Genesis 29:21-31

21 Then Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife that I may go in to her, for my time is completed."
22 So Laban gathered together all the people of the place and 1made a feast.
23 But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and he went in to her.
24 (Laban gave[a]2his female servant Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her servant.)
25 And in the morning, behold, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?"
26 Laban said, "It is not so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.
27 3Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years."
28 Jacob did so, and completed her week. Then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife.
29 (Laban gave 4his female servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel to be her servant.)
30 So Jacob went in to Rachel also, and he loved Rachel more than Leah, and served Laban 5for another seven years.

Jacob's Children

31 When the LORD saw that Leah was 6hated, 7he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.

Genesis 29:21-31 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 29

This chapter informs us of Jacob's coming to a well near Haran, where meeting with some shepherds he inquires after Laban, Ge 29:1-8; and there also with Rachel his daughter, the shepherds made known to him, and acquainted her who he was, Ge 29:9-12; upon which she ran to her father, and told him who was at the well, who went forth and brought him to his house, and kindly entertained him, Ge 29:13,14; with whom he agreed to stay and serve seven years for Rachel his daughter, Ge 29:15-20; at the end of which Jacob demands his wife, but instead of Rachel, Leah was brought to him as his wife, Ge 29:21-25; which being discovered, and complained of, it was proposed he should have Rachel also, provided he would serve yet seven years more, to which he agreed, Ge 29:26-30; and the chapter is concluded with an account of four sons being born to Jacob of Leah, Ge 29:31-35.

Cross References 7

  • 1. Judges 14:10; [John 2:1, 2]
  • 2. See Genesis 30:9-12
  • 3. [Judges 14:12]
  • 4. See Genesis 30:3-7
  • 5. ver. 20; Genesis 31:41
  • 6. Deuteronomy 21:15
  • 7. [Genesis 30:22]

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or had given; also verse 29
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.