Genesis 29:16 — Word Study
WLCוּלְלָבָ֖ן שְׁתֵּ֣י בָנ֑וֹת שֵׁ֤ם הַגְּדֹלָה֙ לֵאָ֔ה וְשֵׁ֥ם הַקְּטַנָּ֖ה רָחֵֽל׃
BSANow LabanLâbân [a place in the desert] had twoshᵉnayim [a pair, dual] daughtersbath the oldergâdôwl [greater in age, more mature] was namedshêm LeahLêʼâh [mother of many tribes of Israel] and the youngerqâṭân [smaller in age, less mature] was namedshêm RachelRâchêl [ewe]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וּלְלָבָ֖ן | and [belonged] to Laban | Conjunction, preposition, noun proper masculine |
| שְׁתֵּ֣י | two | Adj |
| בָנ֑וֹת | daughters | Noun common, feminine plural absolute |
| שֵׁ֤ם | [the] name of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| הַגְּדֹלָה֙ | the old [one] | Particle |
| לֵאָ֔ה | [was] Leah | Noun proper feminine |
| וְשֵׁ֥ם | and [the] name of | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular construct |
| הַקְּטַנָּ֖ה | the young [one] | Particle |
| רָחֵֽל׃ | [was] Rachel | Noun proper feminine |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Now Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel. |
| KJV | And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. |
| ASV | And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. |
| YLT | And Laban hath two daughters, the name of the elder [is] Leah, and the name of the younger Rachel, |
| WEB | Laban had two daughters. The name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. |
| BBE | Now Laban had two daughters: the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. |
Where they part company is in the descriptions of Leah and Rachel — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence has a main clause followed by two adjectival phrases that describe Laban's daughters, establishing their identities.
6 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Genesis 29:16
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Family of Labangenerated
Genesis 29:16 introduces Laban's two daughters, Leah and Rachel, setting the stage for Jacob's future family dynamics. This passage is part of the larger narrative where Jacob, having fled from Esau, encounters Laban and begins his new life. The mention of Laban's daughters foreshadows the complex relationships that will develop as the story progresses, particularly Jacob's marriages and the birth of his children.
Cross References
The Key Word — לָבָן, u.le.la.Vangenerated
The name לָבָן (la.van) refers to Laban, a key figure in the Patriarchal narratives. He is the son of Bethuel and the brother of Rebekah, making him Jacob's uncle and father-in-law. The term also refers to a geographical location associated with the Israelites' desert journey, emphasizing Laban's dual significance in the text.
The Hebrew word for Laban carries the meaning of 'white,' which could symbolize purity or clarity in the context of his character and actions. This name appears in various contexts, indicating both a person and a place, establishing Laban's importance in the unfolding family saga.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
All translations agree on the basic meaning of the verse, consistently identifying Laban as the father of two daughters, Leah and Rachel.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause is introduced with the verb הַגְּדֹלָה֙ (the older), which governs the description of Laban's daughters. The structure presents the daughters in relation to their age, emphasizing Leah as the elder and Rachel as the younger.
The Hebrew word order places Laban's name at the beginning, establishing him as the subject of the sentence. This structure highlights the familial connections and sets the stage for the relationships that will develop.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates לָבָן as λαβαν, maintaining the reference to Laban. This choice reflects the translators' intention to preserve the identity of the character while adapting the text for a Greek-speaking audience.
The Greek word for 'two' is δύο, which corresponds directly to the Hebrew, indicating a consistent understanding of the number of daughters.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Genesis 29:16 tells us that Laban had two daughters named Leah and Rachel. Leah was the older sister, and Rachel was the younger. This introduction is important as it sets the stage for Jacob's relationships with both women, which will play a significant role in the narrative.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Laban's daughters were Leah and Rachel, who would later become the wives of Jacob.
The name Leah is associated with being weary and is significant as she becomes the mother of many tribes of Israel.
Rachel's name means 'ewe,' and she is known for her beauty and as the mother of Joseph and Benjamin.
This verse introduces key characters in Jacob's life, setting the stage for his marriages and the subsequent events that unfold.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What can we learn from the relationships between Laban and his daughters?
- How do the names Leah and Rachel reflect their roles in the story?
- In what ways do family dynamics shape the events in Jacob's life?
- What significance do you see in the order of the names mentioned?
Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Genesis 29:16 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd Laban had two daughters,.... Grown up and marriageable: and the name of the elder was Leah; which signifies labour or weariness: and the name of the younger was Rachel; before mentioned, whom
Read John Gill on Genesis 29 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
Read Robert Jamieson on Genesis 29 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleHe brought back all the goods which the victorious kings had taken from the princes and people mentioned before in this chapter.
Read Matthew Poole on Genesis 29 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsGenesis 29:16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder [was] Leah, and the name of the younger [was] Rachel.Ver. 16. The name of the elder was Leah,] i.e., Weak and wearish, by her natural constitution No marvel, therefore, though she were weak-sighted, as Genesis 29:17. Debilis, nec bene habita, quasi lassa ex debilitate constitutionis.
Read John Trapp on Genesis 29 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges16. Leah] The meaning of “Leah” is uncertain. According to some scholars, who see in it a totem name, it should be compared with an Arabic word meaning “a wild cow”; according to others, with an Assyrian word meaning “a lady.”
Read Cambridge on Genesis 29 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the BibleJACOB’S DOUBLE , Genesis 29:15-30. What shall thy wages be — Jacob, the plain, domestic man, (Genesis 25:27,) doubtless made himself very useful in Laban’s household.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Genesis 29 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Now Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel.
Laban had two daughters. The name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
Now Laban had two daughters; the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel.
(Now Laban had two daughters; the older one was named Leah, and the younger one Rachel.
Tyndale line
And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
Now Laban had two daughters, the elder called Leah, and the yonger called Rahel.
Strictly literal
And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger, Rachel.
And Laban hath two daughters, the name of the elder [is] Leah, and the name of the younger Rachel,
And Laban has two daughters, the name of the older [is] Leah, and the name of the younger Rachel,
And Laban had two daughters; the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
Now Laban had two daughters. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
From the Latin
Now he had two daughters, the name of the elder was Lia: and the younger was called Rachel.
Simplified
Laban had two daughters. The older one was Leah, and the younger one was Rachel.
Now Laban had two daughters: the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text is supported by both the Septuagint and the Samaritan Pentateuch, which agree word for word with the Hebrew text. This consensus among ancient witnesses reinforces the reliability of the account.
וּלְלָבָ֖ן שְׁתֵּ֣י בָנ֑וֹת שֵׁ֤ם הַגְּדֹלָה֙ לֵאָ֔ה וְשֵׁ֥ם הַקְּטַנָּ֖ה רָחֵֽל׃
9 of the 9 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
וללבן שׁתי בנות שׁם הגדלה לאה ושׁם הקטנה רחל
Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Genesis 29:16
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
לָבָן (la.van) refers to Laban, a figure from the Patriarchal narratives, specifically the son of Bethuel and brother of Rebekah, who is the father-in-law of Jacob. The term also denotes a location associated with the Israelites' desert journey. The name Laban means 'white' and appears in contexts relating to both a person and a geographical site.
לָבָן 54 n.pr.m. son of Bethuel, brother of Rebekah, and father-in-law of Jacob
base
לָבָן n.pr.loc. connected with desert-journey of Israelites Dt 1:1
ref
H3837a לָבָן son of Bethuel, brother of Rebekah, and father-in-law of Jacob H3837b לָבָן connected with desert-journey of Israelites
3837 Laban law-bawn'
the same as 3836; Laban, a Mesopotamian; also a place in the
Desert:--Laban.
see HEBREW for 03836
לָבָן (la.van) — Laban.
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
לָבָן (la.van) — Laban.
§ Laban = "white"
a wilderness encampment of the Israelites
Conj | Prep | N-proper — Conjunction · preposition · noun proper masculineHC/R/Npm
la'-ban: The person named Laban, labhan; (Laban, possibly connected with the root meaning "to be white," from which in Hebrew the adjective meaning "white" has just this form) is first introduced to the reader of Genesis in the story of the wooing of Rebekah (Genesis 24). He belonged to that branch of the family of Terah that was derived from Abraham's brother Nahor and his niece Milcah. The genealogy of this branch is traced in Ge 22:20-24; but, true to its purpose and the place it occupies in the book, this genealogy brings the family down to Rebekah, and there stops without mentioning Laban. Accordingly, when Rebekah is introduced in the narrative of Genesis 24, she is referred to (24:15,24) in a way that recalls to the reader the genealogy already given; but when her brother Laban is introduced (24:29), he is related to his…
Laban
White. (1.) The son of Bethuel, who was the son of Nahor, Abraham’s brother. He lived at Haran in Mesopotamia. His sister Rebekah was Isaac’s wife (Gen. 24). Jacob, one of the sons of this marriage, fled to the house of Laban, whose daughters Leah and Rachel (ch. 29) he eventually married. (See JACOB.)
(2.) A city in the Arabian desert in the route of the Israelites (Deut. 1:1), probably identical with Libnah (Num. 33:20).
(white). Son of Bethuel, brother of Rebekah and father of Leah and Rachel. (B.C. about 1860-1740.) The elder branch of the family remained at Haran, Mesopotamia, when Abraham removed to the land of Canaan, and it is there that we first meet with Laban, as taking the leading part in the betrothal of his sister Rebekah to her cousin Isaac. (Genesis 24:10,29-60; 27:43; 29:5) The next time Laban appears in the sacred narrative it is as the host of his nephew Jacob at Haran. (Genesis 29:13,14) [JACOB] Jacob married Rachel and Leah, daughters of Laban, and remained with him 20 years, B.C. 1760-1740. But Laban’s dishonest and overreaching practice toward his nephew shows from what source Jacob inherited his tendency to sharp dealing. Nothing is said of Laban after Jacob left him. One…
A rich herdsman of Mesopotamia, son of Bethuel, and grandson of Mahor, Abraham’s brother, Ge 24:28-31. His character is shown in the gladness with which he gave his sister Rebekah in marriage to the only son of his rich uncle, Abraham, Ge 24:30,50; and in his deceitful and exacting treatment of Jacob his nephew and son-inlaw, against which Jacob defended himself by cunning as well as fidelity. When the prosperity of the one family and the jealousy of the other rendered peace impossible, Jacob, at the command of God, secretly departed, to go to Canaan. Laban pursued him; but being warned by God to do him no harm, returned home after making a treaty of peace. He seems to have known and worshipped God, Ge 24:50 30:27 31:53; but…
שְׁנַ֫יִם (shnayim) means 'two' and serves as both a cardinal and ordinal number. It can denote 'both,' 'double,' or 'twice,' and is used in various combinations with other numbers. The word is derived as a dual form of שָׁנָה (shanah), which relates to the concept of pairs.
שְׁנַ֫יִם, שְׁתַּיִם 768 n.m. et f. du. two
base
H8147 שְׁנַ֫יִם, שְׁתַּיִם two
8147 shnayim shen-ah'-yim
dual of 8145; feminine shttayim {shet-tah'-yim}; two; also
(as ordinal) twofold:--both, couple, double, second, twain, +
twelfth, + twelve, + twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two.
see HEBREW for 08145
שְׁנַ֫יִם (she.na.yim) — two.
1) two
1a) two (the cardinal number)
1a1) two, both, double, twice
1b) second (the ordinal number)
1c) in combination with other numbers
1d) both (a dual number)
Adj — AdjHAcfdc
too.
See NUMBER.
בַּת (bat) means 'daughter' and encompasses a range of meanings including female child, young women, and even personifications of cities or inhabitants. It can also refer to villages in certain contexts. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to build' and is used in various figurative senses, such as 'branch' or 'apple of the eye.'
בַּת 587 n.f. daughter
daughter, female child
young women, women
with name of city, land, or people, poet. personif. of that city or inhabitants
pl. = villages, after name of city
in phrases denoting character, quality, etc.
ostrich
fig.
of vine = branch
as n. relat.
base
H1323 בַּת daughter . daughter, female child
. young women, women
. with name of city, land, or people, poet. personif. of that city or inhabitants
. pl. = villages, after name of city
. in phrases denoting character, quality, etc.
. ostrich
. fig.
. of vine = branch
. as n. relat.
1323 bath bath
from 1129 (as feminine of 1121); a daughter (used in the same
wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and
figuratively):--apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter,
X first, X old, + owl, town, village.
see HEBREW for 01129
see HEBREW for 01121
בַּת (bat) — daughter.
: daughter
1) daughter
1a) daughter, girl, adopted daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, granddaughters, female child, cousin
1a1) as polite address
1a2) as designation of women of a particular place
2) young women, women
1a3) as personification
1a4) daughter-villages
1a5) description of character
Also means: bat (בַּת ": village" H1323H)
בַּת (bat) — daughter: village.
: village
1) daughter
1a) daughter, girl, adopted daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, granddaughters, female child, cousin
1a1) as polite address
1a2) as designation of women of a particular place
2) young women, women
1a3) as personification
1a4) daughter-villages
1a5) description of character
בַּת (bat) — Bath (Shua).
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)
N-fp — Noun common · feminine plural absoluteHNcfpa
שֵׁם (shem) means 'name' and encompasses various meanings such as reputation, fame, and glory. It can refer to the designation of God and is often associated with memorials or monuments. The word is built from a primitive root and highlights individuality and honor. There is a mention of its use in relation to false gods, which is forbidden.
שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)
of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it
usu. of pers.
= reputation
esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons
name, as designation of God
of false gods, use forbidden
= memorial, monument
base
H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)
8034 shem shame
a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea
of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an
appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by
implication honor, authority, character:--+ base,
(in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
see HEBREW for 07760
see HEBREW for 08064
שֵׁם (shem) — name.
1) name
1a) name
1b) reputation, fame, glory
1c) the Name (as designation of God)
1d) memorial, monument
Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
גָּדוֹל (gadol) means 'great' and covers a wide range of meanings, including large in size, number, intensity, sound, age, and importance. It can also refer to notable individuals or even God. Additionally, it appears as a proper noun in reference to a person named in Nehemiah 11:14. The lexicons note its use in various contexts, but do not present significant disagreement.
גָּדוֹל 622 adj. great
in magnitude and extent
in number
in intensity
in sound, loud
in age
in importance
in phrases
cstr.
as subst. concr. do great things
† as subst. neut. greatness of arm
H1419a גָּדוֹל great . in magnitude and extent
. in number
. in intensity
. in sound, loud
. in age
. in importance
. in phrases
. cstr.
. as subst. concr. do great things
. † as subst. neut. greatness of arm
H1419b הַגְּדוֹלִים father of Zabdiel
1419 gadowl gaw-dole'
or (shortened) gadol {gaw-dole'}; from 1431; great (in any
sense); hence, older; also insolent:--+ aloud, elder(-est), +
exceeding(-ly), + far, (man of) great (man, matter,
thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble,
proud thing, X sore, (X ) very.
see HEBREW for 01431
גָּדוֹל (ga.dol) — great: large.
adj
1) great
1a) large (in magnitude and extent)
1b) in number
1c) in intensity
1d) loud (in sound)
1e) older (in age)
1f) in importance
1f1) important things
1f2) great, distinguished (of men)
1f3) God Himself (of God)
subst
1g) great things
1h) haughty things
1i) greatness
Also means: ga.dol (גָּדוֹל ": old" H1419K)
§ Haggedolim = "the great one"
(CLBL) Haggedolim, the great man?, father of Zabdiel
גָּדוֹל (ga.dol) — Haggedolim.
A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.11.14
§ Haggedolim = "the great one"
(CLBL) Haggedolim, the great man?, father of Zabdiel
גָּדוֹל (ga.dol) — Great (Sea).
adj
great
Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
גָּדוֹל (ga.dol) — great: old.
adj
1) great
1a) large (in magnitude and extent)
1b) in number
1c) in intensity
1d) loud (in sound)
Art | Adj — ParticleHTd/Aafsa
wun.
See NUMBER.
לֵאָה (Le'ah) refers to Leah, the elder daughter of Laban and the first wife of Jacob. The name is derived from a root meaning 'weary.' Leah is noted for being the mother of several of Jacob's children, including Reuben and Judah, and is first mentioned in Genesis 29:16.
לֵאָה 34 n.pr.f. Leah, elder daughter of Laban, and wife of Jacob
base
H3812 לֵאָה Leah, elder daughter of Laban, and wife of Jacob
3812 Le'ah lay-aw'
from 3811; weary; Leah, a wife of Jacob:--Leah.
see HEBREW for 03811
לֵאָה (le.ah) — Leah.
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
N-proper — Noun proper feminineHNpf
le'-a (le'ah; Leia, "weary," "dull"(?), "wild cow"): Rachel's sister, and the elder daughter of Laban (Ge 29:16). We are told that her eyes were "tender" rakkoth). Gesenius renders it "weak," Septuagint astheneis; accordingly, she was weak-eyed, but by no means "blear-eyed" (compare Vulgate). Her eyes were lacking that luster which always and everywhere is looked upon as a conspicuous part of female beauty. Josephus (Ant., I, xix, 7) says of her, ten opsin ouk euprepe, which may safely be rendered, "she was of no comely countenance."
Leah became the wife of Jacob by a ruse on the part of her father, taking advantage of the oriental custom of heavily veiling the prospective bride. When taken to task by his irate son-in-law, Laban excused himself by stating it was against the rule of the place "to give the younger before the…
Leah
Weary, the eldest daughter of Laban, and sister of Rachel (Gen. 29:16). Jacob took her to wife through a deceit of her father (Gen. 29:23). She was “tender-eyed” (17). She bore to Jacob six sons (32-35), also one daughter, Dinah (30:21). She accompanied Jacob into Canaan, and died there before the time of the going down into Egypt (Gen. 31), and was buried in the cave of Machpelah (49:31).
(wearied), the daughter of Laban. (Genesis 29:16) The dullness or weakness of her eyes was so notable that it is mentioned as a contrast to the beautiful form and appearance of her younger sister Rachel. Her father took advantage of the opportunity which the local marriage rite afforded to pass her off in her sister’s stead on the unconscious bridegroom, and excused himself to Jacob by alleging that the custom of the country forbade the younger sister to be given first in marriage. Jacob’s preference of Rachel grew into hatred of Leah after he had married both sisters. Leah, however, bore to him in quick succession Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, then Issachar, Zebulun and Dinah, before Rachel had a child. She died some time after Jacob reached the south country in which his father Isaac lived. She was buried in the family grave in…
The elder daughter of Laban, and the first wife of Jacob, though less beloved than her sister Rachel. She had, through life, the remembrance of the deceit by which her father had imposed her upon Jacob. She was the mother of seven children, among whom were Reuben- Jacob’s firstborn-and Judah, the ancestor of the leading tribe among the Jews, of the royal line, and of our Lord, Ge 29:16-35; 30:1- 21. She is supposed to have died before the removal of the family into Egypt, Ge 49:31.
שֵׁם (shem) means 'name' and encompasses various meanings such as reputation, fame, and glory. It can refer to the designation of God and is often associated with memorials or monuments. The word is built from a primitive root and highlights individuality and honor. There is a mention of its use in relation to false gods, which is forbidden.
שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)
of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it
usu. of pers.
= reputation
esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons
name, as designation of God
of false gods, use forbidden
= memorial, monument
base
H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)
8034 shem shame
a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea
of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an
appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by
implication honor, authority, character:--+ base,
(in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
see HEBREW for 07760
see HEBREW for 08064
שֵׁם (shem) — name.
1) name
1a) name
1b) reputation, fame, glory
1c) the Name (as designation of God)
1d) memorial, monument
Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular constructHC/Ncmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
קָטָן (qatan) means small, young, or unimportant. It can refer to size, quantity, or age, and is often used to describe something insignificant. The entries indicate that it is a diminutive form, with variations in spelling. The lexicons highlight its meanings consistently, without significant disagreement.
קָטָן adj. small, young, unimportant
base
קָטֹן 64 adj. small, insignificant
base
H6996a קָטָן small, young, unimportant H6996b קָטֹן small, insignificant
6996 qatan kaw-tawn'
or qaton {kaw-tone'}; from 6962; abbreviated, i.e.
diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or
figuratively (in age or importance):--least, less(-er),
little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing),
young(-er, -est).
see HEBREW for 06962
קָטָן (qa.tan) — small.
young, small, unimportant
Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
קָטֹן (qa.ton) — small.
: small
small, insignificant
קָטֹן (qa.ton) — small: young.
: young
small, insignificant
A sub-meaning of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
Art | Adj — ParticleHTd/Aafsa
wun.
See NUMBER.
רָחֵל (Rachel) refers to the daughter of Laban and wife of Jacob, known for being the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. The name is associated with the meaning 'ewe.' She is first mentioned in Genesis 29:6. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding her identity or familial connections.
רָחֵל 47 n.pr.f. Rachel, daughter of Laban and wife of Jacob
base
H7354 רָחֵל Rachel, daughter of Laban and wife of Jacob
7354 Rachel raw-khale'
the same as 7353; Rachel, a wife of Jacob:--Rachel.
see HEBREW for 07353
רָחֵל (ra.chel) — Rachel.
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
N-proper — Noun proper feminineHNpf
ra'-chel (rachel, "ewe"; Rhachel (Ge 29:6; Jer 31:15, the King James Version "Rahel")):
1. Biography:
An ancestress of Israel, wife of Jacob, mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Rachel was the younger daughter of Laban, the Aramean, the brother of Jacob's mother; so Rachel and Jacob were cousins. They met for the first time upon the arrival of Jacob at Haran, when attracted by her beauty he immediately fell in love with her, winning her love by his chivalrous act related in Ge 29:10 ff. According to the custom of the times Jacob contracted with Laban for her possession, agreeing to serve him 7 years as the stipulated price (29:17-20). But when the time had passed, Laban deceived Jacob by giving him Leah instead of Rachel. When Jacob…
Rachel
Ewe, “the daughter”, “the somewhat petulant, peevish, and self-willed though beautiful younger daughter” of Laban, and one of Jacob’s wives (Gen. 29:6, 28). He served Laban fourteen years for her, so deep was Jacob’s affection for her. She was the mother of Joseph (Gen. 30:22-24). Afterwards, on Jacob’s departure from Mesopotamia, she took with her her father’s teraphim (31:34, 35). As they journeyed on from Bethel, Rachel died in giving birth to Benjamin (35:18, 19), and was buried “in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave”. Her sepulchre is still regarded with great veneration by the Jews. Its traditional site is about half a mile from Jerusalem.
(ewe, or sheep), the younger of the daughters of Laban, the wife of Jacob (B.C. 1753) and mother of Joseph and Benjamin. The incidents of her life may be found in Genesis29-33, 35. The story of Jacob and Rachel has always had a peculiar interest. The beauty of Rachel, Jacob’s deep love and long servitude for her, their marriage, and Rachel’s death on giving birth to Benjamin, with Jacob’s grief at her loss, (Genesis 48:7) makes a touching tale. Yet from what is related to us concerning her character there does not seem much to claim any high degree of admiration and esteem. She appears to have shared all the duplicity and falsehood of her family. See, for instance, Rachel’s stealing her father’s images, and the ready dexterity and presence of mind with which she concealed her theft. (
Ewe or sheep, Ru 4:11, the younger sister of Leah, daughter of Laban, and the chosen wife of Jacob, though her sister was favored with more children. Rachel was the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, and died soon after the birth of the latter. See her history in Ge 29:1-35:29. Her sepulchre, half an hour’s walk north of Bethlehem, is shown unto this day, the spot being marked by a Mohammedan wely or tomb, a stone enclosure and a dome. The prophecy, Jer 31:15, representing her as mourning over her posterity, the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, is quoted in Mt 2:18, in reference to the massacre at Bethlehem, in which undoubtedly many of her descendants suffered. It is…