Genesis 35:16-21

Listen to Genesis 35:16-21

Benjamin Born, Rachel Dies

16 Later, they set out from Bethel, and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult.
17 During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.”
18 And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni. [a] But his father called him Benjamin. [b]
19 So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).
20 Jacob set up a pillar on her grave; it marks Rachel’s tomb to this day.

The Sons of Jacob

21 Israel again set out and pitched his tent beyond the Tower of Eder. 1

Genesis 35:16-21 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 35

This chapter gives an account of Jacob's going to Bethel, and building an altar there by the order and direction of God, Ge 35:1-7, where Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, died and was buried, Ge 35:8, and where God appeared to Jacob, confirmed the new name of Israel he had given him, and renewed to him the promises of the multiplication of his seed, and of their inheriting the land of Canaan, Ge 35:9-13; all which is gratefully acknowledged by Jacob, who erected a pillar in the place, and called it Bethel, in memory of God's gracious appearance to him there, Ge 35:14,15; from hence he journeyed towards his father's house, and on the way Rachel his wife fell in travail, and bore him a son, and died, and was buried near Ephrath, Ge 35:16-21; near this place Reuben committed incest with Bilhah, Ge 35:22, and the names of the twelve sons of Jacob are given, Ge 35:23-26; and the chapter is closed with an account of Jacob's arrival at his father's house, of the death of Isaac, and of his burial at the direction of his two sons, Ge 35:27-29.

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Cross References 1

  • 1. (1 Chronicles 2:1–2)

Footnotes 2

  • [a] Ben-oni could mean son of my sorrow or son of my strength.
  • [b] Benjamin means son of my right hand.
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