Genesis 30:16 - Jacob came from the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, “You must come in to me; for I have surely hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” He lay with her that night.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Genesis 30:16" mean?
This verse from Genesis 30:16 is part of a larger narrative about the rivalry between Jacob's wives, Leah and Rachel, and their desperate desire to have children. Let's break down the verse and understand its significance:
"Jacob came from the field in the evening..." Jacob was a shepherd or farmer, spending his days working in the fields.
"...and Leah went out to meet him..." Leah is proactively seeking out Jacob. This is significant because the previous verses detail Rachel's barrenness and Leah's previous success in bearing children to Jacob.
"...and said, “You must come in to me; for I have surely hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” This is the key part of the verse.
"You must come in to me": This is a direct invitation and a command.
"For I have surely hired you with my son's mandrakes.": This reveals why Leah feels entitled to Jacob's attention. Rachel had obtained mandrakes, which were believed to promote fertility, from Leah's son Reuben. Rachel then traded the mandrakes to Leah in exchange for Jacob spending the night with Leah. Leah is essentially saying, "I paid for your company tonight with something valuable."
"He lay with her that night." Jacob, acknowledging the deal made, has intercourse with Leah that night. As a result, Leah conceives and bears another son, Issachar (Genesis 30:17-18).
Meaning and Significance:
Rivalry and Barrenness: The verse highlights the intense rivalry between Leah and Rachel over Jacob's affections and, more importantly, the ability to bear children. In that society, a woman's value was largely determined by her ability to produce offspring, particularly sons, to continue the family line. Rachel's barrenness was a source of great shame and distress for her.
Fertility and Superstition: The mandrakes were believed to have fertility-enhancing properties. This reflects the common ancient belief in magical or natural remedies for infertility. The exchange of the mandrakes shows how desperate Rachel was to conceive.
Transactional Relationship: The verse presents a rather cold and calculated aspect of Jacob's relationship with his wives. The "hiring" of Jacob for a night highlights the patriarchal power structure and the commodification of women's reproductive abilities. It also reveals a morally ambiguous situation where desires and cultural expectations lead to trading sex for perceived fertility benefits.
God's Plan: Despite the human failings and rivalries depicted, the narrative ultimately points to God's sovereignty in fulfilling his promises to Abraham and his descendants. Even through these imperfect relationships and seemingly random events, God's plan for the chosen people is being worked out.
In summary, Genesis 30:16 is a snapshot of a complex and emotionally charged situation. It reveals the desperation for children, the rivalry between the wives, the role of superstition, and the patriarchal context of the time. It's a reminder that the stories in the Bible often involve flawed and complex characters and relationships, even within the family of faith.
Genesis 30:16 - Jacob came from the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, “You must come in to me; for I have surely hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” He lay with her that night.
What does "Genesis 30:16" mean?
This verse from Genesis 30:16 is part of a larger narrative about the rivalry between Jacob's wives, Leah and Rachel, and their desperate desire to have children. Let's break down the verse and understand its significance:
"Jacob came from the field in the evening..." Jacob was a shepherd or farmer, spending his days working in the fields.
"...and Leah went out to meet him..." Leah is proactively seeking out Jacob. This is significant because the previous verses detail Rachel's barrenness and Leah's previous success in bearing children to Jacob.
"...and said, “You must come in to me; for I have surely hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” This is the key part of the verse.
"You must come in to me": This is a direct invitation and a command.
"For I have surely hired you with my son's mandrakes.": This reveals why Leah feels entitled to Jacob's attention. Rachel had obtained mandrakes, which were believed to promote fertility, from Leah's son Reuben. Rachel then traded the mandrakes to Leah in exchange for Jacob spending the night with Leah. Leah is essentially saying, "I paid for your company tonight with something valuable."
"He lay with her that night." Jacob, acknowledging the deal made, has intercourse with Leah that night. As a result, Leah conceives and bears another son, Issachar (Genesis 30:17-18).
Meaning and Significance:
Rivalry and Barrenness: The verse highlights the intense rivalry between Leah and Rachel over Jacob's affections and, more importantly, the ability to bear children. In that society, a woman's value was largely determined by her ability to produce offspring, particularly sons, to continue the family line. Rachel's barrenness was a source of great shame and distress for her.
Fertility and Superstition: The mandrakes were believed to have fertility-enhancing properties. This reflects the common ancient belief in magical or natural remedies for infertility. The exchange of the mandrakes shows how desperate Rachel was to conceive.
Transactional Relationship: The verse presents a rather cold and calculated aspect of Jacob's relationship with his wives. The "hiring" of Jacob for a night highlights the patriarchal power structure and the commodification of women's reproductive abilities. It also reveals a morally ambiguous situation where desires and cultural expectations lead to trading sex for perceived fertility benefits.
God's Plan: Despite the human failings and rivalries depicted, the narrative ultimately points to God's sovereignty in fulfilling his promises to Abraham and his descendants. Even through these imperfect relationships and seemingly random events, God's plan for the chosen people is being worked out.
In summary, Genesis 30:16 is a snapshot of a complex and emotionally charged situation. It reveals the desperation for children, the rivalry between the wives, the role of superstition, and the patriarchal context of the time. It's a reminder that the stories in the Bible often involve flawed and complex characters and relationships, even within the family of faith.