Genesis 29:31-35

Jacob's Sons

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

32 Leah conceived, gave birth to a son, and named him Reuben,^[a] for she said, "The Lord has seen my affliction; surely my husband will love me now."

33 She conceived again, gave birth to a son, and said, "The Lord heard that I am unloved and has given me this [son] also." So she named him Simeon.^[b]

34 She conceived again, gave birth to a son, and said, "At last, my husband will become attached to me because I have borne him three sons." Therefore he was named Levi.^[c]

35 And she conceived again, gave birth to a son, and said, "This time I will praise the Lord." Therefore 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]. See, a Son; but sounds like Hb "has seen my affliction"
• [b]. The name Simeon sounds like Hb "has heard."
• [c]. The name Levi sounds like Hb "attached to."
• [d]. The name Judah sounds like Hb "praise."