Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob made love to her. New Living Translation But that night, when it was dark, Laban took Leah to Jacob, and he slept with her. English Standard Version But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and he went in to her. Berean Standard Bible But when evening came, Laban took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and he slept with her. Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass in the evening that he took Leah his daughter and brought her to him, and he went in to her. King James Bible And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her. New King James Version Now it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter and brought her to Jacob; and he went in to her. New American Standard Bible Now in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to him; and Jacob had relations with her. NASB 1995 Now in the evening he took his daughter Leah, and brought her to him; and Jacob went in to her. NASB 1977 Now it came about in the evening that he took his daughter Leah, and brought her to him; and Jacob went in to her. Legacy Standard Bible Now it happened in the evening that he took his daughter Leah and brought her to him; and Jacob went in to her. Amplified Bible But in the evening he took Leah his daughter and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob went in to [consummate the marriage with] her. Berean Annotated Bible But when evening came, Laban took his daughter Leah (weary) and gave her to Jacob, and he slept with her. Christian Standard Bible That evening, Laban took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and he slept with her. Holman Christian Standard Bible That evening, Laban took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and he slept with her. American Standard Version And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her. Contemporary English Version But that evening he brought Leah to Jacob, who married her and spent the night with her. English Revised Version And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her. GOD'S WORD® Translation In the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob. Jacob slept with her. When morning came, he realized it was Leah. Good News Translation But that night, instead of Rachel, he took Leah to Jacob, and Jacob had intercourse with her. ( International Standard Version That night Laban took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob. He had marital relations with her. NET Bible In the evening he brought his daughter Leah to Jacob, and Jacob had marital relations with her. New Heart English Bible It happened in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter and brought her to him, and he slept with her. Webster's Bible Translation And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in to her. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut when evening came, Laban took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and he slept with her. World English Bible In the evening, he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to Jacob. He went in to her. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it comes to pass in the evening, that he takes his daughter Leah, and brings her to him, and he goes in to her; Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass in the evening that he took Leah his daughter and brought her to him, and he went in to her. Young's Literal Translation And it cometh to pass in the evening, that he taketh Leah, his daughter, and bringeth her in unto him, and he goeth in unto her; Smith's Literal Translation And it will be in the evening, and he will take Leah his daughter, and bring her to him, and he will go in to her. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd at night he brought in Lia his daughter to him, Catholic Public Domain Version And at night, he brought in his daughter Leah to him, New American Bible At nightfall he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and he consummated the marriage with her. New Revised Standard Version But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob; and he went in to her. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd it came to pass in the evening, he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and Jacob went in unto her. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And when it was evening, he brought Leah his daughter and brought her to him, and he came in unto her. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her. Brenton Septuagint Translation And it was even, and he took his daughter Lea, and brought her in to Jacob, and Jacob went in to her. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel…22So Laban invited all the men of that place and prepared a feast. 23But when evening came, Laban took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and he slept with her. 24And Laban gave his servant girl Zilpah to his daughter Leah as her maidservant.… Cross References But when evening came, Matthew 8:16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Jesus, and He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. John 6:16 When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, Mark 1:32 That evening, after sunset, people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed, Laban took his daughter Leah Genesis 31:15 Are we not regarded by him as outsiders? Not only has he sold us, but he has certainly squandered what was paid for us. Exodus 2:21 Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. Joshua 15:17 So Othniel son of Caleb’s brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage. and gave her to Jacob, Genesis 31:41 Thus for twenty years I have served in your household—fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks—and you have changed my wages ten times! 1 Samuel 18:27 David and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented them as payment in full to become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave his daughter Michal to David in marriage. Hosea 12:12 Jacob fled to the land of Aram and Israel worked for a wife—for a wife he tended sheep. and he slept with her. Genesis 38:18-19 “What pledge should I give you?” he asked. She answered, “Your seal and your cord, and the staff in your hand.” So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she became pregnant by him. / Then Tamar got up and departed. And she removed her veil and put on her widow’s garments again. 2 Samuel 11:4 Then David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her. (Now she had just purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned home. Genesis 27:35-36 But Isaac replied, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing.” / So Esau declared, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice. He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?” Genesis 24:65 and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?” “It is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself. Genesis 38:14-25 she removed her widow’s garments, covered her face with a veil to disguise herself, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that although Shelah had grown up, she had not been given to him as a wife. / When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had covered her face. / Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her and said, “Come now, let me sleep with you.” “What will you give me for sleeping with you?” she inquired. … Judges 14:12-20 “Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can solve it for me within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. / But if you cannot solve it, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.” “Tell us your riddle,” they replied. “Let us hear it.” / So he said to them: “Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet.” For three days they were unable to explain the riddle. … 1 Samuel 25:44 But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim. Treasury of Scripture And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in to her. brought her. Genesis 24:65 For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself. Genesis 38:14,15 And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife… Micah 7:5 Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. Jump to Previous Daughter Evening Jacob LeahJump to Next Daughter Evening Jacob LeahGenesis 29 1. Jacob comes to the well of Haran.9. He becomes acquainted with Rachel. 13. Laban entertains him. 18. Jacob covenants for Rachel. 23. He is deceived by Laban with Leah. 28. He marries also Rachel, and serves for her seven years more. 32. Leah bears Reuben; 33. Simeon; 34. Levi; 35. and Judah. But when evening came In ancient Near Eastern culture, weddings often took place in the evening, a time associated with celebration and feasting. The cover of darkness also plays a significant role in this narrative, as it sets the stage for Laban's deception. The evening symbolizes a transition, not only in time but also in Jacob's life, as he unknowingly enters into a marriage with Leah. Laban took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob and he slept with her Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe son of Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob is a central figure in this account. He has worked for seven years to marry Rachel, Laban's younger daughter, but is deceived into marrying Leah instead. 2. Laban The father of Leah and Rachel, Laban is a shrewd and manipulative character who deceives Jacob by substituting Leah for Rachel on the wedding night. 3. Leah The elder daughter of Laban, Leah becomes Jacob's first wife through Laban's deception. Her role in this event sets the stage for future family dynamics and tensions. 4. Rachel The younger daughter of Laban, whom Jacob loves and originally intends to marry. Her absence in this verse highlights the deception. 5. Haran The place where these events occur, Haran is the home of Laban and the setting for Jacob's service and marriage. Teaching Points The Consequences of DeceptionDeception often leads to complicated and painful consequences, as seen in Jacob's life. Christians are called to live truthfully, reflecting God's character. God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs Despite human deceit, God's plans prevail. Jacob's lineage, through Leah, includes Judah, from whom Jesus descends, showing God's redemptive work through flawed human actions. The Importance of Integrity Laban's lack of integrity serves as a warning. Believers are encouraged to uphold integrity in all dealings, trusting that God honors truthfulness. Endurance and Patience Jacob's experience teaches the value of patience and endurance in the face of injustice, trusting that God will ultimately bring about justice and fulfillment of His promises. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 29:23?2. How does Genesis 29:23 illustrate consequences of deceit in relationships? 3. What can we learn from Laban's actions about human nature and sin? 4. How does Genesis 29:23 connect to Jacob's earlier deception in Genesis 27? 5. How should Christians respond when faced with unexpected challenges like Jacob's? 6. What biblical principles can guide us in maintaining integrity in our commitments? 7. Why did Laban deceive Jacob by giving Leah instead of Rachel in Genesis 29:23? 8. How does Genesis 29:23 reflect on the theme of deception in the Bible? 9. What cultural practices allowed Laban to substitute Leah for Rachel in Genesis 29:23? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 29? 11. Genesis 29:23–25: Is it believable that Jacob could be deceived into marrying Leah instead of Rachel without noticing? 12. Who was Laban in the Bible? 13. In Genesis 31:41, Jacob claims Laban changed his wages ten times, yet no detailed account shows each change; does this raise questions of consistency or exaggeration? 14. Why was polygamy permitted in the Bible? What Does Genesis 29:23 Mean But when evening came- Scripture sets the scene at nightfall, hinting at concealment (cf. John 3:19). - The wedding feast had lasted all day (Genesis 29:22); darkness allowed Laban’s plan to proceed unnoticed. - God’s Word shows that human schemes may flourish “in the cover of night,” yet He still oversees events (Psalm 139:11-12). Laban took his daughter Leah - Laban acts decisively, revealing his willingness to deceive for advantage—echoes of earlier family trickery (Genesis 27:35-36). - Leah’s passive role highlights her father’s authority in that culture (cf. Exodus 22:16-17). - Though man plots, God later honors Leah, making her an ancestress of Judah and ultimately of Christ (Ruth 4:11; Matthew 1:2-3). and gave her to Jacob - The phrase records a literal exchange; marriage was legally effected by the father’s “giving” (Genesis 2:22; 24:51). - Jacob receives the bride he did not expect, mirroring his own earlier deception of Isaac (Genesis 27:18-29). - Galatians 6:7 underscores the sowing-and-reaping principle at work: “God is not mocked.” and he slept with her - The consummation seals the marriage covenant (Deuteronomy 22:13-14). - Jacob’s intimacy with Leah, though unintended, binds him to her; Scripture views marital relations as profound and irrevocable (1 Corinthians 6:16). - God later uses this union to bring forth six of the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 35:23). summary Genesis 29:23 records Laban’s nighttime substitution of Leah for Rachel, a literal event demonstrating that human deceit cannot thwart God’s larger purposes. While Laban plots and Jacob reaps what he once sowed, the Lord advances His covenant by weaving Leah into Messiah’s lineage. (23)He took Leah his daughter.--As the bride is taken to the bridegroom's house closely veiled (see Note on Genesis 24:65), and as probably there was some similarity in voice and form between the two sisters, this deception was quite easy. But Leah must have been a party to the fraud, and therefore Jacob's dislike of her was not altogether without reason.Verse 23. - And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him. The deception practiced on Jacob was rendered possible by the fact that the bride was usually conducted into the marriage chamber veiled; the veil being so long and close as to conceal not only the face, but much of the person (vide Genesis 14:65). And he went in unto her. The conduct of Laban is perfectly intelligible as the outcome of his sordid avarice; but it is difficult to understand how Leah could acquiesce in a proposal so base as to wrong her sister by marrying one who neither sought nor loved her. She must herself have been attached to Jacob; and it is probable that Laban had explained to her his plan for bringing about a double wedding.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But whenוַיְהִ֣י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be evening came, בָעֶ֔רֶב (ḇā·‘e·reḇ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6153: Evening Laban took וַיִּקַּח֙ (way·yiq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take his daughter בִתּ֔וֹ (ḇit·tōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1323: A daughter Leah לֵאָ֣ה (lê·’āh) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3812: Leah -- 'weary', a wife of Jacob and gave וַיָּבֵ֥א (way·yā·ḇê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go her to Jacob, אֵלָ֑יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to and he slept with וַיָּבֹ֖א (way·yā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go her. אֵלֶֽיהָ׃ (’ê·le·hā) Preposition | third person feminine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Links Genesis 29:23 NIVGenesis 29:23 NLT Genesis 29:23 ESV Genesis 29:23 NASB Genesis 29:23 KJV Genesis 29:23 BibleApps.com Genesis 29:23 Biblia Paralela Genesis 29:23 Chinese Bible Genesis 29:23 French Bible Genesis 29:23 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 29:23 It happened in the evening that he (Gen. 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