Genesis 29:21

Finally Jacob said to Laban, "Grant me my wife, for my time is complete, and I want to sleep with her."

Study Bible

Finally Jacob said to Laban
This phrase marks a significant moment in Jacob's life, highlighting his perseverance and patience. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often implies a declaration or a formal request. Jacob's approach to Laban is direct and assertive, reflecting the culmination of seven years of labor. Historically, this interaction underscores the cultural norms of the time, where verbal agreements and family negotiations were pivotal in marital arrangements.

Give me my wife
The phrase "Give me my wife" is a direct request, emphasizing Jacob's rightful claim after fulfilling his part of the bargain. The Hebrew word for "give" is "נָתַן" (natan), which conveys the idea of granting or bestowing something that is due. This reflects the transactional nature of marriage agreements in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where a bride was often seen as a reward for service or a dowry.

for my time is completed
This phrase indicates the fulfillment of a contractual obligation. The Hebrew word for "completed" is "מָלֵא" (male), meaning to be full or finished. Jacob's statement is a reminder of his faithfulness and dedication, having served Laban for seven years as agreed. It also highlights the biblical principle of integrity and keeping one's promises, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

and I want to sleep with her
The phrase "I want to sleep with her" is a candid expression of Jacob's desire to consummate the marriage. The Hebrew verb "בּוֹא" (bo) is often used euphemistically in the Bible to describe sexual relations. This reflects the natural human desire for intimacy within the bounds of marriage, as ordained by God. It also underscores the importance of marriage as a covenantal relationship, where physical union is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jacob
The son of Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob is a central patriarch in the biblical account. In this chapter, he is in Haran, working for his uncle Laban to earn the right to marry Rachel, whom he loves.

2. Laban
Jacob's uncle and father-in-law, Laban is a shrewd and sometimes deceitful character. He is the brother of Rebekah, Jacob's mother.

3. Rachel
The younger daughter of Laban, Rachel is the woman Jacob loves and desires to marry. Her beauty and Jacob's love for her are significant themes in this account.

4. Leah
The elder daughter of Laban, Leah is less favored by Jacob but becomes his first wife due to Laban's deception.

5. Haran
The place where Laban and his family live, and where Jacob has fled to escape his brother Esau's wrath. It is here that Jacob works for Laban.

Teaching Points

The Value of Commitment
Jacob's willingness to work for seven years demonstrates the importance of commitment and perseverance in relationships. In our lives, we should be willing to invest time and effort into what we truly value.

The Consequences of Deception
Laban's deceit in giving Leah to Jacob instead of Rachel serves as a warning about the consequences of deceitful actions. Honesty should be a cornerstone of our interactions with others.

God's Sovereignty in Relationships
Despite human plans and schemes, God's purposes prevail. Jacob's account reminds us that God is at work even when circumstances seem unfavorable.

Patience in God's Timing
Jacob's long wait for Rachel teaches us about patience and trusting in God's timing. We should learn to wait on the Lord and trust His plans for our lives.

The Complexity of Human Relationships
The dynamics between Jacob, Leah, and Rachel illustrate the complexities of human relationships and the need for grace and understanding in our interactions with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jacob's commitment to work for Rachel for seven years challenge our understanding of commitment in modern relationships?

2. In what ways can Laban's deception serve as a warning for us in our personal and professional lives?

3. How does the account of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel illustrate the importance of trusting in God's timing rather than our own plans?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jacob's perseverance and patience that can be applied to our current life situations?

5. How can we see God's sovereignty at work in the complexities of our own relationships, similar to how it is seen in Jacob's account?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 24
The account of how Rebekah, Jacob's mother, was chosen as a wife for Isaac. This provides a backdrop for understanding the customs and expectations of marriage in Jacob's time.

Genesis 31
Jacob's eventual departure from Laban's household, highlighting the ongoing tension and eventual resolution between Jacob and Laban.

Hosea 12:12
This verse references Jacob's time in Aram (Haran), where he worked for a wife, connecting to the broader account of Jacob's life and God's faithfulness.