Genesis 29:30
Genesis 29:30 in Multiple Translations
Jacob slept with Rachel as well, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah. So he worked for Laban another seven years.
And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.
And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.
Then Jacob took Rachel as his wife, and his love for her was greater than his love for Leah; and he went on working for Laban for another seven years.
So Jacob slept with Rachel as well, and he loved Rachel more than Leah. He worked for Laban another seven years for Rachel.
So entred he in to Rahel also, and loued also Rahel more then Leah, and serued him yet seuen yeeres more.
And he goeth in also unto Rachel, and he also loveth Rachel more than Leah; and he serveth with him yet seven other years.
He went in also to Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him seven more years.
And he went in also to Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.
And having at length obtained the marriage he wished for, he preferred the love of the latter before the former, and served with him other seven years.
Jacob had sex [EUP] with Rachel also, and he loved Rachel more than he loved Leah. And Jacob worked for Laban for another seven years.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 29:30
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 29:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹא֙
גַּ֣ם
אֶל
רָחֵ֔ל
וַ/יֶּאֱהַ֥ב
גַּֽם
אֶת
רָחֵ֖ל
מִ/לֵּאָ֑ה
וַ/יַּעֲבֹ֣ד
עִמּ֔/וֹ
ע֖וֹד
שֶֽׁבַע
שָׁנִ֥ים
אֲחֵרֽוֹת
וַ/יָּבֹא֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
גַּ֣ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
רָחֵ֔ל
Râchêl
H7354
Rachel
N-proper
וַ/יֶּאֱהַ֥ב
ʼâhab
H157
to love
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
גַּֽם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רָחֵ֖ל
Râchêl
H7354
Rachel
N-proper
מִ/לֵּאָ֑ה
Lêʼâh
H3812
Leah
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יַּעֲבֹ֣ד
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עִמּ֔/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
שֶֽׁבַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
שָׁנִ֥ים
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
אֲחֵרֽוֹת
ʼachêr
H312
another
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 29:30
וַ/יָּבֹא֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
גַּ֣ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
רָחֵ֔ל
Râchêl
H7354
"Rachel"
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.
וַ/יֶּאֱהַ֥ב
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
גַּֽם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רָחֵ֖ל
Râchêl
H7354
"Rachel"
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.
מִ/לֵּאָ֑ה
Lêʼâh
H3812
"Leah"
Prep | N-proper
Leah was the first wife of Jacob, daughter of Laban, and mother of many tribes of Israel, including Reuben and Judah, as told in Genesis 29:16.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.16; daughter of: Laban (H3837A); sister of: Rachel (H7354); married to Israel (H3478); mother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783) § Leah = "weary" daughter of Laban, first wife of Jacob, and mother of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Leah. See also: Genesis 29:16; Genesis 30:18; Ruth 4:11.
וַ/יַּעֲבֹ֣ד
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
עִמּ֔/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
שֶֽׁבַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
שָׁנִ֥ים
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
אֲחֵרֽוֹת
ʼachêr
H312
"another"
Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 29:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
28And Jacob did just that. He finished the week’s celebration, and Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife.
29Laban also gave his servant girl Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her maidservant.
30Jacob slept with Rachel as well, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah. So he worked for Laban another seven years.
31When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. 32And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 31:41 | Thus for twenty years I have served in your household—fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks—and you have changed my wages ten times! |
| 2 | Genesis 29:20 | So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her. |
| 3 | Genesis 31:15 | Are we not regarded by him as outsiders? Not only has he sold us, but he has certainly squandered what was paid for us. |
| 4 | Genesis 44:27 | And your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons. |
| 5 | Genesis 29:18 | Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” |
| 6 | Matthew 10:37 | Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; |
| 7 | Hosea 12:12 | Jacob fled to the land of Aram and Israel worked for a wife— for a wife he tended sheep. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 21:15 | If a man has two wives, one beloved and the other unloved, and both bear him sons, but the unloved wife has the firstborn son, |
| 9 | Genesis 29:31 | When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. |
| 10 | Genesis 44:20 | And we answered, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’ |
Genesis 29:30 Summary
[This verse shows that Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah, and he worked hard to provide for both of them. It's a reminder that our actions have consequences, and we must be careful to prioritize God's will above our own desires (as in Romans 12:2). Jacob's story also teaches us about the importance of perseverance and commitment, as he served Laban for many years to be with the one he loved. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can navigate complex relationships and circumstances, knowing that He is always at work in our lives (as in Psalm 37:23-24).]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob love Rachel more than Leah?
The Bible doesn't explicitly state why Jacob loved Rachel more, but it's clear that he had a strong affection for her from the beginning, as seen in Genesis 29:18, where it says he loved Rachel and wanted to marry her.
Did Jacob's love for Rachel mean he didn't care about Leah?
While Jacob loved Rachel more, it's not necessarily true that he didn't care about Leah; in fact, he worked to provide for both wives, as seen in this verse, and later showed compassion and love for Leah's children, as in Genesis 30:20.
What does it mean that Jacob worked for Laban another seven years?
This means that Jacob agreed to serve Laban for an additional seven years in exchange for the right to marry Rachel, as initially agreed upon in Genesis 29:18, demonstrating his commitment to and love for Rachel.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty?
Even in the midst of human decisions and actions, God is sovereign, as seen in the next verse, Genesis 29:31, where God opens Leah's womb in response to her unloved state, showing His care and involvement in the lives of His people.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I prioritize my own desires over God's will, and how can I surrender these to Him?
- How can I balance my love and care for different people in my life, ensuring that each feels valued and appreciated?
- In what ways do I see God's sovereignty at work in my own life, even in difficult or trying circumstances?
- What are some areas where I need to trust God's plan and provision, rather than relying on my own strength or abilities?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:30
And he went in also unto Rachel,.... Cohabited with her as his wife: and he loved also Rachel more than Leah; she was his first love, and he retained the same love for her he ever had; as appears by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:30
And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years. He loved also Rachel more than Leah.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:30
Genesis 29:30 And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.Ver. 30. And he went in also unto Rachel.] Which incestuous fact cannot ordinarily be justified, nor may at all be imitated. Wicked Julia, soliciting Caracalla to incestuous marriage with her, when he answered, Vellem si liceret , replied impudently (and is therefore, by very heathens, condemned extremely), Si libet, licet: an nescis te Imperatorem esse, leges dare non accipere ?& c. Herod, for marrying his brother’ s wife, was reproved, and punished.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:30
JACOB’S DOUBLE , Genesis 29:15-30. What shall thy wages be — Jacob, the plain, domestic man, (Genesis 25:27,) doubtless made himself very useful in Laban’s household.
Sermons on Genesis 29:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Genesis #18 Ch. 27-29 God's Principle of Retribution by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing the author of the Bible, just as in business, it's not what you know but who you know. The story of Jacob and Esau |
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:11-14 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob and his journey to his uncle Laban's house. Jacob had a lonely trip, traveling through difficult terrain and facing variou |
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:15-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his love for Rachel. Jacob serves his uncle Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachel, as his love for her is so |
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:30-32 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob from the book of Genesis. Jacob had deceived his father and brother, and now he finds himself deceived by his uncle Laban |
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:22-29 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and Laban from the book of Genesis. Jacob serves Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachel, but Laban tricks him and |
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Crisis in Abraham's Life 02 by Rick Bovey | In this sermon, the preacher talks about a man named Jacob and his attitude towards work and relationships. The preacher acknowledges that Jacob is often seen in a negative light, |
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(Genesis) Genesis 31:38-41 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his experiences with his uncle Laban. The preacher highlights how Laban was a hard taskmaster, making Jacob work tire |