Genesis 35:17

17 Und es kam sie hart an über der Geburt. Da aber die Geburt so schwer ward, sprach die Wehmutter zu ihr: Fürchte dich nicht, denn diesen Sohn wirst du auch haben.

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 Und Jakob hieß den Ort, da Gott mit ihm geredet hatte, Beth-El.

16 Und sie zogen von Beth-El. Und da noch ein Feld Weges war von Ephrath, da gebar Rahel.

17 Und es kam sie hart an über der Geburt. Da aber die Geburt so schwer ward, sprach die Wehmutter zu ihr: Fürchte dich nicht, denn diesen Sohn wirst du auch haben.

18 Da ihr aber die Seele ausging, daß sie sterben mußte, hieß sie ihn Ben-Oni; aber sein Vater hieß ihn Ben-Jamin.

19 Also starb Rahel und ward begraben an dem Wege gen Ephrath, das nun heißt Bethlehem.