Genesis 29:16
New International Version
Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

New Living Translation
Now Laban had two daughters. The older daughter was named Leah, and the younger one was Rachel.

English Standard Version
Now Laban had two daughters. The name of the older was Leah, 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.

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

New King James Version
Now Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

New American Standard Bible
Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

NASB 1995
Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

NASB 1977
Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

Amplified Bible
Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

Christian Standard Bible
Now Laban had two daughters: the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel.

Holman Christian 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.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Laban had two daughters. The name of the older one was Leah, and the name of the younger one was Rachel.

Good News Translation
Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger Rachel.

International Standard Version
Now Laban happened to have two daughters. The older one was named Leah and the younger was named Rachel.

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

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

New Heart English Bible
Laban had two daughters. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

World English Bible
Laban had two daughters. The name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Laban has two daughters, the name of the older [is] Leah, and the name of the younger Rachel,

Young's Literal Translation
And Laban hath two daughters, the name of the elder is Leah, and the name of the younger Rachel,

Smith's Literal Translation
And to Laban two daughters: the name to the great, Leah; and the name to the small, Rachel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now he had two daughters, the name of the elder was Lia: and the younger was called Richel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In truth, he had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah; and truly the younger was called Rachel.

New American Bible
Now Laban had two daughters; the older was called Leah, the younger Rachel.

New Revised Standard Version
Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Laban had two daughters: the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger Rachel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Laban had two daughters; the name of the elder was Leah and the name of the younger, Rakhyl.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Now Laban had two daughters, the name of the elder was Lea, and the name of the younger, Rachel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
15Laban said to him, “Just because you are my relative, should you work for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.” 16Now Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel. 17Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was shapely and beautiful.…

Cross References
Genesis 24:29-31
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.”

Genesis 30:26-28
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.”

Genesis 24:50-51
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.”

Genesis 31:14-16
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.”

Genesis 24:15-16
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.

Genesis 28:2
“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.

Genesis 24:60
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.”

Genesis 31:41
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!

Genesis 24:10
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.

Genesis 25:20
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.

Genesis 24:67
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.

Genesis 31:1-3
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.”

Genesis 24:3-4
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.”

Genesis 31:19
Now while Laban was out shearing his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols.

Genesis 24:35
“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.


Treasury of Scripture

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

was Leah.

Genesis 29:17,25-32
Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured…

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,

Jump to Previous
Daughters Elder Laban Older Rachel Younger
Jump to Next
Daughters Elder Laban Older Rachel Younger
Genesis 29
1. Jacob comes to the well of Haran.
9. He becomes acquainted with Rachel.
13. Laban entertains him.
18. Jacob covenants for Rachel.
23. He is deceived by Laban with Leah.
28. He marries also Rachel, and serves for her seven years more.
32. Leah bears Reuben;
33. Simeon;
34. Levi;
35. and Judah.














Now Laban had two daughters;
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.

the older was named Leah,
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.

and the younger was named Rachel.
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.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Laban
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.

2. Leah
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.

3. Rachel
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.

4. Jacob
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.

5. Haran
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.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Family Dynamics
Despite human manipulation and favoritism, God's purposes prevail. Leah, though less favored, becomes the mother of Judah, through whom the Messiah would come.

The Danger of Favoritism
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.

The Value of Inner Beauty
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.

Perseverance in Adversity
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.

God's Compassion for the Unloved
God sees and cares for those who feel unloved or overlooked, as demonstrated by His blessing of Leah with children.Verse 16. - And Laban had two daughters (the wife of Laban is not mentioned in the story): the name of the elder was Leah, - "Wearied" (Gesenius); "Dull," "Stupid" (Furst); "Pining," "Yearning" (Lange) - and the name of the younger was Rachel - "Ewe" (Gesenius).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now Laban
וּלְלָבָ֖ן (ū·lə·lā·ḇān)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3837: Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob

had two
שְׁתֵּ֣י (šə·tê)
Number - fdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

daughters;
בָנ֑וֹת (ḇā·nō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1323: A daughter

the older
הַגְּדֹלָה֙ (hag·gə·ḏō·lāh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

was named
שֵׁ֤ם (šêm)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034: A name

Leah,
לֵאָ֔ה (lê·’āh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3812: Leah -- 'weary', a wife of Jacob

and the younger
הַקְּטַנָּ֖ה (haq·qə·ṭan·nāh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant

was named
וְשֵׁ֥ם (wə·šêm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034: A name

Rachel.
רָחֵֽל׃ (rā·ḥêl)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7354: Rachel -- a wife of Jacob


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OT Law: Genesis 29:16 Laban had two daughters (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 29:15
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