30:3 go in unto her. In accordance with the customs of the time, which allowed both polygamy and concubinage, Laban had provided maids for his daughters as insurance that they would not be childless. Any children borne by their personal maids would legally be recognized as theirs. Even though this kind of arrangement was legal, it was not in accord with God’s original plan for the marriage relation. The Bible tells of many polygamous marriages that God allowed, but of none which were happy marriages.

30:3 children by her. See note on Genesis 16:2.