Genesis 29:26
Genesis 29:26 in Multiple Translations
Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older.
And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.
And Laban said, It is not so done in our place, to give the younger before the first-born.
And Laban said, In our country we do not let the younger daughter be married before the older.
“Here we don't give the younger daughter in marriage before the firstborn,” Laban replied.
And Laban answered, It is not the maner of this place, to giue the yonger before the elder.
And Laban saith, 'It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the first-born;
Laban said, “It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn.
And Laban said, it must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the first-born.
Laban answered: It is not the custom in this place, to give the younger in marriage first.
Laban replied, “In this land, it is not our custom to give a younger daughter to be married before we let someone marry our firstborn daughter.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 29:26
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 29:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
לָבָ֔ן
לֹא
יֵעָשֶׂ֥ה
כֵ֖ן
בִּ/מְקוֹמֵ֑/נוּ
לָ/תֵ֥ת
הַ/צְּעִירָ֖ה
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
הַ/בְּכִירָֽה
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָבָ֔ן
Lâbân
H3837
Laban
N-proper
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֵעָשֶׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
כֵ֖ן
kên
H3651
right
Adv
בִּ/מְקוֹמֵ֑/נוּ
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לָ/תֵ֥ת
nâthan
H5414
to give
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/צְּעִירָ֖ה
tsâʻîyr
H6810
little
Art | Adj
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הַ/בְּכִירָֽה
bᵉkîyrâh
H1067
firstborn
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 29:26
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָבָ֔ן
Lâbân
H3837
"Laban"
N-proper
Refers to Laban, a person in the Bible, or a place in the desert where the Israelites camped.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.24.29; son of: Bethuel (H1328A); brother of: Rebekah (H7259); father of: Rachel (H7354) and Leah (H3812) § Laban = "white" son of Bethuel, brother of Rebekah, and father of Leah and Rachel
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Laban. See also: Genesis 24:29; Genesis 30:40; Deuteronomy 1:1.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֵעָשֶׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
כֵ֖ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
בִּ/מְקוֹמֵ֑/נוּ
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
לָ/תֵ֥ת
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
הַ/צְּעִירָ֖ה
tsâʻîyr
H6810
"little"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is little, young, or insignificant. It appears in the Bible to describe something small in number or size. In the KJV, it is translated as least, little, or small.
Definition: 1) little, insignificant, young 1a) little, insignificant 1b) insignificant, mean 1c) young, younger, youngest
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: least, little (one), small (one), [phrase] young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 19:31; 1 Kings 16:34; Psalms 68:28.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/בְּכִירָֽה
bᵉkîyrâh
H1067
"firstborn"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for firstborn daughter emphasizes her birth order in the family. This term is only used to describe the eldest daughter, highlighting her special status in the family.
Definition: 1) firstborn daughter, firstborn (of women) 1a) always used of women
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: firstborn. See also: Genesis 19:31; Genesis 19:37; 1 Samuel 14:49.
Study Notes — Genesis 29:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Genesis 29:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 29:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 29:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 29:26
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 29:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:26
Context — Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
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?”
26Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older.
27Finish this week’s celebration, and we will give you the younger one in return for another seven years of work.” 28And Jacob did just that. He finished the week’s celebration, and Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife.Genesis 29:26 Summary
In Genesis 29:26, Laban explains to Jacob that it's not their custom to marry off the younger daughter before the older one. This verse teaches us about the importance of understanding and respecting cultural customs, just like Laban's custom in this verse. It also shows us that God is sovereign over all things, even when people make mistakes or try to deceive each other, as seen in the larger context of Genesis 28-31 and in verses like Romans 8:28. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can learn to be patient and understanding, even in difficult situations, and remember that He works all things out for our good (Romans 8:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Laban give his younger daughter in marriage after the older one?
According to Genesis 29:26, Laban explained that it was not their custom to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older, but he offered to give Jacob the younger daughter, Rachel, after the wedding celebration was complete, as seen in Genesis 29:27-28.
Was Laban's action of giving Leah to Jacob instead of Rachel a form of deception?
Yes, Jacob felt deceived by Laban, as stated in Genesis 29:25, because he had served Laban for seven years with the understanding that he would marry Rachel, not Leah.
What can we learn about cultural customs from this verse?
This verse highlights the importance of understanding cultural customs, as Laban's response in Genesis 29:26 indicates that their custom was to marry off the older daughter first, which was not the case in other cultures, such as in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25:23-26.
How does this verse relate to the theme of God's sovereignty?
Although Laban's actions seemed to thwart Jacob's plans, God was still sovereign over the situation, as seen in the larger context of Genesis 28-31, where God worked out His plan despite human deception and mistakes, as stated in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some customs or traditions in my own culture that may seem unusual to others, and how can I be sensitive to those who may not understand them?
- Have I ever felt deceived or misled by someone, and how did I respond? What can I learn from Jacob's experience in Genesis 29:25?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem to be going against my plans, as seen in Genesis 29:26 and Romans 8:28?
- How can I apply the principle of respecting cultural customs, as seen in Genesis 29:26, to my own interactions with people from different backgrounds?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:26
And Laban said, it must not be so done in, our country,.... Or "in our place" (s); in this our city it is not usual and customary to do so; he does not deny what he had done in beguiling him, nor the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:26
And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 29:26
This seems to be a false pretence; but if it had been true, custom is to give place to justice, by which he was obliged to perform his contract with him.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:26
Genesis 29:26 And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.Ver. 26. It must not be so done in our country.] A sorry excuse; but better, he thought, than none at all. A subtle fox he was, and far too hard for honest Jacob, who was "simple to evil," but of a large reach for heaven. "The children of this world are wise in their generation"; and so is the fox in his: but God will take them in their own craft, as wild beasts in a snare, "made and taken to be destroyed". Let us take heed how we deal with them, and make our bargains as wise as we can. Crebro nobis, sicut Ciceroni , vafer ille Siculus insusurret Epicharmi cantilenam illam suam , Nυφεκαιμεμνησοαπινειν. "We have not received the spirit of this world"; we cannot skill of the devil’ s depths: but we have received a better thing; "the Spirit which searcheth all, yea, the deep things of God". O δρασσομενος. Manu capere et firmiter tenere . Cic. ad Attic .
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 29:26
(26) It must not be so done in our country.—Heb., It is not so done in our place, to give, &c. We have seen that it is still customary for the elder cousin to take the elder daughter, and the younger the younger. But Laban affirms that if the elder daughter be not claimed, it was the rule in Haran for her to take precedence over her sisters. In India the practice is such as Laban describes, but we have no proof of the existence of any such custom among the Bedaween. Apparently Leah loved Jacob (Genesis 30:15), and Laban wanted a continuance of his service, and so this unscrupulous plot was arranged between them upon a pretext which, if not false, was yet overstrained. Jacob plainly had no idea of such a custom, and would not have given seven years’ service for Leah.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 29:26
Verse 26. It must not be so done in our country] It was an early custom to give daughters in marriage according to their seniority; and it is worthy of remark that the oldest people now existing, next to the Jews, I mean the Hindoos, have this not merely as a custom, but as a positive law; and they deem it criminal to give a younger daughter in marriage while an elder daughter remains unmarried. Among them it is a high offence, equal to adultery, "for a man to marry while his elder brother remains unmarried, or for a man to give his daughter to such a person, or to give his youngest daughter in marriage while the eldest sister remains unmarried." - Code of Gentoo Laws, chap. xv., sec. 1, p. 204. This was a custom at Mesopotamia; but Laban took care to conceal it from Jacob till after he had given him Leah. The words of Laban are literally what a Hindoo would say on such a subject.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 29:26
26. It is not so done] Cf. Genesis 20:9, Genesis 34:7; 2 Samuel 13:12. Laban’s excuse was specious, that it was necessary to conform to local customs, and that Jacob, as a stranger, did not know them. But, if so, he should in decency and honour have explained the custom to Jacob before consenting to the marriage with the younger sister. In this disgraceful deception Laban’s character is revealed; while Jacob, who deceived his father and his brother, is made to suffer himself from deception.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:26
26. So done in our country — Rather, in our place. The Hindu laws, as quoted by Clarke, made it a high offence “for a man to marry while his elder brother remains unmarried, or for a man to give his