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Genesis 29:26 Laban replied, "It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older.
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/29.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/29.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/29.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“It’s not our custom here to marry off a younger daughter ahead of the firstborn,” Laban replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/29.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Laban said, “It is not so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/29.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/29.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/29.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Laban said, “It must not be done so in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/29.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Laban said, “It is not the practice in our place to marry off the younger before the firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/29.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But Laban said, “It is not the practice in our place to marry off the younger before the firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/29.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But Laban said, “It is not the practice in our place, to marry off the younger before the first-born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/29.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But Laban said, “It is not the practice in our place to give the younger before the firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/29.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But Laban only said, “It is not the tradition here to give the younger [daughter in marriage] before the older.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/29.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Laban answered, “It is not the custom in our country to give the younger daughter in marriage before the firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/29.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Laban answered, “It is not the custom in this place to give the younger daughter in marriage before the firstborn. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/29.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Laban said, It is not so done in our place, to give the younger before the first-born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/29.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Laban replied, "In our country the older daughter must get married first. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/29.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Laban said, It is not so done in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/29.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Laban answered, "It's not our custom to give the younger daughter [in marriage] before the older one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/29.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Laban answered, "It is not the custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/29.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But Laban responded, "It's not the practice of our place to give the younger one in marriage before the firstborn. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/29.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Laban replied, ?It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/29.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"It is not our custom here," Laban replied, "to give the younger daughter in marriage before the firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/29.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Laban said, "It is not our custom here to give the younger before the firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/29.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Laban said, it must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the first-born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/29.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Laban said, “It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/29.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Laban says, “It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/29.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Laban saith, 'It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the first-born;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/29.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Laban will say, It shall not be done so in our place, to give the small before the first-born.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/29.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Laban answered: It is not the custom in this place, to give the younger in marriage first. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/29.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Laban responded, “It is not the practice in this place to give the younger in marriage first.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/29.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Laban replied, “It is not the custom in our country to give the younger daughter before the firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/29.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Laban said, “This is not done in our country—giving the younger before the firstborn.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/29.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then Laban said to Jacob, It is not so done in our country, to give the younger in marriage before the elder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/29.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Laban said to Yaquuv, “It is not done in this way in our place, to give the younger before the elder.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/29.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Laban said: 'It is not so done in our place, to give the younger before the first-born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/29.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Laban answered, It is not done thus in our country, to give the younger before the elder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/29-26.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=7107" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/29.htm">Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">25</span>When morning came, there was Leah! “What have you done to me?” Jacob said to Laban. “Wasn’t it for Rachel that I served you? Why have you deceived me?” <span class="reftext">26</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3837.htm" title="3837: lā·ḇān (N-proper-ms) -- Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob. The same as laban; Laban, a Mesopotamian; also a place in the Desert.">Laban</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“It is not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: yê·‘ā·śeh (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">our custom</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: ḵên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4725.htm" title="4725: bim·qō·w·mê·nū (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 1cp) -- Or maqom; also mqowmah; or mqomah; from quwm; properly, a standing, i.e. A spot; but used widely of a locality; also of a condition.">here</a> <a href="/hebrew/6810.htm" title="6810: haṣ·ṣə·‘î·rāh (Art:: Adj-fs) -- Little, insignificant, young. Or tsanowr; from tsa'ar; little; few; young, ignoble.">to give the younger daughter</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: lā·ṯêṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">in marriage</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/1067.htm" title="1067: hab·bə·ḵî·rāh (Art:: Adj-fs) -- First-born (always of women). Feminine from bakar; the eldest daughter.">the older.</a> </span><span class="reftext">27</span>Finish this week’s celebration, and we will give you the younger one in return for another seven years of work.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-50.htm">Genesis 24:50-51</a></span><br />Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter. / Rebekah is here before you. Take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master’s son, just as the LORD has decreed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-14.htm">Genesis 31:14-16</a></span><br />And Rachel and Leah replied, “Do we have any portion or inheritance left in our father’s house? / Are we not regarded by him as outsiders? Not only has he sold us, but he has certainly squandered what was paid for us. / Surely all the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So do whatever God has told you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-33.htm">Genesis 24:33</a></span><br />Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/28-2.htm">Genesis 28:2</a></span><br />“Go at once to Paddan-aram, to the house of your mother’s father Bethuel, and take a wife from among the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-58.htm">Genesis 24:58-60</a></span><br />They called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?” “I will go,” she replied. / So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham’s servant and his men. / And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands upon thousands. May your offspring possess the gates of their enemies.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/14-10.htm">Judges 14:10-12</a></span><br />Then his father went to visit the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, as was customary for the bridegroom. / And when the Philistines saw him, they selected thirty men to accompany him. / “Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can solve it for me within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/4-11.htm">Ruth 4:11</a></span><br />“We are witnesses,” said the elders and all the people at the gate. “May the LORD make the woman entering your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you be prosperous in Ephrathah and famous in Bethlehem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm">1 Samuel 18:17-19</a></span><br />Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” / And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?” / So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/2-21.htm">Exodus 2:21</a></span><br />Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-39.htm">1 Samuel 25:39-42</a></span><br />On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has upheld my cause against the reproach of Nabal and has restrained His servant from evil. For the LORD has brought the wickedness of Nabal down upon his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. / When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.” / She arose, bowed facedown, and said, “Here is your servant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/1-18.htm">Matthew 1:18-19</a></span><br />This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. / Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-2.htm">Matthew 22:2-3</a></span><br />“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. / He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1-10</a></span><br />“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. / Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/2-1.htm">John 2:1-2</a></span><br />On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, / and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-2.htm">2 Corinthians 11:2</a></span><br />I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.</p><p class="hdg">country.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/29-26.htm">Genesis 29:26</a></b></br> And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/27-5.htm">Country</a> <a href="/genesis/19-31.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/genesis/29-24.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/genesis/27-32.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/genesis/27-32.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/genesis/29-24.htm">Laban</a> <a href="/revelation/19-9.htm">Marriage</a> <a href="/genesis/28-9.htm">Married</a> <a href="/genesis/28-6.htm">Marry</a> <a href="/genesis/29-16.htm">Older</a> <a href="/revelation/22-15.htm">Practice</a> <a href="/genesis/29-18.htm">Younger</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/30-25.htm">Country</a> <a href="/genesis/31-35.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/genesis/29-28.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/genesis/35-23.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/genesis/35-23.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/genesis/29-28.htm">Laban</a> <a href="/genesis/34-8.htm">Marriage</a> <a href="/genesis/38-2.htm">Married</a> <a href="/genesis/38-8.htm">Marry</a> <a href="/genesis/48-18.htm">Older</a> <a href="/genesis/44-15.htm">Practice</a> <a href="/genesis/29-27.htm">Younger</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 29</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-1.htm">Jacob comes to the well of Haran.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-9.htm">He becomes acquainted with Rachel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-13.htm">Laban entertains him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-18.htm">Jacob covenants for Rachel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-23.htm">He is deceived by Laban with Leah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-28.htm">He marries also Rachel, and serves for her seven years more.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-32.htm">Leah bears Reuben;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-33.htm">Simeon;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-34.htm">Levi;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/29-35.htm">and Judah.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/29.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/29.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Laban replied</b><br>Laban, the brother of Rebekah and father of Leah and Rachel, is a key figure in the narrative of Jacob's life. His actions often reflect the cunning and deceit that Jacob himself exhibited earlier. This interaction between Laban and Jacob highlights the theme of reaping what one sows, as Jacob previously deceived his own father, Isaac, and brother, Esau.<p><b>“It is not our custom here</b><br>The mention of custom underscores the importance of cultural practices in ancient Near Eastern societies. Customs and traditions were often unwritten laws that governed social behavior. In this context, Laban uses the local custom as a justification for his actions, which may or may not have been a widely recognized practice. This reflects the patriarchal society where family and community norms held significant sway over individual desires.<p><b>to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older.</b><br>The practice of marrying off the elder daughter before the younger was likely rooted in the social and economic structures of the time. The firstborn often held a place of honor and responsibility, and marrying the elder daughter first could ensure her security and the continuation of family lineage. This mirrors the biblical theme of the firstborn's rights, seen in the stories of Esau and Jacob, and later in the laws given to Israel. The situation also foreshadows the rivalry and tension between Leah and Rachel, which plays a significant role in the unfolding narrative of Jacob's family and the twelve tribes of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/l/laban.htm">Laban</a></b><br>Laban is the brother of Rebekah and the father of Leah and Rachel. He is known for his cunning and manipulative behavior, as seen in his dealings with Jacob.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>Jacob is the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the grandson of Abraham. He traveled to Paddan-aram to find a wife from his mother's family and ended up working for Laban.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/l/leah.htm">Leah</a></b><br>Leah is the elder daughter of Laban. She becomes Jacob's first wife through Laban's deception.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/rachel.htm">Rachel</a></b><br>Rachel is the younger daughter of Laban, whom Jacob loves and initially agrees to work seven years to marry.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/paddan-aram.htm">Paddan-aram</a></b><br>This is the region where Laban and his family live, and where Jacob travels to find a wife.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_cultural_contexts.htm">Understanding Cultural Contexts</a></b><br>The importance of understanding cultural customs and traditions is highlighted. Laban's explanation points to a cultural norm that Jacob was unaware of, reminding us to be mindful of cultural contexts in our interactions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_deception.htm">The Consequences of Deception</a></b><br>Jacob, who deceived his father and brother, now faces deception himself. This serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that we often reap what we sow.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a></b><br>Despite human deception and plans, God's purposes prevail. Leah, though not Jacob's first choice, becomes the mother of Judah, an ancestor of Jesus Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/patience_and_perseverance.htm">Patience and Perseverance</a></b><br>Jacob's willingness to work another seven years for Rachel demonstrates patience and perseverance, qualities that are essential in our walk with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_dynamics_and_favoritism.htm">Family Dynamics and Favoritism</a></b><br>The favoritism Jacob shows towards Rachel over Leah sets the stage for future family conflict, teaching us the importance of fairness and love in family relationships.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_29.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 29</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_genesis_29_26-28_conflict_on_polygamy.htm">Genesis 29:26–28: Does the acceptance of polygamy in this chapter conflict with other parts of Scripture? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/summarize_leah_and_rachel's_story..htm">What is the summary of Leah and Rachel's story?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_jacob_marry_leah_and_rachel.htm">How did Jacob end up marrying both Leah and Rachel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/could_jacob_be_tricked_into_marrying_leah.htm">Genesis 29:23–25: Is it believable that Jacob could be deceived into marrying Leah instead of Rachel without noticing? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/29.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(26) <span class= "bld">It must not be so done in our country.</span>--Heb., <span class= "ital">It is not so done in our place, to give, </span>&c. We have seen that it is still customary for the elder cousin to take the elder daughter, and the younger the younger. But Laban affirms that if the elder daughter be not claimed, it was the rule in Haran for her to take precedence over her sisters. In India the practice is such as Laban describes, but we have no proof of the existence of any such custom among the Bedaween. Apparently Leah loved Jacob (<a href="/genesis/30-15.htm" title="And she said to her, Is it a small matter that you have taken my husband? and would you take away my son's mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with you to night for your son's mandrakes.">Genesis 30:15</a>), and Laban wanted a continuance of his service, and so this unscrupulous plot was arranged between them upon a pretext which, if not false, was yet overstrained. Jacob plainly had no idea of such a custom, and would not have given seven years' service for Leah.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/29.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 26.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Laban said, It must not be so done</span> - the future expresses the thought that the custom has grown into a strong moral obligation (Kalisch) - <span class="cmt_word">in our country</span> (Hebrew, <span class="accented">place</span>), <span class="cmt_word">to give the younger before the first-born</span>. The same custom exists among the Indians (Rosenmüller; cf. Roberts, 'Oriental Illustrations,' p. 34), Egyptians (Lane), and other Oriental countries (Delitzsch). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/29-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Laban</span><br /><span class="heb">לָבָ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḇān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3837.htm">Strong's 3837: </a> </span><span class="str2">Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֣אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“It is not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">our custom</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵעָשֶׂ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(yê·‘ā·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">here</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּמְקוֹמֵ֑נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(bim·qō·w·mê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4725.htm">Strong's 4725: </a> </span><span class="str2">A standing, a spot, a condition</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to give the younger daughter</span><br /><span class="heb">הַצְּעִירָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(haṣ·ṣə·‘î·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6810.htm">Strong's 6810: </a> </span><span class="str2">Little, insignificant, young</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in marriage</span><br /><span class="heb">לָתֵ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ṯêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the older.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבְּכִירָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bə·ḵî·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1067.htm">Strong's 1067: </a> </span><span class="str2">First-born (always of women)</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/29-26.htm">Genesis 29:26 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/29-26.htm">Genesis 29:26 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/29-26.htm">Genesis 29:26 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/29-26.htm">Genesis 29:26 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/29-26.htm">Genesis 29:26 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/29-26.htm">Genesis 29:26 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/29-26.htm">Genesis 29:26 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/29-26.htm">Genesis 29:26 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/29-26.htm">Genesis 29:26 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/29-26.htm">Genesis 29:26 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/29-26.htm">OT Law: Genesis 29:26 Laban said It is not done so (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/29-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 29:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 29:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/29-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 29:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 29:27" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>