Genesis 35:16 - They traveled from Bethel. There was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and Rachel travailed. She had hard labor.
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What does "Genesis 35:16" mean?
This verse from Genesis 35:16 describes a difficult and ultimately tragic event in Rachel's life. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"They traveled from Bethel." This refers to Jacob and his family continuing their journey after Jacob had an encounter with God at Bethel. They were moving south.
"There was still some distance to come to Ephrath..." Ephrath is another name for Bethlehem. They were approaching Bethlehem, a town near Jerusalem. The phrase "still some distance" implies that the end of their journey for the day was not far off.
"...and Rachel travailed. She had hard labor." "Travailed" is an older word meaning she went into labor. "Hard labor" indicates that she experienced a very difficult and painful childbirth. This wasn't a normal, easy delivery. It foreshadows complications.
In essence, the verse sets the stage for a very challenging childbirth that Rachel will face as they are nearing Bethlehem. It highlights the pain and struggle Rachel endured. The subsequent verses reveal that Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin.
Genesis 35:16 - They traveled from Bethel. There was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and Rachel travailed. She had hard labor.
What does "Genesis 35:16" mean?
This verse from Genesis 35:16 describes a difficult and ultimately tragic event in Rachel's life. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"They traveled from Bethel." This refers to Jacob and his family continuing their journey after Jacob had an encounter with God at Bethel. They were moving south.
"There was still some distance to come to Ephrath..." Ephrath is another name for Bethlehem. They were approaching Bethlehem, a town near Jerusalem. The phrase "still some distance" implies that the end of their journey for the day was not far off.
"...and Rachel travailed. She had hard labor." "Travailed" is an older word meaning she went into labor. "Hard labor" indicates that she experienced a very difficult and painful childbirth. This wasn't a normal, easy delivery. It foreshadows complications.
In essence, the verse sets the stage for a very challenging childbirth that Rachel will face as they are nearing Bethlehem. It highlights the pain and struggle Rachel endured. The subsequent verses reveal that Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin.