Genesis 30:2
Genesis 30:2 in Multiple Translations
Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?”
And Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God’s stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?
And Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God’s stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?
But Jacob was angry with Rachel, and said, Am I in the place of God, who has kept your body from having fruit?
Jacob became angry with Rachel and told her, “Am I God? Do you think I'm the one stopping you having children?”
Then Iaakobs anger was kindled against Rahel, and he sayde, Am I in Gods steade, which hath withholden from thee the fruite of the wombe?
And Jacob's anger burneth against Rachel, and he saith, 'Am I in stead of God who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?'
Jacob’s anger burned against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in God’s place, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”
And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel; and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?
And Jacob being angry with her, answered: Am I as God, who hath deprived thee of the fruit of thy womb?
Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “◄I am not God!/Am I God?► [RHQ] He is the one who has prevented you from becoming pregnant!”
Then Jacob got angry with Rachel. Jacob said, “God is the one that stopped you from having kids. I can’t change that. I’m not God.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 30:2
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 30:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּֽחַר
אַ֥ף
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
בְּ/רָחֵ֑ל
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
הֲ/תַ֤חַת
אֱלֹהִים֙
אָנֹ֔כִי
אֲשֶׁר
מָנַ֥ע
מִמֵּ֖/ךְ
פְּרִי
בָֽטֶן
וַ/יִּֽחַר
chârâh
H2734
to be incensed
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַ֥ף
ʼaph
H639
face
DirObjM
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
בְּ/רָחֵ֑ל
Râchêl
H7354
Rachel
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הֲ/תַ֤חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Part | Prep
אֱלֹהִים֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אָנֹ֔כִי
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
מָנַ֥ע
mânaʻ
H4513
to withhold
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מִמֵּ֖/ךְ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
פְּרִי
pᵉrîy
H6529
fruit
N-ms
בָֽטֶן
beṭen
H990
belly
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 30:2
וַ/יִּֽחַר
chârâh
H2734
"to be incensed"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be incensed means to be very angry or furious, like a fire burning. It describes strong emotions like anger, zeal, or jealousy, and is used to express intense feelings in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to be hot, furious, burn, becomeangry, be kindled 1a) (Qal) to burn, kindle (anger) 1b) (Niphal) to be angry with, be incensed 1c) (Hiphil) to burn, kindle 1d) (Hithpael) to heat oneself in vexation
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: be angry, burn, be displeased, [idiom] earnestly, fret self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, [idiom] very, be wroth. See H8474 (תַּחָרָה). See also: Genesis 4:5; 1 Samuel 15:11; Psalms 18:8.
אַ֥ף
ʼaph
H639
"face"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
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.
בְּ/רָחֵ֑ל
Râchêl
H7354
"Rachel"
Prep | 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.
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
הֲ/תַ֤חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Part | Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
אֱלֹהִים֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אָנֹ֔כִי
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.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
מָנַ֥ע
mânaʻ
H4513
"to withhold"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To withhold means to hold something back or keep it from someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe God withholding something from people, or people withholding things from each other.
Definition: 1) to withhold, hold back, keep back, refrain, deny, keep restrain, hinder 1a) (Qal) to withhold 1b) (Niphal) to be withheld
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: deny, keep (back), refrain, restrain, withhold. See also: Genesis 30:2; Proverbs 1:15; Psalms 21:3.
מִמֵּ֖/ךְ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
פְּרִי
pᵉrîy
H6529
"fruit"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means the fruit that comes from the ground or from our actions. It is used in many books, including Genesis and Isaiah, to describe the results of our labor or the consequences of our choices.
Definition: 1) fruit 1a) fruit, produce (of the ground) 1b) fruit, offspring, children, progeny (of the womb) 1c) fruit (of actions) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: bough, (first-)fruit(-ful), reward. See also: Genesis 1:11; Proverbs 18:20; Psalms 1:3.
בָֽטֶן
beṭen
H990
"belly"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the belly or womb, and is used to describe the seat of hunger, emotions, and even the depths of the afterlife. It is used in the Bible to describe the body and its functions. The KJV translates it as belly, body, or womb.
Definition: : abdomen 1) belly, womb, body 1a) belly, abdomen 1a1) as seat of hunger 1a2) as seat of mental faculties 1a3) of depth of Sheol (fig.) 1b) womb
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: belly, body, [phrase] as they be born, [phrase] within, womb. See also: Genesis 25:23; Psalms 22:10; Psalms 17:14.
Study Notes — Genesis 30:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 30:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:2
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:2
- Sermons on Genesis 30:2
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.” 4So Rachel gave Jacob her servant Bilhah as a wife, and he slept with her,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 16:2 | So Sarai said to Abram, “Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. |
| 2 | Psalms 127:3 | Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 5:7 | When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a leper? Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!” |
| 4 | Genesis 31:36 | Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me? |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 1:5 | But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb. |
| 6 | Genesis 50:19 | But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? |
| 7 | Psalms 113:9 | He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah! |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 2:5–6 | The well-fed hire themselves out for food, but the starving hunger no more. The barren woman gives birth to seven, but she who has many sons pines away. The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. |
| 9 | Exodus 32:19 | As Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, he burned with anger and threw the tablets out of his hands, shattering them at the base of the mountain. |
| 10 | Genesis 25:21 | Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. |
Genesis 30:2 Summary
[Genesis 30:2 shows us that Jacob became angry with Rachel because she was blaming him for her inability to have children, when in reality, it was God who had withheld children from her. This verse teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, including childbirth, as seen in Psalm 127:3. Jacob's response to Rachel shows that he has a deep understanding of God's sovereignty and this is a testament to his faith in God. We can learn from Jacob's example to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, rather than trying to take matters into our own hands.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob become angry with Rachel in Genesis 30:2?
Jacob became angry with Rachel because she was blaming him for her inability to have children, when in reality, it was God who had withheld children from her, as Jacob pointed out in Genesis 30:2, which is similar to what we see in Genesis 29:31 where God saw that Leah was unloved and opened her womb.
Is Jacob saying that God is the one who controls childbirth in Genesis 30:2?
Yes, Jacob is acknowledging that God is sovereign over all things, including childbirth, as seen in Genesis 30:2, and this is a theme that is repeated throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 127:3 which says that children are a heritage from the Lord.
How does Jacob's response to Rachel relate to his faith in God?
Jacob's response to Rachel shows that he has a deep understanding of God's sovereignty, as seen in Genesis 30:2, and this is a testament to his faith in God, which is also seen in other parts of his story, such as in Genesis 28:20-22 where he makes a vow to God.
What can we learn from Jacob's reaction to Rachel's frustration in Genesis 30:2?
We can learn that it's essential to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, rather than trying to take matters into our own hands, as Rachel tried to do in Genesis 30:3, and instead, we should pray and seek God's guidance, as seen in Philippians 4:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to take control, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty?
- How can I, like Jacob, acknowledge God's sovereignty in my life and trust in His timing?
- What are some ways that I can support and encourage those around me who may be struggling with feelings of frustration or inadequacy, like Rachel?
- What can I learn from Jacob's example about communicating with my loved ones when they are upset or frustrated?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:2
And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel,.... Whom yet he dearly loved, hearing her talk in such an extravagant manner, as her words seemed to be, and were not: only expressive of great
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:2
And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:2
Jacob’ s anger was kindled against Rachel for the injury done to himself, and especially for the sin against God, in which case anger is not only lawful, but necessary. Am I in God’ s stead? It is God’ s prerogative to give children. See ,6 Psalms 113:9 127:3.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:2
Genesis 30:2 And Jacob’ s anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, [Am] I in God’ s stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb? Ver. 2. And Jacob’ s anger was kindled.] He that will be angry, and not sin, must not be angry, but for sin. Reprove thy wife, thou mayest; chide her, thou mayest not, unless the offence be against God, as here, and Job 2:10. And here a man may carry a severe rebuke in his countenance, as God doth, Psalms 80:16, though he say nothing: he may chide with his looks only. Am I in God’ s stead?] Who carrieth this key under his own girdle; as is aforenoted. "Lo, children are a heritage that cometh of the Lord," as David once sang for Solomon, who had the experience of it: for of so many wives, he had but one son, that we read of; and he was none of the wisest. This Solomon foresaw, and bewailed, as one unhappy bird, in his nest of vanities.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:2
Verse 2. Am I in God's stead] Am I greater than God, to give thee what he has refused?
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:2
2. Am I in God’s stead] See Genesis 50:19. For God as the author and giver of human life, cf. Genesis 16:2, Genesis 29:31; 1 Samuel 1:5. A similar exclamation occurs in 2 Kings 5:7.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:2
2. Jacob’s anger — Here is something that stings to the quick the soul of him who has hitherto showed such general gravity and calmness.
Sermons on Genesis 30:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
In Waiting by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of waiting on God's timing, using Abraham's journey as a key example. Despite God's promise of a son, Abraham and Sarah grew impatient and a |
|
Responding Properly to God's Promises by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of responding properly to God's promises, using the example of Sarah who, despite initial doubts and attempts to fulfill the promise on her |
|
(Godly Home) Part 1 - the Holy Art of Training Children by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a green thumb and the art of polishing stones. He compares these skills to the art of preaching and teaching the wor |
|
Rope Wanted by William Booth | In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Mary, a young woman who bravely risked her life to save others during a devastating tidal wave. Despite the warnings of her comrades |
|
Children by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that while parents have a responsibility to teach and guide their children in their faith, ultimately each child must develop their own belie |
|
1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 1 by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God and each other, highlighting a personal story of enduring love and faithfulness through trials. It delves into the concept |
|
|
(Godly Home) Part 3 - the Eternal Value of a Child by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation in the relationship between parents and their children. He shares a story of a couple seeking |