Genesis 29:15-25

15 Lavan said to him, "Why should you work for me for nothing, just because you are my relative? Tell me how much I should pay you."

16 Now Lavan had two daughters; the name of the older was Le'ah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

17 Le'ah's eyes were weak; but Rachel was good-looking, with beautiful features.

18 Ya'akov had fallen in love with Rachel and said, "I will work for you seven years in exchange for Rachel your younger daughter."

19 Lavan answered, "Better that I give her to you than to someone else; stay with me."

20 So Ya'akov worked seven years for Rachel, and it seemed only a few days to him, because he was so much in love with her.

21 Ya'akov said to Lavan, "Give me my wife, since my time is finished, so that I can start living with her."

22 Lavan gathered all the men of the place and gave a banquet.

23 In the evening he took Le'ah his daughter and brought her to Ya'akov, and he went in and slept with her.

24 Lavan also gave his slave-girl Zilpah to his daughter Le'ah as her slave-girl.

25 In the morning Ya'akov saw that he was with Le'ah, and he said to Lavan, "What kind of thing is this that you've done to me? Didn't I work for you for Rachel? Why have you deceived me?"

Genesis 29:15-25 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.