Genesis 29:18
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Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
This chapter gives us an account of God's providences concerning Jacob, pursuant to the promises made to him in the foregoing chapter. I. How he was brought in safety to his journey's end, and directed to his relations there, who bade him welcome (Gen 29:1-14). II. How he was comfortably disposed of in marriage (v. 15-30). III. How his family was built up in the birth of four sons (Gen 29:31-35). The affairs of princes and mighty nations that were then in being are not recorded in the book of God, but are left to be buried in oblivion; while these small domestic concerns of holy Jacob are particularly recorded with their minute circumstances, that they may be in everlasting remembrance. For "the memory of the just is blessed."
Open source ↗29:18 Seven years of service was a high bride-price in the ancient world, but Rachel was beautiful (like Sarah and Rebekah), and Jacob was in love with her.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Jacob fled to the land of Aram and Israel worked for a wife— for a wife he tended sheep.
Demand a high dowry and an expensive gift, and I will give you whatever you ask. Only give me the girl as my wife!”
Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.”
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!
So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her.
Jacob slept with Rachel as well, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah. So he worked for Laban another seven years.
So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethech of barley.