Genesis 29:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After greeting the young woman and revealing his identity and origin, he remained in place. However, since God had orchestrated everything for the righteous individual, He prompted the young woman to flee urgently and inform her father, who was her mother’s brother, about the kindness he had shown her and her flocks, clarifying that he was neither a stranger nor an unfamiliar person, but the son of her sister. Beloved, observe how carefully and clearly the sacred Scripture conveys these details to us, illustrating the customs of the ancients and their fervor for the hospitality of guests. To emphasize the young woman's enthusiasm, the Scripture does not merely state that she informed her father of the events; rather, it notes that she ran, reflecting her immense joy.

The account of Rachel illustrates her profound sorrow as she wept and lamented immediately upon receiving a kiss, only ceasing her tears when she recognized a kinsman (Gen. 29:11-12). In this moment, she exemplified purity and conveyed the depth of her affection. Furthermore, if it is stated regarding a husband that “of virgins thou shalt not naze, lest thou be tempted” (Sir 9:5), what can be said about the devoted virgin who, when loved, grapples with sin in thought and action?