Genesis 29:35 - She conceived again, and bore a son. She said, “This time will I praise Yahweh.” Therefore she named him Judah. Then she stopped bearing.

Generated Verse: Genesis 29:35

What does "Genesis 29:35" mean?


Genesis 29:35 tells the story of Leah, Jacob's wife, and the birth of her fourth son, Judah. Let's break down the meaning:

"She conceived again, and bore a son.": This is a straightforward statement indicating Leah conceived and gave birth to another son.

"She said, 'This time will I praise Yahweh.'": This is the key to understanding the verse. Leah recognizes Yahweh (God) as the source of her blessings. With her previous sons (Reuben, Simeon, and Levi), there was less explicit recognition of God's role. With Judah, she acknowledges God's grace and intends to praise Him. This shift in attitude is significant.

"Therefore she named him Judah.": The name "Judah" (יְהוּדָה, Yehudah) is related to the Hebrew word for "praise" (יָדָה, yadah). By naming him Judah, Leah is actively connecting her son's identity to her expression of gratitude towards God. The name itself becomes a constant reminder of her praise.

"Then she stopped bearing.": This indicates that after Judah's birth, Leah temporarily ceased having children. This is significant because childbearing was highly valued in ancient cultures, especially for women. Her cessation could be interpreted in a few ways:
God's will: It could be seen as God's choice.
Emphasis on Judah: It could draw more attention to Judah and the importance of praise.
Temporary pause: It is also important to note that she does later have more children (Genesis 30:17-21). So, this is not a permanent end to her childbearing.

Overall Meaning:

The verse highlights a pivotal moment in Leah's spiritual journey. She moves from seeking recognition and love through her sons to genuinely praising God for His blessings. The name "Judah" becomes a symbol of this praise. Furthermore, Judah's line becomes significant later in the Bible as the line from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descend. Therefore, this verse is not just about a birth, but also sets up future important events in the biblical narrative.

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