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.














When Laban heard the news about his sister’s son Jacob
Laban, a key figure in the Genesis narrative, is the brother of Rebekah, Jacob's mother. This familial connection is significant, as it highlights the importance of kinship ties in ancient Near Eastern culture. The news about Jacob would have been of great interest to Laban, as family alliances were crucial for social and economic stability. This moment also sets the stage for the unfolding of God's covenant promises through Jacob, as Laban's household becomes a pivotal location in Jacob's journey.

he ran out to meet him
Laban's eagerness to meet Jacob is indicative of the hospitality customs of the time, where welcoming a relative or guest was a matter of honor. Running to meet someone was a sign of respect and urgency, suggesting Laban's excitement or perhaps his anticipation of potential benefits from Jacob's arrival. This act of running is reminiscent of the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:20), symbolizing a warm and eager welcome.

He embraced him and kissed him
The embrace and kiss are traditional gestures of greeting and affection in the ancient Near East, reflecting familial love and acceptance. This physical expression of welcome underscores the bond between Laban and Jacob, despite the underlying tensions that will later arise. Such gestures are seen throughout Scripture, emphasizing reconciliation and unity, as in the reunion of Esau and Jacob (Genesis 33:4).

and brought him to his home
Bringing Jacob into his home signifies Laban's acceptance and responsibility for his nephew. In the patriarchal society of the time, the home was a place of refuge and provision. This act foreshadows the complex relationship that will develop between Laban and Jacob, involving both hospitality and exploitation. The home becomes a setting for God's continued work in Jacob's life, much like the homes of other patriarchs where God's promises unfold.

where Jacob told him all that had happened
Jacob recounting his journey to Laban is crucial for establishing trust and transparency. This sharing of experiences would have included Jacob's flight from Esau, his vision at Bethel, and God's promises to him. Such storytelling was a vital part of maintaining oral tradition and covenantal history. It also serves to remind the reader of God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His divine plan, as Jacob's narrative aligns with the broader story of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Laban
Laban is the brother of Rebekah and uncle to Jacob. He is a key figure in Jacob's life, particularly in the events that unfold in Haran.

2. Jacob
The son of Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob is on a journey to find a wife from his mother's family. He is fleeing from his brother Esau after receiving Isaac's blessing.

3. Haran
The place where Laban lives and where Jacob travels to find refuge and a wife. It is a significant location in the patriarchal accounts.

4. Rebekah
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Rebekah is the sister of Laban and mother of Jacob, whose family Jacob is seeking.

5. The Meeting
The event of Laban meeting Jacob is significant as it sets the stage for Jacob's extended stay in Haran and his eventual marriages to Leah and Rachel.
Teaching Points
Family Ties and Hospitality
The importance of family connections and the cultural practice of hospitality are evident in Laban's warm reception of Jacob. This reflects the biblical value of caring for relatives and strangers alike.

God's Providence
Jacob's journey to Haran and his reception by Laban demonstrate God's providential care and guidance in the lives of His people, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

The Role of Communication
Jacob's sharing of "all these things" with Laban underscores the importance of open communication in building trust and understanding within family relationships.

Cultural Practices
Understanding the cultural context of the biblical account helps us appreciate the actions and decisions of the characters, such as the significance of the embrace and kiss as signs of welcome and acceptance.

Trusting God's Plan
Despite the challenges Jacob faces, his journey reminds us to trust in God's plan and timing, knowing that He works through our circumstances to fulfill His purposes.(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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