Genesis 29:26

26 And Laban said, It is not so done in our place, to give the younger before the first-born.

Genesis 29:26 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 29:26

And Laban said, it must not be so done in, our country
Or "in our place" ^F19; in this our city it is not usual and customary to do so; he does not deny what he had done in beguiling him, nor the agreement he had made with him, but pleads the custom of the place as contrary to it:

to give the younger,
that is, in marriage,

before the firstborn;
but it does not appear there was any such custom, and it was a mere evasion; or otherwise, why did not he inform him of this when he asked for Rachel? and why did he enter into a contract with him, contrary to such a known custom? and besides; how could he have the nerve to call the men of the city, and make a feast for the marriage of his younger daughter, if this was the case?

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FOOTNOTES:

F19 (wnmwqmb) "in loco nostro", Pagninus, Montanus, &c

Genesis 29:26 In-Context

24 And Laban gave Zilpah his handmaid unto his daughter Leah for a handmaid.

25 And it came to pass in the morning that, behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? Did not I serve with thee for Rachel? Wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?

26 And Laban said, It is not so done in our place, to give the younger before the first-born.

27 Fulfil the week of this one, and we will give thee the other also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.

28 And jacob did so, and fulfilled her week. And he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife.