King James Version

What Does Genesis 24:29 Mean?

Genesis 24:29 in the King James Version says “And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.”

Genesis 24:29 · KJV

Context

27

And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.

28

And the damsel ran, and told them of her mother's house these things.

29

And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.

30

And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister's hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus spake the man unto me; that he came unto the man; and, behold, he stood by the camels at the well.

31

And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.

Read Genesis 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How should this truth about Servant's Faith shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וּלְרִבְקָ֥ה1 of 11

“And Rebekah”

H7259

ribkah, the wife of isaac

אָ֖ח2 of 11

“had a brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וּשְׁמ֣וֹ3 of 11

“and his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

לָבָ֧ן4 of 11

“and Laban”

H3837

laban, a place in the desert

וַיָּ֨רָץ5 of 11

“ran”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

לָבָ֧ן6 of 11

“and Laban”

H3837

laban, a place in the desert

אֶל7 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאִ֛ישׁ8 of 11

“unto the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הַח֖וּצָה9 of 11

“out”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

אֶל10 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעָֽיִן׃11 of 11

“unto the well”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 24:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 24:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 29:5Genesis 24:55Genesis 29:13Genesis 24:60

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 24 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes