In verses 16 and 17 the narrator interrupts Jacob’s answer to give an insight into Jacob’s motivation for working for his uncle. For suggestions regarding adjustments of the information in verses 16-18, see the comments at the end of verse 17.

Now Laban had two daughters: Now does not refer to time but rather is a transition marker for the background information that is being given.

The name of the older was Leah: the older must be expressed in some languages by a special term for “older sister” or “firstborn daughter.” The name of the younger is likewise sometimes called by a term designating “younger sister.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .