Genesis 29:30-35

30 So Jacob went in to Rachel also, and indeed ¹he loved Rachel more than Leah, and he served with Laban for ²another seven years.

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

32 Leah conceived and bore a son and named * him Reuben, for she said, "Because the LORD has ³seen my affliction; surely now my husband will love me."

33 Then she conceived again and bore a son and said, "⁴Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has therefore given me this son also." So she named * him Simeon.

34 She conceived again and bore a son and said, "Now this time my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons." Therefore * he was named * ⁵Levi.

35 And she conceived again and bore a son and said, "This time I will praise the LORD." Therefore * she named * him ⁶Judah. Then she stopped bearing.

Genesis 29:30-35 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.

Cross References

• 1. Genesis 29:17, 18
• 2. Genesis 31:41
• 3. Genesis 16:11; Genesis 31:42; Exodus 3:7; Exodus 4:31; Deuteronomy 26:7; Psalms 25:18
• 4. Deuteronomy 21:15
• 5. Genesis 49:5
• 6. Genesis 49:8; Matthew 1:2

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "him"
• [b] Lit "hated"
• [c] I.e. see, a son
• [d] Lit "looked upon"
• [e] Heb "shama," related to Simeon
• [f] Lit "hated"
• [g] Heb "lavah," related to Levi
• [h] Heb "Jadah," related to Judah
• [i] Heb "Jehudah"