King James Version

What Does Genesis 29:24 Mean?

Genesis 29:24 in the King James Version says “And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.”

Genesis 29:24 · KJV

Context

22

And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.

23

And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.

24

And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.

25

And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?

26

And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. country: Heb. place

Read Genesis 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.... 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. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן1 of 9

“gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָבָן֙2 of 9

“And Laban”

H3837

laban, a place in the desert

לָ֔הּ3 of 9
H0
אֶת4 of 9
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

זִלְפָּ֖ה5 of 9

“Zilpah”

H2153

zilpah, leah's maid

שִׁפְחָֽה׃6 of 9

“for an handmaid”

H8198

a female slave (as a member of the household)

לְלֵאָ֥ה7 of 9

“Leah”

H3812

leah, a wife of jacob

בִתּ֖וֹ8 of 9

“unto his daughter”

H1323

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

שִׁפְחָֽה׃9 of 9

“for an handmaid”

H8198

a female slave (as a member of the household)

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 29:24 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 29:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 30:9-12Genesis 16:1Genesis 46:18Genesis 24:59

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