King James Version

What Does Genesis 29:5 Mean?

Genesis 29:5 in the King James Version says “And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him.”

Genesis 29:5 · KJV

Context

3

And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well's mouth in his place.

4

And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we.

5

And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him.

6

And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep. Is he: Heb. Is there peace to him?

7

And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go and feed them. it is: Heb. yet the day is great

Read Genesis 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him.... 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. What theological truths about Rachel and Leah emerge from this passage?
  2. How should this truth about Children shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיֹּֽאמְר֖וּ1 of 9

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהֶ֔ם2 of 9
H0
יָדָֽעְנוּ׃3 of 9

“We know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶת4 of 9
H853

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

לָבָ֣ן5 of 9

“ye Laban”

H3837

laban, a place in the desert

בֶּן6 of 9

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נָח֑וֹר7 of 9

“of Nahor”

H5152

nachor, the name of the grandfather and a brother of abraham

וַיֹּֽאמְר֖וּ8 of 9

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יָדָֽעְנוּ׃9 of 9

“We know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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 29:5 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 29:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 24:29Genesis 24:24Genesis 31:53

Test Your Knowledge

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

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