Genesis 29:31-35

Jacob's Children

31 When the LORD saw that Leah was ¹hated, ²he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.

32 And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben,^[a] for she said, "Because the LORD ³has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me."

33 She conceived again and bore a son, and said, "Because the LORD has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also." And she called his name Simeon.^[b]

34 Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, "Now this time my husband will be ⁴attached to me, because I have borne him three sons." Therefore his name was called Levi.^[c]

35 And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, "This time I will praise the LORD." Therefore she called his name ⁵Judah.^[d] Then she ceased bearing.

Genesis 29:31-35 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 29

This chapter informs us of Jacob's coming to a well near Haran, where meeting with some shepherds he inquires after Laban, Ge 29:1-8; and there also with Rachel his daughter, the shepherds made known to him, and acquainted her who he was, Ge 29:9-12; upon which she ran to her father, and told him who was at the well, who went forth and brought him to his house, and kindly entertained him, Ge 29:13,14; with whom he agreed to stay and serve seven years for Rachel his daughter, Ge 29:15-20; at the end of which Jacob demands his wife, but instead of Rachel, Leah was brought to him as his wife, Ge 29:21-25; which being discovered, and complained of, it was proposed he should have Rachel also, provided he would serve yet seven years more, to which he agreed, Ge 29:26-30; and the chapter is concluded with an account of four sons being born to Jacob of Leah, Ge 29:31-35.

Cross References

• 1. Deuteronomy 21:15
• 2. [Genesis 30:22]
• 3. Genesis 31:42; Exodus 3:7; Exodus 4:31; Deuteronomy 26:7
• 4. [Numbers 18:2, 4]
• 5. Matthew 1:2; [Genesis 49:8]

Footnotes

• [a]. Reuben means See, a son
• [b]. Simeon sounds like the Hebrew for heard
• [c]. Levi sounds like the Hebrew for attached
• [d]. Judah sounds like the Hebrew for praise