What does Genesis 29:29 mean?

And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid. Genesis 29:29

Explanation

Genesis 29:29 describes a particular moment in the narrative of the patriarch Jacob and his marriage to Rachel. The verse tells us that Laban, Rachel’s father, gave his daughter Bilhah as a handmaid when Rachel was given in marriage to Jacob. In the broader context, Jacob had worked for seven years to marry Rachel, only to be deceived and given Leah, Rachel’s older sister, by Laban. He then worked an additional seven years for Rachel. The giving of the handmaid Bilhah to Rachel likely signifies a provision for Rachel’s household, granting her authority over a servant as was customary in that era for women of her status.

Historical Context

At the time Genesis was written, it was common practice in the Near Eastern cultures for a bride to be given handmaids by her father upon marriage. These handmaids often acted as personal servants and could serve various roles within the household, including bearing children on behalf of their mistress if she was unable to conceive. This cultural practice is crucial to understand subsequent events in Genesis when Bilhah becomes the mother of some of Jacob’s children at Rachel’s request.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, the giving of Bilhah to Rachel by Laban can be seen as a gesture that upholds the societal norms of the time while also setting the stage for God’s broader plan for the nation of Israel, which is derived from the twelve sons of Jacob, including those born from handmaids. It also reflects on the concept of God working through human customs and decisions to fulfill divine purposes.

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Practical Applications

While the cultural practice in Genesis 29:29 does not directly apply in the modern context, the underlying principles of generosity and provision for loved ones at significant life stages can be relevant. Today, this might take the form of supporting family members as they embark on new endeavors, such as marriage or starting a business, much like Laban’s endowment to Rachel, albeit in a contemporary setting.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 16:1-2: “Now Sarai Abram’s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my concubine; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.”
  • Genesis 30:3-4: “And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her. And she gave him Bilhah her handmaid to wife: and Jacob went in unto her.”
  • Genesis 35:22-26: Lists the sons of Jacob, including those born to Bilhah.

Language Study

  • “Bilhah” (בִּלְהָה): Her name may derive from a root meaning “modesty” or “bashfulness.”
  • “Handmaid” (אָמָה): This term refers to a female servant or slave who is considered property of her mistress or master. In the context of the culture, such a servant had lower social status but was often incorporated into the family unit.
  • “Maid” (שִׁפְחָה): Similar to “handmaid,” this term refers to a female servant, emphasizing her role in personal service to her mistress.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, including Mesopotamian and Egyptian societies, it was not uncommon for women of higher status to have handmaidens or servants. Sometimes these women played roles similar to those in the Genesis narrative, such as surrogate motherhood. The practice signifies socioeconomic status and wealth. Religious interpretations of these practices might vary, with some seeing the assignment of handmaids as a practical necessity, while others might view it as a reflection of the inequalities within ancient societies.

Scientific Perspectives

The practice of providing handmaids does not invite much intersection with scientific understandings. However, modern genetics and reproductive biology can provide insights into the surrogacy aspects of subsequent interactions between Rachel, Bilhah, and Jacob. Scientifically, the children born from Bilhah would be her biological offspring, though culturally regarded as Rachel’s by virtue of the social customs of the time.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians provide diverse perspectives on this verse:

  • Classical Jewish commentaries address the role of Bilhah and how she accompanies Rachel to ensure her wellbeing in her new life with Jacob.
  • Christian commentators may reflect on the themes of servitude and hierarchy present in this verse, and the motif of surrogacy that later emerges from Bilhah.
  • Some feminist theologians critique the patriarchal culture evident in the passage, noting the lack of agency for women like Bilhah and the use of handmaids to resolve issues of barrenness.
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