Leah
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Leah in the Bible?
Leah was the elder daughter of Laban and the sister of Rachel, who became the wife of Jacob through a deception orchestrated by her father. She bore him six sons and one daughter, establishing the lineage of the tribes of Israel.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Leah's narrative provides insight into the complex family dynamics and social customs of the ancient Near East, while her story demonstrates how the biblical text portrays the elevation of the overlooked and the fulfillment of divine promises through unexpected human agents.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Leah reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Leah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Leah clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Leah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/leah/