Genesis 29:13
New International Version
As soon as Laban heard the news about Jacob, his sister’s son, he hurried to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home, and there Jacob told him all these things.

New Living Translation
As soon as Laban heard that his nephew Jacob had arrived, he ran out to meet him. He embraced and kissed him and brought him home. When Jacob had told him his story,

English Standard Version
As soon as Laban heard the news about Jacob, his sister’s son, he ran to meet him and embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban all these things,

Berean Standard Bible
When Laban heard the news about his sister’s son Jacob, he ran out to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home, where Jacob told him all that had happened.

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

New King James Version
Then it came to pass, when Laban heard the report about Jacob his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him and kissed him, and brought him to his house. So he told Laban all these things.

New American Standard Bible
So when Laban heard the news about Jacob, his sister’s son, he ran to meet him, and embraced him and kissed him, and brought him to his house. Then he told Laban all these things.

NASB 1995
So when Laban heard the news of Jacob his sister’s son, he ran to meet him, and embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house. Then he related to Laban all these things.

NASB 1977
So it came about, when Laban heard the news of Jacob his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him and kissed him, and brought him to his house. Then he related to Laban all these things.

Legacy Standard Bible
So it happened that when Laban heard the report of Jacob his sister’s son, he ran to meet him, and he embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house. Then he recounted to Laban all these things.

Amplified Bible
When Laban heard of the arrival of Jacob, his sister’s son, he ran to meet him, and embraced and kissed him and brought him to his house. Then he told Laban all these things.

Christian Standard Bible
When Laban heard the news about his sister’s son Jacob, he ran to meet him, hugged him, and kissed him. Then he took him to his house, and Jacob told him all that had happened.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Laban heard the news about his sister’s son Jacob, he ran to meet him, hugged him, and kissed him. Then he took him to his house, and Jacob told him all that had happened.

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

Contemporary English Version
As soon as Laban heard the news, he ran out to meet Jacob. He hugged and kissed him and brought him to his home, where Jacob told him everything that had happened.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As soon as Laban heard the news about his sister's son Jacob, he ran to meet him. He hugged and kissed him and brought him into his home. Then Jacob told Laban all that had happened.

Good News Translation
and when he heard the news about his nephew Jacob, he ran to meet him, hugged him and kissed him, and brought him into the house. When Jacob told Laban everything that had happened,

International Standard Version
When Laban heard the news about his sister's son Jacob, he ran out to meet him. He embraced him, kissed him, and brought him back to his house. Then Jacob told Laban about everything that had happened.

Majority Standard Bible
When Laban heard the news about his sister?s son Jacob, he ran out to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home, where Jacob told him all that had happened.

NET Bible
When Laban heard this news about Jacob, his sister's son, he rushed out to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban how he was related to him.

New Heart English Bible
It happened, when Laban heard the news of Jacob, his sister's son, that he ran to meet Jacob, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban all these things.

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

World English Bible
When Laban heard the news of Jacob, his sister’s son, he ran to meet Jacob, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban all these things.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass, when Laban hears the report of his sister’s son Jacob, that he runs to meet him, and embraces him, and kisses him, and brings him into his house; and he recounts to Laban all these things,

Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, when Laban heareth the report of Jacob his sister's son, that he runneth to meet him, and embraceth him, and kisseth him, and bringeth him in unto his house; and he recounteth to Laban all these things,

Smith's Literal Translation
And it shall be when Laban heard the hearing of Jacob his sister's son, and he will run to meet him, and he will embrace him, and kiss him and bring him to his house, and he will recount to Laban all these words.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who, when he heard that Jacob his sister's son was come, ran forth to meet him; and embracing him, and heartily kissing him, brought him into his house. And when he had heard the causes of his journey,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he had heard that Jacob, his sister’s son, had arrived, he ran to meet him. And embracing him, and kissing him heartily, he brought him into his house. But when he had heard the reasons for his journey,

New American Bible
When Laban heard the news about Jacob, his sister’s son, he ran to meet him. After embracing and kissing him, he brought him to his house. Jacob then repeated to Laban all these things,

New Revised Standard Version
When Laban heard the news about his sister’s son Jacob, he ran to meet him; he embraced him and kissed him, and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban all these things,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it came to pass when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, he ran to meet him and embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house. And Jacob related to Laban all these things.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when Laban heard the report of Yaquuv, son of his sister, he ran to meet him and embraced him and he kissed him and brought him to his house and he related to Laban all these words.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass when Laban heard the name of Jacob, his sister's son, he ran to meet him, and embraced and kissed him, and brought him into his house; and he told Laban all these sayings.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob Meets Rachel
12He told Rachel that he was Rebekah’s son, a relative of her father, and she ran and told her father. 13 When Laban heard the news about his sister’s son Jacob, he ran out to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home, where Jacob told him all that had happened.

Cross References
Genesis 24:29-31
Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, and he rushed out to the man at the spring. / As soon as he saw the ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and heard Rebekah’s words, “The man said this to me,” he went and found the man standing by the camels near the spring. / “Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”

Genesis 33:4
Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.

Exodus 18:7
So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent.

Luke 15:20
So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

Acts 10:25-26
As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet to worship him. / But Peter helped him up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”

2 Kings 4:29
So Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand, and go! If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him. Then lay my staff on the boy’s face.”

1 Samuel 20:41
When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more.

2 Samuel 19:39
So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home.

Ruth 1:9
May the LORD enable each of you to find rest in the home of your new husband.” And she kissed them as they wept aloud

1 Kings 2:19
So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother, who sat down at his right hand.

2 Kings 10:15
When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot,

Matthew 26:49
Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

Romans 16:16
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings.

1 Thessalonians 5:26
Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:12
Greet one another with a holy kiss.


Treasury of Scripture

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

tidings.

Genesis 24:29
And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.

kissed.

Genesis 45:15
Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.

Exodus 4:27
And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.

Exodus 18:7
And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.

all these.

Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Jump to Previous
Arms Embraced Heard Heareth Hearing Home House Hurried Jacob Kissed Kissing Laban Meet News Ran Related Report Runneth Running Sister's Tidings
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Arms Embraced Heard Heareth Hearing Home House Hurried Jacob Kissed Kissing Laban Meet News Ran Related Report Runneth Running Sister's Tidings
Genesis 29
1. Jacob comes to the well of Haran.
9. He becomes acquainted with Rachel.
13. Laban entertains him.
18. Jacob covenants for Rachel.
23. He is deceived by Laban with Leah.
28. He marries also Rachel, and serves for her seven years more.
32. Leah bears Reuben;
33. Simeon;
34. Levi;
35. and Judah.














As soon as Laban heard the news
The immediacy of Laban's reaction is significant. The phrase "as soon as" indicates a sense of urgency and eagerness. In the Hebrew context, this reflects the cultural importance of hospitality and family ties. Laban's quick response underscores the value placed on kinship and the duty to welcome and care for relatives. This urgency also foreshadows Laban's character, which is later revealed to be both hospitable and shrewd.

about Jacob, his sister’s son
The identification of Jacob as "his sister’s son" highlights the familial connection and the importance of lineage in the Hebrew culture. This phrase emphasizes the patriarchal society where family ties were crucial for social and economic alliances. The mention of "sister’s son" also serves to remind the reader of the familial bond between Jacob and Laban, setting the stage for the complex relationship that unfolds.

he ran to meet him
Running to meet someone was a gesture of honor and enthusiasm in ancient Near Eastern culture. This action by Laban signifies a warm welcome and eagerness to connect with Jacob. It reflects the cultural norms of hospitality and the importance of family reunions. The act of running also suggests a level of respect and anticipation, indicating that Laban recognized the significance of Jacob's arrival.

He embraced him and kissed him
The embrace and kiss are traditional expressions of greeting and affection in the ancient world. These actions demonstrate Laban's initial warmth and acceptance of Jacob. In the Hebrew tradition, such gestures were not only signs of familial love but also of peace and goodwill. This greeting sets a positive tone for their initial encounter, though it contrasts with the later complexities of their relationship.

and brought him to his house
Bringing Jacob to his house signifies the extension of hospitality and protection. In the ancient Near East, offering shelter was a fundamental aspect of hospitality, reflecting a commitment to care for and support the guest. This act of bringing Jacob into his home symbolizes Laban's acceptance and the beginning of Jacob's integration into Laban's household, which becomes a pivotal part of Jacob's journey.

And Jacob told him all these things
Jacob's sharing of "all these things" indicates a moment of transparency and trust. This phrase suggests that Jacob recounted his journey, experiences, and perhaps the divine encounters he had. In the Hebrew narrative, storytelling was a means of building relationships and conveying important truths. Jacob's openness with Laban sets the stage for their relationship, highlighting themes of communication and the unfolding of God's plan through Jacob's life.

(13) Laban . . . ran to meet him, and embraced him.--Rachel told her father, because it was a matter simply of the hospitable reception of a relative, and not such news as Rebekah had run to tell those of her mother's house. And to Laban the tidings must have been most welcome, as he called to mind now, seventy-seven years ago, he had seen his dear sister depart to marry the son of the distant sheik. It seems strange, however, that the daughters of this old man should be so young. Either they must have been the children of a wife of his old age, or his granddaughters, but regarded as his own because their father was dead. As Laban's sons are not mentioned till Genesis 31:1, probably on account of their youth, the former is the more probable explanation.

Verse 13. - And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings (literally, heard the hearing, or thing heard, i.e. the report of the arrival) of Jacob his sister's son, - he acted very much as he did ninety-seven years before, when Abraham's servant came to woo his sister (Genesis 14:20, 30) - that (literally, and) he ran to meet him, and embraced him, - so afterwards Esau did Jacob (Genesis 33:4), and Jacob the two sons of Joseph (Genesis 48:10) - and kissed him, and brought him to his house - thus evincing the same kindness and hospitality that had characterized him on the previous occasion. And he (Jacob) told Laban all these things - what his mother bad instructed him to say to attest his kinship (Calvin); the things related in the immediate context (Keil); more likely the entire story of his life, and in particular of his exile from home, with its cause and object (Rosenmüller, Kalisch, Lange).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When Laban
לָבָ֜ן (lā·ḇān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3837: Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob

heard
כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ (ḵiš·mō·a‘)
Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the news
שֵׁ֣מַע ׀ (šê·ma‘)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8088: Something heard, a sound, rumor, announcement, audience

about his sister’s
אֲחֹת֗וֹ (’ă·ḥō·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 269: Sister -- a sister

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

Jacob,
יַעֲקֹ֣ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

he ran out
וַיָּ֤רָץ (way·yā·rāṣ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7323: To run

to meet him,
לִקְרָאתוֹ֙ (liq·rā·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7125: Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way

and he embraced
וַיְחַבֶּק־ (way·ḥab·beq-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2263: To clasp, embrace

him
לוֹ֙ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

and kissed him.
וַיְנַשֶּׁק־ (way·naš·šeq-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5401: To kiss, to equip with weapons

Then he took
וַיְבִיאֵ֖הוּ (way·ḇî·’ê·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

him to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

his home,
בֵּית֑וֹ (bê·ṯōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

and Jacob told
וַיְסַפֵּ֣ר (way·sap·pêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5608: To count, recount, relate

him
לְלָבָ֔ן (lə·lā·ḇān)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3837: Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that had happened.
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים (had·də·ḇā·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause


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OT Law: Genesis 29:13 It happened when Laban heard the news (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 29:12
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