leah Summary and Overview

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. #Ge 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 Machpelah, near Hebron. #Ge 49:31| (B.C. about 1720.)

LE'AH (wearied), the eldest daughter of Laban, and married to Jacob by her father's deceit. Gen 29. She bore him six sons and one daughter, and died after he went down to Egypt, and was buried in the cave of Machpelah. Gen 49:31. She was aware of the greater affection which Jacob felt for her sister, and suffered thereby, Gen 29:21-25, Gen 29:31-35; Gen 30:1-25, but she was nevertheless heartily devoted to her husband.

(See JACOB; LABAN.) She was buried in the cave of Machpelah (Genesis 49:31).