King James Version

What Does Genesis 29:22 Mean?

Genesis 29:22 in the King James Version says “And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.”

Genesis 29:22 · KJV

Context

20

And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.

21

And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.

22

And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.

23

And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.

24

And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.

Read Genesis 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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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 deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיֶּֽאֱסֹ֥ף1 of 8

“gathered together”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

לָבָ֛ן2 of 8

“And Laban”

H3837

laban, a place in the desert

אֶת3 of 8
H853

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

כָּל4 of 8
H3605

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

אַנְשֵׁ֥י5 of 8

“all the men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

הַמָּק֖וֹם6 of 8

“of the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ7 of 8

“and made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מִשְׁתֶּֽה׃8 of 8

“a feast”

H4960

drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast

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 29:22 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 29:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 19:9Matthew 22:2-10Matthew 25:1-10Judges 14:10-18Ruth 4:10-13John 2:1-10

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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