לֵאָה

Leah, a wife of Jacob

Definition

Leah is the elder daughter of Laban and the first wife of Jacob, as recorded in Genesis 29:16-30. She is the mother of six of the twelve sons of Israel—Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun—and one daughter, Dinah (Genesis 29:31-35; 30:17-21). Her story is central to the patriarchal narratives, portraying themes of divine election and compassion, as God 'opened her womb' when she was unloved by Jacob (Genesis 29:31). While primarily a personal name, its etymological connection to 'weary' or 'worn out' may reflect her initial marital and social hardship.

Biblical Usage

The name Leah appears exclusively in the book of Genesis, specifically in chapters 29-31, 33, 35, and 49. It is used solely as a proper noun referring to the matriarch. The usage patterns highlight her role within the family drama: introduced as Laban's daughter (Genesis 29:16), given in marriage to Jacob (Genesis 29:23), described as 'hated' or unloved (Genesis 29:31), and honored as the mother of key tribes, especially through Judah, the line of David and the Messiah (Genesis 49:8-12).

Etymology

The name לֵאָה (Lêʼâh) is derived from the root לָאָה (lāʼâh, H3811), meaning 'to be weary,' 'to be tired,' or 'to languish.' This connection suggests her name may have described her physical appearance (Genesis 29:17 notes her eyes were 'weak' or 'delicate') or her emotional state within her difficult marital situation. It is a feminine proper noun with no direct cognates used as a common noun in Biblical Hebrew.

Semantic Range

Leah's story is theologically significant as it demonstrates God's compassion for the marginalized and His sovereign choice in establishing the covenant line. Despite being unloved by Jacob, she is favored by God with fertility (Genesis 29:31), and her son Judah becomes the ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:2-3). Her life underscores that God's purposes often advance through unexpected and seemingly disadvantaged individuals, highlighting themes of grace over human preference.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, Leah's situation reflects the cultural practices of arranged marriage and the high value placed on bearing sons to secure a family's legacy. Her being given to Jacob before her younger sister Rachel (Genesis 29:23-26) may relate to custom, but her description as having 'weak' eyes (Genesis 29:17) is often understood as lacking the sparkling beauty prized in that culture, contrasting with Rachel's loveliness. Her initial barrenness would have been a source of social shame, making God's intervention a direct counter to cultural stigma.

רָחֵל (Rāḥēl, H7354) — Leah's younger sister and Jacob's other wife, often contrasted with Leah in the narrative. אִשָּׁה (ʼishshâh, H802) — The common Hebrew word for 'woman' or 'wife,' describing Leah's relational role.

Word Details

Scripture References