The term "tender-eyed" appears in the Bible in the context of describing Leah, the elder daughter of Laban and the first wife of Jacob. This description is found in Genesis 29:17: "Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was shapely and beautiful" . The phrase "tender-eyed" or "weak eyes" has been the subject of various interpretations and discussions among biblical scholars and commentators.

In the Hebrew text, the word used is "רַכּוֹת" (rakkot), which can be translated as "tender," "delicate," or "weak." The exact meaning of this description has been debated, with some suggesting it refers to a physical condition affecting Leah's eyesight, while others propose it may describe the appearance or expression of her eyes, indicating a gentle or soft look.

From a cultural and historical perspective, the description of Leah as "tender-eyed" contrasts with her sister Rachel, who is noted for her physical beauty. This contrast sets the stage for the complex family dynamics and relationships that unfold in the narrative. Jacob's preference for Rachel over Leah, despite Leah being his first wife, is a significant element in the account of the patriarchs, highlighting themes of love, rivalry, and divine providence.

In the broader biblical context, eyes often symbolize perception, insight, and spiritual understanding. While Leah's "tender eyes" might suggest a lack of physical allure compared to Rachel, her role in the biblical narrative is substantial. Leah becomes the mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel, including Judah, from whom the Davidic line and ultimately Jesus Christ are descended. This underscores the biblical theme that God's purposes often transcend human expectations and societal norms.

The description of Leah as "tender-eyed" invites readers to consider the deeper values and qualities that God esteems, beyond outward appearances. It serves as a reminder of the biblical principle found in 1 Samuel 16:7: "The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" . Leah's account, marked by her faithfulness and the significant role she plays in the lineage of Israel, exemplifies how God works through those whom the world might overlook or undervalue.

Motives to Holy Mourning
... Leah was tender-eyed; she had a watery eye and was fruitful. The tender-eyed
Christian usually brings forth more of the fruits of the Spirit. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/8 motives to holy mourning.htm

Epistle v. To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor.
... But, by what judgment I know not, Leah has been coupled with me in the night, to
wit, the active life; fruitful, but tender-eyed; seeing less, but bringing ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle v to theoctista sister.htm

Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia.
... two testaments. [3299] Leah who was tender-eyed and Rachel whom Jacob loved
[3300] signify the synagogue and the church. So likewise ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxiii to ageruchia.htm

Two Essential Things
... Repentance and faith come together. Perhaps I may say that repentance is like Leah,
for it is "tender eyed"; and faith is like Rachel, fairer to look upon. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/two essential things.htm

Tender-eyed (1 Occurrence)
Tender-eyed. Tenderer, Tender-eyed. Tenderhearted . Multi-Version
Concordance Tender-eyed (1 Occurrence). Genesis 29 ...
/t/tender-eyed.htm - 6k

Leah (30 Occurrences)
... Genesis 29:16). Jacob took her to wife through a deceit of her father (Genesis
29:23). She was "tender-eyed" (17). She bore to Jacob ...
/l/leah.htm - 19k

Well-favored (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Well-favored (7 Occurrences). Genesis 29:17 Leah was
tender-eyed, but Rachel was beautiful and well-favored. (WBS). ...
/w/well-favored.htm - 8k

Favored (19 Occurrences)
... Forgive me this wrong. (See RSV). Genesis 29:17 Leah was tendereyed; but Rachel
was beautiful and well favored. (KJV ASV WBS). Genesis ...
/f/favored.htm - 12k

Tenderer (1 Occurrence)

/t/tenderer.htm - 6k

Tenderhearted (3 Occurrences)

/t/tenderhearted.htm - 7k

Eyed (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Eyed (3 Occurrences). Genesis 29:17 Leah was tender
eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favored. (KJV WBS). ...
/e/eyed.htm - 7k

Tender (66 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 29:17 Leah was tendereyed; but
Rachel was beautiful and well favored. (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/t/tender.htm - 33k

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is kindness? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that God's mercies are new every morning? | GotQuestions.org

Why is Jesus referred to as a man of sorrows in Isaiah 53:3? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus