Genesis 29:20

20 So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.

Genesis 29:20 in Other Translations

KJV
20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
ESV
20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.
NLT
20 So Jacob worked seven years to pay for Rachel. But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but a few days.
MSG
20 So Jacob worked seven years for Rachel. But it only seemed like a few days, he loved her so much.
CSB
20 So Jacob worked seven years for Rachel, and they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.

Genesis 29:20 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 29:20

And Jacob served seven years for Rachel
The whole term of time, diligently, faithfully, and patiently. Reference is had to this in ( Hosea 11:12 ) :

and they seemed unto him [but] a few days, for the love he had to her;
for though to lovers time seems long ere they enjoy the object beloved; yet Jacob here respects not so much the time as the toil and labour of service he endured in it; he thought that seven years' service was a trifle, like the service of so many days, in comparison of the lovely and worthy person he obtained thereby; all that he endured was nothing in comparison of her, and through the love he bore to her: besides, the many pleasant hours he spent in conversation with her made the time slide on insensibly, so that it seemed to be quickly gone; which shows that his love was pure and constant.

Genesis 29:20 In-Context

18 Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, “I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.”
19 Laban said, “It’s better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me.”
20 So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.
21 Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to make love to her.”
22 So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S ver 18; Genesis 31:15
  • 2. Song of Songs 8:7; Hosea 12:12
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