Genesis 29:31

31 And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.

Genesis 29:31 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 29:31

And when the Lord saw that Leah [was] hated
Not properly and simply hated by Jacob, as appears by his doing the duty of an husband to her, but comparatively; she was less loved than Rachel: and there are many things to be said for it; she was not beautiful as Rachel was; she was not Jacob's choice, as she was but imposed upon him through deceit, and he was forced to marry her, or he could not have Rachel his beloved wife: but the Lord had pity on her, and that she might have a share in her husband's affections, he opened her womb;
or gave her conception; as Onkelos paraphrases it: but Rachel [was] barren;
bare no children as yet, and for many years after, ( Genesis 30:22-24 ) .

Genesis 29:31 In-Context

29 And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah, his handmaid, to be her maid.

30 And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah and served with him yet another seven years.

31 And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.

32 And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, Surely the LORD has looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

33 And she conceived again and gave birth to a son; and said, Because the LORD has heard that I was hated, he has therefore given me this son also; and she called his name Simeon.