Old Testament · Patriarchs

Leah

Q: What is Leah known for?

Wife of Jacob, mother of six tribes.

Who was Leah?

Leah was Jacob’s first wife, the mother of six of the tribes of Israel, including Judah and Levi.

RoleWife of Jacob, mother of six tribes

EraPatriarchs

HusbandJacob

SisterRachel

Notable sonsJudah and Levi

Married to Jacob through her father Laban’s deception, Leah knew the ache of being the less-loved wife. Yet God “saw that she was not loved” and blessed her with children.

She bore six sons and a daughter. Through her son Judah came the royal line of David and ultimately the Messiah; through Levi came the priesthood.

Leah’s story is a quiet testament to God’s attention to the overlooked.

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.”

Related people

Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.