And Laban gave his servant girl Zilpah
Laban, a key figure in the narrative, is the brother of Rebekah and father of Leah and Rachel. The giving of a servant girl as part of a marriage arrangement was customary in ancient Near Eastern cultures, reflecting the social and economic structures of the time. Zilpah, whose name means "frailty" or "drooping," becomes an important character in the unfolding story of Jacob's family, as she later bears children who become part of the twelve tribes of Israel. This act of giving a servant girl highlights the patriarchal and hierarchical nature of the society, where servants were considered part of the household property.

to his daughter Leah
Leah, the elder daughter of Laban, is central to the narrative of Jacob's marriages. Her marriage to Jacob, achieved through Laban's deception, sets the stage for the complex family dynamics that follow. Leah's role as the less favored wife contrasts with her sister Rachel, yet she becomes the mother of six of Jacob's sons, including Judah, from whom the line of David and ultimately Jesus Christ descends. This connection underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and grace, working through human imperfection to fulfill His promises.

as her maidservant
The term "maidservant" indicates Zilpah's role and status within the household. Maidservants were often given to daughters as part of their dowry, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. In Leah's case, Zilpah's presence would have been intended to assist with household duties and child-rearing. The inclusion of maidservants in the family structure also reflects the broader cultural practices of the time, where such arrangements were common. Zilpah's later role as a surrogate mother, bearing children for Jacob, parallels the story of Hagar and Ishmael, illustrating recurring themes of rivalry, divine intervention, and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises through unexpected means.

1. Laban
The father of Leah and Rachel, and the brother of Rebekah. He is known for his cunning and manipulative behavior, particularly in the marriage arrangements of his daughters.

2. Leah
The elder daughter of Laban, who becomes Jacob's first wife through Laban's deception. Leah is often seen as the less favored wife compared to her sister Rachel.

3. Zilpah
A servant girl given to Leah by Laban. Zilpah later becomes a secondary wife to Jacob and bears him children, playing a significant role in the formation of the tribes of Israel.

4. Jacob
The son of Isaac and Rebekah, who works for Laban in order to marry Rachel but is deceived into marrying Leah first. Jacob's life is marked by struggles and divine encounters.

5. Haran
The place where Laban and his family reside. It is a significant location in the account of the patriarchs, serving as a backdrop for many key events.The Consequences of Deception
Laban's actions remind us of the far-reaching consequences of deceit. His manipulation not only affects Jacob but also his daughters and their future generations. As believers, we are called to live truthfully and transparently.

God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Despite human manipulation, God's purposes prevail. Zilpah's role in Jacob's family illustrates how God can use unexpected circumstances to fulfill His promises. Trust in God's sovereignty even when situations seem unjust or confusing.

The Value of Every Individual in God's Plan
Zilpah, though a servant, plays a crucial role in the lineage of Israel. This teaches us that every person, regardless of status, has value and purpose in God's kingdom. We should honor and respect all individuals as part of God's creation.1. What is the meaning of Genesis 29:24?

2. How does Genesis 29:24 illustrate cultural practices in biblical times?

3. What role does Laban's servant Zilpah play in Genesis 29:24?

4. How can Genesis 29:24 inform our understanding of servanthood in Scripture?

5. What lessons on family dynamics can we learn from Genesis 29:24?

6. How might Genesis 29:24 guide us in honoring commitments today?

7. Why did Laban give Zilpah to Leah as a maidservant in Genesis 29:24?

8. What cultural practices are reflected in Genesis 29:24 regarding maidservants?

9. How does Genesis 29:24 influence the understanding of servitude in biblical times?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 29?

11. Who was Zilpah in the Bible?

12. Who was Zilpah in the Bible?

13. Who was Laban in the Bible?

14. Genesis 29:23–25: Is it believable that Jacob could be deceived into marrying Leah instead of Rachel without noticing? And Laban gave

• Laban acts as patriarch and negotiator, arranging every detail of the marriage contract (Genesis 29:19, 23).

• In ancient Near Eastern custom, a father’s “giving” during a wedding included more than the bride; it covered attendants and property meant to secure the daughter’s future (Genesis 24:59).

• The statement also underscores Laban’s ongoing control over Jacob’s household affairs, anticipating later conflicts (Genesis 30:27-28).

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his servant girl Zilpah

• Zilpah is introduced quietly now, yet she will later become the mother of Gad and Asher (Genesis 30:10-13; 35:26).

• Listing her name highlights that she is not a disposable extra but a person God weaves into the covenant lineage, echoing how Hagar was named and noticed earlier (Genesis 16:1, 13).

• By calling her “servant girl,” the text reminds readers of the class distinctions embedded in the family, a reality the Lord will still work through for His purposes (Psalm 113:7-8).

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to his daughter Leah

• The gift belongs to Leah, not Jacob, signaling that Laban expects Leah to remain tied to her father’s household resources (Genesis 31:14-16).

• This compensates Leah for being inserted into Laban’s deception; she receives tangible support even as Jacob’s heart favors Rachel (Genesis 29:30-31).

• The phrase underscores Leah’s rightful status as first wife, paralleling the later gift of Bilhah to Rachel (Genesis 29:29).

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as her maidservant

• A maidservant attended personal needs, managed daily tasks, and could legally bear children on behalf of the mistress if needed (Genesis 16:2; 30:3).

• Zilpah’s role foreshadows the competitive child-bearing arrangement that will mark the next chapters, illustrating human schemes contrasted with God’s sovereign blessing (Genesis 30:9-13; 49:19-20).

• Though servant in rank, Zilpah gains a share in the covenant blessing through the sons she will bear, showing God’s inclusion of the lowly (1 Samuel 2:8).

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summary

Genesis 29:24 records Laban’s strategic gift of Zilpah to Leah, a customary yet calculating move that secures Leah’s position, extends Laban’s influence, and introduces a woman God will later use to expand the tribes of Israel. Zilpah’s quiet entrance reminds us that every individual named in Scripture—highborn or servant—matters in the unfolding plan of redemption.

(24) Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah . . . --Bethuel had given Rebekah not only Deborah her nurse, but also damsels (Genesis 24:61); but then she had been obtained by presents of unusual costliness. Still, Laban does not seem to have acted very liberally by his daughters, and they resented his treatment of them (Genesis 31:15).

Verse 24. - And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah - "the Dropping"? (Gesenius), "Myrrh-juice" (Furst) - his maid (according to Gesenius the word is closely connected with an unused root signifying to spread out, hence a maid-servant) for an handmaid. This was in accordance with Oriental custom (vide Genesis 14:61). That Leah obtained only one damsel need not be ascribed to Laban's parsimonious character, but to his already-formed intention to bestow a second on Rachel.

Parallel Commentaries ...


And Laban
לָבָן֙ (lā·ḇān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3837: Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob

gave
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן (way·yit·tên)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

his servant girl
שִׁפְחָת֑וֹ (šip̄·ḥā·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8198: Maid, maidservant

Zilpah
זִלְפָּ֖ה (zil·pāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2153: Zilpah -- one of Jacob's wives

to his daughter
בִתּ֖וֹ (ḇit·tōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1323: A daughter

Leah
לְלֵאָ֥ה (lə·lê·’āh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3812: Leah -- 'weary', a wife of Jacob

as her maidservant.
שִׁפְחָֽה׃ (šip̄·ḥāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8198: Maid, maidservant


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OT Law: Genesis 29:24 Laban gave Zilpah his handmaid to his (Gen. Ge Gn)