King James Version

What Does Genesis 29:16 Mean?

Genesis 29:16 in the King James Version says “And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 29:16 · KJV

Context

14

And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month. the space: Heb. a month of days

15

And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?

16

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

17

Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.

18

And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.

Read Genesis 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וּלְלָבָ֖ן1 of 9

“And Laban”

H3837

laban, a place in the desert

שְׁתֵּ֣י2 of 9

“had two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בָנ֑וֹת3 of 9

“daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וְשֵׁ֥ם4 of 9

“and the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַגְּדֹלָה֙5 of 9

“of the elder”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

לֵאָ֔ה6 of 9

“was Leah”

H3812

leah, a wife of jacob

וְשֵׁ֥ם7 of 9

“and the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַקְּטַנָּ֖ה8 of 9

“of the younger”

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

רָחֵֽל׃9 of 9

“was Rachel”

H7354

rachel, a wife of jacob

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 29:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 29:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ruth 4:11Genesis 49:31Genesis 29:17Genesis 29:25-32Genesis 30:19Genesis 35:23

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 29 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes