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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 29:16 Now Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/29-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/01_Gen_29_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 29:16 - Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/29-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/29-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/29.htm">Chapter 29</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/29-15.htm" title="Genesis 29:15">◄</a> Genesis 29:16 <a href="/genesis/29-17.htm" title="Genesis 29:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div 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 />Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/29.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Now Laban had two daughters. The older daughter was named Leah, and the younger one was Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/29.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now Laban had two daughters. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/29.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/29.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder <i>was</i> Leah, and the name of the younger <i>was</i> Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/29.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder <i>was</i> Leah, and the name of the younger <i>was</i> Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/29.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/29.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/29.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/29.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/29.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/29.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Laban had two daughters: the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/29.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Laban had two daughters: the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/29.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/29.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/29.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Laban had two daughters. The name of the older one was Leah, and the name of the younger one was Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/29.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger Rachel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/29.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Now Laban happened to have two daughters. The older one was named Leah and the younger was named Rachel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/29.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/29.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />(Now Laban had two daughters; the older one was named Leah, and the younger one Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/29.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Laban had two daughters. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/29.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/29.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Laban had two daughters. The name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. <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 has two daughters, the name of the older [is] Leah, and the name of the younger Rachel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/29.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Laban hath two daughters, the name of the elder is Leah, and the name of the younger Rachel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/29.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And to Laban two daughters: the name to the great, Leah; and the name to the small, Rachel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/29.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Now he had two daughters, the name of the elder was Lia: and the younger was called Richel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/29.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />In truth, he had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah; and truly the younger was called Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/29.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Now Laban had two daughters; the older was called Leah, the younger Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/29.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/29.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Laban had two daughters: the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/29.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Laban had two daughters; the name of the elder was Leah and the name of the younger, Rakhyl.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/29.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Now Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/29.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Now Laban had two daughters, the name of the elder was Lea, and the name of the younger, Rachel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/29-16.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=7041" 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">15</span>Laban said to him, “Just because you are my relative, should you work for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.” <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3837.htm" title="3837: ū·lə·lā·ḇān (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob. The same as laban; Laban, a Mesopotamian; also a place in the Desert.">Now Laban</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·tê (Number-fdc) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">had two</a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: ḇā·nō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">daughters;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: hag·gə·ḏō·lāh (Art:: Adj-fs) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">the older</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šêm (N-msc) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">was named</a> <a href="/hebrew/3812.htm" title="3812: lê·’āh (N-proper-fs) -- Weary, a wife of Jacob. From la'ah; weary; Leah, a wife of Jacob.">Leah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6996.htm" title="6996: haq·qə·ṭan·nāh (Art:: Adj-fs) -- Small, young, unimportant. Or qaton; from quwt; abbreviated, i.e. Diminutive, literally or figuratively.">and the younger</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: wə·šêm (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">was named</a> <a href="/hebrew/7354.htm" title="7354: rā·ḥêl (N-proper-fs) -- A wife of Jacob. The same as rachel; Rachel, a wife of Jacob.">Rachel.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was shapely and beautiful.…<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/24-29.htm">Genesis 24:29-31</a></span><br />Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, and he rushed out to the man at the spring. / As soon as he saw the ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and heard Rebekah’s words, “The man said this to me,” he went and found the man standing by the camels near the spring. / “Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/30-26.htm">Genesis 30:26-28</a></span><br />Give me my wives and children for whom I have served you, that I may go on my way. You know how hard I have worked for you.” / But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.” / And he added, “Name your wages, and I will pay them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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/24-15.htm">Genesis 24:15-16</a></span><br />Before the servant had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. / Now the girl was very beautiful, a virgin who had not had relations with any man. She went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came up again.<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/24-60.htm">Genesis 24:60</a></span><br />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="/genesis/31-41.htm">Genesis 31:41</a></span><br />Thus for twenty years I have served in your household—fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks—and you have changed my wages ten times!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-10.htm">Genesis 24:10</a></span><br />Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed with all manner of good things from his master in hand. And he set out for Nahor’s hometown in Aram-naharaim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/25-20.htm">Genesis 25:20</a></span><br />and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan-aram and the sister of Laban the Aramean.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-67.htm">Genesis 24:67</a></span><br />And Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah as his wife. And Isaac loved her and was comforted after his mother’s death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-1.htm">Genesis 31:1-3</a></span><br />Now Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken away all that belonged to our father and built all this wealth at our father’s expense.” / And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed. / Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-3.htm">Genesis 24:3-4</a></span><br />and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, / but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-19.htm">Genesis 31:19</a></span><br />Now while Laban was out shearing his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-35.htm">Genesis 24:35</a></span><br />“The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become rich. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, camels and donkeys.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.</p><p class="hdg">was Leah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/29-17.htm">Genesis 29:17,25-32</a></b></br> Leah <i>was</i> tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/30-19.htm">Genesis 30:19</a></b></br> And Leah conceived again, and bare Jacob the sixth son.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-4.htm">Genesis 31:4</a></b></br> And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/28-8.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/genesis/27-42.htm">Elder</a> <a href="/genesis/29-15.htm">Laban</a> <a href="/genesis/27-15.htm">Older</a> <a href="/genesis/29-12.htm">Rachel</a> <a href="/genesis/27-42.htm">Younger</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/30-13.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm">Elder</a> <a href="/genesis/29-19.htm">Laban</a> <a href="/genesis/29-26.htm">Older</a> <a href="/genesis/29-17.htm">Rachel</a> <a href="/genesis/29-18.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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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>Now Laban had two daughters;</b><br>Laban, a key figure in the Genesis narrative, is the brother of Rebekah and uncle to Jacob. His role in the story is significant as he becomes Jacob's father-in-law. The mention of Laban having two daughters sets the stage for the unfolding events in Jacob's life, particularly his marriages and the subsequent birth of the twelve tribes of Israel. The number two often signifies witness or testimony in biblical numerology, which may foreshadow the important roles these daughters will play in the history of Israel.<p><b>the older was named Leah,</b><br>Leah, the elder daughter, is introduced first, which is significant in the cultural context of primogeniture, where the firstborn typically holds a place of honor and inheritance. Her name, meaning "weary" or "delicate," may reflect her life experiences and the challenges she faces. Leah's role in the biblical narrative is crucial as she becomes the mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel, including Judah, from whom the line of David and ultimately Jesus Christ descends. This connection highlights the theme of God's sovereignty and grace, as Leah, though less favored, is chosen to be part of the Messianic lineage.<p><b>and the younger was named Rachel.</b><br>Rachel, the younger daughter, is introduced with a name meaning "ewe," symbolizing beauty and gentleness. Her introduction as the younger sets up the tension in the narrative, as Jacob's love for her becomes a central theme. Rachel's beauty and Jacob's affection for her are pivotal in the story, leading to the complex family dynamics and the eventual birth of Joseph and Benjamin. Rachel's life and struggles, including her initial barrenness, echo the experiences of other matriarchs like Sarah and Rebekah, emphasizing themes of faith, patience, and God's providence. Rachel's connection to Joseph, a type of Christ, further underscores her importance in the biblical narrative.<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 plays a significant role in the account of Jacob, as he becomes Jacob's father-in-law and employer. Laban is known for his cunning and manipulative behavior, which is evident in his dealings with Jacob.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/leah.htm">Leah</a></b><br>Leah is the older daughter of Laban. She becomes Jacob's first wife through Laban's deception. Leah is described as having "weak eyes," which some interpret as a lack of physical beauty compared to her sister Rachel. Despite this, Leah becomes the mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/rachel.htm">Rachel</a></b><br>Rachel is the younger daughter of Laban and is described as beautiful and well-favored. Jacob falls in love with Rachel and agrees to work for Laban for seven years to marry her. Rachel becomes Jacob's second wife and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Jacob is a central figure in this account. He is the son of Isaac and Rebekah and the grandson of Abraham. Jacob's journey to Laban's household marks a significant period in his life, where he experiences both love and deception.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/h/haran.htm">Haran</a></b><br>This is the region where Laban and his family reside. It is significant as the place where Jacob flees to escape his brother Esau's wrath and where he meets his future wives, Leah and Rachel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_family_dynamics.htm">God's Sovereignty in Family Dynamics</a></b><br>Despite human manipulation and favoritism, God's purposes prevail. Leah, though less favored, becomes the mother of Judah, through whom the Messiah would come.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_favoritism.htm">The Danger of Favoritism</a></b><br>Laban's favoritism towards Rachel over Leah sets the stage for family conflict. This serves as a warning against favoritism in our own families and communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_inner_beauty.htm">The Value of Inner Beauty</a></b><br>While Rachel is noted for her physical beauty, Leah's role in God's plan emphasizes the importance of inner beauty and character over outward appearance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_adversity.htm">Perseverance in Adversity</a></b><br>Leah's perseverance in a difficult marriage situation can inspire us to remain faithful and trust in God's plan, even when circumstances are challenging.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_compassion_for_the_unloved.htm">God's Compassion for the Unloved</a></b><br>God sees and cares for those who feel unloved or overlooked, as demonstrated by His blessing of Leah with children.<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/who_was_rachel_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Rachel in the Bible?</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/who_was_leah_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Leah in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jacob's_biblical_life_unfold.htm">How did Jacob's life unfold in biblical narratives?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/29.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Laban had two daughters</span> (the wife of Laban is not mentioned in the story): <span class="cmt_word">the name of the elder was Leah</span>, - "Wearied" (Gesenius); "Dull," "<span class="accented">Stupid"</span> (Furst); "Pining," "Yearning" (Lange) - <span class="cmt_word">and the name of the younger was Rachel</span> - "Ewe" (Gesenius). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/29-16.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">Now Laban</span><br /><span class="heb">וּלְלָבָ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(ū·lə·lā·ḇān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | 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">had two</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁתֵּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(šə·tê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - fdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">daughters;</span><br /><span class="heb">בָנ֑וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā·nō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> </span><span class="str2">A daughter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the older</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגְּדֹלָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(hag·gə·ḏō·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> </span><span class="str2">Great, older, insolent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was named</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׁ֤ם</span> <span class="translit">(šêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Leah,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵאָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(lê·’āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3812.htm">Strong's 3812: </a> </span><span class="str2">Leah -- 'weary', a wife of Jacob</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the younger</span><br /><span class="heb">הַקְּטַנָּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(haq·qə·ṭan·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6996.htm">Strong's 6996: </a> </span><span class="str2">Small, young, unimportant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was named</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשֵׁ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Rachel.</span><br /><span class="heb">רָחֵֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(rā·ḥêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7354.htm">Strong's 7354: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rachel -- a wife of Jacob</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/29-16.htm">Genesis 29:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/29-16.htm">Genesis 29:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/29-16.htm">Genesis 29:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/29-16.htm">Genesis 29:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/29-16.htm">Genesis 29:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/29-16.htm">Genesis 29:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/29-16.htm">Genesis 29:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/29-16.htm">Genesis 29:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/29-16.htm">Genesis 29:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/29-16.htm">Genesis 29:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/29-16.htm">OT Law: Genesis 29:16 Laban had two daughters (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/29-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 29:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 29:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/29-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 29:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 29:17" /></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>