Genesis 29:32-35

32 Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben,^[a] for she said, “It is because the LORD has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.”

33 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Because the LORD heard that I am not loved, he gave me this one too.” So she named him Simeon.^[b]

34 Again she conceived, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi.^[c]

35 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” So she named him Judah.^[d] Then she stopped having children.

Genesis 29:32-35 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. Genesis 30:23; Ruth 4:13; 1 Samuel 1:20
• 2. Genesis 37:21; Genesis 46:8; Genesis 48:5,14; Genesis 49:3; Exodus 6:14; Numbers 1:5,20; Numbers 26:5; Deuteronomy 33:6; Joshua 4:12; 1 Chronicles 5:1,3
• 3. S Genesis 16:11; Genesis 31:42; Exodus 4:31; Deuteronomy 26:7; Psalms 25:18
• 4. S ver 31
• 5. Genesis 34:25; Genesis 46:10; Genesis 48:5; Genesis 49:5; Exodus 6:15; Numbers 1:6,22; Numbers 34:20; 1 Chronicles 4:24; Ezekiel 48:24
• 6. Genesis 30:20; 1 Samuel 1:2-4
• 7. Genesis 34:25; Genesis 46:11; Genesis 49:5-7; Exodus 2:1; Exodus 6:16,19; Numbers 1:47; Numbers 3:17-20; Numbers 26:57; Deuteronomy 33:8; 1 Chronicles 6:1,16; 1 Chronicles 23:6-24,13-14
• 8. Genesis 35:23; Genesis 37:26; Genesis 38:1; Genesis 43:8; 1 Chronicles 4:14,18">41 Chronicles 4:14,18; Genesis 46:12; Genesis 49:8; 1 Chronicles 2:3; 1 Chronicles 4:1; Isaiah 48:1; Matthew 1:2-3
• 9. Genesis 30:9

Footnotes

• [a]. "Reuben" sounds like the Hebrew for "he has seen my misery" ; the name means "see, a son" .
• [b]. "Simeon" probably means "one who hears."
• [c]. "Levi" sounds like and may be derived from the Hebrew for "attached."
• [d]. "Judah" sounds like and may be derived from the Hebrew for "praise."