Genesis 29:21-31

21 Ya`akov said to Lavan, "Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her."

22 Lavan gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.

23 It happened in the evening, that he took Le'ah his daughter, and brought her to him. He went in to her.

24 Lavan gave Zilpah his handmaid to his daughter Le'ah for a handmaid.

25 It happened in the morning that, behold, it was Le'ah. He said to Lavan, "What is this you have done to me? Didn't I serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?"

26 Lavan said, "It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the first born.

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

28 Ya`akov did so, and fulfilled her week. He gave him Rachel his daughter as wife.

29 Lavan gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah, his handmaid, to be her handmaid.

30 He went in also to Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Le'ah, and served with him yet seven other years.

31 The LORD saw that Le'ah was hated, and he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.

Genesis 29:21-31 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.