Genesis 29:17

17 Now the eyes of Leah [were] dull, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance.

Genesis 29:17 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 29:17

Leah [was] tender eyed
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.

Genesis 29:17 In-Context

15 Then Laban said to Jacob, "[Just] because you [are] my brother should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wage [should be]."

16 Now Laban had two daughters. The name of the older [was] Leah, and the name of the younger [was] Rachel.

17 Now the eyes of Leah [were] dull, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance.

18 And Jacob loved Rachel and said, "I will serve you seven years for Rachel your younger daughter."

19 Then Laban said, "Better [that] I give her to you than I give her to another man. Stay with me."