And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.

GENESIS 29:13KJV
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Genesis 29:13 (KJV)

What does Genesis 29:13 mean?

Genesis 29:13 describes how Laban, upon hearing that his nephew Jacob had arrived, ran out to meet him, warmly embraced and kissed him, and brought him into his home, where Jacob told Laban everything that had happened. This verse shows the initial welcome Jacob received from his mother's family after his long journey.

In this scene, Laban is responding to the news that his sister's son, Jacob, has come from far away. Laban's actions—running, embracing, and kissing Jacob—reflect the customs of hospitality and family affection in that culture. The verse ends with Jacob recounting his story to Laban, setting the stage for the events that will follow in Laban's household.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 29:13

  • שָׁמַע (shamaʿ, "heard"): This word means more than just hearing a sound; it often implies paying attention or responding to news. Here, Laban's quick reaction shows he is eager and attentive to family matters.
  • רָץ (ratz, "ran"): The word for "ran" highlights Laban's enthusiasm and urgency in welcoming Jacob, which was a strong gesture of hospitality in ancient times.
  • חָבַק (chavaq, "embraced"): This word means to hug or hold closely. Laban's embrace is a physical sign of acceptance and affection, not just a formal greeting.
  • נָשַׁק (nashaq, "kissed"): In this context, kissing is a customary greeting among close relatives, showing warmth and familial connection.

Why Genesis 29:13 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Jacob arrived as a stranger; instead, he is immediately welcomed as family, which is important for understanding the relationships that develop in the following chapters.
  • Laban's enthusiastic greeting sets a tone of hospitality, but it also hints at his character—he is quick to act and outwardly warm, which will become significant as the story unfolds.
  • The verse connects Jacob’s journey from Canaan to Haran with the fulfillment of his mother Rebekah’s plan, showing that Jacob is now under the care and influence of her family.

Where else these words appear

“embraced” Hebrew H2263 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 33:4 And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.
  • Job 24:8 They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for want of a shelter.
  • Ecclesiastes 4:5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.

“tidings” Hebrew H8088 · used in 17 verses

  • Exodus 23:1 Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.
  • Job 28:22 Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears.
  • Isaiah 66:19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

“kissed” Hebrew H5401 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 27:26 And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.
  • Exodus 18:7 And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.

“Laban” Hebrew H3837 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 24:29 And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.
  • Genesis 29:25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?
  • Genesis 31:24 And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.