Genesis 29:31-35

Listen to Genesis 29:31-35

Jacob’s Children

31 When the Lord saw that Leah was 1hated, 2he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.
32 And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, [a] for she said, “Because the Lord 3has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me. ”
33 She conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the Lord has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also. ” And she called his name Simeon. [b]
34 Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will be 4attached to me, because I have borne him three sons. ” Therefore his name was called Levi. [c]
35 And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the Lord. ” Therefore she called his name 5Judah. [d] Then she ceased bearing.

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.

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Cross References 5

  • 1. 29:31 Deut. 21:15
  • 2. 29:31 [ch. 30:22]
  • 3. 29:32 ch. 31:42; Ex. 3:7; 4:31; Deut. 26:7
  • 4. 29:34 [Num. 18:2, 4]
  • 5. 29:35 Matt. 1:2; [ch. 49:8]

Footnotes 4

  • [a] 29:32 'Reuben' means 'See, a son'
  • [b] 29:33 'Simeon' sounds like the Hebrew for 'heard'
  • [c] 29:34 'Levi' sounds like the Hebrew for 'attached'
  • [d] 29:35 'Judah' sounds like the Hebrew for 'praise'
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025