Genesis 29:24 Meaning and Explanation
“And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Laban gave his maidservant Zilpah to Leah as her maid.
The Context of Genesis 29:24
Laban provides Zilpah as a maidservant to Leah.
What Does Genesis 29:24 Mean?
The giving of a maidservant to a daughter was a mark of status and provision. Zilpah would serve Leah's household needs and, as the narrative later shows, become surrogate for bearing children. This gift, while showing Laban's provision, also indicates that having a handmaid was expected of Laban's daughters—he had obligations as a patriarch to equip his daughters properly.
This verse interrupts the narrative to note the household arrangement, establishing that Leah now has a servant and a place in Jacob's life. The mention prepares the reader for later developments where Zilpah becomes important to the story of Jacob's children.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 29:24
What does Genesis 29:24 mean?
Laban gave his maidservant Zilpah to Leah as her maid.
What is the context of Genesis 29:24?
Laban provides Zilpah as a maidservant to Leah.