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Genesis 29:17

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 29:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Leah`s eyes were tender. But Rachel was beautiful and well favored.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Leah`s eyes were tender. But Rachel was beautiful and well favored.
Genesis 29:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 29

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.
15And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? Tell me, what shall thy wages be?
16And Laban had two daughters. The name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
17And Leah`s eyes were tender. But Rachel was beautiful and well favored.
18And Jacob loved Rachel. And he said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.
19And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man. Abide with me.
20And Jacob served seven years for Rachel. And they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
← Genesis 29:16Genesis 29:18 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Leah [was] tender eyed, etc.] Blear eyed, had a moisture in them, which made them red, and so she was not so agreeable to look at; though Onkelos renders the words, “the eyes of Leah were beautiful,” as if her beauty lay in her eyes, and nowhere else; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured; in all parts, in the form of her countenance, in her shape and stature, and in her complexion, her hair black, her flesh white and ruddy, as Ben Melech observes.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Leah tender-eyed--that is, soft blue eyes--thought a blemish. Rachel beautiful and well-favored--that is, comely and handsome in form. The latter was Jacob's choice.”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification