Genesis 35:17

17 And as she was in paynes of hir laboure the mydwyfe sayde vnto her: feare not for thou shalt haue this sonne also.

Genesis 35:17 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 35:17

And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour
In the midst of it, and at the worst: that the midwife said unto her, fear not;
for Rachel big with child, it was necessary to take a midwife with them in the journey; and perhaps this might be one that was always kept in the family, and had been assisting to all Jacob's wives and concubines at their labours; and this seems probable from what follows, since she not only bids her be of good courage, and not fear, comforting her under her pains, giving her hopes they would soon be over, and that she would have a safe delivery, and do well: but this she assures her of, thou shalt have this son also;
as she had one before, at whose birth she said, "the Lord shall add to me another son"; and therefore called his name Joseph, ( Genesis 30:24 ) ; this the midwife remembered, and endeavours to comfort her with the accomplishment of it.

Genesis 35:17 In-Context

15 and called the name of the place where God spake with him Bethell.

16 And they departed from Bethel and when he was but a feld brede from Ephrath Rahel began to trauell. And in travelynge she was in perell.

17 And as she was in paynes of hir laboure the mydwyfe sayde vnto her: feare not for thou shalt haue this sonne also.

18 Then as hir soule was a departinge that she must dye: she called his name Ben Oni. But his father called him Ben Iamin.

19 And thus dyed Rahel ad was buryed in the waye to Ephrath which now is called Bethlehem.