26 Laban replied, "It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one.
26 Laban said, "It is not so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.
26 "We don't do it that way in our country," said Laban. "We don't marry off the younger daughter before the older.
26 And Laban said, "It must not be done so in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.
26 "It's not our custom here to marry off a younger daughter ahead of the firstborn," Laban replied.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 29:26
Commentary on Genesis 29:15-30
(Read Genesis 29:15-30)
During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which to endow her, he promises seven years' service Love makes long and hard services short and easy; hence we read of the labour of love, 1 Corinthians 7:2.