Genesis 29

Jacob in Laban’s Household

15Then Laban said to Jacob, “Should you work for me without pay because you are my relative? Tell me what your wages should be.” 16Laban had two daughters. The older was named Leah and the younger Rachel. 17Leah’s eyes were gentle, while Rachel was lovely in figure and appearance.

18Jacob loved Rachel. He said, “I will work for you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” 19Laban answered, “It is better for me to give her to you than to another man. Stay with me.” 20Jacob worked seven years for Rachel, but because he loved her, they seemed like only a few days to him.

Laban’s Deception

21Jacob said to Laban, “My time is complete. Give me my wife so I may sleep with her.” 22Laban gathered all the people of the place and held a feast. 23But that evening Laban took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob slept with her. 24Laban gave his enslaved woman Zilpah to his daughter Leah as her slave woman.

25In the morning—there was Leah! Jacob said to Laban, “What have you done to me? Didn’t I work for you for Rachel? Why did you deceive me?” 26Laban answered, “In our place, the younger daughter is not given before the firstborn.

27Complete this daughter’s wedding week, and we will give you the other one too, in return for another seven years of work for me.” 28Jacob agreed and completed Leah’s wedding week. Then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife.