Is the statement “Leah had weak eyes” (Genesis 29:17) an indication that women at that time had their face covered where only their eyes showed?

Is the statement “Leah had weak eyes” (Genesis 29:17) an indication that women at that time had their face covered where only their eyes showed?

In Genesis 2k9:17 the only specific part of the body mentioned is the eyes. Is this because everything else was covered up?

“Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured” (KJV). The tender eyes of Leah, as so translated in the KJV, were actually eyes that were visually weak or lacked luster—dull and unimpressive eyes. This was considered to be a great defect among those who admired sparkling eyes that were lively and flashing. That Leah’s eyes were compared to Rachel’s beauty obviously meant there was no beauty in them and that Leah herself was probably plain in face and form compared to her sister.

Freeman, J. M., & Chadwick, H. J. (1998). Manners & customs of the Bible (p. 55). Bridge-Logos Publishers.

For the elder daughter, Leah, had weak eyes, and consequently was not so good-looking; since bright eyes, with fire in them, are regarded as the height of beauty in Oriental women.

Keil, C. F., & Delitzsch, F. (1996). Commentary on the Old Testament (Vol. 1, p. 183). Hendrickson.


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