
H1
father
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 29:12
וַ/יַּגֵּ֨ד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
יַעֲקֹ֜ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
לְ/רָחֵ֗ל
Râchêl
H7354
"Rachel"
Prep | N-proper
Rachel was a wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Her name means ewe, and she is an important figure in the book of Genesis, where her story is told in detail.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.6; daughter of: Laban (H3837A); sister of: Leah (H3812); married to Israel (H3478); mother of: Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144) Also named: Rhachēl (Ῥαχήλ "Rachel" G4478) § Rachel = "ewe" daughter of Laban, wife of Jacob, and mother of Joseph and Benjamin
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Rachel. See also: Genesis 29:6; Genesis 30:25; Jeremiah 31:15.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֲחִ֤י
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
אָבִ֨י/הָ֙
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וְ/כִ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בֶן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
רִבְקָ֖ה
Ribqâh
H7259
"Rebekah"
N-proper
Rebekah, the wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob, a key figure in Genesis chapters 24-27.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.22.23; daughter of: Bethuel (H1328A); sister of: Laban (H3837A); married to Isaac (H3327); mother of: Esau (H6215) and Israel (H3478) Also named: Rhebekka (Ῥεβέκκα "Rebekah" G4479) § Rebekah = "ensnarer" daughter of Bethuel, sister of Laban, wife of Isaac, and mother of Esau and Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: Rebekah. See also: Genesis 22:23; Genesis 25:21; Genesis 49:31.
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וַ/תָּ֖רָץ
rûwts
H7323
"to run"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To run or rush, often used to describe someone moving quickly, as seen in the story of the runners in Jeremiah 51:31. This verb appears in various forms, including running swiftly or darting. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or haste.
Definition: : run/runner/messenger 1) to run 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to run 1a2) runners (participle as subst) 1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry 1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post. See also: Genesis 18:2; 2 Kings 11:6; Psalms 18:30.
וַ/תַּגֵּ֥ד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לְ/אָבִֽי/הָ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
Study Notes — Genesis 29:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 29:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 29:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 29:12
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 29:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:12
- Sermons on Genesis 29:12
Context — Jacob Meets Rachel
10As soon as Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of his mother’s brother Laban, with Laban’s sheep, he went up and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s sheep.
11Then Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud.
12He told Rachel that he was Rebekah’s son, a relative of her father, and she ran and told her father.
13When Laban heard the news about his sister’s son Jacob, he ran out to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home, where Jacob told him all that had happened. 14Then Laban declared, “You are indeed my own flesh and blood.” After Jacob had stayed with him a month,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 24:28 | The girl ran and told her mother’s household about these things. |
| 2 | Genesis 13:8 | So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are brothers. |
| 3 | Genesis 14:14–16 | And when Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan. During the night, Abram divided his forces and routed Chedorlaomer’s army, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. He retrieved all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people. |
Genesis 29:12 Summary
In Genesis 29:12, Jacob tells Rachel that he is the son of Rebekah, which means he is a relative of her father Laban. This introduction is important because it helps establish a connection between Jacob and Rachel's family, similar to how Abram introduced himself to the king of Sodom in Genesis 14:13. By sharing his family background, Jacob is able to build trust and establish a relationship with Rachel and her family, which is an important step in their interactions, as seen in Genesis 29:14 where Laban welcomes Jacob as his own flesh and blood. This verse reminds us of the importance of being open and honest about our background and family, and how this can help us build stronger connections with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob tell Rachel about his family relationship to her father?
Jacob told Rachel that he was Rebekah's son, a relative of her father, to establish a connection and build trust, as seen in Genesis 29:12, which is a common practice in biblical times to identify oneself and one's lineage, similar to Genesis 24:24 where Rebekah identifies herself to Abraham's servant.
What was the significance of Jacob being a relative of Laban's?
As a relative of Laban's, Jacob had a familial connection that would have been important in their culture, as seen in Genesis 29:12, and this relationship is later highlighted in Genesis 29:14 where Laban declares Jacob to be his own flesh and blood.
Why did Rachel run to tell her father about Jacob?
Rachel ran to tell her father about Jacob because she was excited to share the news about her cousin's arrival, as seen in Genesis 29:12, and this excitement is similar to the enthusiasm shown by the women in Genesis 24:28 when they hear about the arrival of Isaac's bride.
How did Jacob's introduction to Rachel's family set the stage for future events?
Jacob's introduction to Rachel's family, as seen in Genesis 29:12, set the stage for his future interactions with Laban and his daughters, including his marriage to Rachel and Leah, as described in Genesis 29:15-30.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from Jacob's example about being open and honest about our family and background?
- How can we apply the principle of building trust and establishing connections with others, as seen in Jacob's interaction with Rachel?
- What role does family and lineage play in our lives, and how can we use these relationships to build stronger connections with others?
- How can we balance the desire to share exciting news with others, like Rachel, with the need to be wise and discerning in our interactions?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:12
And Jacob told Rachel,.... Or "had told" (i) her; before he kissed her, and lift up his voice and wept, as Aben Ezra observes: that he [was] her father's brother; his nephew by his sister, for such
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:12
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 29:12
Lot now suffered for his cohabitation with bad neighbours.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:12
Genesis 29:12 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. Ver. 12. That he was her father’ s brother.] And therefore made so bold with her, upon no further acquaintance. His kisses were not unchaste, but modest; such as were common among kindred. And yet here care must be taken that Satan corrupt not our courtesy, or more intimate acquaintance, with never so near an alliance. Flies may settle upon the sweetest perfumes, and putrify them. St Paul saw cause to exhort Timothy (that mortified young man) to exhort the younger women, "as sisters with all purity"; because, through the subtilty of Satan, and the deceit of his own heart, even whilst he was exhorting them to chastity, some unchaste motions might steal upon him. A great deal of caution doth no hurt. Abuadans cautela non nocet .
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 29:12
(12) Her father’s brother.—Really his nephew; but terms of relationship are used in a very indefinite way in Hebrew. (Comp. Genesis 29:5; Genesis 29:15, Genesis 13:8, &c.)
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 29:12
12. her father’s brother] In the sense of “relative”; strictly speaking, her father’s sister’s son. Cf. Genesis 29:15 and Genesis 13:8. ran and told] We are reminded of Rebekah’s action in Genesis 24:28-29.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:12
12. Told her father — Unlike Rebekah, who ran and told her mother. Genesis 24:28.
Sermons on Genesis 29:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Finding a Bride for Isaac Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith explores the narrative of finding a bride for Isaac in Genesis 24. He highlights the parallels between this love story and the Holy Spirit wooing |
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(Genesis) Genesis 22:3-10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac as a test of his faith. The preacher highlights the four major crises th |
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Faithful on the Outside but Decayed on the Inside by Sandeep Poonen | This sermon delves into the parable of the lost son from Luke 15, focusing on the often overlooked character of the older brother. It highlights the dangers of a decaying heart, wh |
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The Life of Abraham - Part 1 by John Hunter | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the dangers and challenges that come with wealth. He uses the friendship between Abraham and Lot as an example of how wealth can strain rela |
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Becoming a Member of St. Aidan's by Michael Flowers | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of clear communication and accountability within the church. He shares a story about four people named everybody, somebody, an |
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Wisdom on Peacemaking & Prosperity by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of peacemaking and the true source of prosperity, drawing lessons from Genesis 13 and 14. He urges believers to seek God earnestly, recogniz |
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1 Corinthians 14:1 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of being consumed by the desire for wealth and the importance of using wealth for the benefit of others. He emphasizes the need to priori |