Genesis 29:24 (KJV)

What does Genesis 29:24 mean?

Genesis 29:24 states that Laban gave his daughter Leah a servant named Zilpah to be her handmaid when Leah became Jacob’s wife. This was a customary part of marriage arrangements in that culture, where a bride might receive a servant as part of her dowry or household.

In the story, Laban is acting as Leah’s father and arranging her marriage to Jacob. The verse notes that Zilpah, described as a maid or servant, is given to Leah to serve her personally. This detail sets up Zilpah’s later role in the family, as she will eventually bear children for Jacob as well, playing a part in the larger narrative of Jacob’s family.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 29:24

• לָבָן (Lavan): This is the name of Leah’s father, who is the one giving Zilpah to Leah. The story centers around his actions and decisions.
• זִלְפָּה (Zilpah): This is the name of the maid given to Leah. Her name is introduced here, and she will become significant in the following chapters.
• שִׁפְחָה (shiphchah): This word means “maid” or “handmaid.” It refers to a female servant, often given as part of a marriage arrangement. The use of this word highlights Zilpah’s status in the household—not a wife, but a servant with a specific role.

Why Genesis 29:24 matters

• This verse explains how Zilpah enters Jacob’s household, which is important because she later becomes the mother of two of Jacob’s sons, Gad and Asher.
• The mention of Zilpah as a handmaid shows the social customs of the time, where servants could be given as part of a marriage and could later play significant roles in the family.
• Understanding Zilpah’s introduction here helps clarify later events in Genesis, where the relationships and rivalries among Jacob’s wives and their servants shape the story of the twelve tribes of Israel.