Genesis 30:11

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Genesis 30:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Leah said, “How fortunate!” So she named him Gad.

King James Version KJV

And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad.

American Standard Version ASV

And Leah said, Fortunate! and she called his name Gad.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Leah said, It has gone well for me: and she gave him the name Gad.

Free Bible Version FBV

Leah said, “I'm really fortunate!” So she named him Gad.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then sayd Leah, A companie commeth: and she called his name, Gad.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Leah saith, 'A troop is coming;' and she calleth his name Gad.

World English Bible WEB

Leah said, “How fortunate!” She named him Gad.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

She said: Happily. And therefore called his name Gad.

Translation for Translators T4T

Leah said, “I am truly fortunate!” So she named him Gad, which means ‘fortunate’.

Plain English Version PEV

Then Leah said, “I’m really lucky.” And Leah named that baby Gad. That name means lucky.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 30:11

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 30:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/תֹּ֥אמֶר לֵאָ֖ה ב/גד בָּ֣א גָ֑ד וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמ֖/וֹ גָּֽד

וַ/תֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

לֵאָ֖ה Lêʼâh H3812 Leah N-proper

ב/גד gâd H1409 fortune Prep | N-ms

בָּ֣א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal

גָ֑ד gâd H1409 fortune N-ms

וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

שְׁמ֖/וֹ shêm H8034 name N-ms | Suff

גָּֽד Gâd H1410 Gad N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 30:11

וַ/תֹּ֥אמֶר 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.

לֵאָ֖ה Lêʼâh H3812 "Leah" N-proper

Leah was the first wife of Jacob, daughter of Laban, and mother of many tribes of Israel, including Reuben and Judah, as told in Genesis 29:16.

Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.16; daughter of: Laban (H3837A); sister of: Rachel (H7354); married to Israel (H3478); mother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783) § Leah = "weary" daughter of Laban, first wife of Jacob, and mother of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Leah. See also: Genesis 29:16; Genesis 30:18; Ruth 4:11.

ב/גד gâd H1409 "fortune" Prep | N-ms

Fortune refers to good luck or success, like the troop or band of people who experience it.

Definition: fortune, good fortune

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: troop. See also: Genesis 30:11.

בָּ֣א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

גָ֑ד gâd H1409 "fortune" N-ms

Fortune refers to good luck or success, like the troop or band of people who experience it.

Definition: fortune, good fortune

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: troop. See also: Genesis 30:11.

וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.

Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

שְׁמ֖/וֹ shêm H8034 "name" N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

גָּֽד Gâd H1410 "Gad" N-proper

Gad was the seventh son of Jacob and the founder of the tribe of Gad, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was also the name of a prophet during David's time.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.22.5 § Gad = "troop" 1) seventh son of Jacob by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, and full brother of Asher. 2) the tribe descended from Gad 3) a prophet during the time of David; appears to have joined David when in the hold; reappears in connection with the punishment for taking a census; also assisted in the arrangements for the musical service of the "house of God"

Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: Gad. See also: Genesis 30:11; Joshua 22:10; Jeremiah 49:1.

Study Notes — Genesis 30:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 30:11 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:11
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:11
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:11
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:11
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:11
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:11
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:11
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:11
Sermons on Genesis 30:11

Context — Gad and Asher

9When Leah saw that she had stopped having children, she gave her servant Zilpah to Jacob as a wife. 10And Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son.

11Then Leah said, “How fortunate!” So she named him Gad.

12When Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son, 13Leah said, “How happy I am! For the women call me happy.” So she named him Asher.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 49:19	Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels.
2	Isaiah 65:11	But you who forsake the LORD, who forget My holy mountain, who set a table for Fortune and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny,
3	Genesis 35:26	And the sons of Leah’s maidservant Zilpah were Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan-aram.
4	Deuteronomy 33:20–21	Concerning Gad he said: “Blessed is he who enlarges the domain of Gad! He lies down like a lion and tears off an arm or a head. He chose the best land for himself, because a ruler’s portion was reserved for him there. He came with the leaders of the people; he administered the LORD’s justice and His ordinances for Israel.”
5	Genesis 46:16	The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.

Genesis 30:11 Summary

[In this verse, Leah is expressing her gratitude and happiness at the birth of her servant Zilpah's son, as seen in Genesis 30:11. She feels blessed and fortunate, and names the son 'Gad' to reflect this. This shows that Leah is trusting in God's plan and provision, even when things don't seem to be going as she had hoped, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11. We can learn from Leah's example by trusting in God's goodness and provision in our own lives, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Leah say 'How fortunate!' when her servant Zilpah bore a son?

Leah said 'How fortunate!' because she saw this as a blessing from God, and a way for her to have more children through her servant, as seen in Genesis 30:11. This was a common practice in biblical times, as mentioned in Genesis 16:1-4.

What is the significance of the name 'Gad' in this verse?

The name 'Gad' means 'good fortune' or 'troop', which reflects Leah's feelings of blessing and good fortune at the birth of this son, as stated in Genesis 30:11. This name is also mentioned in other parts of the Bible, such as Genesis 49:19.

How does this verse relate to the theme of family and children in the Bible?

This verse highlights the importance of family and children in biblical times, as seen in Genesis 30:11. The desire for children is a recurring theme in the Bible, as mentioned in Psalm 127:3-5, where children are seen as a blessing from God.

What can we learn from Leah's attitude in this verse?

We can learn from Leah's attitude of gratitude and faith in God's provision, as seen in Genesis 30:11. Her response to the birth of her servant's son shows that she is trusting in God's plan and timing, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can express gratitude to God for the blessings in my life, just like Leah did in this verse?
How can I trust in God's plan and timing, even when things don't seem to be going as I had hoped, as Leah did in Genesis 30:11?
What are some ways that I can show love and support to those around me, just like Leah showed love and support to her servant Zilpah?
How can I apply the theme of family and children from this verse to my own life and relationships, as seen in Genesis 30:11 and Psalm 127:3-5?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:11

And Leah said, a troop cometh,.... A troop of children, having bore four herself, and now her maid another, and more she expected; or the commander of a troop cometh, one that shall head an army and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:11

When Leah saw that she had left bearing, she took Zilpah her maid, and gave her Jacob to wife. Leah ... took Zilpah her maid, and gave her Jacob to wife.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:11

A troop cometh, or, good luck cometh; my design hath well succeeded; a happy star hath shone upon me; and such a star in the opinion of astrologers is that of Jupiter, which by the Arabians is called Gad. This may well agree to Leah and her heathenish education, and the manners of the Chaldeans, who were much given to the study of the stars.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:11

Genesis 30:11 And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad.Ver. 11. A troop cometh.] Or, as some render it, Good luck cometh; compare Isaiah 65:11. Theodoret saith Leah speaks thus, as one that had been profanely bred; and could not so suddenly forget her old language.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:11

(9-13) Leah . . . took Zilpah . . . —By ceasing to bear, Leah had lost her one hold upon her husband’s affection, and to regain it she follows Rachel’s example. The struggle of these two women for the husband gives us a strange picture of manners and morals, but must not be judged by our standard. Leah herself regards the bestowal of her handmaid upon Jacob as a deserving act of self-sacrifice (Genesis 30:18). The names, moreover, which she gives to Zilpah’s children show that the happier frame of mind to which she had attained when she called her fourth son “Judah,” praise, remained unbroken. On the birth of the first, she says, “With good luck!” and calls his name “Gad,” that is, luck. The Jews read, in their synagogue, Luck cometh, whence the rendering of the Authorised Version, “A troop cometh;” but there is no justification for the change. With regard to the meaning of the word “Gad,” all the Versions render it prosperity, good fortune. Nor is the Samaritan, as has been alleged, an exception; for though the worthless Latin translation of it has “a troop cometh,” the Samaritan itself has with good luck. In Isaiah 65:11 we find Gad used as the name of an idol. Zilpah’s other son is called Asher, that is, happy, in Latin Felix, and Leah says, “With my happiness,” using just the same turn of speech as before. The first child came bringing her good luck; the second brought her happiness.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:11

Verse 11. She called his name Gad.] This has been variously translated. גד gad, may signify a troop, an army, a soldier, a false god, supposed to be the same as Jupiter or Mars; for as Laban appears to have been, if not an idolater, yet a dealer in a sort of judicial astrology, (see Genesis 31:19), Leah, in saying בגד bagad, which we translate a troop cometh, might mean, By or with the assistance of Gad-a particular planet or star, Jupiter possibly, I have gotten this son; therefore she called him after the name of that planet or star from which she supposed the succour came. See Clarke on Genesis 31:19. The Septuagint translate it εντυχη, with good fortune; the Vulgate, feliciter, happily; but in all this diversity our own translation may appear as probable as any, if not the genuine one, בא גד ba gad, for the keri, or marginal reading, has it in two words, a troop cometh; whereas the textual reading has it only in one, בגד bagad, with a troop. In the Bible published by Becke, 1549, the word is translated as an exclamation, Good luck!

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:11

11. Fortunate] Heb. with fortune! Another reading is, Fortune is come. The versions (LXX ἐντύχῃ = “with fortune,” Lat. feliciter) follow the reading of the Hebrew text (Ke’thξb). The other reading, followed by the Massoretic tradition (Ḳ ?erξ), is found in the Targum of Onkelos. Gad seems to have been the name of an ancient Aramaean god of fortune, whose worship existed among the Canaanites. Cf. the names Baal-gad (Joshua 11:17), and Migdal-gad (Joshua 15:37). The Jews in Babylon made offerings to this god of good fortune; cf. Isaiah 65:11. In Judges 5:17, Gilead takes the place of Gad.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:11

11. A troop cometh — Hebrews, αβγ, in luck; with good fortune. So Sept. and Vulgate, Syriac and Chaldee. So she called his name Gad, as a memorial of her good fortune.

Sermons on Genesis 30:11

	Sermon	Description
	Wait for the Finals by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, drawing parallels between the tribe of Gad and the struggles faced by believers. He acknowledges t