Old Testament
Genesis 29:19
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this moment, Laban expresses his preference for giving his daughter Rachel to Jacob rather than to anyone else.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Laban replied, "I would rather give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me."
And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Laban expresses his preference for giving his daughter Rachel to Jacob rather than to anyone else. This shows Laban's recognition of Jacob's value and the bond they share. Laban wants to keep Jacob close, indicating a sense of trust and familial connection. By inviting Jacob to stay, Laban is not just offering a marriage arrangement but also fostering a deeper relationship. This decision reflects the importance of loyalty and personal connections in their culture. Laban's willingness to prioritize Jacob over others highlights the significance of choosing relationships that matter. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best choices come from valuing the people we know and trust. This moment sets the stage for the unfolding story of Jacob and Rachel, filled with love, challenges, and growth. It emphasizes how relationships can shape our lives and decisions in profound ways, urging us to cherish those we hold dear and the bonds we create with them. Ultimately, it’s about the choices we make in our relationships and the impact they have on our lives.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 29:19 to your life
Consider the relationships in your life. Are there people you value and want to keep close? Make an effort to nurture those connections. Prioritize spending time with loved ones and show them they matter. Your choices in relationships can shape your future significantly, so choose wisely and cherish those bonds you have built over time.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 29:19 mean?
Genesis 29:19 shows Laban's preference for giving his daughter Rachel to Jacob instead of another man. This indicates Laban's trust in Jacob and highlights the importance of personal connections in their culture.
What is the significance of Laban's statement in Genesis 29:19?
Laban's statement reflects his desire to keep Jacob close, emphasizing loyalty and familial bonds. It underscores the value of relationships and the choices we make regarding whom we trust and prioritize.
How does Genesis 29:19 relate to family dynamics?
Genesis 29:19 highlights the dynamics of family relationships, showing how Laban values Jacob as a trusted figure. It emphasizes the role of personal connections in making significant life decisions.
What themes are present in Genesis 29:19?
The themes in Genesis 29:19 include relationships, trust, loyalty, and the importance of choices. It illustrates how personal connections can influence decisions and shape future outcomes.

The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
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