King James Version

What Does Genesis 29:17 Mean?

Genesis 29:17 in the King James Version says “Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 29:17 · KJV

Context

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.

19

And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.

Read Genesis 29 full chapter

Commentary

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

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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. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְעֵינֵ֥י1 of 9

“eyed”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

לֵאָ֖ה2 of 9

“Leah”

H3812

leah, a wife of jacob

רַכּ֑וֹת3 of 9

“was tender”

H7390

tender (literally or figuratively); by implication, weak

וְרָחֵל֙4 of 9

“but Rachel”

H7354

rachel, a wife of jacob

הָֽיְתָ֔ה5 of 9
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וִיפַ֥ת6 of 9

“and well”

H3303

beautiful (literally or figuratively)

תֹּ֖אַר7 of 9
H8389

outline, i.e., figure or appearance

וִיפַ֥ת8 of 9

“and well”

H3303

beautiful (literally or figuratively)

מַרְאֶֽה׃9 of 9

“favoured”

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

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 29:17 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 29:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 12:11Genesis 24:16Genesis 35:19-20Genesis 48:7Proverbs 31:30Genesis 46:19-22

Test Your Knowledge

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

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