Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Genesis, Chapter 29בְּרֵאשִׁית כ״ט

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Exile brings Jacob to the household from which he seeks covenant marriage, but the beloved match is reached only through a reversal that places the unloved Leah under YHWH's seeing care and makes the future house of Israel grow out of contested love, deception, and divine compassion. A familiar promise-laden well encounter opens the movement, as Jacob arrives in the land of the east, meets shepherds, sees Rachel, and is brought into Laban's house. Yet the apparent simplicity of providential arrival gives way to negotiation, prolonged service, manipulative delay, and a night of deception that turns the desired marriage into a divided household. Jacob's own history shadows the whole movement: the man who obtained primacy through household cunning now finds himself overtaken by another household's cunning, and the irony is sharpened when Laban appeals to the precedence of the firstborn over the younger. Even so, human stratagem does not receive the final word. Once Rachel is given and Jacob's unequal love is openly stated, YHWH's regard shifts the narrative center to Leah, whose affliction, fertility, and naming speeches become the theological heart of the movement. Through Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah the neglected wife becomes the first mother of the expanding covenant house, and her language moves from longing for her husband's attachment toward direct praise of YHWH. Romance, labor, deception, rivalry, and providential reversal are thus bound together in one of the patriarchal narratives' clearest demonstrations that the future people of God emerge not from ideal domestic harmony but from divine action within a painfully fractured household.

Translation & textual notes

The Hebrew base text here follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition as represented by the Westminster Leningrad Codex / MorphHB diplomatic stream imported from OSHB; distinctively copyrighted apparatus from BHS or BHQ is not reproduced. A betrothal-type meeting at the well opens the chapter, but its familiar shape is quickly bent into a story of labor, deception, rivalry, and providential reversal. Verse 1's idiom that Jacob lifted his feet is vivid and deserves to retain its sense of renewed movement after Bethel rather than being reduced to a bare travel notice. Verses 2-3 carefully stage the well scene with the great stone and the gathering of the flocks, creating both social delay and a small obstacle that Jacob dramatically overcomes in verse 10 when Rachel appears. Verse 11 should preserve the force of Jacob's kiss and tears together: the encounter is not courtly coolness but emotionally charged kin-recognition at the end of exile's first stage. Laban's welcome in verses 13-14 echoes earlier family receptions, yet the warmth of bone and flesh soon gives way to calculation. Verses 15-20 matter because Jacob's seven years of service function as an extended bride-payment, and verse 20's famous line about the years seeming like a few days should retain both its tenderness and its narrative irony, since the longed-for bride is not the one first given. Verse 17 contains one of the narrative's most discussed cruxes: Leah's eyes are rakkot, a term that should not be flattened into a crude insult but left with the nuance of soft, delicate, weak, or lacking the striking allure ascribed to Rachel's form and appearance. Verse 21 is deliberately blunt in its marital consummation language, and the directness should not be obscured. Verse 25, and in the morning, behold, it was Leah, is one of the narrative's sharpest reversals: the deceiver has now been deceived, and the narrative lets the recognition fall with abrupt force. Laban's justification in verse 26, that the younger is not given before the firstborn in our place, carries heavy irony in light of Jacob's own history and should be allowed to sound like more than local custom alone. Verse 27's complete the week of this one is best taken as the bridal week for Leah before Rachel is also given, with the second seven-year service following as the agreed price. Verses 30-31 turn from human preference to divine regard: Jacob loves Rachel more than Leah, and YHWH sees that Leah is hated, a strong relational term that in context denotes being unloved or rejected in comparison, not necessarily constant emotional hostility. The birth notices in verses 32-35 are the theological center of the close. Leah names Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah through layered wordplay on seeing, hearing, attachment, and praise; her speech moves from yearning for her husband's love toward direct thanksgiving to YHWH. The close lands not on romantic fulfillment but on the first births of the covenant household through the wife least loved by man yet most visibly attended by God. Versification follows the MT.

1

וַיִּשָּׂ֥א יַעֲקֹ֖ב רַגְלָ֑יו וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ אַ֥רְצָה בְנֵי קֶֽדֶם

Jacob resumed his journey and went to the land of the people of the east.

Journey resumed: Jacob advances from Bethel toward the eastern homelandוַיִּשָּׂ֥א
After the Bethel encounter, the narrative returns Jacob to the road with a brisk idiomatic expression. The verse carries him from promise-laden departure into the eastern homeland where the next family encounter will unfold.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיִּשָּׂ֥אand he liftedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry'; idiom נָשָׂא רַגְלָיו = set out eagerly after Bethel.
יַעֲקֹ֖בJacobProper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subjectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) 'heel-grasper'; eponymous patriarch resuming journey eastward.
רַגְלָ֑יוhis feetN f dual constr + 3ms suffix · רֶגֶל (H7272)Direct object (idiom)רֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; dual with suffix; lifted-feet idiom = purposeful renewed movement.
וַיֵּ֖לֶךְand wentQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk, proceed'; standard narrative motion verb advancing the journey.
אַ֥רְצָהtoward the landN common sg abs + directional ה · אֶרֶץ (H776)Directional accusativeאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; directional he marks motion toward; here the eastern Aramaean region.
בְנֵיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; pl constr בְּנֵי = 'people/sons of'; בְּנֵי קֶדֶם = the easterners.
קֶֽדֶםthe eastN m sg abs · קֶדֶם (H6924)Genitive of locationקֶדֶם (H6924) 'east, front, ancient'; geographic term for the Syro-Mesopotamian steppe.
2

וַיַּ֞רְא וְהִנֵּ֧ה בְאֵ֣ר בַּשָּׂדֶ֗ה וְהִנֵּה שָׁ֞ם שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עֶדְרֵי צֹאן֙ רֹבְצִ֣ים עָלֶ֔יהָ כִּ֚י מִן הַבְּאֵ֣ר הַהִ֔וא יַשְׁק֖וּ הָעֲדָרִ֑ים וְהָאֶ֥בֶן גְּדֹלָ֖ה עַל פִּ֥י הַבְּאֵֽר

He looked, and behold, there was a well in the field, and behold, three flocks of sheep were lying there beside it, because from that well they watered the flocks. The stone over the mouth of the well was large.

Well scene established: Jacob sees the flocks and the obstructing stoneוַיַּ֞רְא
The narrative slows to establish the well scene through repeated behold-language. Jacob sees not only the well itself but the pastoral setting and the obstacle of the large stone, details that prepare the social exchange and Rachel's entrance.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיַּ֞רְאand he sawQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see, perceive'; Jacob's first observation introduces the well scene.
וְהִנֵּ֧הand beholdconj וְ + presentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (exclamative)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; presentative introducing vivid observation from Jacob's viewpoint.
בְאֵ֣רa wellN f sg abs · בְּאֵר (H875)Subject of nominal clauseבְּאֵר (H875) 'well, cistern'; the central motif of betrothal-type scenes; communal watering site.
בַּשָּׂדֶ֗הin the fieldprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Locative prepositional phraseשָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, open country'; the pastoral open space outside any settlement.
וְהִנֵּהand beholdconj וְ + presentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (second observation)הִנֵּה (H2009) repeated to layer a second vivid detail; progressive scene-building.
שָׁ֞םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; anchors the flock description to the well location.
שְׁלֹשָׁ֤הthreecardinal numeral m sg abs · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral modifierשָׁלֹשׁ/שְׁלֹשָׁה (H7969) 'three'; masculine form with plural feminine noun עֶדְרֵי (standard agreement).
עֶדְרֵיflocks ofN m pl constr · עֵדֶר (H5739)Construct chain head nounעֵדֶר (H5739) 'flock, herd'; pl constr before צֹאן forms the compound 'flocks of sheep'.
צֹאן֙sheepN common sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Genitive in construct chainצֹאן (H6629) 'flock of sheep/goats'; collective noun; specifies the kind of livestock.
רֹבְצִ֣יםlying downQal ptc m pl abs · רָבַץ (H7257)Predicate participle (attributive)→ Participle: durative state — flocks at restרָבַץ (H7257) 'to lie down, crouch'; of animals resting beside the well awaiting water.
עָלֶ֔יהָbeside itprep עַל + 3fs suffix · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, beside, over'; the 3fs suffix refers to the well; flocks rest around it.
כִּ֚יbecauseconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'because, for'; introduces the causal explanation of why flocks gathered here.
מִןfrompreposition · מִן (H4480)Source prepositional phraseמִן (H4480) 'from, out of'; marks the well as the source of water for the flocks.
הַבְּאֵ֣רthe wellart + N f sg abs · בְּאֵר (H875)Object of preposition מִןבְּאֵר (H875) 'well'; now definite, referring back to the well just introduced in v. 2a.
הַהִ֔ואthat oneart + demonstrative pron 3fs · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative adjective (attributive)הִוא/הוּא (H1931) 'that'; demonstrative specifying this particular well over others.
יַשְׁק֖וּthey would waterHiphil impf 3mp · שָׁקָה (H8248)Predicate verb (habitual)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/habitual — regular repeated practiceשָׁקָה (H8248) 'to give to drink, water'; Hiphil causative; habitual impf describes custom.
הָעֲדָרִ֑יםthe flocksart + N m pl abs · עֵדֶר (H5739)Direct objectעֵדֶר (H5739) 'flock'; the flocks collectively are the beneficiary of the watering routine.
וְהָאֶ֥בֶןand the stoneconj וְ + art + N f sg abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Subject of nominal clauseאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone, rock'; the large covering stone is the central physical obstacle of the scene.
גְּדֹלָ֖הlargeadj f sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Predicate adjectiveגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'; the size explains communal procedure and sets up Jacob's feat.
עַלuponpreposition · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; the stone rests on top of the well-mouth.
פִּ֥יmouth ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Construct chain head nounפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth, opening'; construct with הַבְּאֵר = 'mouth of the well', the covered aperture.
הַבְּאֵֽרthe wellart + N f sg abs · בְּאֵר (H875)Genitive in construct chainבְּאֵר (H875) 'well'; the well-mouth structure is the focal point of the coming action.
3

וְנֶאֶסְפוּ שָׁ֣מָּה כָל הָעֲדָרִ֗ים וְגָלֲל֤וּ אֶת הָאֶ֨בֶן֙ מֵעַל֙ פִּ֣י הַבְּאֵ֔ר וְהִשְׁק֖וּ אֶת הַצֹּ֑אן וְהֵשִׁ֧יבוּ אֶת הָאֶ֛בֶן עַל פִּ֥י הַבְּאֵ֖ר לִמְקֹמָֽהּ

When all the flocks were gathered there, they would roll the stone from the mouth of the well, water the sheep, and then put the stone back in its place over the mouth of the well.

Custom explained: the well is used by communal procedureוְנֶאֶסְפוּ
The verse pauses the forward motion to explain the regular practice at the well. The habitual sequence of gathering, rolling, watering, and replacing the stone supplies the local custom that will make Jacob's later action stand out.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וְנֶאֶסְפוּwhen they gatheredNiphal perf 3cp · אָסַף (H622)Niphal temporal/conditional clause→ Perfective: habitual condition — gathering precedes rollingאָסַף (H622) 'to gather'; Niphal passive/reflexive = they were assembled; communal prerequisite.
שָׁ֣מָּהthereadverb + directional ה · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; with directional suffix = 'thither, to that spot'; indicates convergence at the well.
כָלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in construct chainכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; in construct = totality; the full assembly was the condition.
הָעֲדָרִ֗יםthe flocksart + N m pl abs · עֵדֶר (H5739)Genitive of כָּלעֵדֶר (H5739) 'flock'; totality of all grazing bands sharing access to this communal well.
וְגָלֲל֤וּthey would rollQal perf 3cp · גָּלַל (H1556)Habitual sequential action→ Perfective: habitual completed act in sequenceגָּלַל (H1556) 'to roll'; rolling the great stone required assembled communal effort.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the definite stone as direct object.
הָאֶ֨בֶן֙the stoneart + N f sg abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Direct objectאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; the same great stone; rolling it was the communal act enabling access.
מֵעַל֙from uponcompound prep מִן + עַל · מֵעַל (H5921)Separative prepositional phraseמֵעַל 'from upon, off of'; compound marking the stone's removal from the well covering.
פִּ֣יmouth ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Construct chain head nounפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth, opening'; construct with הַבְּאֵר = the covered aperture of the well.
הַבְּאֵ֔רthe wellart + N f sg abs · בְּאֵר (H875)Genitive in construct chainבְּאֵר (H875) 'well'; the well-mouth from which the stone must be removed to water.
וְהִשְׁק֖וּand wateredHiphil perf 3cp · שָׁקָה (H8248)Habitual sequential action→ Perfective: habitual causative action in sequenceשָׁקָה (H8248) 'to give to drink'; Hiphil causative; the purpose fulfilled after stone removal.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the flock as definite direct object.
הַצֹּ֑אןthe sheepart + N common sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Direct objectצֹאן (H6629) 'flock of sheep/goats'; collective; the beneficiary of the watering procedure.
וְהֵשִׁ֧יבוּand they returnedHiphil perf 3cp · שׁוּב (H7725)Habitual final sequential action→ Perfective: habitual causative return in sequenceשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; Hiphil = cause to return, put back; stone replaced after watering.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks the stone as definite direct object of the return action.
הָאֶ֛בֶןthe stoneart + N f sg abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Direct objectאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; the great stone is put back, completing the habitual communal cycle.
עַלuponpreposition · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; stone replaced on top of the well-mouth.
פִּ֥יmouth ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Construct chain head nounפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth, opening'; the aperture to which the stone returns.
הַבְּאֵ֖רthe wellart + N f sg abs · בְּאֵר (H875)Genitive in construct chainבְּאֵר (H875) 'well'; fifth occurrence; the well is the dominant object of the opening scene.
לִמְקֹמָֽהּto its placeprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3fs suffix · מָקוֹם (H4725)Goal prepositional phraseמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place, location'; the stone has an assigned resting place, completing the cycle.
4

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ יַעֲקֹ֔ב אַחַ֖י מֵאַ֣יִן אַתֶּ֑ם וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ מֵחָרָ֖ן אֲנָֽחְנוּ

Jacob said to them, "My brothers, where are you from?" They said, "We are from Haran."

Opening inquiry: Jacob begins contact with the shepherdsוַיֹּ֤אמֶר
Having entered the scene, Jacob initiates contact with a courteous kin-style address, My brothers. The brief exchange establishes shared regional orientation and opens the way toward identifying Laban.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say, speak'; standard speech-introduction verb in narrative.
לָהֶם֙to themprep לְ + 3mp suffix · לְIndirect object (prepositional)לְ prep 'to, for'; with 3mp suffix; the shepherds are the audience of Jacob's opening question.
יַעֲקֹ֔בJacobProper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subjectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) 'Jacob'; the patriarch initiates contact with a courteous kin-style greeting.
אַחַ֖יmy brothersN m pl constr + 1cs suffix · אָח (H251)Vocative addressאָח (H251) 'brother'; used as courteous address to strangers; signals assumed kinship or solidarity.
מֵאַ֣יִןfrom whereprep מִן + interrogative אַיִן · אַיִן (H370)Interrogative of originאַיִן (H370) 'where?'; with מִן = 'from where?'; origin question to establish regional connection.
אַתֶּ֑םyoupersonal pronoun 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Subject of nominal questionאַתֶּם (H859) 'you (pl)'; independent pronoun supplying the subject of the origin question.
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּand they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the shepherds' reply establishing shared geography.
מֵחָרָ֖ןfrom Haranprep מִן + proper noun · חָרָן (H2771)Predicate of origin (prepositional)חָרָן (H2771) 'Haran'; Aramean city in northern Syria; the homeland of Rebekah and Laban.
אֲנָֽחְנוּwepersonal pronoun 1cp · אֲנַחְנוּ (H587)Subject of nominal clauseאֲנַחְנוּ (H587) 'we'; independent pronoun supplying emphatic subject of the brief reply.
5

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָהֶ֔ם הַיְדַעְתֶּ֖ם אֶת לָבָ֣ן בֶּן נָח֑וֹר וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ יָדָֽעְנוּ

He said to them, "Do you know Laban son of Nahor?" They said, "We do."

Kinship inquiry narrowed: Jacob asks directly for Labanוַיֹּ֣אמֶר
Jacob narrows the conversation from place to person, moving directly toward the household he seeks. The verse is concise and functional, confirming that he has reached the right network of relations.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Jacob presses the inquiry further from place to person.
לָהֶ֔םto themprep לְ + 3mp suffix · לְIndirect object (prepositional)לְ 'to, for'; same audience of shepherds; conversation advances to personal identification.
הַיְדַעְתֶּ֖םdo you knowinterrogative ה + Qal perf 2mp · יָדַע (H3045)Interrogative predicate verb→ Perfective: stative knowledge — do you know Laban?יָדַע (H3045) 'to know, be acquainted with'; interrogative perfect probing familiarity with Laban.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks Laban as the definite object of the knowing.
לָבָ֣ןLabanProper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Direct objectלָבָן (H3837) 'Laban, white'; Rebekah's brother; the person Jacob has traveled to find.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (apposition/identifier)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct with Nahor identifies Laban within the genealogical network.
נָח֑וֹרNahorProper noun · נָחוֹר (H5152)Genitive (construct chain)נָחוֹר (H5152) 'Nahor'; Abraham's brother; Laban is his grandson; the patronymic confirms the right family.
וַיֹּאמְר֖וּand they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the shepherds' terse reply confirms Jacob has found the right network.
יָדָֽעְנוּwe knowQal perf 1cp · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: stative — we are acquainted with himיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; the stative perfect confirms acquaintance; confirms Jacob's proximity to Laban.
6

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר לָהֶ֖ם הֲשָׁל֣וֹם ל֑וֹ וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ שָׁל֔וֹם וְהִנֵּה֙ רָחֵ֣ל בִּתּ֔וֹ בָּאָ֖ה עִם הַצֹּֽאן

He said to them, "Is he well?" They said, "He is well. And look, Rachel his daughter is coming with the sheep."

Welfare asked and answered: Rachel is introduced into the sceneוַיֹּ֥אמֶר
The inquiry advances from recognition to well-being, and the reply immediately introduces Rachel into the scene. Her appearance breaks into the conversation itself rather than waiting for a separate narrative reset.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Jacob advances to welfare inquiry; conversation narrows toward Rachel.
לָהֶ֖םto themprep לְ + 3mp suffix · לְIndirect object (prepositional)לְ 'to, for'; the shepherds remain the interlocutors for the welfare question.
הֲשָׁל֣וֹםis he wellinterrogative ה + N m sg abs · שָׁלוֹם (H7965)Interrogative predicate (welfare inquiry)שָׁלוֹם (H7965) 'peace, wholeness, welfare'; הֲשָׁלוֹם לוֹ = standard welfare greeting formula.
ל֑וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְIndirect object of welfare inquiryלְ 'to, for'; with 3ms suffix referring to Laban; standard idiom for inquiring after well-being.
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּand they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; their reply gives welfare report and then pivots to introduce Rachel.
שָׁל֔וֹםhe is wellN m sg abs · שָׁלוֹם (H7965)Predicate of nominal clauseשָׁלוֹם (H7965) 'peace, welfare'; the single-word reply confirming Laban's well-being.
וְהִנֵּה֙and beholdconj וְ + presentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (exclamative)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; the reply pivots to introduce Rachel's arrival into the conversation.
רָחֵ֣לRachelProper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Subject of participial clauseרָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel, ewe'; Laban's younger daughter; her name breaks into the narrative here.
בִּתּ֔וֹhis daughterN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּת (H1323)Appositive to Rachelבַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; appositive identifying Rachel as Laban's daughter, establishing the kin connection.
בָּאָ֖הcomingQal ptc f sg abs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate participle (imminent action)→ Participle: progressive — she is arriving nowבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; feminine ptc matches רָחֵל; describes action in progress.
עִםwithpreposition · עִם (H5973)Comitative prepositional phraseעִם (H5973) 'with, together with'; she comes accompanied by the flock she is shepherding.
הַצֹּֽאןthe sheepart + N common sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Object of comitative prepצֹאן (H6629) 'flock of sheep/goats'; Rachel arrives as active shepherdess, not merely a bystander.
7

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הֵ֥ן עוֹד֙ הַיּ֣וֹם גָּד֔וֹל לֹא עֵ֖ת הֵאָסֵ֣ף הַמִּקְנֶ֑ה הַשְׁק֥וּ הַצֹּ֖אן וּלְכ֥וּ רְעֽוּ

He said, "Look, the day is still high; it is not time for the livestock to be gathered. Water the sheep, then go and pasture them."

Practical challenge: Jacob questions the shepherds' delayהֵ֥ן
Jacob reads the situation as premature inactivity and speaks with practical urgency. His instruction assumes that normal pastoral work should continue, subtly setting his outsider perspective over against the shepherds' local procedure.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּ֗אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Jacob now speaks to challenge the shepherds' early gathering.
הֵ֥ןlookpresentative particle · הֵן (H2005)Presentative particle (attention-getter)הֵן (H2005) 'behold, look'; draws attention to a visible situation; marks Jacob's observation.
עוֹד֙stilladverb · עוֹד (H5750)Temporal adverbעוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet, again'; marks the day as not yet spent, reinforcing Jacob's urgency.
הַיּ֣וֹםthe dayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Subject of nominal clauseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; הַיּוֹם גָּדוֹל = the day is high/long; much working time remains.
גָּד֔וֹלlongadj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Predicate adjectiveגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, long'; idiom יוֹם גָּדוֹל = the sun is still high, ample daylight left.
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleלֹא (H3808) standard negation; negates the noun clause about gathering time.
עֵ֖תtime forN common sg constr · עֵת (H6256)Subject of nominal clauseעֵת (H6256) 'time, appointed time'; construct with following infinitive = 'not the time to gather'.
הֵאָסֵ֣ףgatheringNiphal inf constr · אָסַף (H622)Infinitival genitive of עֵת→ Infinitive construct: the action whose time is deniedאָסַף (H622) 'to gather'; Niphal inf constr = the gathering of the livestock, premature here.
הַמִּקְנֶ֑הthe livestockart + N m sg abs · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Subject of implicit Niphal gatheringמִקְנֶה (H4735) 'livestock, property in animals'; broader than צֹאן; all pastured animals.
הַשְׁק֥וּwaterHiphil impv 2mp · שָׁקָה (H8248)Predicate imperative (command)→ Volitional: direct command to resume workשָׁקָה (H8248) 'to give drink, water'; Hiphil impv; Jacob commands immediate resumption of work.
הַצֹּ֖אןthe sheepart + N common sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Direct objectצֹאן (H6629) 'flock of sheep/goats'; the object of the watering command.
וּלְכ֥וּand goconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Coordinated imperative→ Volitional: command to depart and pastureהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; second imperative in the series commanding pastoral action.
רְעֽוּpasture themQal impv 2mp · רָעָה (H7462)Third imperative (command)→ Volitional: command to return to grazingרָעָה (H7462) 'to graze, shepherd'; Qal impv; Jacob commands return to active pasturing.
8

וַיֹּאמְרוּ֮ לֹ֣א נוּכַל֒ עַ֣ד אֲשֶׁ֤ר יֵאָֽסְפוּ֙ כָּל הָ֣עֲדָרִ֔ים וְגָֽלֲלוּ֙ אֶת הָאֶ֔בֶן מֵעַ֖ל פִּ֣י הַבְּאֵ֑ר וְהִשְׁקִ֖ינוּ הַצֹּֽאן

They said, "We cannot until all the flocks are gathered and they roll the stone away from the mouth of the well. Then we water the sheep."

Constraint explained: the shepherds describe the communal procedureוַיֹּאמְרוּ֮
The shepherds answer Jacob with the constraint imposed by communal custom and physical necessity. Their reply explains the delay and keeps the large stone central, sustaining tension just before Rachel fully arrives.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּאמְרוּ֮and they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the shepherds answer Jacob's challenge with the communal constraint.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of modal verbלֹא (H3808) standard negation; negates the ability to water before all are gathered.
נוּכַל֒we are ableQal impf 1cp · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb (modal ability)→ Yiqtol: imperfective modal — ongoing inabilityיָכֹל (H3201) 'to be able, can'; modal impf expressing current impossibility of action.
עַ֣דuntilpreposition · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phraseעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; introduces the temporal condition that must be met first.
אֲשֶׁ֤רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (temporal clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834) relative 'that, when, which'; after עַד = 'until when…'; introduces the condition.
יֵאָֽסְפוּ֙are gatheredNiphal impf 3mp · אָסַף (H622)Predicate of temporal clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective — gathering not yet completeאָסַף (H622) 'to gather'; Niphal passive = the flocks must all be assembled before rolling.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in construct chainכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; totality — every last flock must arrive before the stone is moved.
הָ֣עֲדָרִ֔יםthe flocksart + N m pl abs · עֵדֶר (H5739)Genitive of כָּלעֵדֶר (H5739) 'flock'; plural; all the community's flocks are required to share the labor.
וְגָֽלֲלוּ֙and they rollQal perf 3cp · גָּלַל (H1556)Habitual sequential consequent action→ Perfective: habitual — rolling follows complete gatheringגָּלַל (H1556) 'to roll'; rolling the great stone requires all the shepherds together.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the definite stone as direct object.
הָאֶ֔בֶןthe stoneart + N f sg abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Direct objectאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; the great stone; its communal rolling explains why Jacob cannot bypass the process.
מֵעַ֖לfrom uponcompound prep מִן + עַל · מֵעַל (H5921)Separative prepositional phraseמֵעַל 'from upon, off'; removal from the well covering.
פִּ֣יmouth ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Construct chain head nounפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth, opening'; the well's opening must be uncovered before water can be drawn.
הַבְּאֵ֑רthe wellart + N f sg abs · בְּאֵר (H875)Genitive in construct chainבְּאֵר (H875) 'well'; the locus of communal labor; uncovering it requires collective effort.
וְהִשְׁקִ֖ינוּthen we waterHiphil perf 1cp · שָׁקָה (H8248)Habitual final sequential action→ Perfective: habitual causative final stepשָׁקָה (H8248) 'to give drink, water'; Hiphil; the watering is the final step after the stone is rolled.
הַצֹּֽאןthe sheepart + N common sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Direct objectצֹאן (H6629) 'flock'; the sheep are watered as the communal goal of the whole procedure.
9

עוֹדֶ֖נּוּ מְדַבֵּ֣ר עִמָּ֑ם וְרָחֵ֣ל בָּ֗אָה עִם הַצֹּאן֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לְאָבִ֔יהָ כִּ֥י רֹעָ֖ה הִֽוא

While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with the flock that belonged to her father, for she was tending them.

Scene continued: Rachel arrives at the precise moment of expectationעוֹדֶ֖נּוּ
Rachel's entrance interrupts the shepherds' explanation at exactly the needed moment to move the well-scene from inquiry to encounter. The brief note that she was shepherding marks her as active rather than merely accompanying others.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
עוֹדֶ֖נּוּwhile he stilladverb + 3ms suffix · עוֹד (H5750)Temporal adverb (durative)עוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet'; with pronominal suffix = 'while he was yet'; marks concurrent timing.
מְדַבֵּ֣רspeakingPiel ptc m sg abs · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate participle (simultaneous)→ Participle: durative — speaking in progress as Rachel arrivesדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel intensive; the participle marks speech still ongoing.
עִמָּ֑םwith themprep עִם + 3mp suffix · עִם (H5973)Comitative prepositional phraseעִם (H5973) 'with'; Jacob's conversation with the shepherds is still in progress when Rachel arrives.
וְרָחֵ֣לand Rachelconj וְ + proper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Subject of independent clauseרָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel, ewe'; the waw begins a new independent clause; Rachel interrupts the dialogue.
בָּ֗אָהcameQal perf 3fs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed arrival at the decisive momentבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; perfect: Rachel's arrival is complete and punctual.
עִםwithpreposition · עִם (H5973)Comitative prepositional phraseעִם (H5973) 'with'; she arrives accompanied by the specific flock she has been shepherding.
הַצֹּאן֙the flockart + N common sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Object of comitative prepצֹאן (H6629) 'flock'; the article points to her father's specific flock under her care.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (restrictive)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, that'; introduces the relative clause identifying whose flock it is.
לְאָבִ֔יהָof her fatherprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3fs suffix · אָב (H1)Genitive (possessive)אָב (H1) 'father'; with prep לְ + 3fs suffix = 'belonging to her father'; the flock is Laban's.
כִּ֥יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'because, for'; introduces the explanatory note that Rachel was the shepherd.
רֹעָ֖הshepherdingQal ptc f sg abs · רָעָה (H7462)Predicate participle (explanatory)→ Participle: durative — she was actively tendingרָעָה (H7462) 'to graze, shepherd, tend'; feminine ptc marks Rachel as an active shepherdess.
הִֽואshepersonal pronoun 3fs · הוּא (H1931)Subject of participial clauseהִוא (H1931) 'she'; independent pronoun used as subject of the nominal participial clause.
10

וַיְהִ֡י כַּאֲשֶׁר֩ רָאָ֨ה יַעֲקֹ֜ב אֶת רָחֵ֗ל בַּת לָבָן֙ אֲחִ֣י אִמּ֔וֹ וְאֶת צֹ֥אן לָבָ֖ן אֲחִ֣י אִמּ֑וֹ וַיִּגַּ֣שׁ יַעֲקֹ֗ב וַיָּ֤גֶל אֶת הָאֶ֨בֶן֙ מֵעַל֙ פִּ֣י הַבְּאֵ֔ר וַיַּ֕שְׁקְ אֶת צֹ֥אן לָבָ֖ן אֲחִ֥י אִמּֽוֹ

And when Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the flock of Laban his mother's brother, Jacob came forward, rolled the stone from the mouth of the well, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.

Recognition triggers action: Jacob removes the stone and serves Rachel's flockוַיְהִ֡י
The sight of Rachel and of Laban's flock immediately precipitates Jacob's action. The repeated identification of Laban as his mother's brother keeps the emotional charge framed inside kinship and providential recognition.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
וַיְהִ֡יand it came to passQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol temporal frame-setter→ Wayyiqtol: narrative temporal introductionהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; וַיְהִי introduces a temporal clause framing the decisive moment.
כַּאֲשֶׁר֩whenprep כְּ + relative אֲשֶׁר · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Temporal subordinating conjunctionכַּאֲשֶׁר 'when, as'; compound introducing the temporal subordinate clause.
רָאָ֨הsawQal perf 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate of temporal clause→ Perfective: the seeing that triggered actionרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; Jacob's perception of Rachel and the flock immediately precipitates action.
יַעֲקֹ֜בJacobProper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subject of temporal clauseיַעֲקֹב (H3290) 'Jacob'; the subject whose sight of Rachel triggers the series of actions.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking Rachel as the definite object of seeing.
רָחֵ֗לRachelProper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Direct objectרָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel'; the sight of her catalyzes Jacob's decisive action at the well.
בַּתdaughter ofN f sg constr · בַּת (H1323)Appositive (identify Rachel)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; construct appositive placing Rachel within Laban's household.
לָבָן֙LabanProper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Genitive (construct chain)לָבָן (H3837) 'Laban'; Rachel's father; the three-fold repetition of 'Laban his mother's brother' frames the kinship.
אֲחִ֣יbrother ofN m sg constr · אָח (H251)Construct chain (kinship)אָח (H251) 'brother'; construct with אִמּוֹ = 'brother of his mother'; identifies Laban as maternal uncle.
אִמּ֔וֹhis motherN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · אֵם (H517)Genitive (construct chain)אֵם (H517) 'mother'; with suffix = 'his mother'; Rebekah is the shared link making Laban Jacob's uncle.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conj + direct-object markerוְ + אֵת joins and marks the second definite object (the flock) of the seeing.
צֹ֥אןflock ofN common sg constr · צֹאן (H6629)Direct object (second member)צֹאן (H6629) 'flock of sheep/goats'; Jacob sees both Rachel and her flock, the kinship property.
לָבָ֖ןLabanProper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Genitive (possessive)לָבָן (H3837) 'Laban'; repeated identification emphasizes that Jacob serves his own kin.
אֲחִ֣יbrother ofN m sg constr · אָח (H251)Construct chain (kinship appositive)אָח (H251) 'brother'; second occurrence of the kinship formula 'Laban his mother's brother'.
אִמּ֑וֹhis motherN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · אֵם (H517)Genitive (construct chain)אֵם (H517) 'mother'; the maternal bond is the emotional charge behind Jacob's decisive act.
וַיִּגַּ֣שׁand approachedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָגַשׁ (H5066)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָגַשׁ (H5066) 'to draw near, approach'; Jacob moves toward the well in purposeful action.
יַעֲקֹ֗בJacobProper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subjectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) 'Jacob'; named subject reinforcing his agency in what follows.
וַיָּ֤גֶלand rolledQal wayyiqtol 3ms · גָּלַל (H1556)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceגָּלַל (H1556) 'to roll'; Jacob alone does what normally required all the shepherds; a feat of love.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the stone as the definite object of the rolling.
הָאֶ֨בֶן֙the stoneart + N f sg abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Direct objectאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; the same great stone previously described; Jacob rolls it alone.
מֵעַל֙from uponcompound prep מִן + עַל · מֵעַל (H5921)Separative prepositional phraseמֵעַל 'from upon, off of'; stone is rolled away from the well-mouth.
פִּ֣יmouth ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Construct chain head nounפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth, opening'; the well's aperture.
הַבְּאֵ֔רthe wellart + N f sg abs · בְּאֵר (H875)Genitive in construct chainבְּאֵר (H875) 'well'; Jacob opens the well solo, breaking the communal custom with a show of strength.
וַיַּ֕שְׁקְand wateredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁקָה (H8248)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁקָה (H8248) 'to water, give drink'; Hiphil; Jacob waters the flock, serving his uncle's household.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the flock as definite direct object.
צֹ֥אןflock ofN common sg constr · צֹאן (H6629)Direct object (construct)צֹאן (H6629) 'flock'; the flock is the object of Jacob's service; it belongs to Laban his uncle.
לָבָ֖ןLabanProper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Genitive (possessive)לָבָן (H3837) 'Laban'; third occurrence in v. 10; the repeated name underscores the kinship context.
אֲחִ֥יbrother ofN m sg constr · אָח (H251)Construct chain (kinship appositive)אָח (H251) 'brother'; the third iteration of the formula; the reader feels the insistence on kinship.
אִמּֽוֹhis motherN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · אֵם (H517)Genitive (construct chain)אֵם (H517) 'mother'; triple repetition of 'Laban his mother's brother' ties Jacob's act to family recognition.
11

וַיִּשַּׁ֥ק יַעֲקֹ֖ב לְרָחֵ֑ל וַיִּשָּׂ֥א אֶת קֹל֖וֹ וַיֵּֽבְךְּ

Then Jacob kissed Rachel, lifted up his voice, and wept.

Emotional overflow: recognition turns into tears and affectionוַיִּשַּׁ֥ק
The sequence moves from feat to feeling. The kiss is followed at once by loud weeping, so the verse reads less as abrupt seduction than as overwhelmed recognition at the end of exile's first stage.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיִּשַּׁ֥קand kissedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָשַׁק (H5401)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָשַׁק (H5401) 'to kiss'; a kin-greeting kiss; not romantic but emotionally charged recognition.
יַעֲקֹ֖בJacobProper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subjectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) 'Jacob'; the patriarch whose emotional overflow is the focus of v. 11.
לְרָחֵ֑לRachelprep לְ + proper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Indirect object (recipient of kiss)רָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel'; the prep לְ is idiomatic with נָשַׁק; the kiss is a kinship greeting.
וַיִּשָּׂ֥אand lifted upQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, raise'; נָשָׂא קוֹל = raised his voice (to weep aloud).
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the voice as definite direct object.
קֹל֖וֹhis voiceN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · קוֹל (H6963)Direct objectקוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound'; נָשָׂא קוֹלוֹ = the idiom for wailing or weeping aloud; expressive grief.
וַיֵּֽבְךְּand weptQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּכָה (H1058)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּכָה (H1058) 'to weep, cry'; the weeping follows the kiss; overwhelmed recognition at journey's end.
12

וַיַּגֵּ֨ד יַעֲקֹ֜ב לְרָחֵ֗ל כִּ֣י אֲחִ֤י אָבִ֨יהָ֙ ה֔וּא וְכִ֥י בֶן רִבְקָ֖ה ה֑וּא וַתָּ֖רָץ וַתַּגֵּ֥ד לְאָבִֽיהָ

And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's kinsman, and that he was Rebekah's son; and she ran and told her father.

Kinship clarified: Jacob explains himself and Rachel reports to Labanוַיַּגֵּ֨ד
Jacob interprets his own action by declaring the family connection. Rachel's immediate run to tell her father bridges the private encounter and the household reception that follows.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיַּגֵּ֨דand he toldHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נָגַד (H5046)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָגַד (H5046) 'to tell, declare'; Hiphil = make known; Jacob explains the kinship connection.
יַעֲקֹ֜בJacobProper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subjectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) 'Jacob'; initiates the self-identification to contextualize the emotional greeting.
לְרָחֵ֗לto Rachelprep לְ + proper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Indirect object (recipient)רָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel'; the audience of Jacob's kinship disclosure.
כִּ֣יthatconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer (content clause)כִּי (H3588) 'that'; introduces the content of what Jacob told Rachel about himself.
אֲחִ֤יkinsman ofN m sg constr · אָח (H251)Predicate complementאָח (H251) 'brother, kinsman'; here = kinsman, relative; not literal brother but father's-side relative.
אָבִ֨יהָ֙her fatherN m sg constr + 3fs suffix · אָב (H1)Genitive (construct chain)אָב (H1) 'father'; with 3fs suffix = her father Laban; Jacob is Laban's sister's son.
ה֔וּאhe ispersonal pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject pronoun of verbless clauseהוּא (H1931) 'he'; copular pronoun in verbless clause: 'he is the kinsman of her father'.
וְכִ֥יand thatconj וְ + conjunction כִּי · כִּי (H3588)Coordinating conjunction + complementizerכִּי (H3588) 'that'; second content clause declaring Jacob's maternal lineage.
בֶןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Predicate complementבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; identifies Jacob's mother, closing the two-sided kin-declaration.
רִבְקָ֖הRebekahProper noun · רִבְקָה (H7259)Genitive (construct chain)רִבְקָה (H7259) 'Rebekah'; Laban's sister; naming her anchors Jacob's identity on the maternal side.
ה֑וּאhe ispersonal pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject pronoun of verbless clauseהוּא (H1931) 'he'; second copular pronoun: 'he is Rebekah's son'; double credential of kinship.
וַתָּ֖רָץand she ranQal wayyiqtol 3fs · רוּץ (H7323)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרוּץ (H7323) 'to run'; Rachel's haste mirrors Laban's later running; enthusiastic response to news.
וַתַּגֵּ֥דand toldHiphil wayyiqtol 3fs · נָגַד (H5046)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָגַד (H5046) 'to tell, declare'; Hiphil; Rachel reports the news to her father, bridging scenes.
לְאָבִֽיהָto her fatherprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3fs suffix · אָב (H1)Indirect object (recipient)אָב (H1) 'father'; with prep and 3fs suffix = 'to her father Laban'; the household reception begins.
13

וַיְהִי֩ כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ לָבָ֜ן אֶת שֵׁ֣מַע יַעֲקֹ֣ב בֶּן אֲחֹת֗וֹ וַיָּ֤רָץ לִקְרָאתוֹ֙ וַיְחַבֶּק לוֹ֙ וַיְנַשֶּׁק ל֔וֹ וַיְבִיאֵ֖הוּ אֶל בֵּית֑וֹ וַיְסַפֵּ֣ר לְלָבָ֔ן אֵ֥ת כָּל הַדְּבָרִ֖ים הָאֵֽלֶּה

And when Laban heard the news about Jacob, his sister's son, he ran to meet him, embraced him, kissed him, brought him into his house, and Jacob told Laban all these things.

Household reception: Laban eagerly welcomes Jacob into his homeוַיְהִי֩
Laban's eager welcome mirrors Rachel's haste and folds Jacob into the household sphere. The notice that Jacob told him all these things gathers the backstory without retelling it in direct speech.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וַיְהִי֩and it came to passQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol temporal frame-setter→ Wayyiqtol: narrative temporal introductionהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; וַיְהִי introduces the temporal framing of Laban's response.
כִשְׁמֹ֨עַwhen hearingprep כְּ + Qal inf constr · שָׁמַע (H8085)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct: the hearing that occasions the responseשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; Qal inf constr with כְּ = 'when/upon hearing'; temporal subordinate.
לָבָ֜ןLabanProper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Subject of infinitival clauseלָבָן (H3837) 'Laban'; the subject who hears the news about Jacob and responds with haste.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the report as the definite object of Laban's hearing.
שֵׁ֣מַעthe report ofN m sg constr · שֵׁמַע (H8088)Direct object (construct)שֵׁמַע (H8088) 'report, news, hearing'; derived from שָׁמַע; construct with proper noun = 'news of Jacob'.
יַעֲקֹ֣בJacobProper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Genitive (construct chain)יַעֲקֹב (H3290) 'Jacob'; the content of the news Rachel has brought to her father.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Appositive (identify Jacob)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct appositive further specifying Jacob as Laban's sister's son.
אֲחֹת֗וֹhis sisterN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · אָחוֹת (H269)Genitive (kinship construct chain)אָחוֹת (H269) 'sister'; with 3ms suffix = his sister Rebekah; the kinship the news activates.
וַיָּ֤רָץand he ranQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רוּץ (H7323)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרוּץ (H7323) 'to run'; Laban's haste echoes Rachel's; enthusiastic family welcome in the pattern of Gen 24.
לִקְרָאתוֹ֙to meet himprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 3ms suffix · קָרָא (H7125)Goal infinitival phraseקָרָא (H7125) / קִרְאַת 'meeting, encounter'; לִקְרַאת = 'to meet'; Laban runs toward Jacob.
וַיְחַבֶּקand embracedPiel wayyiqtol 3ms · חָבַק (H2263)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָבַק (H2263) 'to embrace, clasp'; Piel intensive embrace as kinship welcome; heartfelt reception.
לוֹ֙himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְIndirect object (recipient of embrace)לְ 'to, for'; with 3ms suffix referring to Jacob; idiomatic use with חָבַק.
וַיְנַשֶּׁקand kissedPiel wayyiqtol 3ms · נָשַׁק (H5401)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָשַׁק (H5401) 'to kiss'; Piel kiss of greeting; kinship affection in the tradition of welcome.
ל֔וֹhimprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְIndirect object (recipient of kiss)לְ 'to, for'; with 3ms suffix; idiomatic prep with נָשַׁק.
וַיְבִיאֵ֖הוּand brought himHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms + 3ms suffix · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; Hiphil = cause to come, bring in; Jacob is ushered into the household.
אֶלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; directional prep marking Jacob's entry into Laban's house.
בֵּית֑וֹhis houseN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Goal of directional prepבַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; Jacob is brought inside the extended family structure.
וַיְסַפֵּ֣רand he recountedPiel wayyiqtol 3ms · סָפַר (H5608)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceסָפַר (H5608) 'to count, recount, tell'; Piel = to declare fully; Jacob narrates his backstory.
לְלָבָ֔ןto Labanprep לְ + proper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Indirect object (recipient)לָבָן (H3837) 'Laban'; the audience of Jacob's full narrative; the backstory closes the arrival scene.
אֵ֥ת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the things as the definite object of recounting.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in constructכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; emphatic totality — Jacob tells the full story, not a summary.
הַדְּבָרִ֖יםthe thingsart + N m pl abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Genitive of כָּלדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; all the events and circumstances Jacob narrates to Laban.
הָאֵֽלֶּהtheseart + demonstrative pronoun · אֵלֶּה (H428)Demonstrative adjective (attributive)אֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; dem pron referring back to the events of the journey and well encounter.
14

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ לָבָ֔ן אַ֛ךְ עַצְמִ֥י וּבְשָׂרִ֖י אָ֑תָּה וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב עִמּ֖וֹ חֹ֥דֶשׁ יָמִֽים

Then Laban said to him, "Surely you are my own bone and my own flesh." And he stayed with him for a month.

Kinship confirmed: Laban settles Jacob as family for a timeוַיֹּ֤אמֶר
Laban formalizes the bond with the bone-and-flesh formula, and the narrative slows into a month's residence. The verse closes the arrival sequence and prepares the turn from welcome to labor arrangement.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Laban responds with the bone-and-flesh formula of kinship acceptance.
לוֹ֙to himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְIndirect object (recipient)לְ 'to, for'; the formula is directed personally to Jacob.
לָבָ֔ןLabanProper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Subjectלָבָן (H3837) 'Laban'; delivers the bone-and-flesh declaration, formally accepting Jacob as kin.
אַ֛ךְsurelyasseverative particle · אַךְ (H389)Asseverative particleאַךְ (H389) 'surely, indeed, only'; strengthens the assertion; here emphasizes the kinship claim.
עַצְמִ֥יmy boneN f sg constr + 1cs suffix · עֶצֶם (H6106)Predicate complement (kinship formula)עֶצֶם (H6106) 'bone, body'; with suffix = 'my bone'; part of the bone-and-flesh formula for close kin.
וּבְשָׂרִ֖יand my fleshconj וְ + N m sg constr + 1cs suffix · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Coordinate predicate complementבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh, body'; עֶצֶם וּבָשָׂר = bone and flesh; standard formula for biological kin.
אָ֑תָּהyou arepersonal pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject pronoun of verbless clauseאַתָּה (H859) 'you'; independent pronoun as subject of the verbless nominal clause.
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁבand he stayedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, stay'; Jacob settles into residence with Laban after the welcome.
עִמּ֖וֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suffix · עִם (H5973)Comitative prepositional phraseעִם (H5973) 'with'; Jacob's extended stay within Laban's household begins here.
חֹ֥דֶשׁa month ofN m sg constr · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Temporal accusative (construct)חֹדֶשׁ (H2320) 'month, new moon'; construct with יָמִים = 'a month of days'; one full month.
יָמִֽיםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive (duration)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; plural; חֹדֶשׁ יָמִים = idiom for a full calendar month of days.
15

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָבָן֙ לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב הֲכִי אָחִ֣י אַ֔תָּה וַעֲבַדְתַּ֖נִי חִנָּ֑ם הַגִּ֥ידָה לִּ֖י מַה מַּשְׂכֻּרְתֶּֽךָ

Then Laban said to Jacob, "Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be."

Negotiation opened: kinship gives way to labor termsוַיֹּ֤אמֶר
Hospitality turns into economic discussion. Laban couches the matter in kinship language, but the question about wages begins the transactional dynamic that will govern the relationship.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the transition from kinship to labor negotiation begins.
לָבָן֙LabanProper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Subjectלָבָן (H3837) 'Laban'; turns hospitality into a business arrangement under kinship cover.
לְיַעֲקֹ֔בto Jacobprep לְ + proper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Indirect object (recipient)יַעֲקֹב (H3290) 'Jacob'; the recipient of Laban's nominally generous offer to fix his wages.
הֲכִיbecause indeedinterrogative ה + conjunction כִּי · כִּי (H3588)Interrogative causal particleכִּי (H3588) 'because, for'; הֲכִי = interrogative + causal; Laban frames kinship as a reason to pay Jacob.
אָחִ֣יmy kinsmanN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · אָח (H251)Predicate complementאָח (H251) 'brother, kinsman'; used by Laban with 1cs suffix; fraternal address masking economic interest.
אַ֔תָּהyou arepersonal pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject pronoun of verbless clauseאַתָּה (H859) 'you'; copular subject in the verbless kinship clause.
וַעֲבַדְתַּ֖נִיyou have served meQal perf 2ms + 1cs suffix · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb (circumstantial)→ Perfective: completed service already renderedעָבַד (H5647) 'to serve, work'; Laban acknowledges the month of free labor before setting wages.
חִנָּ֑םfor nothingadverb · חִנָּם (H2600)Adverbial accusative (manner)חִנָּם (H2600) 'gratis, for nothing, without cause'; Laban frames the arrangement as Jacob's loss.
הַגִּ֥ידָהtellHiphil impv 2ms + cohortative ה · נָגַד (H5046)Predicate imperative (command)→ Volitional: request for disclosureנָגַד (H5046) 'to tell, declare'; Hiphil impv with ה paragogic; Laban commands Jacob to name his price.
לִּ֖יto meprep לְ + 1cs suffix · לְIndirect object (recipient)לְ 'to, for'; the wages are to be reported to Laban as the setting party.
מַהwhatinterrogative pronoun · מָה (H4100)Interrogative predicateמָה (H4100) 'what?'; opens the question about wages Jacob should name.
מַּשְׂכֻּרְתֶּֽךָyour wagesN f sg constr + 2ms suffix · מַשְׂכֹּרֶת (H4909)Subject of interrogative clauseמַשְׂכֹּרֶת (H4909) 'wages, reward'; from שָׂכַר 'to hire'; the compensation Jacob is to specify.
16

וּלְלָבָ֖ן שְׁתֵּ֣י בָנ֑וֹת שֵׁ֤ם הַגְּדֹלָה֙ לֵאָ֔ה וְשֵׁ֥ם הַקְּטַנָּ֖ה רָחֵֽל

Now Laban had two daughters: the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

Background supplied: the two daughters are introduced with their orderוּלְלָבָ֖ן
The narrator pauses the dialogue to lay out the family structure relevant to the coming bargain. The older-younger distinction is planted before it becomes narratively decisive.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וּלְלָבָ֖ןnow to Labanconj וְ + prep לְ + proper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Topicalizing prepositional phraseלָבָן (H3837) 'Laban'; the waw opens a background notice; the prep לְ = 'Laban had (two daughters)'.
שְׁתֵּ֣יtwocardinal numeral f dual constr · שְׁתַּיִם (H8147)Numeral modifierשְׁתַּיִם (H8147) 'two'; feminine dual in construct with the noun; identifies the number of daughters.
בָנ֑וֹתdaughtersN f pl abs · בַּת (H1323)Subject of nominal clauseבַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; plural; the narrator introduces both daughters before describing them.
שֵׁ֤םname ofN m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject of nominal clause (name identification)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; construct with the adjective 'the older'; standard naming formula.
הַגְּדֹלָה֙the olderart + adj f sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Genitive in construct (identifier)גָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, old, elder'; with article = 'the elder'; the firstborn daughter Leah.
לֵאָ֔הLeahProper noun · לֵאָה (H3812)Predicate of nominal clause (name)לֵאָה (H3812) 'Leah, weary cow'; the elder daughter whose story will dominate the chapter's close.
וְשֵׁ֥םand name ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject of second nominal clauseשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; parallel construction naming the second daughter.
הַקְּטַנָּ֖הthe youngerart + adj f sg abs · קָטָן (H6996)Genitive in construct (identifier)קָטָן/קְטַנָּה (H6996) 'small, little, younger'; the younger daughter who will be Jacob's desired bride.
רָחֵֽלRachelProper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Predicate of nominal clause (name)רָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel, ewe'; the younger daughter; her beauty is detailed in the next verse.
17

וְעֵינֵ֥י לֵאָ֖ה רַכּ֑וֹת וְרָחֵל֙ הָֽיְתָ֔ה יְפַת תֹּ֖אַר וִיפַ֥ת מַרְאֶֽה

Leah's eyes were delicate, but Rachel was shapely and beautiful in appearance.

Contrast drawn: the sisters are presented in deliberate juxtapositionוְעֵינֵ֥י
The sisters are set side by side in compressed form, first Leah, then Rachel. The contrast explains Jacob's preference while quietly preparing the tension that will dominate the marriage episode.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְעֵינֵ֥יand eyes ofconj וְ + N f dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Subject of nominal clauseעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; dual construct with Leah = 'Leah's eyes'; the crux of the sisters' contrast.
לֵאָ֖הLeahProper noun · לֵאָה (H3812)Genitive (construct chain)לֵאָה (H3812) 'Leah'; her eyes are the sole feature named; the term רַכּוֹת is the interpretive crux.
רַכּ֑וֹתdelicateadj f pl abs · רַךְ (H7390)Predicate adjectiveרַךְ (H7390) 'tender, delicate, soft'; רַכּוֹת may mean soft-textured, weak, or lacking the allure of Rachel; disputed.
וְרָחֵל֙and Rachelconj וְ + proper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Subject of second clauseרָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel'; contrasted with Leah; described with a double superlative of beauty.
הָֽיְתָ֔הwasQal perf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: stative — Rachel's appearance as established factהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; stative perf; Rachel's beauty is the backdrop for Jacob's love and Laban's scheme.
יְפַתbeautiful ofadj f sg constr · יָפֶה (H3303)Predicate adjective (construct)יָפֶה (H3303) 'beautiful, fair'; construct form before the noun of feature; intensive double description.
תֹּ֖אַרformN m sg abs · תֹּאַר (H8389)Genitive (construct chain)תֹּאַר (H8389) 'form, figure, appearance'; refers to bodily shape; first member of beauty idiom.
וִיפַ֥תand beautiful ofconj וְ + adj f sg constr · יָפֶה (H3303)Coordinate predicate adjective (construct)יָפֶה (H3303) 'beautiful, fair'; second use; the double idiom יְפַת תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה = beautiful in form and face.
מַרְאֶֽהappearanceN m sg abs · מַרְאֶה (H4758)Genitive (construct chain)מַרְאֶה (H4758) 'appearance, sight, vision'; refers to facial beauty; the double formula marks superlative attractiveness.
18

וַיֶּאֱהַ֥ב יַעֲקֹ֖ב אֶת רָחֵ֑ל וַיֹּ֗אמֶר אֶֽעֱבָדְךָ֙ שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֔ים בְּרָחֵ֥ל בִּתְּךָ֖ הַקְּטַנָּֽה

And Jacob loved Rachel, so he said, "I will serve you seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter."

Desire declared: Jacob offers seven years of service for Rachelוַיֶּאֱהַ֥ב
Love is stated before the offer, making the labor proposal an expression of desire rather than mere bargaining. Jacob's wording carefully specifies Rachel, your younger daughter, preempting ambiguity.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיֶּאֱהַ֥בand he lovedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָהַב (H157)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָהַב (H157) 'to love'; Jacob's love for Rachel is stated before his proposal; desire drives the terms.
יַעֲקֹ֖בJacobProper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subjectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) 'Jacob'; the subject of the love; his affection is the motivation for the seven-year offer.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking Rachel as definite direct object of love.
רָחֵ֑לRachelProper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Direct objectרָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel'; the beloved; the one for whom Jacob voluntarily offers seven years.
וַיֹּ֗אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Jacob now speaks his offer; love gives the proposal its specific terms.
אֶֽעֱבָדְךָ֙I will serve youQal impf 1cs + 2ms suffix · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb (vow/offer)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — future commitment of serviceעָבַד (H5647) 'to serve, work for'; Jacob volunteers seven years of labor as bride-price.
שֶׁ֣בַעsevencardinal numeral f sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Numeral modifierשֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; seven years of service was a substantial bride-price; love makes it acceptable.
שָׁנִ֔יםyearsN f pl abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal accusativeשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; plural; the duration of the proposed service.
בְּרָחֵ֥לfor Rachelprep בְּ + proper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Prepositional phrase (price/exchange)רָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel'; the בְּ of price = 'in exchange for Rachel'; bride-price framing.
בִּתְּךָ֖your daughterN f sg constr + 2ms suffix · בַּת (H1323)Appositive (identifies Rachel)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; with 2ms suffix; Jacob names Rachel precisely to prevent future ambiguity.
הַקְּטַנָּֽהthe youngerart + adj f sg abs · קָטָן (H6996)Attributive adjective (modifier)קָטָן/קְטַנָּה (H6996) 'younger, smaller'; Jacob specifies the younger daughter, anticipating Laban's potential trick.
19

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָבָ֗ן ט֚וֹב תִּתִּ֣י אֹתָ֣הּ לָ֔ךְ מִתִּתִּ֥י אֹתָ֖הּ לְאִ֣ישׁ אַחֵ֑ר שְׁבָ֖ה עִמָּדִֽי

Laban said, "It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to another man. Stay with me."

Acceptance qualified: Laban agrees in indirect and slippery termsוַיֹּ֣אמֶר
Laban answers favorably, but in notably indirect language. He approves the match comparatively rather than by a plain pledge, leaving a faint note of evasiveness in the agreement.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Laban answers with indirect assent; the comparative form is evasive.
לָבָ֗ןLabanProper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Subjectלָבָן (H3837) 'Laban'; his answer avoids a direct pledge while implying agreement; structurally slippery.
ט֚וֹבbetteradj m sg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Predicate adjective (comparative)טוֹב (H2896) 'good, better'; here comparative = 'it is better that…'; Laban approves comparatively.
תִּתִּ֣יmy giving herQal inf constr + 1cs suffix · נָתַן (H5414)Subject infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct: the act whose comparative goodness is assertedנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; inf constr with 1cs suffix = 'my giving her to you'; the approved action.
אֹתָ֣הּherobj marker + 3fs suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of infinitiveאֵת (H853) + 3fs suffix marks Rachel as the direct object of Laban's giving.
לָ֔ךְto youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְIndirect object (recipient)לְ 'to, for'; with 2ms suffix = 'to you' (Jacob); the intended beneficiary.
מִתִּתִּ֥יthan giving herprep מִן + Qal inf constr + 1cs suffix · נָתַן (H5414)Comparative infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct: the action being comparatively rejectedנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; מִן + inf = 'than giving'; the alternative (giving to another) is the standard.
אֹתָ֖הּherobj marker + 3fs suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of comparative infinitiveאֵת (H853) + 3fs suffix; second occurrence; marks Rachel as object of giving to another man.
לְאִ֣ישׁto another manprep לְ + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Indirect object of comparative clauseאִישׁ (H376) 'man, husband'; a hypothetical other suitor; Laban's comparative implies preference for Jacob.
אַחֵ֑רanotheradj m sg abs · אַחֵר (H312)Attributive adjectiveאַחֵר (H312) 'another, other'; modifies אִישׁ; an unnamed alternative; Laban leaves Rachel's fate comparative.
שְׁבָ֖הstayQal impv 2ms + cohortative ה · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate imperative (command)→ Volitional: command to remainיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, remain'; impv with paragogic ה; Laban summons Jacob to continued residence.
עִמָּדִֽיwith meprep עִם + 1cs suffix · עִמָּד (H5978)Comitative prepositional phraseעִמָּד (H5978) archaic form of עִם 'with'; + 1cs suffix = 'with me'; Laban invites prolonged co-residence.
20

וַיַּעֲבֹ֧ד יַעֲקֹ֛ב בְּרָחֵ֖ל שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֑ים וַיִּהְי֤וּ בְעֵינָיו֙ כְּיָמִ֣ים אֲחָדִ֔ים בְּאַהֲבָת֖וֹ אֹתָֽהּ

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

Agreement fulfilled: Jacob's love compresses the long years of serviceוַיַּעֲבֹ֧ד
The arrangement passes into fulfilled service, and the narrator closes the unit not with hardship but with love's compression of time. The verse idealizes Jacob's devotion even as it readies the reader for the bitter reversal to come.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיַּעֲבֹ֧דand he servedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָבַד (H5647)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָבַד (H5647) 'to serve, work'; the seven years of labor are summarized in a single wayyiqtol.
יַעֲקֹ֛בJacobProper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subjectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) 'Jacob'; the subject of seven years' service; love drives the faithfulness.
בְּרָחֵ֖לfor Rachelprep בְּ + proper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Prepositional phrase (price/exchange)רָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel'; the bride-price motivation; בְּ of exchange = 'in exchange for Rachel'.
שֶׁ֣בַעsevencardinal numeral f sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Numeral modifierשֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; the years of service; the number frames the duration of sustained devotion.
שָׁנִ֑יםyearsN f pl abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal accusativeשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; the span of labor; seven years would feel long without love.
וַיִּהְי֤וּand they wereQal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the years are the subject; what follows describes their subjective quality.
בְעֵינָיו֙in his eyesprep בְּ + N f dual constr + 3ms suffix · עַיִן (H5869)Perspective prepositional phraseעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; בְּעֵינָיו = 'in his eyes' = from his perspective; subjective evaluative idiom.
כְּיָמִ֣יםlike daysprep כְּ + N m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Comparative prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; כְּיָמִים אֲחָדִים = 'like a few days'; love compressed the perception of time.
אֲחָדִ֔יםa fewadj m pl abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive adjectiveאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; in plural = 'a few, some'; the famous line: seven years felt like a few days.
בְּאַהֲבָת֖וֹin his loveprep בְּ + N f sg constr + 3ms suffix · אַהֲבָה (H157)Causal prepositional phraseאַהֲבָה (H157) 'love'; the noun derived from אָהַב; the cause of time's compression: deep love.
אֹתָֽהּfor herobj marker + 3fs suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of love nounאֵת (H853) + 3fs suffix; marks Rachel as the object of his love; closes the love-notice.
21

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֤ב אֶל לָבָן֙ הָבָ֣ה אֶת אִשְׁתִּ֔י כִּ֥י מָלְא֖וּ יָמָ֑י וְאָב֖וֹאָה אֵלֶֽיהָ

Then Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife, for my time is complete, so that I may go in to her."

Marriage claimed: Jacob presses for the bride promised after his serviceוַיֹּ֨אמֶר
Jacob speaks from the expectation created by the seven-year agreement. The verse opens the wedding sequence by moving from long service to immediate marital claim.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Jacob initiates the demand for his bride after seven years.
יַעֲקֹ֤בJacobProper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subjectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) 'Jacob'; his speech is direct and confident; seven years' service fully paid.
אֶלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the direction of speech to Laban.
לָבָן֙LabanProper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Indirect object (recipient)לָבָן (H3837) 'Laban'; the one who holds the authority to give Rachel; Jacob demands his due.
הָבָ֣הgiveQal impv 2ms + paragogic ה · יָהַב (H3051)Predicate imperative (command)→ Volitional: urgent demand for the brideיָהַב (H3051) 'to give, set'; Qal impv הָבָה = common demand particle 'give!'; forceful request.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the wife as definite direct object.
אִשְׁתִּ֔יmy wifeN f sg constr + 1cs suffix · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct objectאִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; Jacob already calls her 'my wife', asserting the right the agreement gave him.
כִּ֥יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'because, for'; introduces the grounds of the demand: the seven years are complete.
מָלְא֖וּare fulfilledQal perf 3cp · מָלֵא (H4390)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: completed fulfillment — the time is upמָלֵא (H4390) 'to be full, complete'; the years have run their course; the agreement's term is met.
יָמָ֑יmy daysN m pl constr + 1cs suffix · יוֹם (H3117)Subject of causal clauseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; with 1cs suffix = 'my days'; idiom for the period of contracted service.
וְאָב֖וֹאָהand I may go inconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cs · בּוֹא (H935)Volitional coordinate clause→ Volitional: cohortative — purpose of the demandבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go in'; cohortative marks purpose; the euphemism for consummating the marriage.
אֵלֶֽיהָto herprep אֶל + 3fs suffix · אֶל (H413)Goal prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; בּוֹא אֶל = 'go in to' is the standard idiom for marital consummation.
22

וַיֶּאֱסֹ֥ף לָבָ֛ן אֶת כָּל אַנְשֵׁ֥י הַמָּק֖וֹם וַיַּ֥עַשׂ מִשְׁתֶּֽה

So Laban gathered all the men of the place and made a feast.

Wedding prepared: Laban gives the event communal formוַיֶּאֱסֹ֥ף
The gathering of the local men and the feast give the event public legitimacy, which heightens the irony of the private deception that follows.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיֶּאֱסֹ֥ףand he gatheredQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָסַף (H622)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָסַף (H622) 'to gather, collect'; Laban assembles the local men; public form for the wedding.
לָבָ֛ןLabanProper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Subjectלָבָן (H3837) 'Laban'; the host who stages the wedding feast with communal legitimacy.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the men as the definite object of gathering.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in constructכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; totality of local men; the gathering lends public legitimacy to the deception.
אַנְשֵׁ֥יmen ofN m pl constr · אִישׁ (H376)Construct chain head nounאִישׁ (H376) 'man, person'; pl constr with הַמָּקוֹם = 'men of the place'; local community witnesses.
הַמָּק֖וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Genitive (construct chain)מָקוֹם (H4725) 'place, location'; the local settlement; the wedding is given communal witness.
וַיַּ֥עַשׂand he madeQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; Laban stages the feast as public event, covering the night's deception.
מִשְׁתֶּֽהa feastN m sg abs · מִשְׁתֶּה (H4960)Direct objectמִשְׁתֶּה (H4960) 'feast, banquet'; from שָׁתָה 'to drink'; a drinking feast; standard wedding celebration.
23

וַיְהִ֣י בָעֶ֔רֶב וַיִּקַּח֙ אֶת לֵאָ֣ה בִתּ֔וֹ וַיָּבֵ֥א אֹתָ֖הּ אֵלָ֑יו וַיָּבֹ֖א אֵלֶֽיהָ

But in the evening he took Leah his daughter and brought her to him, and he went in to her.

Nighttime reversal: Laban substitutes Leah for Rachelוַיְהִ֣י
The evening setting enables the deception, and the rapid sequence of taking, bringing, and consummation carries the trick through before discovery.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיְהִ֣יand it came to passQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol temporal frame-setter→ Wayyiqtol: narrative temporal introductionהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; וַיְהִי introduces the temporal turn to the evening of deception.
בָעֶ֔רֶבin the eveningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · עֶרֶב (H6153)Temporal prepositional phraseעֶרֶב (H6153) 'evening'; the darkness of evening enables the exchange; the deception requires night.
וַיִּקַּח֙and he tookQal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Laban is the active agent who physically takes Leah to Jacob's tent.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking Leah as the definite object of the taking.
לֵאָ֣הLeahProper noun · לֵאָה (H3812)Direct objectלֵאָה (H3812) 'Leah'; the elder sister is substituted under the cover of darkness.
בִתּ֔וֹhis daughterN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּת (H1323)Appositive (identify Leah)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; appositive identifying Leah as Laban's own child; his agency is underlined.
וַיָּבֵ֥אand broughtHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; Hiphil = bring; Laban leads Leah to Jacob; the trap is set.
אֹתָ֖הּherobj marker + 3fs suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct objectאֵת (H853) + 3fs suffix; refers to Leah; the substitution is accomplished by Laban's direct action.
אֵלָ֑יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Goal prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; the 3ms suffix refers to Jacob; Leah is brought to Jacob's side.
וַיָּבֹ֖אand he went inQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go in'; בּוֹא אֶל = marital consummation idiom; the deception is completed.
אֵלֶֽיהָto herprep אֶל + 3fs suffix · אֶל (H413)Goal prepositional phrase (consummation)אֶל (H413) 'to'; בּוֹא אֵלֶיהָ = euphemism for marital intercourse; the marriage is consummated.
24

וַיִּתֵּ֤ן לָבָן֙ לָ֔הּ אֶת זִלְפָּ֖ה שִׁפְחָת֑וֹ לְלֵאָ֥ה בִתּ֖וֹ שִׁפְחָֽה

And Laban gave Zilpah his female servant to Leah his daughter as her servant.

Marriage notice expanded: Leah receives Zilpah into the householdוַיִּתֵּ֤ן
As elsewhere in patriarchal marriage notices, the servant gift marks household formation and quietly prepares for later reproductive developments within the family.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיִּתֵּ֤ןand he gaveQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; Laban assigns the servant girl as part of the marriage settlement.
לָבָן֙LabanProper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Subjectלָבָן (H3837) 'Laban'; as the father, he provides the maidservant as part of Leah's dowry.
לָ֔הּto herprep לְ + 3fs suffix · לְIndirect object (recipient)לְ 'to, for'; with 3fs suffix = 'to her (Leah)'; the gift is to Leah specifically.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking Zilpah as the definite direct object.
זִלְפָּ֖הZilpahProper noun · זִלְפָּה (H2153)Direct objectזִלְפָּה (H2153) 'Zilpah'; Laban's servant given to Leah; she will later bear children for Jacob (Gen 30).
שִׁפְחָת֑וֹhis female servantN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · שִׁפְחָה (H8198)Appositive (identify Zilpah)שִׁפְחָה (H8198) 'maidservant, female slave'; Zilpah is Laban's own servant given as Leah's attendant.
לְלֵאָ֥הto Leahprep לְ + proper noun · לֵאָה (H3812)Indirect object (ultimate recipient)לֵאָה (H3812) 'Leah'; the ultimate beneficiary of the servant gift, as part of the marriage arrangement.
בִתּ֖וֹhis daughterN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּת (H1323)Appositive (identify Leah)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; appositive reidentifying Leah as Laban's daughter at this key moment.
שִׁפְחָֽהas a servantN f sg abs · שִׁפְחָה (H8198)Predicate complement (role)שִׁפְחָה (H8198) 'maidservant'; abs form indicating the status role Zilpah is to fill for Leah.
25

וַיְהִ֣י בַבֹּ֔קֶר וְהִנֵּה הִ֖וא לֵאָ֑ה וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֶל לָבָ֗ן מַה זֹּאת֙ עָשִׂ֣יתָ לִּ֔י הֲלֹ֤א בְרָחֵל֙ עָבַ֣דְתִּי עִמָּ֔ךְ וְלָ֖מָּה רִמִּיתָֽנִי

In the morning, behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served with you? Why then have you deceived me?"

Morning disclosure: Jacob discovers the deception and protestsוַיְהִ֣י
The scene turns sharply at daybreak. Jacob's protest recalls the labor agreement and names Laban's act as deceit.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיְהִ֣יand it came to passQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol temporal frame-setter→ Wayyiqtol: narrative temporal introductionהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; וַיְהִי marks the morning of discovery; the narrative turn.
בַבֹּ֔קֶרin the morningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Temporal prepositional phraseבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'; dawn brings visibility and the revelation of Laban's trick.
וְהִנֵּהand beholdconj וְ + presentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (exclamative)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; marks the moment of sudden visual recognition; the ironic reveal.
הִ֖ואshepersonal pronoun 3fs · הוּא (H1931)Subject of verbless clauseהִוא (H1931) 'she'; the pronoun precedes the name Leah for maximum dramatic effect.
לֵאָ֑הLeahProper noun · לֵאָה (H3812)Predicate of verbless clauseלֵאָה (H3812) 'Leah'; the identity revealed; one of the great narrative reversals in Genesis.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Jacob's protest follows immediately on the discovery.
אֶלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; Jacob directs his accusation squarely at Laban.
לָבָ֗ןLabanProper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Indirect object (recipient of accusation)לָבָן (H3837) 'Laban'; the target of Jacob's rhetorical accusation; the deceiver is confronted.
מַהwhatinterrogative pronoun · מָה (H4100)Interrogative predicateמָה (H4100) 'what?'; rhetorical indignation question: 'What is this you have done to me?'
זֹּאת֙thisdemonstrative pronoun f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Subject of rhetorical questionזֹאת (H2063) 'this (f)'; demonstrative pointing to the whole act of deception.
עָשִׂ֣יתָyou have doneQal perf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed act of deception accusedעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; the perfect stresses the completed act; Jacob charges Laban directly.
לִּ֔יto meprep לְ + 1cs suffix · לְIndirect object (victim)לְ 'to, for'; with 1cs suffix; Jacob is the injured party; the preposition marks the harm done to him.
הֲלֹ֤אwas it notinterrogative ה + negative לֹא · לֹא (H3808)Rhetorical interrogativeלֹא (H3808) negative; הֲלֹא = rhetorical question expecting 'yes'; 'Was it not for Rachel that I served?'
בְרָחֵל֙for Rachelprep בְּ + proper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Prepositional phrase (price paid)רָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel'; the בְּ of price; Jacob insists he paid for Rachel and no other.
עָבַ֣דְתִּיI servedQal perf 1cs · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb (rhetorical clause)→ Perfective: completed labor recalled as proofעָבַד (H5647) 'to serve, labor'; Jacob cites his completed service as evidence of Laban's obligation.
עִמָּ֔ךְwith youprep עִם + 2ms suffix · עִם (H5973)Comitative prepositional phraseעִם (H5973) 'with'; 2ms suffix = 'with you (Laban)'; the service was in Laban's employ.
וְלָ֖מָּהand whyconj וְ + prep לְ + interrogative מָה · מָה (H4100)Interrogative conjunctionלָמָּה (H4100) 'why?'; with waw; second rhetorical question escalating the accusation.
רִמִּיתָֽנִיhave you deceived mePiel perf 2ms + 1cs suffix · רָמָה (H7411)Predicate verb (accusation)→ Perfective: completed act of deception chargedרָמָה (H7411) 'to deceive, beguile'; Piel intensive; the very verb used of Isaac's blessing deception echoes here.
26

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָבָ֔ן לֹא יֵעָשֶׂ֥ה כֵ֖ן בִּמְקוֹמֵ֑נוּ לָתֵ֥ת הַצְּעִירָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֥י הַבְּכִירָֽה

Laban said, "It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn."

Custom invoked: Laban defends the act by appeal to local precedenceוַיֹּ֣אמֶר
Laban does not deny the substitution; he justifies it by invoking the customary precedence of the older daughter over the younger, a line heavy with irony in light of Jacob's own history.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Laban's defense is made without apology; custom becomes the justification.
לָבָ֔ןLabanProper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Subjectלָבָן (H3837) 'Laban'; answers the accusation by invoking local precedent, not denying the act.
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of impersonal verbלֹא (H3808) standard negation; negates the custom of giving younger before firstborn.
יֵעָשֶׂ֥הit is doneNiphal impf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (impersonal custom)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — ongoing social normעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; Niphal impersonal = 'it is not done'; invokes communal custom as defense.
כֵ֖ןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb of mannerכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; כֵּן = in this way; the custom prohibits giving the younger before the older.
בִּמְקוֹמֵ֑נוּin our placeprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 1cp suffix · מָקוֹם (H4725)Locative prepositional phraseמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place, location'; 1cp suffix = 'our place'; Laban grounds the custom in local practice.
לָתֵ֥תto giveprep לְ + Qal inf constr · נָתַן (H5414)Infinitival clause (content of custom)→ Infinitive construct: the act the custom prohibitsנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; inf constr with לְ expresses purpose or content of the customary norm.
הַצְּעִירָ֖הthe youngerart + adj f sg abs · צָעִיר (H6810)Direct object of infinitiveצָעִיר (H6810) 'young, younger, lesser'; the younger daughter = Rachel; the custom puts her behind Leah.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase (temporal precedence)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, front'; לִפְנֵי = 'before, in front of'; here temporal: before the firstborn.
הַבְּכִירָֽהthe firstbornart + N f sg abs · בְּכִירָה (H1067)Object of prepositional phraseבְּכִירָה (H1067) 'firstborn daughter'; from בְּכוֹר; Leah's birth order is Laban's stated defense.
27

מַלֵּ֖א שְׁבֻ֣עַ זֹ֑את וְנִתְּנָ֨ה לְךָ֜ גַּם אֶת זֹ֗את בַּעֲבֹדָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תַּעֲבֹ֣ד עִמָּדִ֔י ע֖וֹד שֶֽׁבַע שָׁנִ֥ים אֲחֵרֽוֹת

"Complete the bridal week for this one, and we will give you that one also in return for the service that you shall render with me for another seven years."

Terms reset: Rachel is postponed until Leah's week is completedמַלֵּ֖א
The verse postpones Rachel, not permanently but conditionally. The arrangement links immediate access to the desired marriage with a further seven years of service.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
מַלֵּ֖אcompletePiel impv 2ms · מָלֵא (H4390)Predicate imperative (command)→ Volitional: command to complete the bridal weekמָלֵא (H4390) 'to fill, complete'; Piel impv; Laban commands Jacob to finish Leah's bridal week.
שְׁבֻ֣עַthe week ofN m sg constr · שָׁבוּעַ (H7620)Direct object (construct)שָׁבוּעַ (H7620) 'week, period of seven'; constr with זֹאת = 'the week of this one'; the bridal week.
זֹ֑אתthis onedemonstrative pronoun f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Genitive (demonstrative)זֹאת (H2063) 'this (f)'; refers to Leah; 'complete the bridal week for this one' = Leah.
וְנִתְּנָ֨הand she will be givenNiphal weqatal 3fs · נָתַן (H5414)Weqatal consequent clause→ Weqatal: consequent — Rachel given after Leah's weekנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; Niphal passive weqatal: Rachel will be given as a consequence of compliance.
לְךָ֜to youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְIndirect object (recipient)לְ 'to, for'; with 2ms suffix = to Jacob; Rachel will be given to him after the bridal week.
גַּםalsoasseverative particle · גַּם (H1571)Additive particleגַּם (H1571) 'also, even, moreover'; adds Rachel to the marriage without canceling Leah.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks זֹאת (Rachel) as the definite direct object of the giving.
זֹ֗אתthis onedemonstrative pronoun f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Direct objectזֹאת (H2063) 'this (f)'; now refers to Rachel; the second daughter is promised after the first week.
בַּעֲבֹדָה֙for the serviceprep בְּ + N f sg abs · עֲבֹדָה (H5656)Prepositional phrase (price/exchange)עֲבֹדָה (H5656) 'service, labor, work'; the labor is the bride-price for Rachel.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (restrictive)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, that'; introduces the relative clause defining what service is owed.
תַּעֲבֹ֣דyou will serveQal impf 2ms · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate of relative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective — future obligation of serviceעָבַד (H5647) 'to serve, work'; the second seven-year term is the price Jacob must pay.
עִמָּדִ֔יwith meprep עִם + 1cs suffix · עִמָּד (H5978)Comitative prepositional phraseעִמָּד (H5978) archaic 'with'; 1cs suffix = 'with me'; Jacob's service remains within Laban's household.
ע֖וֹדyetadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Temporal adverbעוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet, again'; marks the second seven years as additional to the first.
שֶֽׁבַעsevencardinal numeral f sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Numeral modifierשֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; the second seven years; the price doubles the original commitment.
שָׁנִ֥יםyearsN f pl abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal accusativeשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; the additional years of service binding Jacob to Laban for Rachel.
אֲחֵרֽוֹתotheradj f pl abs · אַחֵר (H312)Attributive adjectiveאַחֵר (H312) 'other, another'; feminine plural modifying שָׁנִים; 'another seven years' separate from the first.
28

וַיַּ֤עַשׂ יַעֲקֹב֙ כֵּ֔ן וַיְמַלֵּ֖א שְׁבֻ֣עַ זֹ֑את וַיִּתֶּן ל֛וֹ אֶת רָחֵ֥ל בִּתּ֖וֹ ל֥וֹ לְאִשָּֽׁה

And Jacob did so, and he completed the week for this one. Then Laban gave him Rachel his daughter as his wife.

Compliance narrated: Jacob accepts the terms and receives Rachelוַיַּ֤עַשׂ
Jacob accepts Laban's terms, completes Leah's week, and only then receives Rachel. Compliance rather than negotiation moves the story forward.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיַּ֤עַשׂand he didQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, act'; Jacob accepts the terms without protest; compliance advances the story.
יַעֲקֹב֙JacobProper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subjectיַעֲקֹב (H3290) 'Jacob'; complies with Laban's terms; love for Rachel outweighs the cost.
כֵּ֔ןsoadverb/particle · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb of mannerכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; Jacob did 'so' = exactly as Laban stipulated; complete compliance.
וַיְמַלֵּ֖אand he completedPiel wayyiqtol 3ms · מָלֵא (H4390)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceמָלֵא (H4390) 'to fill, complete'; Piel; Jacob fulfills Leah's bridal week before Rachel is given.
שְׁבֻ֣עַthe week ofN m sg abs · שָׁבוּעַ (H7620)Direct objectשָׁבוּעַ (H7620) 'week, seven-day period'; the bridal week; one week of wedding celebration for Leah.
זֹ֑אתthis onedemonstrative pronoun f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Genitive (demonstrative)זֹאת (H2063) 'this (f)'; refers to Leah; 'the week of this one' = Leah's bridal week is completed.
וַיִּתֶּןand he gaveQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; Laban gives Rachel only after the bridal week is fulfilled.
ל֛וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְIndirect object (recipient)לְ 'to, for'; with 3ms suffix = to Jacob; Rachel is formally transferred as wife.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking Rachel as the definite direct object.
רָחֵ֥לRachelProper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Direct objectרָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel'; the desired bride; given only after Leah's week and at the price of more labor.
בִּתּ֖וֹhis daughterN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּת (H1323)Appositive (identify Rachel)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; appositive; Laban gives his own daughter Rachel as Jacob's second wife.
ל֥וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְIndirect object (possession marker)לְ 'to, for'; second occurrence; reinforces that Rachel is given specifically to Jacob as his.
לְאִשָּֽׁהas wifeprep לְ + N f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Predicate complement (role)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; לְ of role = 'as a wife'; the formal marriage conclusion formula.
29

וַיִּתֵּ֤ן לָבָן֙ לְרָחֵ֣ל בִּתּ֔וֹ אֶת בִּלְהָ֖ה שִׁפְחָת֑וֹ לָ֖הּ לְשִׁפְחָֽה

And Laban gave Bilhah his female servant to Rachel his daughter as her servant.

Parallel marriage notice: Rachel receives Bilhah into the householdוַיִּתֵּ֤ן
The parallel servant gift balances Leah's earlier notice and quietly sets up the later rivalry of the two households.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיִּתֵּ֤ןand he gaveQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; parallel to v. 24; Laban gives the second maidservant with Rachel.
לָבָן֙LabanProper noun · לָבָן (H3837)Subjectלָבָן (H3837) 'Laban'; as father, gives Bilhah to Rachel as her attendant, mirroring Zilpah's gift.
לְרָחֵ֣לto Rachelprep לְ + proper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Indirect object (ultimate recipient)רָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel'; the parallel to Leah's servant gift; the two wives are equally provided for.
בִּתּ֔וֹhis daughterN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּת (H1323)Appositive (identify Rachel)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; appositive emphasizing that both servant gifts are from Laban to his own daughters.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking Bilhah as the definite direct object.
בִּלְהָ֖הBilhahProper noun · בִּלְהָה (H1090)Direct objectבִּלְהָה (H1090) 'Bilhah'; Laban's servant given to Rachel; she will bear Dan and Naphtali (Gen 30).
שִׁפְחָת֑וֹhis maidservantN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · שִׁפְחָה (H8198)Appositive (identify Bilhah)שִׁפְחָה (H8198) 'maidservant, female slave'; Bilhah is Laban's own servant given as Rachel's attendant.
לָ֖הּto herprep לְ + 3fs suffix · לְIndirect object (immediate recipient)לְ 'to, for'; 3fs suffix = 'to her (Rachel)'; the servant is transferred to Rachel personally.
לְשִׁפְחָֽהas servantprep לְ + N f sg abs · שִׁפְחָה (H8198)Predicate complement (role)שִׁפְחָה (H8198) 'maidservant'; לְ of role = in the capacity of a servant; parallel formula to v. 24.
30

וַיָּבֹא֙ גַּ֣ם אֶל רָחֵ֔ל וַיֶּאֱהַ֥ב גַּֽם אֶת רָחֵ֖ל מִלֵּאָ֑ה וַיַּעֲבֹ֣ד עִמּ֔וֹ ע֖וֹד שֶֽׁבַע שָׁנִ֥ים אֲחֵרֽוֹת

So he went in to Rachel also, and he loved Rachel more than Leah, and he served with him for another seven years.

Household divided: Rachel is loved more, and service continuesוַיָּבֹא֙
The verse gathers the emotional and economic consequences together: Jacob unites with Rachel, loves her more than Leah, and remains bound for another seven years.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיָּבֹא֙and he went inQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go in'; בּוֹא אֶל = marital idiom; Jacob consummates the marriage with Rachel.
גַּ֣םalsoasseverative particle · גַּם (H1571)Additive particleגַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; adds Rachel to what was done with Leah; the household is now doubled.
אֶלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; בּוֹא אֶל = idiomatic marital consummation phrase.
רָחֵ֔לRachelProper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Goal of prepositional phraseרָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel'; the desired bride is now also Jacob's wife; but the household is divided.
וַיֶּאֱהַ֥בand he lovedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָהַב (H157)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָהַב (H157) 'to love'; the love for Rachel is now stated again, explicitly more than Leah.
גַּֽםalsoasseverative particle · גַּם (H1571)Additive particleגַּם (H1571) 'also'; second occurrence; Jacob loves Rachel 'also', adding intensity to the comparison.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking Rachel as definite direct object of love.
רָחֵ֖לRachelProper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Direct objectרָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel'; the direct object of the love statement; loved more than Leah.
מִלֵּאָ֑הmore than Leahprep מִן + proper noun · לֵאָה (H3812)Comparative prepositional phraseלֵאָה (H3812) 'Leah'; מִן of comparison = 'more than'; the structural inequality of the household is stated plainly.
וַיַּעֲבֹ֣דand he servedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָבַד (H5647)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָבַד (H5647) 'to serve, work'; Jacob remains bound to Laban for another seven years of labor.
עִמּ֔וֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suffix · עִם (H5973)Comitative prepositional phraseעִם (H5973) 'with'; 3ms suffix = with Laban; Jacob's labor continues within Laban's household.
ע֖וֹדstilladverb · עוֹד (H5750)Temporal adverbעוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet, again'; marks the second term as continuing beyond what was already paid.
שֶֽׁבַעsevencardinal numeral f sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Numeral modifierשֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; the second seven years; Jacob's total service for both wives was fourteen years.
שָׁנִ֥יםyearsN f pl abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal accusativeשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; the years of the second service term; the economic cost of the divided household.
אֲחֵרֽוֹתotheradj f pl abs · אַחֵר (H312)Attributive adjectiveאַחֵר (H312) 'other, another'; feminine plural; distinguishes the second seven years from the first.
31

וַיַּ֤רְא יְהוָה֙ כִּֽי שְׂנוּאָ֣ה לֵאָ֔ה וַיִּפְתַּ֖ח אֶת רַחְמָ֑הּ וְרָחֵ֖ל עֲקָרָֽה

When YHWH saw that Leah was unloved, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.

Divine intervention: YHWH answers Leah's rejection with fertilityוַיַּ֤רְא
The narrative now shifts from human manipulation to divine intervention. Leah's social pain and Rachel's barrenness become the central drivers of the household story.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיַּ֤רְאand he sawQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; YHWH's seeing of Leah's rejection echoes Hagar's YHWH who sees; divine regard as answer.
יְהוָה֙YHWHProper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068) 'YHWH, LORD'; the divine name enters the narrative; God's attention to the rejected wife.
כִּֽיthatconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer (content clause)כִּי (H3588) 'that'; introduces the content of what YHWH saw: Leah's rejection.
שְׂנוּאָ֣הunlovedQal passive ptc f sg abs · שָׂנֵא (H8130)Predicate participle (state)→ Passive participle: enduring state of being unlovedשָׂנֵא (H8130) 'to hate, reject'; passive ptc = 'hated/unloved'; in context = the unloved wife in comparison.
לֵאָ֔הLeahProper noun · לֵאָה (H3812)Subject of participial clauseלֵאָה (H3812) 'Leah'; the subject of the passive; she is the one YHWH perceives as neglected.
וַיִּפְתַּ֖חand he openedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · פָּתַח (H6605)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפָּתַח (H6605) 'to open'; divine action of opening the womb is the response to rejection.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the womb as definite direct object.
רַחְמָ֑הּher wombN m sg constr + 3fs suffix · רֶחֶם (H7358)Direct objectרֶחֶם (H7358) 'womb, compassion'; YHWH opens it; fertility is the divine response to Leah's social pain.
וְרָחֵ֖לbut Rachelconj וְ + proper noun · רָחֵל (H7354)Subject of contrastive clauseרָחֵל (H7354) 'Rachel'; the contrast: loved by Jacob, but her womb is closed; barrenness opens the rivalry.
עֲקָרָֽהwas barrenadj f sg abs · עֲקָרָה (H6135)Predicate adjectiveעֲקָרָה (H6135) 'barren, sterile'; a key thematic term; the unloved woman bears while the beloved is barren.
32

וַתַּ֤הַר לֵאָה֙ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֔ן וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ רְאוּבֵ֑ן כִּ֣י אָֽמְרָ֗ה כִּֽי רָאָ֤ה יְהוָה֙ בְּעָנְיִ֔י כִּ֥י עַתָּ֖ה יֶאֱהָבַ֥נִי אִישִֽׁי

And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, "Because YHWH has looked upon my affliction, now at last my husband will love me."

First birth: Leah interprets Reuben through YHWH's seeingוַתַּ֤הַר
Leah names the child through wordplay and hope. Divine seeing is linked to her expectation that Jacob's affection may yet turn toward her.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַתַּ֤הַרand she conceivedQal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָרָה (H2029)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָרָה (H2029) 'to conceive, become pregnant'; Leah's fertility is the narrative answer to her rejection.
לֵאָה֙LeahProper noun · לֵאָה (H3812)Subjectלֵאָה (H3812) 'Leah'; the unloved wife whose fertility is YHWH's compensatory gift.
וַתֵּ֣לֶדand boreQal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) 'to give birth'; Leah's first birth opens the tribal genealogy of Israel.
בֵּ֔ןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct objectבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; a male heir; each of Leah's births produces a tribal patriarch.
וַתִּקְרָ֥אand she calledQal wayyiqtol 3fs · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; Leah names each son; her speech reveals her inner theology.
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct objectשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the name is the interpretive key; each name encodes Leah's reading of her situation.
רְאוּבֵ֑ןReubenProper noun · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)Predicate complement (name given)רְאוּבֵן (H7205) 'Reuben, see-a-son'; the name contains רָאָה 'see' + בֵּן 'son'; YHWH saw = Reuben.
כִּ֣יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'because, for'; introduces Leah's explanation of the name.
אָֽמְרָ֗הshe saidQal perf 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed speech act reporting her reasonאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Leah's theology of the name; her interpretation of YHWH's action.
כִּֽיbecauseconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (inner speech)כִּי (H3588) 'because'; second causal conjunction opening the content of her speech.
רָאָ֤הhas seenQal perf 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (content clause)→ Perfective: completed divine act of seeingרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; YHWH's seeing is the stated cause of the birth; the wordplay on Reuben.
יְהוָה֙YHWHProper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068) 'YHWH'; the subject of seeing; divine perception of Leah's affliction motivates the birth.
בְּעָנְיִ֔יmy afflictionprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 1cs suffix · עֳנִי (H6040)Prepositional phrase (object of seeing)עֳנִי (H6040) 'affliction, poverty, misery'; the word for Leah's social pain; YHWH sees her rejection.
כִּ֥יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (hope stated)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; third כִּי introducing the hoped-for result.
עַתָּ֖הnowadverb · עַתָּה (H6258)Temporal adverbעַתָּה (H6258) 'now, at this time'; marks the expected turn of events; 'now at last my husband will love me'.
יֶאֱהָבַ֥נִיwill love meQal impf 3ms + 1cs suffix · אָהַב (H157)Predicate verb (hope clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — anticipated future loveאָהַב (H157) 'to love'; the hope for Jacob's love is still the driving desire; not yet fulfilled.
אִישִֽׁיmy husbandN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · אִישׁ (H376)Subjectאִישׁ (H376) 'man, husband'; with 1cs suffix = 'my husband'; Leah still longs for Jacob's love.
33

וַתַּ֣הַר עוֹד֮ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּן֒ וַתֹּ֗אמֶר כִּֽי שָׁמַ֤ע יְהוָה֙ כִּֽי שְׂנוּאָ֣ה אָנֹ֔כִי וַיִּתֶּן לִ֖י גַּם אֶת זֶ֑ה וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ שִׁמְעֽוֹן

Then she conceived again and bore a son, and she said, "Because YHWH has heard that I am unloved, he has given me this one also." So she called his name Simeon.

Second birth: Leah interprets Simeon through YHWH's hearingוַתַּ֣הַר
The focus shifts from YHWH's seeing to YHWH's hearing. Leah still defines the birth against the pain of being unloved.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַתַּ֣הַרand she conceivedQal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָרָה (H2029)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָרָה (H2029) 'to conceive'; the birth cycle continues; Leah conceives again by YHWH's doing.
עוֹד֮againadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Temporal adverbעוֹד (H5750) 'still, again, yet'; marks the second conception as additional to the first.
וַתֵּ֣לֶדand boreQal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) 'to give birth'; Leah's second birth advances the tribal genealogy.
בֵּן֒a sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct objectבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; a second male heir; the second tribal patriarch is born.
וַתֹּ֗אמֶרand she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Leah's second interpretive speech; now YHWH's hearing is the theme.
כִּֽיbecauseconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'because'; introduces the basis of Simeon's name.
שָׁמַ֤עheardQal perf 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (content clause)→ Perfective: completed divine act of hearingשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; YHWH's hearing is the wordplay on Simeon (שִׁמְעוֹן from שָׁמַע).
יְהוָה֙YHWHProper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068) 'YHWH'; the active subject; divine hearing responds to Leah's unloved condition.
כִּֽיthatconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer (content clause)כִּי (H3588) 'that'; introduces the content of what YHWH heard: Leah's status as unloved.
שְׂנוּאָ֣הunlovedQal passive ptc f sg abs · שָׂנֵא (H8130)Predicate participle (state)→ Passive participle: enduring state of rejectionשָׂנֵא (H8130) 'to hate, reject'; the same passive ptc as v. 31; Leah names her own condition directly.
אָנֹ֔כִיI ampersonal pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of verbless clauseאָנֹכִי (H595) 'I'; emphatic form of first person; Leah states her own status bluntly.
וַיִּתֶּןand he gaveQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; YHWH gives this child too; the gift language frames fertility as divine grace.
לִ֖יto meprep לְ + 1cs suffix · לְIndirect object (recipient)לְ 'to, for'; Leah receives the second son as YHWH's gift in response to her unloved status.
גַּםalsoasseverative particle · גַּם (H1571)Additive particleגַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; marks Simeon as a second gift in addition to Reuben.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks זֶה as definite object of giving.
זֶ֑הthis onedemonstrative pronoun m sg · זֶה (H2088)Direct objectזֶה (H2088) 'this (m)'; refers to the newborn son; YHWH gave this one also.
וַתִּקְרָ֥אand she calledQal wayyiqtol 3fs · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; the naming formula repeats; each name is a theological statement.
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct objectשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the name encodes the wordplay on שָׁמַע 'to hear'.
שִׁמְעֽוֹןSimeonProper noun · שִׁמְעוֹן (H8095)Predicate complement (name given)שִׁמְעוֹן (H8095) 'Simeon, hearing'; from שָׁמַע 'to hear'; YHWH heard = Simeon; second tribal patriarch.
34

וַתַּ֣הַר עוֹד֮ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּן֒ וַתֹּ֗אמֶר עַתָּ֤ה הַפַּ֨עַם֙ יִלָּוֶ֤ה אִישִׁי֙ אֵלַ֔י כִּֽי יָלַ֥דְתִּי ל֖וֹ שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה בָנִ֑ים עַל כֵּ֥ן קָרָֽא שְׁמ֖וֹ לֵוִֽי

And she conceived again and bore a son, and she said, "Now this time my husband will be joined to me, because I have borne him three sons." Therefore his name was called Levi.

Third birth: Leah longs for attachment through Leviוַתַּ֣הַר
Leah's interpretation turns directly toward marital attachment. The naming of Levi is tied to her desire for relational nearness after three sons.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַתַּ֣הַרand she conceivedQal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָרָה (H2029)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָרָה (H2029) 'to conceive'; the birth cycle continues; Leah's third conception advances the series.
עוֹד֮againadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Temporal adverbעוֹד (H5750) 'still, again'; marks the third conception as continuing the sequence of YHWH's favor.
וַתֵּ֣לֶדand boreQal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) 'to give birth'; Leah's third son is the one named for attachment.
בֵּן֒a sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct objectבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; third male heir born to Leah; father of the Levitical tribe.
וַתֹּ֗אמֶרand she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Leah's third interpretive speech; the focus is now on marital attachment.
עַתָּ֤הnowadverb · עַתָּה (H6258)Temporal adverbעַתָּה (H6258) 'now, at this time'; marker of expected change; her hope persists after three births.
הַפַּ֨עַם֙this timeart + N f sg abs · פַּעַם (H6471)Temporal accusativeפַּעַם (H6471) 'time, occurrence, beat'; הַפַּעַם = 'this time'; marks the third birth as a new threshold.
יִלָּוֶ֤הwill be joinedNiphal impf 3ms · לָוָה (H3867)Predicate verb (hope clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — anticipated attachmentלָוָה (H3867) 'to join, attach, accompany'; Niphal = will be joined; wordplay basis for Levi's name.
אִישִׁי֙my husbandN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · אִישׁ (H376)Subjectאִישׁ (H376) 'man, husband'; Leah still longs for Jacob's relational nearness; three sons and still hoping.
אֵלַ֔יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suffix · אֶל (H413)Goal prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; with 1cs suffix = 'to me'; the desired attachment is directional and personal.
כִּֽיforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'because, for'; introduces the ground of her hope: three sons born.
יָלַ֥דְתִּיI have borneQal perf 1cs · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: completed births cited as claimיָלַד (H3205) 'to give birth'; Leah cites her three sons as the basis for expecting Jacob's attachment.
ל֖וֹfor himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְIndirect object (beneficiary)לְ 'to, for'; with 3ms suffix = 'for him (Jacob)'; the sons are born into Jacob's household.
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣הthreecardinal numeral m sg abs · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral modifierשָׁלֹשׁ/שְׁלֹשָׁה (H7969) 'three'; masculine form before the masculine plural noun; the threefold proof of fertility.
בָנִ֑יםsonsN m pl abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of bearing verbבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; plural; three sons should, in Leah's reasoning, earn Jacob's attachment.
עַלthereforepreposition · עַל (H5921)Causal prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; עַל כֵּן = therefore; introduces the consequential naming formula.
כֵּ֥ןthusadverb/particle · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb of manner (causal formula)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; עַל כֵּן = 'therefore'; standard etiology formula introducing the name.
קָרָֽאhe calledQal perf 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed naming actקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; the subject is impersonal or Leah; the name is formally established.
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct objectשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the name Levi encodes the wordplay from לָוָה 'to join'.
לֵוִֽיLeviProper noun · לֵוִי (H3878)Predicate complement (name given)לֵוִי (H3878) 'Levi, joined'; from לָוָה 'to join, attach'; the third tribal patriarch and father of the priesthood.
35

וַתַּ֨הַר ע֜וֹד וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֗ן וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ הַפַּ֨עַם֙ אוֹדֶ֣ה אֶת יְהוָ֔ה עַל כֵּ֛ן קָרְאָ֥ה שְׁמ֖וֹ יְהוּדָ֑ה וַֽתַּעֲמֹ֖ד מִלֶּֽדֶת

And she conceived again and bore a son, and she said, "This time I will praise YHWH." Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she ceased bearing.

Fourth birth: Leah turns from longing for Jacob to praise of YHWHוַתַּ֨הַר
The sequence culminates in a changed verbal posture. Instead of appealing to future love from Jacob, Leah names Judah from praise and the birth cycle pauses.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַתַּ֨הַרand she conceivedQal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָרָה (H2029)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָרָה (H2029) 'to conceive'; the fourth and climactic conception in Leah's birth series.
ע֜וֹדagainadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Temporal adverbעוֹד (H5750) 'still, again'; marks the fourth conception; the series reaches its theological climax.
וַתֵּ֣לֶדand boreQal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) 'to give birth'; Leah bears her fourth son; the one from whose line the Messiah will come.
בֵּ֗ןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct objectבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the fourth son; Judah, the father of the royal and messianic line.
וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙and she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Leah's fourth and climactic speech; the posture shifts from longing to praise.
הַפַּ֨עַם֙this timeart + N f sg abs · פַּעַם (H6471)Temporal accusativeפַּעַם (H6471) 'time, occurrence'; הַפַּעַם = 'this time'; marks the decisive turn in Leah's speech.
אוֹדֶ֣הI will praiseHiphil impf 1cs · יָדָה (H3034)Predicate verb (vow of praise)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/volitional — resolve to praiseיָדָה (H3034) 'to praise, thank, confess'; Hiphil impf = I will praise; no longer longing for Jacob — praise alone.
אֶת[obj]object marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking YHWH as the definite object of praise.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHProper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Direct objectיְהוָה (H3068) 'YHWH'; the object of Leah's praise; the movement from longing for Jacob to worshiping YHWH.
עַלthereforepreposition · עַל (H5921)Causal prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; עַל כֵּן = therefore; the etiology formula marks the transition to naming.
כֵּ֛ןthusadverb/particle · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb of manner (etiology formula)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; עַל כֵּן = 'therefore'; standard name-origin formula.
קָרְאָ֥הshe calledQal perf 3fs · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed naming actקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; Leah herself names this son; the active subject is the mother.
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct objectשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the name Judah encodes praise of YHWH as its etymology.
יְהוּדָ֑הJudahProper noun · יְהוּדָה (H3063)Predicate complement (name given)יְהוּדָה (H3063) 'Judah, praised'; from יָדָה 'to praise'; the climactic name; father of the royal-messianic line.
וַֽתַּעֲמֹ֖דand she ceasedQal wayyiqtol 3fs · עָמַד (H5975)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand, stop, cease'; עָמַד מִ = 'ceased from'; Leah's bearing pauses after Judah.
מִלֶּֽדֶתfrom bearingprep מִן + Qal inf constr · יָלַד (H3205)Separative infinitival phrase→ Infinitive construct: the activity she ceasedיָלַד (H3205) 'to give birth'; inf constr with מִן = 'from bearing'; the birth cycle is suspended, opening the next chapter.