# What does Genesis 29:26 mean?

> What does Genesis 29:26 mean? Laban explains his deception by citing local custom, showing how tradition can be used to justify wrongdoing.

> Laban answered, 'It’s not our custom here to marry off the younger daughter before the older one.'
>
> — Genesis 29:26, Modern Text Bible

## Commentary

Laban explains his actions by appealing to local tradition, though he didn’t mention this before.

Laban tells Jacob that in their community, the older daughter must be married before the younger. The Hebrew word for "custom" is *ma'aseh*, meaning practice or tradition, though the word isn’t directly used here, the concept is clear. Laban uses tradition as a shield for his actions, justifying the deception by appealing to what is "always done." This verse challenges the idea that customs or rules are always right or fair—sometimes, they’re used to cover up selfishness or avoid responsibility. For anyone who has ever been told "that’s just the way things are," this verse invites a second look at whether tradition is serving people, or just protecting those in power. It’s a call to question when customs are used as excuses, especially when they hurt others.

## Similar verses

- [Judges 14:20](https://mtbible.com/p/judges/14/20)
- [Genesis 31:7](https://mtbible.com/p/genesis/31/7)
- [Matthew 15:3](https://mtbible.com/p/matthew/15/3)