Person · Bible dictionary

Leah

Jacob's first wife — the unloved sister of Rachel — yet honored as the mother of six tribes of Israel, including Judah, the line of David and Jesus.

Leah was given to Jacob in place of her sister Rachel, beginning a painful family story. The text repeatedly says she was «unloved,» and her early children's names cry out for love and acceptance.

Yet God «saw» Leah. She bore six sons, including Judah, the tribe from which the Messiah would come. Her story is a quiet picture of how God lifts the overlooked into the very heart of his saving plan.

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Genesis 29:31 “When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.” Genesis 29:35 “And once more she conceived and gave birth to a son and said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” So she named him Judah. Then Leah stopped having children.”

Original BibleDawn entry. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.