Genesis 29:34

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 29:31-35

We have here the birth of four of Jacob's sons, all by Leah. Observe, 1. That Leah, who was less beloved, was blessed with children, when Rachel was denied that blessing, Gen. 29:31. See how Providence, in dispensing its gifts, observes a proportion, to keep the balance even, setting crosses and comforts one over-against another, that none may be either too much elevated or too much depressed. Rachel wants children, but she is blessed with her husband's love; Leah wants that, but she is... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:34

And she conceived again, and bare a son ,.... A third time, as soon as she well could after the former birth: and said, now this time will my husband be joined to me ; in greater affection and stronger ties of love, and cleave unto her: because I have born him three sons ; which she considered as a threefold cord, binding his affections to her, which could not be easily broke: and therefore was his name called Levi ; which signifies "joined"; from him the Levites sprung, and had... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 29:34

Therefore was his name called Levi - לוי levi , joined; because she supposed that, in consequence of all these children, Jacob would become joined to her in as strong affection, at least, as he was to Rachel. From Levi sprang the tribe of Levites, who instead of the first-born, were joined unto the priests in the service of the sanctuary. See Numbers 18:2 , Numbers 18:4 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 29:1-35

Jacob among his mother's kindred. Taught by experience to be patient. His own craft reflected in Laban. Lessons to be learned. I. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TEACHING OF GOD IN THE INNER MAN AND HIS LEADINGS IN PROVIDENCE . Jacob learned what he needed to learn—dependence, self-humiliation. Saw the evil of selfishness; understood that the Divine purposes must not be identified in our thought with our personal feelings and desires. We must wait on God to know what... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 29:31-35

Leah and Rachel, or the two wives. I. RACHEL THE BELOVED . "Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah." That Leah was not hated in the sense of being regarded with aversion, the numerous family she bore to Jacob proves; that she occupied a lower place than Rachel in her husband's affections is explicitly declared. This preference of Rachel to Leah was— 1. Natural in Jacob . Rachel had been his heart's choice from the first, while Leah had been thrust upon him against his inclination.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 29:34

And she conceived again , and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me ,— לָוָה , to join, is the root from which comes לֵוִי . (Levi), her son's name— because I have borne him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi —Associated, or Joined. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 29:1-35

- Jacob’s Marriage6. רחל rāchēl, Rachel, “a ewe.”16. לאה lê'âh, Leah, “wearied.”24. זלפה zı̂lpâh, Zilpah, “drop?”29. בלהה bı̂lhâh, Bilhah, “timidity.”32. ראוּבן re'uvbēn, Reuben, “behold a son.” A paronomasia in allusion to the phrase בעניי ראה be‛ānyı̂y rā'âh. Derivatives and compounds, being formed by the common speaker, are sometimes founded upon resemblance in sound, and not always on precise forms of the original sentence which prompted them.33. שׁמעין shı̂m‛ôn, Shim‘on,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:31-35

Children born in Haran (29:31-30:24)Jacob’s coolness to Leah created unhappiness in his household. Leah’s desire for Jacob’s love is seen in the names she gave her first four sons (31-35). Rachel, feeling ashamed that she had not yet produced a child herself, gave her slave-girl to Jacob so that the slave-girl might produce a son whom Rachel could adopt as her own. The result was two sons (30:1-8; cf. 16:1-4). Leah, believing she was not able to have any more children, did the same, and soon... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 29:34

joined. Hebrew. yillaveh (joined). Was his name called. Hebrew she called his name, with Samaritan Pentateuch and Septuagint. Error due to neglected abbreviation in primitive Hebrew text. Figure of speech Paronomasia. App-6 . Levi. Hebrew. Levi (joiner). read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Genesis 29:31-35

"And Jehovah saw that Leah was hated, and he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren. And Leah conceived and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Because Jehovah hath looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me. And she conceived again and bare a son: and said, Because Jehovah hath heard that I am hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon. And she conceived again, and bare a son; Now this time will my husband be joined... read more

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