The Patriarchal Structure of Biblical Times

15 Laban said to him, “You shouldn’t work for me without pay just because we are relatives. Tell me how much your wages should be.”

16 Now Laban had two daughters. The older daughter was named Leah, and the younger one was Rachel.

The patriarchal period was defined by the oldest living male in the household, who made all the important decisions, from marriages to financial matters. Understanding this structure helps us comprehend the dynamics in stories like Jacob's, where the head of the house had immense responsibility and authority. This context sheds light on the societal norms and family dynamics that influenced the actions and decisions of biblical characters. Recognizing the patriarchal structure allows us to better understand the challenges and responsibilities faced by individuals like Jacob and Laban.