Genesis 29:31-35

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah

31 When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.

32 And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, ^[a] for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.”

33 Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has given me this son as well.” So she named him Simeon. ^[b]

34 Once again Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and 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 And once more she conceived and gave birth to a son and said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” So she named him Judah. ^[d] Then Leah stopped having children.

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.

Footnotes

• [a] Reuben means Look, a son and also sounds like the Hebrew for He has seen my misery.
• [b] Simeon probably means one who hears.
• [c] Levi sounds like the Hebrew for being attached to or feeling affection for.
• [d] Judah sounds like the Hebrew for praise.