Genesis 29:27
Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
Genesis 29:27 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, Laban is speaking to Jacob, who has just completed seven years of service in order to marry Laban's daughter, Rachel. Laban is informing Jacob that in order to marry Rachel, he must first fulfil her sister Leah's week of celebration and then he will be able to marry Rachel as well. This was a common custom in ancient times, where the older daughter had to be married off first before the younger daughter could be wed. Laban then offers Jacob the opportunity to work for him for another seven years in exchange for Rachel's hand in marriage. This verse demonstrates the cultural practices and customs of the time and also highlights the importance of fulfilling obligations and commitments. It also shows the lengths Jacob was willing to go to in order to marry the woman he loved.
Theological Overview
Genesis 29:27 provides an interesting theological interpretation as it relates to the concept of fulfilling one's obligations and the idea of perseverance. In this verse, Laban instructs Jacob to fulfill Leah's week of marriage before he can marry Rachel, for which he must serve Laban an additional seven years. This command highlights the importance of honoring commitments and completing tasks before moving on to new endeavors. It also emphasizes the idea of patience and endurance, as Jacob is required to wait for an extended period of time before he can finally be united with the woman he loves. The word "week" in this context likely signifies a period of time, rather than a literal seven days, highlighting the symbolic nature of the passage. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness, perseverance, and trust in God's plan, even when faced with challenges and delays.
Genesis 29:27 in other translations
American Standard Version
Fulfil the week of this one, and we will give thee the other also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
World English Bible
Fulfill the week of this one, and we will give you the other also for the service which you will serve with me yet seven other years.”
Douay-Rheims
Make up the week of days of this match: and I will give thee her also, for the service that thou shalt render me other seven years.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Fulfill seuen yeeres for her, and we wil also giue thee this for the seruice, which thou shalt serue me yet seuen yeeres more.