Genesis 29:29

French (BFC) 1997 (Bible en Français Courant)

A Rachel, il donna Bila comme servante.

What Does This Mean?

In Genesis 29:29, Laban gives his handmaid Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as a gift when they get married. This shows the custom of giving servants as part of a marriage dowry in ancient times.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're getting a new puppy as a birthday gift, and your parents also give you a toy to take care of the puppy. That's kind of like what Laban did for Rachel. He gave her a helper named Bilhah to help take care of things in her new home.

Historical Background

Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. This verse reflects the cultural norms of that time, where giving servants as part of marriage arrangements was common. The audience was likely the Israelites who needed to understand their heritage and roots.

Living It Out Today

Today, we can see this as a reminder of how people support each other in relationships. For instance, when a couple starts a new home, friends or family might help set up the house or offer to babysit, showing the value of community support.

Topics

• marriage
• dowry
• servants
• family relationships
• ancient customs
• support

Related Verses

• Genesis 30:3
• Exodus 21:7
• 1 Samuel 1:11
• Luke 1:42
• 1 Timothy 5:8

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Laban give Bilhah to Rachel?

Laban gave Bilhah to Rachel as part of the marriage dowry, a common practice in ancient times where a groom's family would provide something valuable to the bride's family.

What role did Bilhah play in Rachel's life?

Bilhah served as a maid to Rachel, helping her with household duties and likely providing support as Rachel adjusted to her new life.

How does this verse reflect the cultural norms of the time?

This verse reflects the ancient custom of providing servants as part of a marriage dowry, showing how family support and social structures were intertwined in those times.

How can we apply the idea of supporting others from this verse in our modern lives?

We can apply the idea by offering help and support to those in our lives, especially during times of transition like starting a new home or taking on new responsibilities.