Genesis 29:14-30

Then Laban said to him, "You are my own flesh and blood."

Jacob Gets Married to Leah and Rachel

14 Jacob stayed with Laban for a whole month.

15 Then Laban said to him, "You are one of my relatives. But is that any reason for you to work for me for nothing? Tell me what your pay should be."

16 Laban had two daughters. The name of the older one was Leah. And the name of the younger one was Rachel.

17 Leah had weak eyes. But Rachel was beautiful. She had a nice figure.

18 Jacob was in love with Rachel. He said to Laban, "I'll work for you for seven years to get your younger daughter Rachel."

19 Laban said, "It's better for me to give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me."

20 So Jacob worked for seven years to get Rachel. But they seemed like only a few days to him because he loved her so much.

21 Then Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife. I've completed my time. I want to make love to her."

22 So Laban brought all of the people of the place together and had a big dinner prepared.

23 But when evening came, he gave his daughter Leah to Jacob. And Jacob made love to her.

24 Laban gave his female servant Zilpah to his daughter as her servant.

25 When Jacob woke up the next morning, there was Leah next to him! So he said to Laban, "What have you done to me? I worked for you to get Rachel, didn't I? Why did you trick me?"

26 Laban replied, "It isn't our practice here to give the younger daughter to be married before the older one.

27 Complete this daughter's wedding week. Then we'll give you the younger one also. But you will have to work for another seven years."

28 So Jacob did it. He completed the week with Leah. Then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife.

29 Laban gave his female servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her servant.

30 Jacob made love to Rachel also. He loved Rachel more than he loved Leah. And he worked for Laban for another seven years.

Genesis 29:14-30 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.