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Genesis 35:16

Genesis 35:16 in Multiple Translations

Later, they set out from Bethel, and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult.

¶ And they journeyed from Beth-el; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.

And they journeyed from Beth-el; and there was still some distance to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labor.

So they went on from Beth-el; and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, the pains of birth came on Rachel and she had a hard time.

Then they moved on from Bethel. While they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel went into labor and had great difficulty giving birth.

Then they departed from Beth-el, and when there was about halfe a daies iourney of ground to come to Ephrath, Rahel trauailed, and in trauailing she was in perill.

And they journey from Bethel, and there is yet a kibrath of land before entering Ephratha, and Rachel beareth, and is sharply pained in her bearing;

They traveled from Bethel. There was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and Rachel travailed. She had hard labor.

And they journeyed from Beth-el; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labor.

And going forth from thence, he came in the springtime to the land which leadeth to Ephrata: wherein when Rachel was in travail,

Jacob and his family left Bethel and traveled south toward Ephrath town. When they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to have severe childbirth pains.

Jacob and his family left Bethel, and they started going towards the town called Efrath. At that time, Jacob’s wife Rachel had a baby growing inside her. And while they were still a long way from Efrath, the time came for Rachel to have her baby. A woman came to help Rachel have her baby, but Rachel had a lot of pain, and she had trouble having that baby. Then Rachel had her baby, but that pain was really bad. That woman said to her, “Don’t be frightened. You have another son.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 35:16

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 35:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּסְעוּ֙ מִ/בֵּ֣ית אֵ֔ל וַֽ/יְהִי ע֥וֹד כִּבְרַת הָ/אָ֖רֶץ לָ/ב֣וֹא אֶפְרָ֑תָה וַ/תֵּ֥לֶד רָחֵ֖ל וַ/תְּקַ֥שׁ בְּ/לִדְתָּֽ/הּ
וַ/יִּסְעוּ֙ nâçaʻ H5265 to set out Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִ/בֵּ֣ית Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 Bethel Prep | N-proper
אֵ֔ל Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 Bethel N-proper
וַֽ/יְהִי hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ע֥וֹד ʻôwd H5750 still Adv
כִּבְרַת kibrâh H3530 distance N-fs
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs
לָ/ב֣וֹא bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶפְרָ֑תָה ʼEphrâth H672 Ephrath N-proper
וַ/תֵּ֥לֶד yâlad H3205 to beget Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
רָחֵ֖ל Râchêl H7354 Rachel N-proper
וַ/תְּקַ֥שׁ qâshâh H7185 to harden Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
בְּ/לִדְתָּֽ/הּ yâlad H3205 to beget Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 35:16

וַ/יִּסְעוּ֙ nâçaʻ H5265 "to set out" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this word means to set out or start a journey, like the Israelites departing from Egypt, or to remove something, as in pulling up tent pins.
Definition: 1) to pull out, pull up, set out, journey, remove, set forward, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull out or up 1a2) to set out, depart 1a3) to journey, march 1a4) to set forth (of wind) 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled up, be removed, be plucked up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to set out, lead out, cause to spring up 1c2) to remove, quarry
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: cause to blow, bring, get, (make to) go (away, forth, forward, onward, out), (take) journey, march, remove, set aside (forward), [idiom] still, be on his (go their) way. See also: Genesis 11:2; Numbers 33:9; Psalms 78:26.
מִ/בֵּ֣ית Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 "Bethel" Prep | N-proper
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.
אֵ֔ל Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 "Bethel" N-proper
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.
וַֽ/יְהִי hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
ע֥וֹד ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
כִּבְרַת kibrâh H3530 "distance" N-fs
This word refers to a distance or length, but the exact measurement is not specified. It is used in the Bible to describe a short or small distance. The KJV translates it as little.
Definition: distance (undetermined length)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] little. See also: Genesis 35:16; Genesis 48:7; 2 Kings 5:19.
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
לָ/ב֣וֹא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
אֶפְרָ֑תָה ʼEphrâth H672 "Ephrath" N-proper
Ephrath is another name for the city of Bethlehem, which means 'place of fruitfulness'. It is mentioned in Psalm 132:6 and is also the name of an Israelite woman. The city is significant in the Bible as the birthplace of Jesus.
Definition: Ephrath or Ephratah = "ash-heap: place of fruitfulness" Another name of bet le.chem (בֵּית לֶ֫חֶם "Bethlehem" H1035G)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: once (Psalm 132:6) perhaps for Ephraim; also of an Israelitish woman; Ephrath, Ephratah. See also: Genesis 35:16; 1 Chronicles 2:19; Psalms 132:6.
וַ/תֵּ֥לֶד yâlad H3205 "to beget" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
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.
וַ/תְּקַ֥שׁ qâshâh H7185 "to harden" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
In the Bible, this word means to be hard or severe, like when Pharaoh's heart was hardened against the Israelites in Exodus.
Definition: 1) to be hard, be severe, be fierce, be harsh 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be hard, be difficult 1a2) to be hard, be severe 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be ill-treated 1b2) to be hard pressed 1c) (Piel) to have severe labour (of women) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make difficult, make difficulty 1d2) to make severe, make burdensome 1d3) to make hard, make stiff, make stubborn 1d3a) of obstinacy (fig) 1d4) to show stubbornness
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: be cruel, be fiercer, make grievous, be ((ask a), be in, have, seem, would) hard(-en, (labour), -ly, thing), be sore, (be, make) stiff(-en, (-necked)). See also: Genesis 35:16; 2 Chronicles 10:4; Psalms 95:8.
בְּ/לִדְתָּֽ/הּ yâlad H3205 "to beget" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
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.

Study Notes — Genesis 35:16

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel — One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.
2 Genesis 48:7 Now as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way in the land of Canaan, some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem).
3 2 Kings 5:19 “Go in peace,” said Elisha. But after Naaman had traveled a short distance,
4 1 Timothy 2:15 Women, however, will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
5 Genesis 35:19 So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).
6 Matthew 2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem,
7 Psalms 132:6 We heard that the ark was in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.
8 Matthew 2:16 When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi.
9 Ruth 1:2 The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah, and they entered the land of Moab and settled there.
10 1 Chronicles 2:19 When Azubah died, Caleb married Ephrath, who bore to him Hur.

Genesis 35:16 Summary

Genesis 35:16 tells us that Rachel had a difficult time giving birth to her second son, which can be a reminder that life is not always easy, but God is always with us (as seen in Genesis 28:15 and Matthew 28:20). This event is a part of the larger story of Jacob's life, which is marked by God's presence and promises. Just like Rachel and Jacob, we can trust in God's sovereignty, even when the outcome is uncertain. As we read this verse, we can reflect on how we respond to difficult circumstances and how we can trust in God's goodness, as described in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Rachel's labor become so difficult?

The Bible does not give a specific reason for Rachel's difficult labor, but it may be related to her age or the will of God, as seen in Genesis 35:16 and also in Genesis 30:22-24 where Rachel had previously been barren.

What is the significance of the location where Rachel gave birth?

The location, near Ephrath, is significant because it is close to Bethlehem, which would later become the birthplace of Jesus Christ, as prophesied in Micah 5:2 and fulfilled in Luke 2:4-7.

Is there any spiritual significance to Rachel's birth pains?

While the Bible does not make a direct spiritual application of Rachel's birth pains, it can be seen as a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the pain that came into the world through sin, as described in Genesis 3:16 and Romans 8:22.

How does this event relate to the larger story of Jacob's life?

This event is part of Jacob's journey, which is marked by God's presence and promises, as seen in Genesis 28:10-22 and Genesis 35:1-15, and ultimately points to the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, as stated in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 17:1-14.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond to difficult circumstances, like Rachel's labor, and what can you learn from her experience?
  2. What role does faith play in the midst of pain and uncertainty, as seen in Rachel's story?
  3. How can you trust in God's sovereignty, even when the outcome is uncertain, as it was for Rachel and Jacob?
  4. What does this verse reveal about the human condition, and how can it inform your prayers and relationships with others?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 35:16

And they journeyed from Bethel,.... Jacob and his family; how long they stayed there is not certain, some say four months (z); hence they removed towards Bethlehem, which was twelve miles from Bethel

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 35:16

And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. They journeyed from Beth-el.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 35:16

Genesis 35:16 And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.Ver. 17. Thou shalt have this son also.] So she had "children," according to her desire; but this last, to her cost, for a chastisement of her strong affections, which drew on strong afflictions; as hard knots must have hard wedges. They that would needs have a penny for their pains, had no joy of their penny: when the end of the day came, when they were to go into another world, they saw that their penny was no such good silver; that preferment, profit, credit, were but empty things, and could not satisfy. It is best to be moderate in our desires after these outward things; and not so set upon it as to indent with God for such, and so much: this may be dangerous.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 35:16

(16) But a little way.—Heb., and there was still a “chibrath” of land to come to Ephrath. This word occurs four times in the Old Testament: here, in Genesis 48:7, in 2 Kings 5:19, and in Amos 9:9, where it is used in the sense of a sieve. Many of the Rabbins, therefore, translate “in the spring-time,” because the earth is then riddled by the plough like a sieve; and the Targum and Vulgate adopt this rendering. The real meaning of the word is lost, but probably it was a measure of distance; and the Jewish interpreters generally think that it meant a mile, because Rachel’s traditional tomb was about that distance from Bethlehem. Ephrath (the fruitful) and Beth-lehem (the house of bread) have virtually the same meaning, but the latter name would be given to the town only when its pastures had given place to arable lands, where corn was sown for bread.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 35:16

Verse 16. There was but a little way to come to Ephrath] The word כברת kibrath, translated here a little way, has greatly perplexed commentators. It occurs only here, in Genesis 48:7, and 2Kg 5:19; and it seems to have been some sort of measure applied to land, as we say a mile, an acre, a rood, a perch; but what the exact quantity of the kibrath was cannot be ascertained. Ephrath, called also Bethlehem, and Bethlehem Ephrata, was the birthplace of our blessed Redeemer. See its meaning Matthew 2:6.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 35:16

16–22a (J). Birth of Benjamin and Death of Rachel “The meaning of the statement that Rachel died when Benjamin was born is that the formation of the new tribe Benjamin broke up the old tribe Rachel” (Bennett). But it would be a mistake to attempt to distinguish too closely the personal and tribal elements in the narrative. Events in personal life may be recorded for their symbolical significance. The story of Jacob, as distinct from that of Joseph, closes with Rachel’s death.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 35:16

DEATH OF RACHEL, Genesis 35:16-20. 16. Journeyed from Beth-el — Having paid his vows at Beth-el, he feels a yearning to move on, southward, and see his father Isaac again.

Sermons on Genesis 35:16

SermonDescription
Chuck Missler Genesis #21 Ch. 35-37 Joseph, the Dreamer by Chuck Missler In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters 35 through 37. He begins by praying for understanding and guidance from the Holy Spirit. He then highlights the importance
Stephen Kaung Christ in Genesis: Jacob's Pillars by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the preacher discusses the life of Jacob and the four pillars that make up the testimony of Jesus entrusted to the church. The first pillar is awakening, where indi
A.W. Tozer Attributes of God (Series 2): The Eternity of God by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God in our lives. He mentions that God has been present since before the existence of communism, fascism, and modern inven
J. Vernon McGee Country Preacher Who Came to Town by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the days of Jeroboam and the prosperity that came to the land. The people were living in luxury, lying on beds of ivory and eating the finest
Paul Washer Baptism and the Gospel by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of remembering what God has done for us. He then introduces the topic of the gospel and its significance. The speak
Jacob Prasch Midrash - Rabbi Jesus of Nazareth by Jacob Prasch In this sermon, the speaker discusses the belief that God has a son. While acknowledging that God does not have a son in the sense of human procreation, the speaker argues that it
Jack Hibbs Life & Times of Jesus #01 by Jack Hibbs In this sermon, the preacher discusses the different aspects of Christ and His role in eternity. The first week focuses on the wonderful news about Christ and eternity. The second

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