Genesis 29:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Leah has tender eyes, while Rachel is beautiful and graceful.
The Context of Genesis 29:17
The daughters are physically contrasted: Leah and Rachel.
What Does Genesis 29:17 Mean?
The contrast between Leah and Rachel is now made explicit through appearance. 'Tender eyed' (Hebrew 'rak ayin') is uncertain—it may mean weak eyes, tired eyes, or simply eyes lacking the sparkle of Rachel's gaze. Whatever the exact meaning, it marks Leah as less visually striking than her sister, at least by the standards described here.
Rachel is described as 'beautiful and well favoured,' language emphasizing both form and presence. The contrast is sharp and unambiguous: in the terms the narrative uses, Rachel has the advantage of appearance. This matters because what follows—Jacob's choice—is motivated partly by beauty, making this introduction necessary context for understanding the dynamics of his immediate response.
Genesis 29:17 in the Original Language
rak ayin (רַךְ עַיִן), 'tender eyed' — soft, delicate, or possibly weary eyes; exact meaning debated by scholars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 29:17
What does Genesis 29:17 mean?
Leah has tender eyes, while Rachel is beautiful and graceful.
What is the context of Genesis 29:17?
The daughters are physically contrasted: Leah and Rachel.