Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
Genesis 29:15-30
Gen.29.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליעקב: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- הכי: ADV
- אחי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ועבדתני: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg+1s
- חנם: ADV
- הגידה: VERB,piel,imp,2,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- מה: PRON,int
- משכרתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+2m
Parallels
- Gen.29.18 (verbal): Jacob's immediate response to Laban's question — he offers to serve seven years for Rachel, directly engaging the topic of wages/terms of service raised in 29:15.
- Gen.29.27-28 (thematic): Laban alters the agreement by substituting Leah for Rachel and then demands further service; continues the theme of negotiated wages and changing terms between master and servant.
- Gen.29.20 (structural): Narrative fulfillment of the wage agreement: Jacob serves seven years for Rachel, showing how the employment contract introduced in 29:15 is carried out (and experienced) by Jacob.
- Gen.31:41 (thematic): Jacob's later summary of his long service under Laban (twenty years, including the years for the daughters) — a retrospective on wages, service, and exploitation that begins with the negotiation in 29:15.
- Hosea 12:12 (allusion): Prophetic recounting of Israel/Jacob 'serving' for a wife in the land of Syria — a later biblical reflection on the episode of Jacob's service to Laban and its significance for Israel's history.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Laban said to Jacob, "Is it because you are my brother that you should serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?"
- And Laban said to Jacob, "Is it because you are my kinsman that you should serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall be your wages?"
Gen.29.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וללבן: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- בנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שם: ADV
- הגדלה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- לאה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הקטנה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- רחל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.29.17 (verbal): Immediate narrative continuation describing Leah and Rachel (physical traits and Rachel's beauty), directly linked to the introduction of Laban's two daughters.
- Gen.29.31-35 (thematic): Reports God's opening of Leah's womb and the births of her sons, developing the consequence of Leah's status as the elder daughter introduced in 29:16.
- Gen.30.1-13 (thematic): Narrates the rivalry between Rachel and Leah over childbearing (use of maidservants Bilhah and Zilpah), expanding the social and family dynamics set up by the identification of the two sisters.
- Gen.31.14-16 (structural): Rachel and Leah speak together and identify themselves as Laban's daughters, recalling their familial relationship and loyalty introduced in 29:16.
- Gen.46.15-18 (structural): Genealogical listing of Leah's and Rachel's children among Jacob's descendants, linking back to the introduction of the two sisters and their roles as mothers of Israel's tribes.
Alternative generated candidates
- 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 Rachel.
Gen.29.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועיני: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- לאה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רכות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- ורחל: CONJ+PROPN,f,sg
- היתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- יפת: ADJ,f,sg,cons
- תאר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויפת: ADJ,f,sg,cons
- מראה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.29:18 (structural): Immediate literary parallel: the verse that follows explains Jacob's love for Rachel (because she was beautiful), showing how Rachel's attractiveness shapes family dynamics and favoritism in the narrative.
- Song of Solomon 4:1 (verbal): Uses similar vocabulary and imagery for physical beauty and the eyes ('behold, you are beautiful...your eyes are doves'), echoing the focus on bodily comeliness and the power of the look.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 (thematic): Contrasts outward appearance with inward value: Samuel (and the narrator) is reminded that God does not judge by external beauty, a theological counterpoint to Jacob's preference for Rachel because of her looks.
- Deuteronomy 21:15-17 (thematic): Legal concern with loved and unloved wives and the rights of offspring; thematically relevant to the consequences of Jacob's favoritism between Rachel and Leah for family succession and tensions.
- Proverbs 31:30 (thematic): Proverbs warns that charm and outward beauty are fleeting and secondary to the fear of the LORD—an interpretive foil to the narrative emphasis on Rachel's physical attractiveness.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Leah’s eyes were soft, and Rachel was beautiful of form and beautiful of appearance.
- And Leah's eyes were soft, and Rachel was beautiful in form and beautiful in appearance.
Gen.29.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאהב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- רחל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אעבדך: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- שבע: NUM,card
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ברחל: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:2,m
- הקטנה: ADJ,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Gen.29.20 (verbal): Immediate narrative repeat — Jacob serves seven years for Rachel; echoes the same wording and shows fulfillment of his statement of love and service.
- Gen.29.27-30 (structural): Continues and contrasts the promise in v.18: Laban's deception (giving Leah) and Jacob's subsequent additional seven years for Rachel; highlights the cost and outcome of Jacob’s love.
- Gen.31.41 (verbal): Jacob’s later summary of his years of labor for Laban ('fourteen years for your two daughters') explicitly ties back to the seven‑year service he undertook for Rachel.
- Gen.24.67 (thematic): Isaac’s loving relationship with Rebekah ('and Isaac loved her') parallels Jacob’s declaration of love for Rachel, illustrating a recurring biblical motif of personal, covenantal love at marriage.
- Eph.5.25 (thematic): New Testament ethic of a husband’s self‑giving love for his wife resonates with Jacob’s willingness to serve seven years out of love for Rachel; both texts frame spousal love as sacrificial commitment.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jacob loved Rachel, and he said, "I will serve you seven years for Rachel your younger daughter."
- And Jacob loved Rachel, and he said, "I will serve you seven years for Rachel your younger daughter."
Gen.29.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- תתי: VERB,qal,juss,1,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- מתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- לאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחר: PREP
- שבה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- עמדי: PREP+1cs
Parallels
- Exodus 2:21 (verbal): A man gives his daughter in marriage to a foreign worker after he agrees to stay and serve (Zipporah to Moses) — parallels Laban’s phrasing of giving his daughter to Jacob in return for service.
- Genesis 24:3–4, 50–51 (thematic): Abraham and his household arrange a wife for Isaac from the kinship group rather than outsiders; family control and consent in arranging a marriage parallels Laban’s decision to give his daughter to Jacob.
- 1 Samuel 18:25 (thematic): Saul promises his daughter in marriage as a condition/reward for David’s exploits (and negotiates the match) — similar motif of the father controlling marriage and offering a daughter to secure or reward service.
- Ruth 4:4–10 (allusion): Boaz’s negotiation to redeem and marry Ruth (keeping the right within the kin group) reflects the concern that it is preferable for the woman to be given/redeemed within the appropriate family circle rather than to another outsider.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Laban said, "Better that I give her to you than that I give her to another man; stay with me."
- And Laban said, "Better that I give her to you than that I give her to another man; stay with me."
Gen.29.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעבד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ברחל: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שבע: NUM,card
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בעיניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- כימים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אחדים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- באהבתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 29:18 (verbal): States Jacob's love for Rachel ('Jacob loved Rachel'), providing immediate verbal and narrative context for why seven years felt like days.
- Genesis 29:27-28 (structural): Continuing episode: Laban's deception and Jacob's subsequent service of another seven years for Rachel—directly tied to the motif of laboring for a bride.
- Genesis 29:30 (thematic): Summarizes Jacob's continued love for Rachel ('he loved Rachel more than Leah'), explaining his willingness to endure long service and hardship for her.
- Song of Solomon 3:4 (thematic): Expresses intense longing and joy in finding the beloved ('I found him whom my soul loves'), paralleling the emotional force that makes trials seem light in the context of love.
- Hosea 3:1-3 (thematic): Hosea's purchase and restoration of Gomer out of love illustrates a related motif: devoted, costly commitment to a beloved despite difficulty.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jacob served for Rachel seven years, and they were in his eyes like a few days because of his love for her.
- And Jacob served for Rachel seven years, and they were in his eyes like a few days because of his love for her.
Gen.29.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- לבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבה: PRT
- את: PRT,acc
- אשתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1s
- כי: CONJ
- מלאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ימי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- ואבואה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- אליה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 29:20 (verbal): Immediate antecedent — Jacob explains he served seven years for Rachel and that the time seemed short because of his love, which motivates his request that Laban now 'give me my wife.'
- Genesis 29:25–26 (structural): Narrative consequence — the next scene: Laban deceives Jacob by giving Leah at night; these verses show the outcome that interrupts Jacob's request to 'go in unto' his intended bride.
- Genesis 29:27–28 (verbal): Resolution and repetition — Laban's demand that Jacob complete Leah's bridal week and then serve seven more years for Rachel echoes Jacob's claim that his days were completed and records the additional service required before he may take Rachel.
- Genesis 31:41 (thematic): Later summary — Jacob's retrospective speech recounts his twenty years with Laban, explicitly linking his long labor to obtaining wives and household, echoing the motive behind his plea in 29:21.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her."
- And Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her."
Gen.29.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאסף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- משתה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 29:25 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation of the same wedding episode — the feast night leads directly to Laban’s deception when Jacob discovers he has been given Leah.
- Genesis 29:27 (structural): Follows the feast: Laban instructs Jacob to complete the customary bridal week (a seven‑day celebration) before receiving Rachel, linking the feast to marriage customs and negotiation.
- Genesis 24:54 (thematic): Abraham’s household holds a meal/feast in the context of arranging a marriage (Rebekah’s betrothal); parallels the social practice of feasting in bride‑house hospitality.
- Judges 14:10 (thematic): Samson’s wedding feast where local men are gathered and a communal celebration takes place — another instance of a wedding‑feast setting involving the bridegroom’s family and community.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Laban gathered all the men of the place and made a feast.
- And Laban gathered all the men of the place and made a feast.
Gen.29.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בערב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- לאה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אליה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 29:25 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel — the following verse repeats the morning revelation that Jacob had lain with Leah, echoing the same 'came in unto her' consummation motif and the deception by Laban.
- Genesis 29:28 (structural): Continues the same episode: Jacob subsequently 'fulfilled her week' with Leah and was then given Rachel, showing the marriage arrangements, bridal-week practice, and sequencing of marital relations in this household.
- Genesis 24:67 (thematic): Isaac's taking of Rebekah into his mother’s tent and becoming her husband parallels the consummation and establishment of a marriage relationship — similar language and social ritual of taking a wife.
- Genesis 2:24 (thematic): Foundational statement about marriage ('a man shall leave... and they shall become one flesh') provides the broader theological framework for understanding the narrative act of 'going in unto' a wife as establishing the conjugal union referenced in Gen 29:23.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it was in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter and brought her to him, and he went in to her.
- And it was in the evening that he took Leah his daughter and brought her to him, and he went in to her.
Gen.29.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- זלפה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שפחתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ללאה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- שפחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.29:29 (verbal): Parallel wording and situation: Laban gives his other maid Bilhah to Rachel—same household practice and similar phrasing about giving a maid to a daughter as a wife/servant to Jacob.
- Gen.30:3-4 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: Leah explicitly gives Zilpah to Jacob as a wife/concubine to serve as a surrogate for childbearing, continuing the same arrangement described in 29:24.
- Gen.30:9-13 (thematic): Outcome parallel: Zilpah’s children (Gad and Asher) are born to Jacob on Leah’s behalf, illustrating the functional role of a maid given to a wife as a surrogate mother.
- Gen.16:1-4 (thematic): Earlier precedent: Sarah gives her maid Hagar to Abraham as a concubine to bear a child, showing the same social/legal practice of a maidservant used as a surrogate within the patriarchal narratives.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Laban gave to his daughter Leah his maidservant Zilpah as a maidservant.
- And Laban gave to Leah his daughter Zilpah his maidservant, as a maidservant.
Gen.29.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בבקר: PREP
- והנה: ADV
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- לאה: NOUN,prop,f,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- לבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מה: PRON,int
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- עשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- הלא: PART
- ברחל: PREP+NOUN,prop,f,sg
- עבדתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- ולמה: CONJ
- רמיתני: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Gen.29:24 (quotation): Immediate narrative parallel — Laban brings Leah to Jacob and substitutes her for Rachel, the direct action to which v.25 reacts.
- Gen.27:1-29 (thematic): Earlier episode of familial deception (Jacob disguising himself to receive Isaac’s blessing) — highlights recurring motif of trickery within the patriarchal family and ironic reversals of deceiver/deceived.
- Gen.20:2 (thematic): Abraham’s deception about Sarah to Abimelech (presenting her as his sister) — another patriarchal instance of lies concerning a wife for personal advantage or protection, underscoring patterns of marital/identity deception.
- Deut.21:15-17 (structural): Laws concerning birthright and the rights of the firstborn — connects to Laban’s claim in v.26 that it is not done in their country to give the younger before the firstborn, reflecting social/legal norms about order and marital customs.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it was in the morning—behold, it was Leah! And he said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served with you? Why then have you deceived me?"
- And it was in the morning—behold, it was Leah! And he said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served with you? Why then have you deceived me?"
Gen.29.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- כן: ADV
- במקומנו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,pl
- לתת: VERB,qal,inf
- הצעירה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לפני: PREP
- הבכירה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 21:15–17 (thematic): Law protecting the rights of the firstborn and forbidding depriving the firstborn of his due in favor of a younger sibling — echoes Laban’s appeal to local custom that the elder must be given precedence.
- Genesis 25:31–34 (thematic): Esau’s sale of his birthright to Jacob highlights the significance and privileges of the firstborn, providing background for why Laban insists the elder daughter be given first.
- Genesis 27:1–29 (structural): Jacob’s deception to obtain Isaac’s blessing meant for Esau (the elder) parallels the episode of substitution and deception here, and the contested rights between younger and firstborn.
- 1 Samuel 16:11–13 (thematic): Samuel’s anointing of the youngest son David instead of the elder brothers contrasts the social expectation favoring firstborns and illustrates occasions where younger sons receive precedence (by divine choice rather than local custom).
Alternative generated candidates
- And Laban said, "It is not done thus in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn."
- And Laban said, "It is not done thus in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn."
Gen.29.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מלא: ADJ,m,sg
- שבע: NUM,card
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- ונתנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- גם: ADV
- את: PRT,acc
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- בעבדה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תעבד: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- עמדי: PREP+1cs
- עוד: ADV
- שבע: NUM,card
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אחרות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Gen.29.20 (verbal): Jacob originally 'served seven years' for Rachel — the same verb/idea of labor-for-bride that 29:27 invokes as the basis for further service.
- Gen.29.26 (thematic): Laban’s remark ('It is not done in our country...') provides the cultural rationale for the deception that makes the additional seven years necessary.
- Gen.29:30 (thematic): After the deception Jacob 'served the other seven years' for Rachel — this verse shows the fulfillment/result of the promise in 29:27.
- Gen.31:41 (structural): Jacob's later summary of his years of service recounts the same pattern (years of labor, deception, extra service), reflecting back on the episode in 29:27.
Alternative generated candidates
- "Complete this one’s week, and we will give you also this one for the service that you will serve with me yet another seven years."
- Fulfill the week of this one, and we will give you also this one for the service which you shall serve with me yet seven other years."
Gen.29.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כן: ADV
- וימלא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שבע: NUM,card
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- רחל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- לאשה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 29:26-27 (verbal): Immediate context — Laban’s instruction to 'fulfil her week' precedes this verse; verse 28 records the fulfillment of that bridal week and the giving of Rachel as Jacob’s wife.
- Genesis 29:20 (thematic): Jacob’s earlier service of seven years for Rachel explains the exchange and the extended labor — both verses revolve around labor rendered in order to obtain a bride.
- Genesis 29:30 (thematic): Follows the marriage account: Jacob’s love for Rachel and the ensuing rivalry between wives grows out of the double marriage recorded here.
- Genesis 16:1-4 (thematic): Abram/Sarai/Hagar episode illustrates another instance of household complexity and secondary marriage/servant-wife arrangements in Genesis, paralleling themes of polygyny and family tension.
- Deuteronomy 21:15-17 (structural): Legal provision addressing a man with two wives and the rights of his children — a later legal reflection on the family-structures and consequences exemplified by Jacob’s two wives.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jacob did so and completed this one’s week; and he gave him Rachel his daughter to be his wife.
- And Jacob did so and fulfilled the week of this one; and he gave him Rachel his daughter to him as a wife.
Gen.29.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לרחל: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- בלהה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שפחתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- לשפחה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 16:1-3 (thematic): Sarai gives her maid Hagar to Abram so the maid serves as a surrogate/secondary wife — parallels the practice of a woman’s servant being given into marital/sexual service.
- Genesis 30:3-4 (verbal): Rachel explicitly gives Bilhah to Jacob as her maid/secondary wife to bear children — directly continues the narrative role of Bilhah after Laban gives her to Rachel.
- Genesis 30:9-13 (thematic): Leah gives her maid Zilpah to Jacob; another instance of a wife providing her handmaid to bear children, mirroring Rachel/Bilhah dynamics.
- Genesis 29:24-28 (structural): Immediate context: Laban’s bride‑arrangements (substituting Leah for Rachel) and his control over daughters and servants, showing the social framework in which Bilhah is handed over.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter his maidservant Bilhah as a maidservant.
- And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his maidservant, as a maidservant.
Gen.29.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- גם: ADV
- אל: NEG
- רחל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויאהב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- גם: ADV
- את: PRT,acc
- רחל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מלאה: ADV
- ויעבד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- עוד: ADV
- שבע: NUM,card
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אחרות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Gen.29:20 (verbal): Earlier verse stating Jacob 'served seven years for Rachel' — repeats the language and shows the initial period of service rooted in his love for Rachel.
- Gen.29:25-28 (structural): Immediate context: Laban deceives Jacob by giving Leah first, then Jacob 'served yet another seven years' for Rachel — directly connected episode explaining the extra service.
- Gen.29:31 (thematic): 'When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, he opened her womb' — contrasts Jacob's greater love for Rachel with Leah's fertility and explains family dynamics begun in 29:30.
- Deut.21:15-17 (thematic): Legal provision for a man with two wives, one loved and one unloved, securing the rights of the firstborn — presumes and addresses the social consequences of unequal spousal affection exemplified by Jacob, Rachel, and Leah.
- 1 Sam.1:4-8 (thematic): Elkanah's love for Hannah though Peninnah had children, and Hannah's barrenness, parallel the motif of a favored but barren wife versus a less-loved but fertile wife as in Jacob's household.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he went in also to Rachel, and he also loved Rachel more than Leah, and he served with him yet another seven years.
- And he also went in to Rachel, and he also loved Rachel more than Leah, and he served with him yet seven other years.
And Laban said to Jacob, "Is it indeed because you are my kinsman that you should serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall be your wages?" Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. And Leah’s eyes were soft, and Rachel was beautiful in form and beautiful in appearance. And Jacob loved Rachel, and he said, "I will serve you seven years for Rachel your younger daughter." And Laban said, "Better that I give her to you than that I give her to another man. Stay with me." And Jacob served for Rachel seven years, and they were in his eyes like a few days because of his love for her. And Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her." And Laban gathered all the men of the place and made a feast. And it was in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter and brought her to him; and he went in to her. And Laban gave to Leah his daughter Zilpah his maidservant as a maidservant. And it was in the morning—behold, it was Leah! And he said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served with you? And why have you deceived me?" And Laban said, "It is not done thus in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn."
"Complete this one's week, and we will also give you the other, for the service that you will serve with me—another seven years besides." And Jacob did so and completed this one's week; and he gave him Rachel his daughter as a wife. And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his maidservant as her maidservant. And he also went in to Rachel, and he also loved Rachel more than Leah, and he served with him yet another seven years.