Genesis 29:15-29

New Life Version

Jacob Works for Laban

¹⁵ Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are one of my family, should you serve me for nothing? Tell me, what do you want to be paid?” ¹⁶ Now Laban had two daughters. The name of the older one was Leah, and the name of the younger one was Rachel. ¹⁷ Leah’s eyes were weak. But Rachel was beautiful in body and face. ¹⁸ Jacob loved Rachel. So he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” ¹⁹ Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than to another man. Stay with me.” ²⁰ So Jacob worked seven years for Rachel. It was only like a few days to him, because of his love for her.

²¹ Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife so I may go in to her. For my time is finished.” ²² And Laban gathered all the men of the place together, and made a special supper. ²³ But in the evening he took his daughter Leah to him. Jacob went in to her. ²⁴ Laban also took Zilpah, a woman who served him, and gave her to his daughter Leah, to serve her.

²⁵ When the morning came, Jacob saw that it was Leah. He said to Laban, “What have you done to me? Did I not work for you for Rachel? Why have you fooled me?” ²⁶ Laban said, “It is not allowed in our country to give the younger in marriage before the first-born. ²⁷ Complete the wedding week of this one. Then we will give you the other one also if you work for me seven years more.” ²⁸ Jacob did so and completed her wedding week. And Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife. ²⁹ Laban also took Bilhah, a woman who served him, and gave her to his daughter Rachel, to serve her.