Genesis 29:17
Genesis 29:17 in Multiple Translations
Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was shapely and beautiful.
Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.
And Leah’s eyes were tender; but Rachel was beautiful and well favored.
And Leah's eyes were clouded, but Rachel was fair in face and form.
Leah had kind eyes, but Rachel had a shapely figure and beautiful looks.
And Leah was tender eyed, but Rahel was beautifull and faire.
and the eyes of Leah [are] tender, and Rachel hath been fair of form and fair of appearance.
Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and attractive.
Leah was tender-eyed, but Rachel was beautiful and well-favored.
But Lia was blear eyed: Rachel was well favoured, and of a beautiful countenance.
Leah had pretty eyes, but Rachel had a very attractive figure and was beautiful.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 29:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 29:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עֵינֵ֥י
לֵאָ֖ה
רַכּ֑וֹת
וְ/רָחֵל֙
הָֽיְתָ֔ה
יְפַת
תֹּ֖אַר
וִ/יפַ֥ת
מַרְאֶֽה
וְ/עֵינֵ֥י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Conj | N-cd
לֵאָ֖ה
Lêʼâh
H3812
Leah
N-proper
רַכּ֑וֹת
rak
H7390
tender
Adj
וְ/רָחֵל֙
Râchêl
H7354
Rachel
Conj | N-proper
הָֽיְתָ֔ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
יְפַת
yâpheh
H3303
beautiful
Adj
תֹּ֖אַר
tôʼar
H8389
appearance
N-ms
וִ/יפַ֥ת
yâpheh
H3303
beautiful
Conj | Adj
מַרְאֶֽה
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 29:17
וְ/עֵינֵ֥י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Conj | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
לֵאָ֖ה
Lêʼâh
H3812
"Leah"
N-proper
Leah was the first wife of Jacob, daughter of Laban, and mother of many tribes of Israel, including Reuben and Judah, as told in Genesis 29:16.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.16; daughter of: Laban (H3837A); sister of: Rachel (H7354); married to Israel (H3478); mother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783) § Leah = "weary" daughter of Laban, first wife of Jacob, and mother of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Leah. See also: Genesis 29:16; Genesis 30:18; Ruth 4:11.
רַכּ֑וֹת
rak
H7390
"tender"
Adj
This Hebrew word means tender or weak, and can be used to describe something that is soft or delicate. It can also be used to describe someone who is faint-hearted or timid.
Definition: 1) tender, soft, delicate, weak 1a) tender, delicate (of flesh) 1b) weak of heart, timid 1c) soft (of words) 1c1) gentle words (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: faint((-hearted), soft, tender ((-hearted), one), weak. See also: Genesis 18:7; 1 Chronicles 29:1; Proverbs 4:3.
וְ/רָחֵל֙
Râchêl
H7354
"Rachel"
Conj | N-proper
Rachel was a wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Her name means ewe, and she is an important figure in the book of Genesis, where her story is told in detail.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.6; daughter of: Laban (H3837A); sister of: Leah (H3812); married to Israel (H3478); mother of: Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144) Also named: Rhachēl (Ῥαχήλ "Rachel" G4478) § Rachel = "ewe" daughter of Laban, wife of Jacob, and mother of Joseph and Benjamin
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Rachel. See also: Genesis 29:6; Genesis 30:25; Jeremiah 31:15.
הָֽיְתָ֔ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
יְפַת
yâpheh
H3303
"beautiful"
Adj
Beautiful things in the Bible are described as fair, lovely, and pleasant, as seen in the Song of Solomon, which celebrates the beauty of love and relationships. The term is used to describe people, places, and things that bring joy and delight.
Definition: fair, beautiful, handsome
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. See also: Genesis 12:11; Proverbs 11:22; Psalms 48:3.
תֹּ֖אַר
tôʼar
H8389
"appearance"
N-ms
This word refers to someone's appearance or figure, describing their shape or form. It can also mean beautiful or comely, conveying a sense of attractiveness. The KJV translates it as beautiful or fair.
Definition: shape, form, outline, figure, appearance
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, [idiom] comely, countenance, [phrase] fair, [idiom] favoured, form, [idiom] goodly, [idiom] resemble, visage. See also: Genesis 29:17; 1 Samuel 25:3; Isaiah 52:14.
וִ/יפַ֥ת
yâpheh
H3303
"beautiful"
Conj | Adj
Beautiful things in the Bible are described as fair, lovely, and pleasant, as seen in the Song of Solomon, which celebrates the beauty of love and relationships. The term is used to describe people, places, and things that bring joy and delight.
Definition: fair, beautiful, handsome
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. See also: Genesis 12:11; Proverbs 11:22; Psalms 48:3.
מַרְאֶֽה
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
Study Notes — Genesis 29:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 29:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 29:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 29:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 29:17
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 29:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:17
- Sermons on Genesis 29:17
Context — Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
15Laban said to him, “Just because you are my relative, should you work for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.”
16Now Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel.
17Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was shapely and beautiful.
18Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” 19Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 12:11 | As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman, |
| 2 | Genesis 46:19–22 | The sons of Jacob’s wife Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph in the land of Egypt by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. These are the sons of Rachel born to Jacob—fourteen in all. |
| 3 | Genesis 24:16 | Now the girl was very beautiful, a virgin who had not had relations with any man. She went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came up again. |
| 4 | Proverbs 31:30 | Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. |
| 5 | Genesis 35:19–20 | So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). Jacob set up a pillar on her grave; it marks Rachel’s tomb to this day. |
| 6 | Genesis 48:7 | Now as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way in the land of Canaan, some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem). |
| 7 | Genesis 29:6–12 | “Is he well?” Jacob inquired. “Yes,” they answered, “and here comes his daughter Rachel with his sheep.” “Look,” said Jacob, “it is still broad daylight; it is not yet time to gather the livestock. Water the sheep and take them back to pasture.” But they replied, “We cannot, until all the flocks have been gathered and the stone has been rolled away from the mouth of the well. Then we will water the sheep.” While he was still speaking with them, Rachel arrived with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess. As soon as Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of his mother’s brother Laban, with Laban’s sheep, he went up and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s sheep. Then Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud. He told Rachel that he was Rebekah’s son, a relative of her father, and she ran and told her father. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 10:2 | When you leave me today, you will find two men at Rachel’s tomb in Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. They will say to you, ‘The donkeys you seek have been found, and now your father has stopped worrying about the donkeys and started worrying about you, asking, “What should I do about my son?”’ |
| 9 | Genesis 39:6 | So Potiphar left all that he owned in Joseph’s care; he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, |
| 10 | Matthew 2:18 | “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” |
Genesis 29:17 Summary
This verse describes the physical appearances of Leah and Rachel, highlighting their differences. Leah had weak eyes, while Rachel was shapely and beautiful. But as we see in 1 Peter 3:3-4, true beauty comes from within, and it's what's in our hearts that truly matters. As we consider this verse, let's remember that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance, as stated in 1 Samuel 16:7, and let's focus on cultivating inner beauty that will last forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Leah had 'weak eyes'?
The phrase 'weak eyes' in Genesis 29:17 likely refers to a physical imperfection or lack of beauty in Leah's eyes, as opposed to Rachel who is described as 'shapely and beautiful', but the exact meaning is not entirely clear, and some interpretations suggest it could also imply a lack of sparkle or vibrancy in her eyes, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7 where God looks at the heart, not outward appearance.
Is the Bible saying that physical beauty is what makes someone valuable?
No, the Bible is not saying that physical beauty is the measure of a person's worth, as seen in 1 Peter 3:3-4 where inner beauty is valued above outward appearance, and in Genesis 29:17, the focus is on the physical descriptions of Leah and Rachel to contrast their outward appearances, but their true value and worth come from being made in God's image, as stated in Genesis 1:27.
Why does the Bible describe Rachel as 'shapely and beautiful'?
The description of Rachel as 'shapely and beautiful' in Genesis 29:17 highlights her physical attractiveness, which is likely why Jacob is immediately drawn to her, as seen in Genesis 29:18, but it's also important to remember that the Bible teaches that true beauty comes from within, as stated in Proverbs 31:30.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Jacob and his wives?
This verse sets the stage for the rest of the story of Jacob and his wives, as his preference for Rachel over Leah leads to tension and conflict in their relationships, as seen in Genesis 29:30-31 and Genesis 30:1, but ultimately, God uses these circumstances to bring about His plan and purposes, as stated in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I prioritize physical appearance over inner beauty, and how can I shift my focus to what truly matters?
- How can I, like Jacob, be blinded by outward appearances and miss the beauty and value in others, and what can I do to change my perspective?
- What are some ways that society or culture puts pressure on us to prioritize physical beauty, and how can I resist these pressures and instead focus on cultivating inner beauty, as described in 1 Peter 3:3-4?
- In what ways can I apply the principle from 1 Samuel 16:7, that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance, to my relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:17
Leah [was] tender eyed,.... Blear eyed, had a moisture in them, which made them red, and so she was not so agreeable to look at; though Onkelos renders the words, "the eyes of Leah were beautiful,''
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:17
Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured. Leah ... tender-eyed - i:e., soft blue eyes-thought a blemish; according to others, weak, dull, bleary eyes.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 29:17
So called either upon this occasion of the meeting of divers kings here; or because king Melchizedek either had his habitation, or was much delighted with it, and conversant in it. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:17
Genesis 29:17 Leah [was] tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.Ver. 17. Leah was tender-eyed.] Purblind or squint, as one interprets it. Now, a froward look and squint eyes, saith the historian, are the certain notes of a nature to be suspected. The Jerusalem Targum tells us, that her eyes were tender with weeping and praying. Mary Magdalene is famous for her tears; and Christ was never so near her as when she could not see him for weeping. After which she spent (as some report) thirty years in Gallia Narbonensi, in weeping for her sins. But Rachel was beautiful, &c.] Plato calls beauty the principality of nature; Aristotle, a greater commendation than all epistles. Mercer. Turk. Hist., fol. 483.
Heidfeld.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 29:17
(17) Leah was tender eyed.—Leah, whose name signifies languor, weariness, had dull bleared eyes. Probably she suffered, as so many do in that hot sandy region, from some form of ophthalmia. Rachel (Heb., the ewe) was, on the contrary, “beautiful and well favoured” (Heb., beautiful in form and beautiful in look). Leah’s bleared eyes would be regarded in the East as a great defect, just as bright eyes were much admired. (See 1 Samuel 16:12, where David is described as fair of eyes.) Yet it was not Rachel, with her fair face and well-proportioned figure, and her husband’s lasting love, that was the mother of the progenitor of the Messiah, but the weary-eyed Leah.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 29:17
Verse 17. Leah was tender-eyed] רכות raccoth, soft, delicate, lovely. I believe the word means just the reverse of the signification generally given to it. The design of the inspired writer is to compare both the sisters together, that the balance may appear to be greatly in favour of Rachel. The chief recommendation of Leah was her soft and beautiful eyes; but Rachel was יפת תאר yephath toar, beautiful in her shape, person, mien, and gait, and יפת מראה yephath mareh, beautiful in her countenance. The words plainly signify a fine shape and fine features, all that can be considered as essential to personal beauty. Therefore Jacob loved her, and was willing to become a bond servant for seven years, that he might get her to wife; for in his destitute state he could produce no dowry, and it was the custom of those times for the father to receive a portion for his daughter, and not to give one with her. One of the Hindoo lawgivers says, "A person may become a slave on account of love, or to obtain a wife." The bad system of education by which women are spoiled and rendered in general good for nothing, makes it necessary for the husband to get a dowry with his wife to enable him to maintain her; whereas in former times they were well educated and extremely useful, hence he who got a wife almost invariably got a prize, or as Solomon says, got a good thing.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 29:17
17. Leah’s eyes were tender] i.e. weak or soft, wanting in clearness and brilliancy. The eye was the chief feature of Oriental beauty. The versions rather exaggerate the sense. LXX ἀσθενεῖς = “weak,” Lat. lippis oculis, Aq. Sym. ἁπαλοί = “tender.” beautiful and well favoured] Lit. “fair of form and fair of looks.” The Old English “favoured” has reference to personal appearance; cf. Genesis 41:2; Genesis 41:4.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:17
17. Leah was tender eyed — Her eyes were weak (Sept. ασθενεις) and perhaps inflamed, (Vulg. lippi,) a great blemish, “since bright eyes, with fire in them, are regarded as the height of beauty in Oriental women.” — Keil.
Sermons on Genesis 29:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Perils and Sorrows of a Contrite Heart by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob finds himself in a difficult situation with two wives who are arguing and accusing each other. He is |
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A Call to Modesty (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a holy and modest life. He urges the congregation to examine their lives and repent of any secret sins or hidden wr |
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Choosing a Wife - Beauty Is Vain by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the importance of choosing a godly spouse over outward beauty or charm. It warns against the consequences of marrying a contentious or ungodly partner, highl |
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Lifting Up Jesus in the Gates by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of lifting up Jesus in the gates. He emphasizes the need for believers to seek resources from God in order to fulfill their ca |
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The Leader and His Wife by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, Brother Denny addresses the topic of love, leadership, and the relationship between husbands and wives. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation i |
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(Dreams & Visions of a Godly Home) the Beautiful Influence of a Godly Home by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of raising children as disciples of Jesus Christ. The goal is to make children love, serve, and walk with Him. The speaker dra |
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A Woman Who Fears the Lord Is to Be Praised by John Piper | In this sermon, the preacher uses a personal anecdote to illustrate the fear of God. He describes a situation where a dog chases after someone who runs away from it, comparing it t |