Genesis 29:15-25

15 And Laban said to Jacob, Because thou [art] my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for naught? tell me, what [shall] thy wages [be]?

16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder [was] Leah, and the name of the younger [was] Rachel.

17 Leah [was] tender-eyed, but Rachel was beautiful and well-favored.

18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.

19 And Laban said, [It is] better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.

20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed to him [but] a few days, for the love he had to her.

21 And Jacob said to Laban, Give [me] my wife (for my days are fulfilled) that I may go in to her.

22 And Laban assembled all the men of the place, and made a feast.

23 And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in to her.

24 And Laban gave to his daughter Leah, Zilpah his maid [for] a handmaid.

25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it [was] Leah: and he said to Laban, What [is] this thou hast done to me? did I not serve with thee for Rachel? why then hast thou 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.