Genesis 29:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Laban {H3837} had two {H8147} daughters {H1323}: the name {H8034} of the elder {H1419} was Leah {H3812}, and the name {H8034} of the younger {H6996} was Rachel {H7354}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

Now Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 29:16 serves as a pivotal, yet seemingly simple, introduction to Laban's two daughters, Leah and Rachel. This verse immediately sets the stage for the complex and consequential marital arrangements of Jacob, which will profoundly shape his household, the lineage of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the ordinary, and often challenging, events of human life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Jacob's arrival in Haran, his encounter with Rachel at the well, and his subsequent welcome into his uncle Laban's household. The preceding verses detail Jacob's flight from Esau and his journey to Paddan-Aram, fulfilling Rebekah's instruction to seek a wife from her family. Having just met Rachel and demonstrated his strength and devotion by rolling the stone from the well, Jacob is now fully integrated into Laban's family, and this verse formally introduces the two women who will become central to his life and the patriarchal narrative. It directly precedes the detailed account of Jacob's servitude for Rachel, the deception involving Leah, and the subsequent birth of his children, thereby laying the foundational familial dynamics for the nation of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, particularly within the patriarchal societies of the Old Testament, family lineage and the production of heirs were paramount. Marriages were often arranged, and the value of daughters was frequently tied to their ability to bear children, especially sons, who would carry on the family name and inheritance. Polygamy, though not God's original design, was a common practice, especially among patriarchs seeking to ensure numerous descendants. The cultural context also includes the practice of a bride price or years of service in exchange for a wife, which will become a central theme in Jacob's dealings with Laban. The introduction of two daughters immediately signals the potential for complex marital arrangements, competitive dynamics, and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant's promise of numerous offspring.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 29:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates seemingly ordinary human interactions—like family introductions—to fulfill His grand redemptive purposes, particularly the formation of His chosen people. The verse also introduces the theme of **Family Dynamics and Relationships**, which will be marked by both love and strife, deception and loyalty, echoing the complexities seen earlier in the lives of Abraham and Isaac. Furthermore, it is foundational to the theme of **Covenant Fulfillment and Lineage**, as Leah and Rachel become the matriarchs through whom the twelve tribes of Israel, the inheritors of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, will emerge (as seen later in [Genesis 35:23-26](/genesis/35-23-26 "The Sons of Jacob")). The narrative also subtly introduces the theme of **Human Imperfection and God's Grace**, as the subsequent story will reveal the flaws and deceptions within this family, yet God's plan continues to advance despite them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **daughters (Hebrew, _bath'_):** From the root meaning "to build" (as in a family), this term signifies female offspring, but in the ancient Near East, it also carried significant implications for lineage, marriage alliances, and the continuation of the family line. The presence of two daughters, rather than just one, immediately introduces the potential for multiple marriages or complex familial arrangements, which will be crucial for the expansion of Jacob's household and the eventual formation of the twelve tribes.
* **elder (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This word denotes greatness in various senses, including age. Here, it specifically refers to Leah's status as the firstborn daughter, a position that carried significant social and familial rights and responsibilities in ancient patriarchal societies. Her seniority will play a critical role in Laban's deception of Jacob, as the custom dictated that the elder daughter should be married before the younger.
* **younger (Hebrew, _qâṭân'_):** This term signifies smallness or diminutiveness, here specifically referring to Rachel's status as the junior daughter in terms of age. Her youth, combined with her beauty (mentioned in the following verse), makes her the object of Jacob's immediate and deep affection, setting up the central romantic and familial tension of the narrative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Laban had two daughters":** This opening clause succinctly states a simple fact, yet it carries immense narrative weight. It immediately introduces the key players who will become central to Jacob's life and the unfolding of God's covenant plan. The number "two" is significant, foreshadowing the complex marital dynamics and the eventual division of Jacob's sons among these two women and their handmaidens.
* **"the name of the elder was Leah":** This clause identifies the first daughter, Leah, by her name and her birth order. Her status as "the elder" is crucial, as it establishes her traditional right to be married first, a custom Laban will exploit. The name "Leah" (לֵאָה, *Le'ah*) is often associated with "weary" or "tired," which some scholars connect to her "tender eyes" mentioned in the subsequent verse, perhaps hinting at a less striking physical appearance compared to her sister.
* **"and the name of the younger was Rachel":** This clause introduces the second daughter, Rachel, and her position as "the younger." Her name, "Rachel" (רָחֵל, *Raḥel*), explicitly means "ewe" (a female sheep), a fitting name given that Jacob first encounters her tending sheep. This name often connotes beauty and gentleness, qualities that align with the description of her physical attractiveness in the following verse and Jacob's immediate affection for her.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 29:16 employs several subtle but powerful literary devices. The primary device is **Introduction**, as the verse formally presents Leah and Rachel, who will become foundational figures in the narrative. This introduction is not merely informational but serves as a clear act of **Foreshadowing**. By naming both daughters and specifying their birth order, the text immediately hints at the complex marital arrangements and the potential for conflict that will define Jacob's household. The emphasis on "elder" and "younger" subtly prepares the reader for the deception that will occur, where the customary order of marriage is manipulated. Furthermore, the use of **Nominalism** is evident, as the names Leah and Rachel, with their potential etymological meanings ("weary" and "ewe," respectively), subtly contribute to their characterization and foreshadow their future roles and experiences within the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 29:16, though a simple genealogical statement, is deeply intertwined with God's overarching plan for His covenant people. It underscores the theological truth that God's sovereign purposes often unfold through the seemingly ordinary and even flawed circumstances of human life. The introduction of these two women, who will become the primary matriarchs of Israel, highlights God's meticulous attention to lineage and His faithfulness in building a nation from Jacob's descendants, despite the complex and often challenging family dynamics that will ensue. This verse sets the stage for the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant's promise of numerous offspring, demonstrating how God works through specific individuals and their relationships to bring about His divine will.

* [Genesis 35:23-26](/genesis/35-23-26 "The Sons of Jacob")
* [Ruth 4:11](/ruth/4-11 "Blessing for Boaz and Ruth")
* [Matthew 1:2](/matthew/1-2 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 29:16, in its brevity, reminds us that even seemingly minor details in the biblical narrative can carry profound significance for God's unfolding plan. For believers today, this verse encourages us to recognize God's sovereign hand at work not only in grand, miraculous events but also in the everyday introductions and relationships that shape our lives. Just as Leah and Rachel were introduced for God's specific purpose in building the nation of Israel, so too can we trust that God orchestrates our paths and connections for His divine will, even when the immediate circumstances seem ordinary or challenging. It prompts us to reflect on how God uses imperfect people and complex situations to achieve His perfect purposes, fostering a deeper trust in His providence and reminding us that every person, every relationship, and every detail can be part of His grand design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this seemingly simple introduction of Leah and Rachel foreshadow the complex family dynamics that will unfold in Jacob's life?**
* **In what ways does this verse, by setting the stage for the formation of Israel's tribes, illustrate God's sovereignty working through human relationships?**
* **What does this passage teach us about paying attention to seemingly minor details in Scripture, and how might those details contribute to a larger understanding of God's plan?**

### FAQ
**Why are both daughters named if Jacob only initially loved Rachel?**

Answer: The text names both daughters because both will play crucial and indispensable roles in Jacob's life and the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel, regardless of Jacob's initial preference for Rachel. This immediate introduction of both sisters, along with their birth order, foreshadows the complex marital dynamics and divine purposes that will involve them equally, indicating their foundational importance in the larger narrative of God's covenant people and the lineage of the Messiah.

**What is the significance of the names Leah and Rachel?**

Answer: The names carry symbolic weight that subtly hints at their personalities and future experiences. Leah (לֵאָה, *Le'ah*) is often associated with "weary" or "cow," which some interpret in relation to her "tender eyes" mentioned in [Genesis 29:17](/genesis/29-17 "Leah's Tender Eyes"), possibly implying a less striking appearance or a life of sorrow. Rachel (רָחֵל, *Raḥel*) explicitly means "ewe" (female sheep), fitting her role as a shepherdess when Jacob first meets her ([Genesis 29:9](/genesis/29-9 "Jacob Meets Rachel at the Well")) and often implying beauty, gentleness, or even vulnerability. These names contribute to their characterization and foreshadow their distinct experiences within Jacob's household.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 29:16, by introducing Leah and Rachel, initiates a crucial phase in the patriarchal narrative that directly contributes to the lineage of Jesus Christ. While not directly messianic, this verse sets in motion the family tree that would eventually lead to the tribe of Judah, from whom the Messiah would descend. Leah, the elder daughter, becomes the mother of Judah ([Genesis 29:35](/genesis/29-35 "Leah Gives Birth to Judah")), establishing a direct ancestral link to the promised Seed. This seemingly simple introduction of two sisters thus becomes a vital step in God's meticulous, sovereign plan for human redemption. The subsequent complexities and imperfections within Jacob's family underscore God's ability to work through flawed human circumstances to bring about His perfect will, ultimately culminating in the birth of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") This demonstrates that God's plan of salvation, culminating in Christ, is woven through every generation and every family, even those marked by human frailty, as seen in the [genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 49:31

There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.

Ruth 4:11

And all the people that [were] in the gate, and the elders, said, [We are] witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:

Genesis 35:23

The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:

Genesis 46:15

These [be] the sons of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob in Padanaram, with his daughter Dinah: all the souls of his sons and his daughters [were] thirty and three.

Genesis 30:19

And Leah conceived again, and bare Jacob the sixth son.

Genesis 31:4

And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,

Genesis 29:25

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