Topical Bible: Marriage: Elder Daughters Usually Given In, Before the Younger

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In biblical times, the practice of giving the elder daughter in marriage before the younger was a customary tradition rooted in the social and familial structures of ancient Near Eastern cultures. This practice is notably illustrated in the narrative of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, found in the book of Genesis.

The account in Genesis 29:16-30 provides a clear example of this tradition. Jacob, having fled to his uncle Laban's household, falls in love with Laban's younger daughter, Rachel. He agrees to work for seven years to marry her. However, on the wedding night, Laban deceives Jacob by giving him his elder daughter, Leah, instead. When Jacob confronts Laban, the latter explains, "It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older" (Genesis 29:26). This response highlights the cultural expectation that the elder daughter should be married first, a practice that was likely intended to ensure the social stability and honor of the family.

The preference for marrying off elder daughters first can be understood within the context of the patriarchal society of the time. Marriages were often arranged and served to strengthen familial alliances and secure economic stability. The elder daughter, being of marriageable age first, would naturally be given precedence in these arrangements. This practice also reflects the importance placed on birth order and the associated responsibilities and privileges within the family hierarchy.

While the Bible does not explicitly command this practice, the narrative in Genesis suggests that it was a widely accepted custom. The account of Leah and Rachel serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of adhering to cultural norms, especially when they intersect with personal desires and divine plans.

In examining this tradition, it is important to consider the broader biblical themes of marriage and family. The Bible consistently upholds the sanctity of marriage as a covenantal relationship ordained by God. Passages such as Genesis 2:24, which states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh" , emphasize the foundational role of marriage in God's design for humanity.

Furthermore, the New Testament reiterates the significance of marriage, with Jesus affirming its divine origin and purpose in Matthew 19:4-6. The Apostle Paul also addresses marriage in his epistles, providing guidance on the roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives (Ephesians 5:22-33).

In conclusion, the practice of giving elder daughters in marriage before the younger reflects the cultural norms of the biblical era, underscoring the importance of family honor and social order. While not a prescriptive command, this tradition is part of the rich tapestry of biblical narratives that inform our understanding of marriage and family life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 29:26
And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter xxix
... true, Laban did not deal with his daughters as generously ... community" (maq??m "literally,
"place") that the elder be given in marriage before the younger ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxix.htm

James the Brother of the Lord.
... to John rather than her own sons and daughters (John 19 ... brethren with Mary; it assumes
a former marriage of Joseph ... that if the brethren had been elder sons of ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 27 james the brother.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... a third daughter, Rhoda, one of whose daughters was Mara ... Mary Heli, Anna's elder
daughter, who was about six or ... besought God's blessing on their marriage for so ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

Chapter xxvi
... by the assumption that Esau after his marriage still dwelt ... And the words of Esau,
her elder son, were told ... Genesis 27:4; ben??th kena'an ("daughters of Canaan ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... Sarah had three daughters and four sons ... Anna's sister Maraha from Sephoris, and Anna's
elder daughter and ... is by the supposition of a second marriage of Joseph's ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... Besides Mara she had two other daughters, and the sons ... the son of Alpheus by a former
marriage, and was ... coming into Mary's house Mary Heli, the elder sister of ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

The Education of the World.
... the sin of Noah, Ham, Sodom, Lot's daughters, and the ... manners, the language, the
principles of the elder begin to ... is the time for love and marriage, the time ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/the education of the world.htm

The Prophecies
... whom Joseph had presented to him, the elder, Manasseh, on ... than that of sons and of
daughters: I will ... shall not cleave one to another though united by marriage. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section xi the prophecies.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... in favor of the sons and daughters of Africa ... Having entered into the marriage state
about the year ... as he frequently affirmed with the office of presiding elder. ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... Thus did the Lord himself: but she looking first into those worthy privileges which
God had given her, and dilating delightfully of them before the devil, she ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm