Genesis 30:7 - Bilhah, Rachel’s servant, conceived again, and bore Jacob a second son.
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What does "Genesis 30:7" mean?
This verse from Genesis 30:7 is part of the story of Jacob and his wives Rachel and Leah, and their competition to bear him children. Let's break down the meaning:
Bilhah, Rachel's servant: Rachel was one of Jacob's wives, and Bilhah was her personal servant. Because Rachel was initially unable to conceive, she gave Bilhah to Jacob as a surrogate mother, according to the customs of the time. This was considered a way for Rachel to have children "through" her servant.
Conceived again: This refers to Bilhah having conceived a second time with Jacob. Her first son with Jacob was Dan.
Bore Jacob a second son: This means Bilhah gave birth to another son fathered by Jacob. This second son was named Naphtali (Genesis 30:8).
In the context of the narrative, this verse highlights:
Rachel's continued infertility and her use of Bilhah as a solution: Rachel was still unable to have children herself. The verse shows her continued dependence on the social practice of using a servant as a surrogate to produce offspring for her husband.
The escalating rivalry between Rachel and Leah: Rachel felt inadequate because she wasn't bearing children for Jacob like her sister Leah. By having Bilhah bear children, Rachel was attempting to compete with Leah and gain status in Jacob's eyes.
The expansion of Jacob's family: This verse contributes to the growing number of sons who would eventually become the founders of the twelve tribes of Israel.
In short, the verse describes a culturally significant event: Rachel's servant Bilhah conceiving and giving birth to Jacob's second son, Naphtali, as a means for Rachel to build her family and compete with her sister Leah in bearing children for Jacob.
Genesis 30:7 - Bilhah, Rachel’s servant, conceived again, and bore Jacob a second son.
What does "Genesis 30:7" mean?
This verse from Genesis 30:7 is part of the story of Jacob and his wives Rachel and Leah, and their competition to bear him children. Let's break down the meaning:
Bilhah, Rachel's servant: Rachel was one of Jacob's wives, and Bilhah was her personal servant. Because Rachel was initially unable to conceive, she gave Bilhah to Jacob as a surrogate mother, according to the customs of the time. This was considered a way for Rachel to have children "through" her servant.
Conceived again: This refers to Bilhah having conceived a second time with Jacob. Her first son with Jacob was Dan.
Bore Jacob a second son: This means Bilhah gave birth to another son fathered by Jacob. This second son was named Naphtali (Genesis 30:8).
In the context of the narrative, this verse highlights:
Rachel's continued infertility and her use of Bilhah as a solution: Rachel was still unable to have children herself. The verse shows her continued dependence on the social practice of using a servant as a surrogate to produce offspring for her husband.
The escalating rivalry between Rachel and Leah: Rachel felt inadequate because she wasn't bearing children for Jacob like her sister Leah. By having Bilhah bear children, Rachel was attempting to compete with Leah and gain status in Jacob's eyes.
The expansion of Jacob's family: This verse contributes to the growing number of sons who would eventually become the founders of the twelve tribes of Israel.
In short, the verse describes a culturally significant event: Rachel's servant Bilhah conceiving and giving birth to Jacob's second son, Naphtali, as a means for Rachel to build her family and compete with her sister Leah in bearing children for Jacob.