Genesis 30:1
Genesis 30:1 in Multiple Translations
When Rachel saw that she was not bearing any children for Jacob, she envied her sister. “Give me children, or I will die!” she said to Jacob.
And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.
And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and she said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.
Now Rachel, because she had no children, was full of envy of her sister; and she said to Jacob, If you do not give me children I will not go on living.
When Rachel realized she was unable to give Jacob any children she was jealous of her sister. She complained to Jacob, “I'll die if you don't give me children!”
And when Rahel saw that she bare Iaakob no children, Rahel enuied her sister, and said vnto Iaakob, Giue me children, or els I dye.
And Rachel seeth that she hath not borne to Jacob, and Rachel is envious of her sister, and saith unto Jacob, 'Give me sons, and if there is none — I die.'
When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister. She said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I will die.”
And when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said to Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.
And Rachel, seeing herself without children, envied her sister, and said to her husband: Give me children, otherwise I shall die.
Rachel realized that she was not becoming pregnant and giving birth to any children for Jacob. So she became jealous of her older sister, Leah, because Leah had given birth to four sons. She said to Jacob, “Enable me to become pregnant and give birth to children. If you do not do that, I think I will die!”
Leah already had 4 kids with Jacob, but her sister Rachel didn’t have any kids. So Rachel got jealous of Leah. Then Rachel said to Jacob, “Give me kids. If you don’t, I will be so sad that I will die.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 30:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 30:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֵּ֣רֶא
רָחֵ֗ל
כִּ֣י
לֹ֤א
יָֽלְדָה֙
לְ/יַעֲקֹ֔ב
וַ/תְּקַנֵּ֥א
רָחֵ֖ל
בַּ/אֲחֹתָ֑/הּ
וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר
אֶֽל
יַעֲקֹב֙
הָֽבָ/ה
לִּ֣/י
בָנִ֔ים
וְ/אִם
אַ֖יִן
מֵתָ֥ה
אָנֹֽכִי
וַ/תֵּ֣רֶא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
רָחֵ֗ל
Râchêl
H7354
Rachel
N-proper
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָֽלְדָה֙
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
לְ/יַעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
Prep | N-proper
וַ/תְּקַנֵּ֥א
qânâʼ
H7065
be jealous
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
רָחֵ֖ל
Râchêl
H7354
Rachel
N-proper
בַּ/אֲחֹתָ֑/הּ
ʼâchôwth
H269
sister
Prep | N-fs | Suff
וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יַעֲקֹב֙
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
הָֽבָ/ה
yâhab
H3051
to give
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
לִּ֣/י
Prep | Suff
בָנִ֔ים
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
אַ֖יִן
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
מֵתָ֥ה
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal
אָנֹֽכִי
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 30:1
וַ/תֵּ֣רֶא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
רָחֵ֗ל
Râchêl
H7354
"Rachel"
N-proper
Rachel was a wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Her name means ewe, and she is an important figure in the book of Genesis, where her story is told in detail.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.6; daughter of: Laban (H3837A); sister of: Leah (H3812); married to Israel (H3478); mother of: Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144) Also named: Rhachēl (Ῥαχήλ "Rachel" G4478) § Rachel = "ewe" daughter of Laban, wife of Jacob, and mother of Joseph and Benjamin
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Rachel. See also: Genesis 29:6; Genesis 30:25; Jeremiah 31:15.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָֽלְדָה֙
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
לְ/יַעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
Prep | N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
וַ/תְּקַנֵּ֥א
qânâʼ
H7065
"be jealous"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
To be jealous means to feel envious or resentful of someone or something, often because of a perceived threat or rivalry. In the Bible, jealousy is sometimes portrayed as a negative emotion, as in the story of Cain and Abel in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to envy, be jealous, be envious, be zealous 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to be jealous of 1a2) to be envious of 1a3) to be zealous for 1a4) to excite to jealous anger 1b) (Hiphil) to provoke to jealous anger, cause jealousy
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (be) envy(-ious), be (move to, provoke to) jealous(-y), [idiom] very, (be) zeal(-ous). See also: Genesis 26:14; Psalms 37:1; Psalms 73:3.
רָחֵ֖ל
Râchêl
H7354
"Rachel"
N-proper
Rachel was a wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Her name means ewe, and she is an important figure in the book of Genesis, where her story is told in detail.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.6; daughter of: Laban (H3837A); sister of: Leah (H3812); married to Israel (H3478); mother of: Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144) Also named: Rhachēl (Ῥαχήλ "Rachel" G4478) § Rachel = "ewe" daughter of Laban, wife of Jacob, and mother of Joseph and Benjamin
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Rachel. See also: Genesis 29:6; Genesis 30:25; Jeremiah 31:15.
בַּ/אֲחֹתָ֑/הּ
ʼâchôwth
H269
"sister"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.
וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יַעֲקֹב֙
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
הָֽבָ/ה
yâhab
H3051
"to give"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To give means to provide or put something, and can also mean to come or set something, as seen in the Bible. It is used in various contexts, including giving glory to God or providing for others.
Definition: 1) to give, provide, ascribe, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give 1a2) to set, place 1a3) to provide (with reflexive) 1a4) to ascribe (glory) 1a5) to grant, permit, come now Aramaic equivalent: ye.hav (יְהַב "to give" H3052)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: ascribe, bring, come on, give, go, set, take. See also: Genesis 11:3; Ruth 3:15; Psalms 29:1.
לִּ֣/י
""
Prep | Suff
בָנִ֔ים
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אַ֖יִן
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מֵתָ֥ה
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
אָנֹֽכִי
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
Study Notes — Genesis 30:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 30:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:1
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:1
- Barnes' Notes on Genesis 30:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:1
- Sermons on Genesis 30:1
Context — Dan and Naphtali
1When Rachel saw that she was not bearing any children for Jacob, she envied her sister. “Give me children, or I will die!” she said to Jacob.
2Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?” 3Then she said, “Here is my maidservant Bilhah. Sleep with her, that she may bear children for me, so that through her I too can build a family.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 5:2 | For resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple. |
| 2 | Genesis 29:31 | When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. |
| 3 | Genesis 37:11 | And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept in mind what he had said. |
| 4 | Proverbs 14:30 | A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 3:3 | for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man? |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 7:10 | Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. |
| 7 | James 3:14 | But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. |
| 8 | James 4:5 | Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy? |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 4:4 | I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. |
| 10 | Job 3:11 | Why did I not perish at birth; why did I not die as I came from the womb? |
Genesis 30:1 Summary
Genesis 30:1 tells us that Rachel was very sad because she couldn't have children, and she wanted Jacob to give her some. She even said she would die if she didn't have children, which shows how much she wanted to be a mom. This verse reminds us that sometimes we want things very badly, but we have to trust that God has a plan and will give us what we need (Psalm 84:11). Just like Rachel, we can bring our desires to God and ask for His help and guidance, knowing that He loves us and wants what's best for us (Jeremiah 29:11).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rachel envy her sister in Genesis 30:1?
Rachel envied her sister because she was not bearing any children for Jacob, and this was a source of great sorrow and longing for her, as seen in her desperate cry to Jacob, 'Give me children, or I will die!' (Genesis 30:1). This desire for children was deeply rooted in the cultural and biblical context, where children were seen as a blessing from God (Psalm 127:3-5).
What can we learn from Rachel's emotional response in this verse?
Rachel's emotional response teaches us that our desires and longings can sometimes lead us to desperation and envy, but it's how we respond to those emotions that matters. We can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, just as Hannah did when she was childless (1 Samuel 1:10-18).
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty in the Bible?
Genesis 30:1 highlights the tension between human desire and God's sovereignty, as Rachel demands that Jacob give her children, not recognizing that God is the ultimate giver of life (Genesis 29:31, Psalm 139:13-14). This theme is echoed throughout the Bible, reminding us to trust in God's plan and timing, even when our desires are not being fulfilled (Romans 11:33-36).
What can we learn from Rachel's interaction with Jacob in this verse?
Rachel's interaction with Jacob shows us the importance of communication and trust in relationships. Jacob's response to Rachel's demand also reminds us that we should not try to take God's place or try to control outcomes, but rather trust in His goodness and wisdom (Genesis 30:2, Proverbs 3:5-6).
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am struggling with envy or discontentment, and how can I bring those desires before God in prayer?
- How do I respond when my desires are not being fulfilled, and what can I learn from Rachel's example in this verse?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when I don't understand His plan or feel like my desires are being met?
- How can I prioritize communication and trust in my relationships, just as Jacob and Rachel's interaction highlights the importance of these values?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:1
And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children,.... In the space of three or four years after marriage, and when her sister Leah had had four sons: Rachel envied her sister; the honour she had
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:1
And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die. Rachel envied her sister.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:1
GENESIS CHAPTER 30 Rachel being barren, envies her sister, impatiently desires children of Jacob, . He is angry, and reproves her, . She gives him her handmaid Bilhah, who bears him Dan and Naphtali, . Leah ceasing to bear, gives Zilpah her maid to Jacob, . She bears him Gad and Asher, . Reuben, Leah’ s son, finds mandrakes, and brings them to his mother; Rachel desires them; they bargain, ,15. Jacob goes in to Leah, who conceives again and bears Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah, . God remembers Rachel; she conceives and bears Joseph, . Jacob desires to return unto his own country with his wives and children, ,26. Laban denies his consent; having learnt by experience that God had blessed him for Jacob’ s sake, .
They make a new contract, . Jacob’ s device, and the success of it, . cir. 1749 A speech full of impatience, and bordering upon blasphemy, and striking at God himself through Jacob’ s sides; for which therefore she afterwards smarted, dying by that very means whereby she hoped to prevent her death, and prolong her life, .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:1
Genesis 30:1 And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.Ver. 1. Give me children, or elso I die.] She was sick of the fret; and could not live, unless Jacob could cure her. "Envy is the rottenness of the bones," and ever devours itself first; as the worm doth the nut out of which it groweth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:1
XXX.(1) Give me children, or else I die.—There is an Oriental proverb that a childless person is as good as dead; and this was probably Rachel’s meaning, and not that she should die of vexation. Great as was the affliction to a Hebrew woman of being barren (1 Samuel 1:10), yet there is a painful petulance and peevishness about Rachel’s words, in strong contrast with Hannah’s patient suffering. But she was very young, and a spoiled wife; though with qualities which riveted Jacob’s love to her all life through.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:1
CHAPTER XXX Rachel envies her sister, and chides Jacob, 1. He reproves her and vindicates himself, 2. She gives him her maid Bilhah, 3, 4. She conceives, and bears Dan. 5, 6; and afterwards Naphtali, 7, 8. Leah gives Zilpah her maid to Jacob, 9. She conceives and bears Gad, 10, 11, and also Asher, 12, 13. Reuben finds mandrakes, of which Rachel requests a part, 14. The bargain made between her and Leah, 15. Jacob in consequence lodges with Leah instead of Rachel, 16. She conceives, and bears Issachar, 17,18, and Zebulun, 19, 20, and Dinah, 21.
Rachel conceives, and bears Joseph, 22-24. Jacob requests permission from Laban to go to his own country, 25, 26. Laban entreats him to tarry, and offers to give him what wages he shall choose to name, 27, 28. Jacob details the importance of his services to Laban, 29, 30, and offers to continue those services for the speckled and spotted among the goats, and the brown among the sheep, 31-33. Laban consents, 34, and divides all the ring-streaked and spotted among the he-goats, the speckled and spotted among the she-goats, and the brown among the sheep, and puts them under the care of his sons, and sets three days' journey between himself and Jacob, 35, 36. Jacob's stratagem of the pilled rods, to cause the cattle to bring forth the ring-streaked, speckled, and spotted, 37-39. In consequence of which he increased his flock greatly, getting all that was strong and healthy in the flock of Laban, 40-43. NOTES ON CHAP. XXX Verse 1. Give me children, or else I die.] This is a most reprehensible speech, and argues not only envy and jealousy, but also a total want of dependence on God.
She had the greatest share of her husband's affection, and yet was not satisfied unless she could engross all the privileges which her sister enjoyed! How true are those sayings, Envy is as rottenness of the bones! and, Jealousy is as cruel as the grave!
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:1
1. envied] The desire for children and the dread of the reproach of childlessness are frequently referred to in Scripture, e.g. 1 Samuel 1. In this chapter the childlessness of Rachel should be compared with that of Sarah and Rebekah (Genesis 16:5, Genesis 25:21). It is part of the discipline of the covenant.
Barnes' Notes on Genesis 30:1
- Jacob’s Family and Wealth 6. דן dān, Dan, “judge, lord.” 8. נפתלי naptālı̂y, Naphtali, “wrestling.” 11.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:1
SONS OF BILHAH AND ZILPAH, Genesis 30:1-13. 1. Give me children — Here breaks forth the passionate cry of the child of nature.
Sermons on Genesis 30:1
| Sermon | Description | |
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Give Me Souls or I'll Die - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Hannah from the Bible and the elements of true intercession. Hannah faced adversity and had an adversary, but she remained commit |
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(Genesis) Genesis 30:1-24 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the disapproval of God towards the strife that existed within the families of Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob. The preacher mentions the birth |
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(Genesis) 46 - Jacob in the Crucible of Divine Discipline by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Genesis chapter 30, which explores the story of Rachel and Leah and the fruit of polygamy. The chapter begins with Rachel's jealousy and env |
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Mid South Conference 1978-02 Fellowship in the Gospel by Aldy Fam Fanous | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of fellowship in the gospel and how it is initiated by God Himself. He emphasizes the need for believers to actively share the |
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Through the Bible - Genesis 29-31 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses Jacob's journey to Haran, where he meets Rachel at a well, showcasing God's guidance in his life. Jacob's love for Rachel leads him to work seven years for he |
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Barrenness Is Fruitlessness by G.W. North | G.W. North emphasizes the significance of spiritual fruitfulness in the life of believers, drawing parallels between marriage and the union with Christ as essential for producing f |
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He Dares Spit in the Very Face of God Himself! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the folly of fretting against God during times of distress, illustrating how individuals often blame God for their suffering instead of recognizing their o |