Genesis 29:26

26 But Laban said, "It is not the practice * in our place to marry off the younger before the firstborn.

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 Laban also gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah as a maid.

25 So it came about in the morning that, behold, it was Leah! And he said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served with you? Why then have you deceived me?"

26 But Laban said, "It is not the practice in our place to marry off the younger before the firstborn.

27 "Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also for the service which you shall serve with me for another seven years."

28 Jacob did so and completed her week, and he gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "done thus in"
• [b]. Lit "give"