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What the Bible Says About Leah

Overview

The Bible addresses leah across 25 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis. Closely related themes include Jacob, Children, Zilpah and Rachel. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Leah, Jacob, Zilpah and Rachel.

Key Bible verses about leah

Old Testament

Genesis

Genesis 29:23

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.

Genesis 29:24

And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.

Genesis 29:25

And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?

Genesis 29:26

And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. country: Heb. place

Genesis 29:31

And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.

Genesis 29:32

And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me. Reuben: that is, See a son

Genesis 29:33

And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon. Simeon: that is, Hearing

Genesis 29:34

And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi. Levi: that is, Joined

Genesis 29:35

And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing. Judah: that is, Praise left: Heb. stood from bearing

Genesis 30:9

When Leah saw that she had left bearing, she took Zilpah her maid, and gave her Jacob to wife.

Genesis 30:10

And Zilpah Leah's maid bare Jacob a son.

Genesis 30:11

And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad. Gad: that is, A troop, or, company

Genesis 30:12

And Zilpah Leah's maid bare Jacob a second son.

Genesis 30:13

And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher. Happy: Heb. In my happiness Asher: that is, Happy

Genesis 30:17

And God hearkened unto Leah, and she conceived, and bare Jacob the fifth son.

Genesis 30:18

And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar. Issachar: that is, An hire

Genesis 30:19

And Leah conceived again, and bare Jacob the sixth son.

Genesis 30:20

And Leah said, God hath endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun. Zebulun: that is, Dwelling: Gr. Zabulon

Genesis 30:21

And afterwards she bare a daughter, and called her name Dinah. Dinah: that is Judgment

Genesis 33:2

And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.

Genesis 33:3

And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

Genesis 33:4

And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.

Genesis 33:5

And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant. with: Heb. to thee

Genesis 33:6

Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves.

Genesis 33:7

And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves.

People in the Bible and leah

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying leah for yourself

  • Begin with Genesis 29:23, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Consider the lives of Leah, Jacob and Zilpah and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Jacob, Children, Zilpah and Rachel.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about leah?

The Bible addresses leah across 25 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis. Closely related themes include Jacob, Children, Zilpah and Rachel. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Leah, Jacob, Zilpah and Rachel.

How many Bible verses are about leah?

The Bible references leah in 25 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention leah?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 29:23: “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.”

Which people in the Bible are associated with leah?

Leah, Jacob, Zilpah, Rachel and Laban.

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