Genesis 30:20 kjv

And Leah said, God hath endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.

Genesis 30:20 nkjv

And Leah said, "God has endowed me with a good endowment; now my husband will dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons." So she called his name Zebulun.

Genesis 30:20 niv

Then Leah said, "God has presented me with a precious gift. This time my husband will treat me with honor, because I have borne him six sons." So she named him Zebulun.

Genesis 30:20 esv

Then Leah said, "God has endowed me with a good endowment; now my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons." So she called his name Zebulun.

Genesis 30:20 nlt

She named him Zebulun, for she said, "God has given me a good reward. Now my husband will treat me with respect, for I have given him six sons."

Genesis 30 verses

Genesis 30 20 Meaning

Leah declared that God had bestowed upon her a "good portion" in bearing a sixth son. This birth fueled her fervent hope that her husband, Jacob, would now truly "dwell with" her, signifying a desire for sustained intimacy, love, and acknowledgement within their relationship. The name "Zebulun," meaning "dwelling" or "honor," encapsulates this deep yearning.

Genesis 30 20 Context

Genesis 30:20 is situated within the narrative of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah, a story marked by familial strife, rivalry, and intense longing for children. At this point, Leah, unloved by Jacob in comparison to Rachel, has been given many children by God. Her earlier sons' names (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah) reflect her changing hopes and emotional state—from a desperate plea for Jacob's attention to eventual praise for God. Before this verse, she "bought" Jacob for a night with mandrakes from Rachel (Gen 30:16), leading to the births of Issachar (son 5) and now Zebulun (son 6). Each child born to Leah is seen as a tangible expression of God's favor and her continuous, unfulfilled desire for Jacob's love and companionship. Culturally, large families were a sign of divine blessing and security, and the naming of children often conveyed significant messages or prayers of the parents, frequently tied to the circumstances of birth or future aspirations. This patriarchal context underscores the women's struggle for status through childbearing.

Genesis 30 20 Word analysis

• Then Leah said: A common narrative transition. It indicates a verbal declaration stemming from a moment of reflection and deep feeling.
• "God has given me my good portion":
  • God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): Leah attributes the blessing of this son directly to the Almighty God, not to chance or any other power. This is consistent with her earlier namings acknowledging divine intervention.
  • has given me (נָתַן, natan): The verb "to give," emphasizing divine generosity and initiative.
  • my good portion (חֵלֶק טוֹב, chelek tov):
    • portion (חֵלֶק, chelek): Implies a share, inheritance, or lot. In biblical contexts, it often refers to an allocated share from God, whether land, spiritual inheritance, or blessing. It implies rightful possession and divine bestowal.
    • good (טוֹב, tov): Emphasizes the positive, beneficial, and divinely favored nature of this share. It signifies the son as a specific, valuable blessing from God, perhaps even beyond her expectation, or one that aligns perfectly with her deeper desire. This is not just any portion, but one marked by God's benevolence.
• "now my husband will dwell with me":
  • now (עַתָּה, attah): Suggests a fresh hope, a new phase initiated by this specific event (the birth of the sixth son).
  • my husband (אִישִׁי, ishi): Literally "my man" or "my husband." Highlights the intimate relationship she desires to establish.
  • will dwell (יִזְבְּלֵנִי, yizbeleni): A significant word choice. It's related to the root זָבַל (zābal), which carries meanings of "to dwell," "to inhabit," "to reside with," and also "to honor" or "to exalt." Leah is expressing a twofold hope: Jacob will reside permanently and intimately with her, and/or that she herself will be honored and acknowledged through this child. It points to a stability and closeness she yearns for.
  • with me (אִתִּי, itti): Underscores her personal desire for union and companionship.
• "because I have borne him six sons.":
  • because (כִּי, ki): States the reason for her renewed hope. The sheer number of sons born to her (and to him through her) is seen as a compelling factor for Jacob to recognize and commit to her.
  • six sons (שִׁשָּׁה בָּנִים, shishah banim): The numerical accumulation signifies her increasing importance and fertility in Jacob's household, strengthening her position. Six symbolizes a complete, generous offering of progeny from her.
• "So she called his name Zebulun.":
  • Zebulun (זְבֻלוּן, Zevulun): The name directly derived from the root zābal (to dwell, to honor). It acts as a permanent memorial to Leah's declaration and desire expressed in the preceding phrase, echoing the hope for dwelling and honor.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "God has given me my good portion": This phrase reflects Leah's theological perspective. Despite the marital challenges, she sees God's hand active and benevolent in her life, acknowledging His provision. The term "good portion" speaks of a blessing that is not just substantial but intrinsically valuable and pleasing in God's sight.
• "now my husband will dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons": This section reveals Leah's underlying motive and hope. Her desire for relational intimacy and acknowledgement from Jacob remains paramount. She believes the sheer weight of six sons will finally turn Jacob's affection toward her, leading him to 'dwell' with her in a complete and committed sense, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. This exposes the deep human longing for connection and belonging, even when born from difficult circumstances.
• "So she called his name Zebulun": The naming seals Leah's aspiration and interpretation of the birth. The name itself becomes a living prayer and declaration. It's a testament to her belief that God has provided a means for her yearning to be met, symbolizing a potential change in her marital status or a confirmation of her status as an honored wife through this abundant offspring.

Genesis 30 20 Bonus section

• The naming of Zebulun marks Leah's final son, just before God "remembers" Rachel (Gen 30:22). This completes a cycle of childbearing for Leah, leading to a pause in the rivalry by means of procreation until Rachel finally conceives.
• Leah's hope for Jacob to "dwell with" her suggests more than just sharing a tent; it carries a nuance of establishing a permanent, recognized household and emotional bond, particularly with the connotation of zābal also implying "exaltation" or "honor." This could mean she hopes her status will be honored.
• The progression of Leah's son's names (Reuben: "see, a son," Simeon: "heard," Levi: "attached," Judah: "praise") reveals a gradual shift in her focus. From desperate attempts to win Jacob's love, she moved to praising God (Judah). With Issachar, she acknowledged wages (sachar), and now with Zebulun, the hope for dwelling. It's a cyclical return to her central desire for connection with Jacob, now empowered by a "good portion" from God.
• Zebulun, alongside Issachar, are Leah's last sons through natural birth, reinforcing her maternal role as the prolific bearer of children in Jacob's lineage. These sons and their tribes would later be prominent, as seen in the blessings of Moses and their mention in the New Testament.

Genesis 30 20 Commentary

Genesis 30:20 provides a poignant glimpse into Leah's enduring struggle and hope within her challenging marriage to Jacob. Despite having borne many sons, her deepest yearning remained unmet: Jacob's love and committed presence. With the birth of Zebulun, her sixth son, she proclaims God's generous provision, calling this child her "good portion." This highlights her unwavering faith in God as the giver of life and blessings, even in circumstances of personal neglect. The naming of Zebulun, tied to the Hebrew root zābal, reveals her passionate longing for Jacob to "dwell with" her—a desire for true intimacy, emotional attachment, and a settled marital bond rather than merely physical proximity or procreation. It’s a desperate wish for validation and mutual affection. While Jacob's affections would remain primarily with Rachel, Leah's perseverance and her continual turning to God through prayerful naming underscore a profound spiritual journey amidst her relational trials. This verse showcases that God hears the unexpressed desires of the heart and responds, even if the human response is slow or partial, and reminds us that His blessings, even those we pursue for earthly ends, ultimately reflect His divine hand.