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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 29:20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/29-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/01_Gen_29_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 29:20 - Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/29-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/29-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/29.htm">Chapter 29</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/29-19.htm" title="Genesis 29:19">◄</a> Genesis 29:20 <a href="/genesis/29-21.htm" title="Genesis 29:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/29.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/29.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/29.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So Jacob worked seven years to pay for Rachel. But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but a few days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/29.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/29.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/29.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him <i>but</i> a few days, for the love he had to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/29.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed <i>only</i> a few days to him because of the love he had for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/29.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him like <i>only</i> a few days because of his love for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/29.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/29.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/29.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they were in his sight but a few days because of his love for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/29.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Jacob served [Laban] for seven years for [the right to marry] Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/29.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Jacob worked seven years for Rachel, and they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/29.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Jacob worked seven years for Rachel, and they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/29.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/29.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jacob worked seven years for Laban, but the time seemed like only a few days, because he loved Rachel so much. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/29.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/29.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jacob worked seven years in return for Rachel, but the years seemed like only a few days to him because he loved her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/29.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Jacob worked seven years so that he could have Rachel, and the time seemed like only a few days to him, because he loved her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/29.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Jacob served seven years for Rachel, but it seemed like only a few days because of his love for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/29.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/29.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So Jacob worked for seven years to acquire Rachel. But they seemed like only a few days to him because his love for her was so great. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/29.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and it seemed only a few days to him because of his love for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/29.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed to him but a few days, for the love he had to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/29.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Jacob served seven years for Rachel. They seemed to him but a few days, for the love he had for her. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/29.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Jacob serves for Rachel seven years; and they are in his eyes as some days, because of his loving her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/29.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Jacob serveth for Rachel seven years; and they are in his eyes as some days, because of his loving her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/29.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob will serve for Rachel seven years, and they will be in his eyes as a few days in his loving her.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/29.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So Jacob served seven years for Rachel: and they seemed but a few days, because of the greatness of his love. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/29.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, Jacob served for seven years for Rachel. And these seemed like only a few days, because of the greatness of love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/29.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet they seemed to him like a few days because of his love for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/29.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/29.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Thus Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed to him but a few days because he was in love with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/29.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yaquuv worked for Rakhyl seven years, and they were in his eyes as a few days, because he loved her.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/29.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/29.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob served for Rachel seven years, and they were before him as a few days, by reason of his loving her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/29-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=7065" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/29.htm">Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.” <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: ya·‘ă·qōḇ (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">So Jacob</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: way·ya·‘ă·ḇōḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">served</a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: še·ḇa‘ (Number-fs) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/8141.htm" title="8141: šā·nîm (N-fp) -- A year. (in plura or shanah; from shanah; a year.">years</a> <a href="/hebrew/7354.htm" title="7354: bə·rā·ḥêl (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- A wife of Jacob. The same as rachel; Rachel, a wife of Jacob.">for Rachel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·yih·yū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">yet it seemed</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ḇə·‘ê·nāw (Prep-b:: N-cdc:: 3ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’ă·ḥā·ḏîm (Number-mp) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">but a few</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: kə·yā·mîm (Prep-k:: N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days</a> <a href="/hebrew/160.htm" title="160: bə·’a·hă·ḇā·ṯōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Love (noun). Feminine of 'ahab and meaning the same.">because of his love</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯāh (DirObjM:: 3fs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">for her.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>Finally Jacob said to Laban, “Grant me my wife, for my time is complete, and I want to sleep with her.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/12-12.htm">Hosea 12:12</a></span><br />Jacob fled to the land of Aram and Israel worked for a wife—for a wife he tended sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-67.htm">Genesis 24:67</a></span><br />And Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah as his wife. And Isaac loved her and was comforted after his mother’s death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/30-26.htm">Genesis 30:26</a></span><br />Give me my wives and children for whom I have served you, that I may go on my way. You know how hard I have worked for you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-41.htm">Genesis 31:41</a></span><br />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!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-2.htm">Exodus 21:2</a></span><br />If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Judges 14:12</a></span><br />“Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can solve it for me within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-25.htm">1 Samuel 18:25-27</a></span><br />Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king desires no other dowry but a hundred Philistine foreskins as revenge on his enemies.’” But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines. / When the servants reported these terms to David, he was pleased to become the king’s son-in-law. Before the wedding day arrived, / David and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented them as payment in full to become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave his daughter Michal to David in marriage.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm">1 Samuel 18:17</a></span><br />Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/4-11.htm">Ruth 4:11</a></span><br />“We are witnesses,” said the elders and all the people at the gate. “May the LORD make the woman entering your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you be prosperous in Ephrathah and famous in Bethlehem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/songs/8-7.htm">Song of Solomon 8:7</a></span><br />Mighty waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If a man were to give all the wealth of his house for love, his offer would be utterly scorned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/songs/8-6.htm">Song of Solomon 8:6</a></span><br />Set me as a seal over your heart, as a seal upon your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as unrelenting as Sheol. Its sparks are fiery flames, the fiercest blaze of all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Proverbs 31:10</a></span><br />A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-44.htm">Matthew 13:44</a></span><br />The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/20-1.htm">Matthew 20:1-16</a></span><br />“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. / He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. / About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-25.htm">Luke 15:25-32</a></span><br />Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing. / So he called one of the servants and asked what was going on. / ‘Your brother has returned,’ he said, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has him back safe and sound.’ ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed to him but a few days, for the love he had to her.</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/30-26.htm">Genesis 30:26</a></b></br> Give <i>me</i> my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/12-12.htm">Hosea 12:12</a></b></br> And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept <i>sheep</i>.</p><p class="hdg">for the love.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-67.htm">Genesis 24:67</a></b></br> And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's <i>death</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/songs/8-6.htm">Song of Solomon 8:6,7</a></b></br> Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love <i>is</i> strong as death; jealousy <i>is</i> cruel as the grave: the coals thereof <i>are</i> coals of fire, <i>which hath</i> a most vehement flame… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/13-7.htm">1 Corinthians 13:7</a></b></br> Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/29-17.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/genesis/27-44.htm">Few</a> <a href="/genesis/29-18.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/28-8.htm">Love</a> <a href="/genesis/25-28.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/genesis/29-18.htm">Rachel</a> <a href="/genesis/20-11.htm">Seemed</a> <a href="/genesis/15-13.htm">Served</a> <a href="/galatians/3-19.htm">Serveth</a> <a href="/genesis/29-18.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/revelation/21-21.htm">Single</a> <a href="/genesis/29-14.htm">Time</a> <a href="/genesis/29-18.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/30-27.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/genesis/34-30.htm">Few</a> <a href="/genesis/29-21.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/33-10.htm">Love</a> <a href="/exodus/15-13.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/genesis/29-25.htm">Rachel</a> <a href="/genesis/34-18.htm">Seemed</a> <a href="/genesis/29-25.htm">Served</a> <a href="/genesis/29-30.htm">Serveth</a> <a href="/genesis/29-27.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/genesis/41-5.htm">Single</a> <a href="/genesis/29-21.htm">Time</a> <a href="/genesis/29-27.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 29</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-1.htm">Jacob comes to the well of Haran.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-9.htm">He becomes acquainted with Rachel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-13.htm">Laban entertains him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-18.htm">Jacob covenants for Rachel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-23.htm">He is deceived by Laban with Leah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-28.htm">He marries also Rachel, and serves for her seven years more.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-32.htm">Leah bears Reuben;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-33.htm">Simeon;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-34.htm">Levi;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-35.htm">and Judah.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/29.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/29.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So Jacob served seven years for Rachel</b><br>Jacob's service for Rachel reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom of a bride price or dowry, where a prospective husband would offer a significant gift or service to the bride's family. This practice is seen in other biblical accounts, such as when Abraham's servant brought gifts for Rebekah's family (Genesis 24). Jacob's willingness to serve for seven years demonstrates his deep love and commitment, contrasting with the deceitful nature of his uncle Laban, who later tricks him into marrying Leah first. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, suggesting the fullness of Jacob's dedication.<p><b>yet it seemed but a few days</b><br>This phrase highlights the intensity and sincerity of Jacob's love for Rachel. His perception of time is altered by his affection, a theme echoed in the Song of Solomon, where love is described as powerful and consuming (<a href="/songs/8-6.htm">Song of Solomon 8:6-7</a>). This idea of love transforming one's experience of time can also be seen in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to endure hardships with joy because of their love for Christ and the hope of eternal life (<a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a>).<p><b>because of his love for her</b><br>Jacob's love for Rachel is a central theme in this narrative, illustrating the biblical ideal of love as selfless and enduring. This love can be seen as a type of Christ's love for the Church, as described in <a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm">Ephesians 5:25</a>, where Christ's sacrificial love is the model for marital relationships. Jacob's love also contrasts with the more transactional relationships often seen in the ancient world, emphasizing the personal and relational nature of biblical love. This enduring love foreshadows the covenantal love God has for His people, which is steadfast and unchanging.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>The son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Esau. Jacob is a central figure in the account, known for his journey to Haran to find a wife and his deep love for Rachel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/rachel.htm">Rachel</a></b><br>The younger daughter of Laban, Jacob's uncle. Rachel is described as beautiful and is the object of Jacob's affection, for whom he willingly serves seven years.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/l/laban.htm">Laban</a></b><br>Jacob's uncle and father of Rachel and Leah. Laban is a shrewd character who takes advantage of Jacob's love for Rachel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/h/haran.htm">Haran</a></b><br>The place where Laban and his family live, and where Jacob flees to escape his brother Esau's wrath and to find a wife.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/seven_years_of_service.htm">Seven Years of Service</a></b><br>The period Jacob agrees to work for Laban in exchange for marrying Rachel, demonstrating his commitment and love.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_love.htm">The Power of Love</a></b><br>Jacob's love for Rachel was so profound that seven years felt like a few days. True love is patient and enduring, transcending time and hardship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/commitment_and_sacrifice.htm">Commitment and Sacrifice</a></b><br>Jacob's willingness to serve for seven years teaches us about the importance of commitment and sacrifice in relationships. Love often requires us to put others before ourselves.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_timing.htm">God's Timing</a></b><br>Jacob's account reminds us that God's timing is perfect. Though the wait may seem long, the fulfillment of His promises is worth the patience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_relationships.htm">Integrity in Relationships</a></b><br>Despite Laban's deceit, Jacob remained committed to his word. This teaches us the importance of integrity and faithfulness in our commitments.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_29.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 29</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/summarize_leah_and_rachel's_story..htm">What is the summary of Leah and Rachel's story?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_rachel_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Rachel in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_ldrs_succeed.htm">Can long-distance relationships succeed?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'my_body'.htm">Can long-distance relationships succeed?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/29.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">They seemed unto him but a few days.</span>--Jacob was at least fifty-seven years of age, but the late marriages hitherto of the patriarchs show that they only slowly arrived at manhood. We need not be surprised, then, at the warmth of his affection, nor was it a passing emotion, but lasted all his life through. This, however, is the last of these late marriages; for Jacob's sons married when young.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/29.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Jacob served</span> - hard service (<a href="/genesis/31-40.htm">Genesis 31:40, 41</a>), in keeping sheep (<a href="/hosea/12-12.htm">Hosea 12:12</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">seven years for Rachel</span>. The purity and intensity of Jacob's affection was declared not alone by the proposal of a seven years' term of servitude, - a long period of waiting for a man of fifty-seven, if not seventy-seven, years of age, - but also by the spirit in which he served his avaricious relative. Many as the days were that required to intervene before he obtained possession of his bride, they were rendered happy by the sweet society of Rachel. <span class="cmt_word">And they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.</span> "Words breathing the purest tenderness, and expressing more emphatically than the flowery hyperboles of romantic phraseology the deep attachment of an affectionate heart" (Kalisch); words too which show the lofty appreciation Jacob had of the personal worth of his future bride. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/29-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So Jacob</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲקֹ֛ב</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">served</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּעֲבֹ֧ד</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘ă·ḇōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> </span><span class="str2">To work, to serve, till, enslave</span><br /><br /><span class="word">seven</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֣בַע</span> <span class="translit">(še·ḇa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number</span><br /><br /><span class="word">years</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁנִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(šā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8141.htm">Strong's 8141: </a> </span><span class="str2">A year</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for Rachel,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרָחֵ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(bə·rā·ḥêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7354.htm">Strong's 7354: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rachel -- a wife of Jacob</span><br /><br /><span class="word">yet it seemed</span><br /><span class="heb">בְעֵינָיו֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·‘ê·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[but] a few</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲחָדִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḥā·ḏîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> </span><span class="str2">United, one, first</span><br /><br /><span class="word">days</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּיָמִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(kə·yā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because of his love</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאַהֲבָת֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’a·hă·ḇā·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have affection f</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for her.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹתָֽהּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/29-20.htm">Genesis 29:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/29-20.htm">Genesis 29:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/29-20.htm">Genesis 29:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/29-20.htm">Genesis 29:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/29-20.htm">Genesis 29:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/29-20.htm">Genesis 29:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/29-20.htm">Genesis 29:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/29-20.htm">Genesis 29:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/29-20.htm">Genesis 29:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/29-20.htm">Genesis 29:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/29-20.htm">OT Law: Genesis 29:20 Jacob served seven years for Rachel (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/29-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 29:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 29:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/29-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 29:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 29:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>