Genesis 35:17

17 And when she was in her hard labor, the midwife said to her, "Fear not; for now you will have another son."

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 So Jacob called the name of the place where God had spoken with him, Bethel.

16 Then they journeyed from Bethel; and when they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel travailed, and she had hard labor.

17 And when she was in her hard labor, the midwife said to her, "Fear not; for now you will have another son."

18 And as her soul was departing (for she died), she called his name Ben-o'ni; but his father called his name Benjamin.

19 So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem),