International Children’s Bible

Genesis 29:8-19 International Children’s Bible (ICB)

8. But they said, “We cannot do that until all the flocks are gathered. Then we will roll away the stone from the mouth of the well and water the sheep.”

9. While Jacob was talking with the shepherds, Rachel came with her father’s sheep. It was her job to take care of the sheep.

10. Then Jacob saw Laban’s daughter Rachel and Laban’s sheep. So he went to the well and rolled the stone from its mouth. Then he watered Laban’s sheep. Now Laban was the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s mother.

11. Then Jacob kissed Rachel and cried.

12. He told her that he was from her father’s family. He said that he was the son of Rebekah. So Rachel ran home and told her father.

13. When Laban heard the news about his sister’s son Jacob, Laban ran to meet him. Laban hugged him and kissed him and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban everything that had happened.

14. Then Laban said, “You are my own flesh and blood.”So Jacob stayed there a month.

15. Then Laban said to Jacob, “You are my relative. But it is not right for you to keep on working for me without pay. What would you like me to pay you?”

16. Now Laban had two daughters. The older was Leah, and the younger was Rachel.

17. Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was very beautiful.

18. Jacob loved Rachel. So he said to Laban, “Let me marry your younger daughter Rachel. If you will, I will work seven years for you.”

19. Laban said, “It would be better for her to marry you than someone else. So stay here with me.”