Genesis 29:13

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִי֩

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ

H8085

heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לְלָבָ֔ן

H3837

And it came to pass when Laban

laban, a place in the desert

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שֵׁ֣מַע׀

H8088

the tidings

something heard, i.e., a sound, rumor, announcement; abstractly, audience

יַֽעֲקֹ֣ב

H3290

of Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

בֶּן

H1121

son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֲחֹת֗וֹ

H269

his sister's

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

וַיָּ֤רָץ

H7323

that he ran

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

#10

לִקְרָאתוֹ֙

H7125

to meet

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

#11

וַיְחַבֶּק

H2263

him and embraced

to clasp (the hands or in embrace)

#12

לוֹ֙

#13

וַיְנַשֶּׁק

H5401

him and kissed

to kiss, literally or figuratively (touch); also (as a mode of attachment), to equip with weapons

#14

ל֔וֹ

#15

וַיְבִיאֵ֖הוּ

H935

him and brought

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#16

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#17

בֵּית֑וֹ

H1004

him to his house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#18

וַיְסַפֵּ֣ר

H5608

And he told

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

#19

לְלָבָ֔ן

H3837

And it came to pass when Laban

laban, a place in the desert

#20

אֵ֥ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#21

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#22

הַדְּבָרִ֖ים

H1697

all these things

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#23

הָאֵֽלֶּה׃

H428

these or those

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 29 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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