Genesis 29:23
Genesis 29:23 in Multiple Translations
But when evening came, Laban took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and he slept with her.
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.
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.
And in the evening he took Leah, his daughter, and gave her to him, and he went in to her.
But once it was dark Laban brought his daughter Leah to Jacob, and he slept with her.
But whe the euening was come, he tooke Leah his daughter and brought her to him, and he went in vnto her.
And it cometh to pass in the evening, that he taketh Leah, his daughter, and bringeth her in unto him, and he goeth in unto her;
In the evening, he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to Jacob. He went in to her.
And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in to her.
And at night he brought in Lia his daughter to him,
But that evening, instead of taking Rachel to Jacob, Laban took his older daughter, Leah, to him. But because it was already dark, he could not see that it was Leah and not Rachel, and he had sex [EUP] with her.
But then, that night, Laban tricked Jacob. Laban took his daughter Leah to Jacob’s room, instead of his daughter Rachel. Then Jacob slept with Leah, like a man sleeps with his wife. But Jacob didn’t know that he slept with Leah. He thought that he slept with Rachel.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 29:23
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 29:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֣י
בָ/עֶ֔רֶב
וַ/יִּקַּח֙
אֶת
לֵאָ֣ה
בִתּ֔/וֹ
וַ/יָּבֵ֥א
אֹתָ֖/הּ
אֵלָ֑י/ו
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
אֵלֶֽי/הָ
וַ/יְהִ֣י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בָ/עֶ֔רֶב
ʻereb
H6153
evening
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יִּקַּח֙
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
לֵאָ֣ה
Lêʼâh
H3812
Leah
N-proper
בִתּ֔/וֹ
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs | Suff
וַ/יָּבֵ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ֖/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
אֵלָ֑י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלֶֽי/הָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 29:23
וַ/יְהִ֣י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
בָ/עֶ֔רֶב
ʻereb
H6153
"evening"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means evening or sunset, like when God created daylight and darkness in Genesis. It refers to the time of day, often marking the end of a workday. This word is used in many verses, including Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) evening, night, sunset 1a) evening, sunset 1b) night
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] day, even(-ing, tide), night. See also: Genesis 1:5; Numbers 19:19; Psalms 30:6.
וַ/יִּקַּח֙
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
לֵאָ֣ה
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.
בִתּ֔/וֹ
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
וַ/יָּבֵ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֹתָ֖/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֵלָ֑י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלֶֽי/הָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
Study Notes — Genesis 29:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 29:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 29:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 29:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 29:23
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 29:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:23
- Sermons on Genesis 29:23
Context — Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
21Finally Jacob said to Laban, “Grant me my wife, for my time is complete, and I want to sleep with her.”
22So Laban invited all the men of that place and prepared a feast.
23But when evening came, Laban took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and he slept with her.
24And Laban gave his servant girl Zilpah to his daughter Leah as her maidservant. 25When morning came, there was Leah! “What have you done to me?” Jacob said to Laban. “Wasn’t it for Rachel that I served you? Why have you deceived me?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micah 7:5 | Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. |
| 2 | Genesis 38:14–15 | she removed her widow’s garments, covered her face with a veil to disguise herself, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that although Shelah had grown up, she had not been given to him as a wife. When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had covered her face. |
| 3 | Genesis 24:65 | and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?” “It is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself. |
Genesis 29:23 Summary
Genesis 29:23 shows us that Jacob was given Leah, the older daughter, by Laban, instead of Rachel, the one he loved. This happened because Laban wanted to follow the custom of marrying off his older daughter first, as stated in Genesis 29:26. We can learn from Jacob's experience that it's essential to wait on God's timing and seek His guidance in our decisions, as encouraged in Psalm 37:7 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can avoid the kind of confusion and trouble that Jacob faced, and instead, follow God's plan for our lives, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Laban give Leah to Jacob instead of Rachel?
Laban deceived Jacob by giving him Leah, his older daughter, instead of Rachel, the one Jacob loved, as seen in Genesis 29:23. This act of deception was likely motivated by cultural and family considerations, as hinted at in Genesis 29:26.
Was it common for men to have multiple wives in biblical times?
Yes, it was not uncommon for men to have multiple wives in biblical times, as seen in the lives of Abraham, Jacob, and David, for example, in Genesis 16:3, Genesis 29:23, and 1 Samuel 25:39-43.
What does this verse reveal about Jacob's character?
This verse shows that Jacob was eager to marry and start a family, as he had worked seven years for Rachel and was now taking a wife, as stated in Genesis 29:21, but it also reveals his lack of discernment and trust in God's plan, as he did not wait for God's confirmation before marrying Leah.
How does this event relate to God's larger plan for Jacob?
This event is part of God's plan to humble Jacob and prepare him for his future role as the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, as seen in Genesis 49:1-33 and Romans 11:25-32, where God's sovereignty and grace are demonstrated despite human deception and weakness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be like Jacob, acting impulsively without seeking God's guidance, and how can I learn from his mistakes?
- How can I trust God's sovereignty in my life, even when circumstances seem to be going against His plan, as seen in Genesis 29:23 and Romans 8:28?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of patience, discernment, and waiting on God's timing in my own life, as exemplified in Psalm 27:14 and Isaiah 40:31?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Genesis 29:23 to my own relationships, being mindful of the potential consequences of deception and dishonesty, as warned against in Ephesians 4:25 and Colossians 3:9-10?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:23
And it came to pass in the evening,.... After the feast was over, and the guests were departed; when it was night, a fit season to execute his designs, and practise deceit: that he took Leah his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:23
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. In the evening, that he took Leah ... and brought her to him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 29:23
That I will not take; Heb. If I shall take. Understand, God do so and so to me, which is expressed . A defective manner of swearing used amongst the Hebrews, either to maintain the reverence of oaths, and the dread of perjury, seeing they were afraid so much as to mention the curse which they meant; or to show that they were willing to submit to any punishment which God should inflict upon them, without exception, if they violated their oaths. Even to a shoe-latchet, i.e. any thing, though never so small or mean, lest thou shouldst claim a share with God in the honour due to him, to whose blessing alone I do and I will owe my riches. Or, lest thou shouldst say, Abram is enriched with my spoils; and however he pretended kindness and charity, yet indeed it was his covetousness that put him upon this work.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:23
Genesis 29:23 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.Ver. 23. He took Leah his daughter.] The elder, for the younger; by a like fraud, as Rebekah his mother had not long before, in a cunning disguise, substituted him, the younger son, for the elder. God pays us often in our own coin, and measures to us again the self-same measure that we have meted to others. Herod mocked the wise men, and is mocked of them. And how oft do we see those that would beguile others, punished with illusion? God usually retaliates, and proportions jealousy to jealousy, provocation to provocation, number to number, choice to choice, device to device, frowardness to frowardness, contrariety to contrariety. Even the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth, as was Jacob. Plerumque Deus servat legem talionis .
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 29:23
(23)He took Leah his daughter.—As the bride is taken to the bridegroom’s house closely veiled (see Note on Genesis 24:65), and as probably there was some similarity in voice and form between the two sisters, this deception was quite easy. But Leah must have been a party to the fraud, and therefore Jacob’s dislike of her was not altogether without reason.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 29:23
Verse 23. In the evening - he took Leah his daughter] As the bride was always veiled, and the bride chamber generally dark, or nearly so, and as Leah was brought to Jacob in the evening, the imposition here practised might easily pass undetected by Jacob, till the ensuing day discovered the fraud.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 29:23
23. he took Leah] The bride was brought to the bridegroom enveloped in a veil; cf. Genesis 24:65. “The bridegroom can scarcely ever obtain even a surreptitious glance at the features of his bride until he finds her in his absolute possession.” Lane, Manners and Customs of the Modern Egyptians. 24 (P). Zilpah his handmaid] For the custom of the bride being attended by her own servant to her new home, cf. Genesis 24:59.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:23
23. Took Leah — There was no formal public ceremony of marriage; the parties were not openly presented to one another, but in the evening the bride, closely veiled, was led to the husband’s tent.
Sermons on Genesis 29:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Through the Bible - Genesis 29-31 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses Jacob's journey to Haran, where he meets Rachel at a well, showcasing God's guidance in his life. Jacob's love for Rachel leads him to work seven years for he |
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When a Man's Enemies Are the Members of His Own Household by Keith Daniel | Keith Daniel delivers a powerful sermon on the painful reality of facing opposition from one's own family when choosing to follow Christ. He emphasizes that true discipleship may l |
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Examples of Circumspect Behaviour by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the holy and separate lifestyles of the prophets and apostles, highlighting their dedication to serving God without the distractions of relationships wit |
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Luke 14 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby expounds on Luke 14, illustrating God's distributive justice and the importance of humility and grace. He emphasizes that true rest can only be found in Christ, a |
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The Jesus Family in Communist China - Part 6 by Dr. D. Vaughan Rees | Dr. D. Vaughan Rees shares harrowing experiences with Communists, highlighting the cruelty and brutality faced by many, including being subjected to horrific methods of execution. |