Old Testament
Genesis 29:24
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Laban also gave his servant Zilpah to his daughter Leah as her maid.
Compare translations
And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.
What Genesis 29:24 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Laban, Leah's father, giving her a servant named Zilpah. This act is significant because it reflects the customs of the time, where a maid was often given to assist a wife. Zilpah would serve Leah, and later, she would play a crucial role in Leah's family dynamics. This arrangement highlights the importance of family and support in their culture. It also sets the stage for future events in Leah's life, as Zilpah would eventually bear children for Leah. The relationships between these characters are complex, filled with love, rivalry, and the quest for acceptance. Understanding this context helps us appreciate the depth of their experiences and the challenges they faced. It reminds us that family structures can be intricate and that support systems are vital in navigating life's challenges. This verse, while simple, opens a window into the lives of these individuals and the societal norms that shaped their existence, making their story relatable even today.
How to apply Genesis 29:24 to your life
Consider how support systems in your life help you navigate challenges. Just as Leah received help from Zilpah, we all benefit from the people around us. Reflect on the importance of relationships and how they shape your journey. Embrace the support you have and offer it to others in return. This creates a cycle of care and connection that enriches lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jacob's story: Seven Years and Seven More (Genesis 29:15–30)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jacob
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 29:24
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 29:24
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 29:24 mean?
Genesis 29:24 describes Laban giving his daughter Leah a maid named Zilpah. This reflects the customs of the time where a maid was provided to assist a wife, highlighting the importance of family support.
What is the significance of Zilpah in Genesis 29:24?
Zilpah, given to Leah as a maid, plays a crucial role in Leah's life and family dynamics. She later bears children for Leah, which adds complexity to the relationships among Leah, Rachel, and their families.
What does the term 'handmaid' mean in Genesis 29:24?
In Genesis 29:24, 'handmaid' refers to a female servant or maid who assists in household duties and can also bear children for her mistress, reflecting the cultural practices of the time.
How does Genesis 29:24 relate to family dynamics?
This verse illustrates the intricate family dynamics between Leah, Rachel, and their father Laban. The giving of Zilpah as a maid emphasizes the support systems within families and the roles individuals play.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.