And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.

GENESIS 29:14KJV
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Genesis 29:14 (KJV)

What does Genesis 29:14 mean?

Genesis 29:14 describes Laban welcoming Jacob as family, saying, "Surely thou art my bone and my flesh," and allowing him to stay for a month. Laban is recognizing Jacob as a close relative and offering him hospitality during his stay.

In this verse, Laban is speaking to Jacob, who has traveled from his home to find his mother's relatives. By calling Jacob "my bone and my flesh," Laban is using a common ancient expression to affirm their kinship. The verse sets the stage for Jacob's extended stay with Laban, which will become important in the following events.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 29:14

  • "Bone" (עֶצֶם, etsem) and "flesh" (בָּשָׂר, basar) are used together here to strongly emphasize the idea of close family connection, not just distant relation.
  • "Abode" (יָשַׁב, yashav) means to dwell or stay, showing that Jacob is not just visiting briefly but settling in for a time.
  • "Space" (יָמִים, yamim) literally means "days," but in this context, it refers to a period of time, clarified as "a month" (חֹדֶשׁ, chodesh).

Why Genesis 29:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jacob is being fully accepted into Laban's household, not treated as an outsider or stranger.
  • The language of "bone and flesh" highlights the importance of family ties in the ancient world, especially in matters of hospitality and trust.
  • The mention of Jacob staying for a month sets up the next part of the story, where Laban will propose terms for Jacob's continued service.

Where else these words appear

“Surely” Hebrew H389 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 7:23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
  • Exodus 12:16 And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.
  • Judges 7:19 So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands.

“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.

“bone” Hebrew H6106 · used in 108 verses

  • Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
  • 2 Kings 13:21 And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.
  • Proverbs 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.