Genesis 29
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New English Translation

Genesis 29:18-30

18Since Jacob had fallen in love with Rachel, he said, “I’ll serve you seven years in exchange for your younger daughter Rachel.”

19Laban replied, “I’d rather give her to you than to another man. Stay with me.”

20So Jacob worked for seven years to acquire Rachel. But they seemed like only a few days to him because his love for her was so great.

21Finally Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife, for my time of service is up. I want to have marital relations with her.”

22So Laban invited all the people of that place and prepared a feast.

23In the evening he brought his daughter Leah to Jacob, and Jacob had marital relations with her.

24(Laban gave his female servant Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her servant.)

25In the morning Jacob discovered it was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What in the world have you done to me! Didn’t I work for you in exchange for Rachel? Why have you tricked me?”

26“It is not our custom here,” Laban replied, “to give the younger daughter in marriage before the firstborn.

27Complete my older daughter’s bridal week. Then we will give you the younger one too, in exchange for seven more years of work.”

28Jacob did as Laban said. When Jacob completed Leah’s bridal week, Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife.

29(Laban gave his female servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel to be her servant.)

30Jacob had marital relations with Rachel as well. He loved Rachel more than Leah, so he worked for Laban for seven more years.

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Commentaries on Genesis 29

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