Leah

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Role: First wife of Jacob, mother of 6 of the 12 tribes
• Family: Daughter of Laban, wife of Jacob, older sister of Rachel
• Key Books: Genesis

Biography

Leah was the older daughter of Laban, described as “tender-eyed.” When Jacob came to marry Rachel, Laban gave Leah to Jacob instead, covering her with a veil at night. Though Jacob loved Rachel, God “opened Leah’s womb” and she bore six sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, plus a daughter Dinah.

Leah was unloved by Jacob and bitterly jealous of Rachel. Each time she bore a son, she gave him a name reflecting her desire for Jacob’s love — Reuben (“he has seen my affliction”), Judah (“this time will I praise the LORD”). When she stopped bearing children, she gave her maid Zilpah to Jacob.

Despite being unloved, Leah’s line produced the greatest gifts: Levi (priesthood), Judah (kingdom and Messiah), and through Judah, the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Key Events

• Given to Jacob instead of Rachel — Laban’s deception
• Bare six sons and a daughter to Jacob
• Gave maid Zilpah to Jacob
• Gave mandrakes to Rachel in exchange for Jacob’s company

Relationships

• Jacob — Husband (unloved)
• Rachel — Younger sister, co-wife, rival
• Laban — Father
• Six sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun
• Dinah — Daughter

Important Verses

• “And the LORD saw that Leah was not loved, and the LORD opened her womb.” — Genesis 29:31
• “And she called his name Judah: and this time she praised the LORD.” — Genesis 29:35

Cross-References

• Matthew 1:2-3 — Judah (Leah’s son) in Jesus’ genealogy
• Genesis 49:10 — “The scepter shall not depart from Judah” — Messianic prophecy
• Revelation 5:5, 22:16 — “Lion of the tribe of Judah”