Genesis 35:17 kjv

And it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.

Genesis 35:17 nkjv

Now it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said to her, "Do not fear; you will have this son also."

Genesis 35:17 niv

And as she was having great difficulty in childbirth, the midwife said to her, "Don't despair, for you have another son."

Genesis 35:17 esv

And when her labor was at its hardest, the midwife said to her, "Do not fear, for you have another son."

Genesis 35:17 nlt

After a very hard delivery, the midwife finally exclaimed, "Don't be afraid ? you have another son!"

Genesis 35 verses

Genesis 35 17 Meaning

Genesis 35:17 describes a critical moment during Rachel's childbirth. Despite her severe pain and extreme difficulty in labor, the attending midwife delivers crucial news and comfort: Rachel has successfully given birth to another son. This announcement signifies the continuation of Jacob's lineage through Rachel and provides reassurance amidst her agony.

Genesis 35 17 Context

Genesis chapter 35 details Jacob's return to Bethel at God's command, where God reiterates His covenant with Jacob, changing his name to Israel and renewing the promise of land and numerous descendants, including kings. Amidst this significant spiritual journey and reaffirmation of covenant, tragedy strikes with the death of Deborah (Rebekah's nurse) and, crucially, Rachel. Verse 17 directly precedes Rachel's death. This period marks a major transition for Jacob's family as they complete the foundational twelve sons, solidifying the future tribes of Israel, even at the cost of beloved Rachel. Culturally, childbirth was perilous and deeply spiritual, with the birth of a male heir holding immense importance for family continuity and societal status, especially within the context of God's promise to make Jacob fruitful.

Genesis 35 17 Word analysis

• And it came to pass (וַיְהִי - wayhī): A common Hebrew narrative marker, indicating a transition or a significant event unfolding. It draws attention to what is about to be described.
• when she was in hard labour (בְּהַקְשֹׁתָהּ בְּלִדְתָּהּ - bəhaqqəšōṯāh bəlīḏdāh):
  • בְּהַקְשֹׁתָהּ (bəhaqqəšōṯāh): "in her becoming difficult/hard." The root קָשָׁה (qashah) means to be hard, severe, difficult. This denotes extreme and severe struggle in childbirth.
  • בְּלִדְתָּהּ (bəlīḏdāh): "in her birthing." Specifically refers to the act of labor.
  • Together, these phrases vividly convey the intensity and peril of Rachel's delivery.
• that the midwife (וַתֹּאמֶר הַמְיַלֶּדֶת - watto’mer haməyallẹdeṯ):
  • וַתֹּאמֶר (watto’mer): "and she said."
  • הַמְיַלֶּדֶת (haməyallẹdeṯ): "the midwife." This highlights the presence of a professional attendant, whose experience allows her to recognize the dire nature of the birth but also provide crucial information. Her words are of authority and comfort.
• said unto her (אֵלֶיהָ - ’êlêhā): Directed specifically to Rachel, implying direct address and intended comfort.
• Fear not (אַל-תִּירְאִי - ’al-tīrə’ī):
  • אַל (’al): A negative particle, "do not."
  • תִּירְאִי (tīrə’ī): Second person feminine singular imperative of יָרֵא (yārē’), meaning "to fear, be afraid." This common biblical phrase of reassurance implies God's care or presence, even when spoken by a human. It seeks to alleviate distress and provide hope.
• for this also (כִּי-גַם-זֶה - kī-ḡam-zeh):
  • כִּי (kī): "for, because," introduces the reason for the reassurance.
  • גַּם (gam): "also, even," emphasizing that this is an additional son, significant after Rachel's prior struggles with barrenness and her joy at Joseph's birth (Gen 30:24).
  • זֶה (zeh): "this," referring to the child currently being born.
• is a son (לָךְ בֵּן - lāḵ bēn):
  • לָךְ (lāḵ): "to you," or "for you." A direct and personal declaration to Rachel.
  • בֵּן (bēn): "son." The desired outcome in ancient Israelite culture, particularly crucial for lineage and covenant fulfillment for Jacob's family.

Words-group analysis:

• "when she was in hard labour": This phrase paints a vivid picture of the severity of Rachel's condition, setting a tragic stage for her death in the following verse. It underscores the ultimate limitation of human effort in the face of intense physical distress.
• "the midwife said... Fear not; for this also is a son": This entire clause combines professional observation with comforting news. The midwife's words serve as the only moment of success and encouragement Rachel receives regarding this birth. The phrase "Fear not" often points to a divine assurance in Scripture, and here, even though spoken by a human, it carries the weight of a blessed outcome despite the preceding anguish and impending tragedy. "This also is a son" is a factual confirmation that also implies a divine blessing upon Rachel, who previously struggled with barrenness, fulfilling her deepest desire even in her final moments.

Genesis 35 17 Bonus section

The seemingly contradictory nature of God's blessing of fertility (culminating in this second son for Rachel) immediately followed by Rachel's death speaks to the complexity of divine providence. God's covenant promises are ultimately fulfilled, but not always in ways that shield individuals from hardship or loss. The "fear not" from the midwife can be seen as a human echo of the divine comfort often extended by God to His people in their trials, suggesting that even in the midst of the most difficult experiences, there can be a promise of hope or a completed purpose.

Genesis 35 17 Commentary

Genesis 35:17 stands as a poignant intersection of joy and sorrow. The verse highlights Rachel's arduous struggle in childbirth, underscoring the universal reality of suffering that pervades even covenant promises. Despite the dire circumstances, the midwife's announcement, "Fear not; for this also is a son," is a moment of divine grace. This declaration is meant to alleviate Rachel's fear and confirm the birth of a longed-for male heir. The addition of "also" reminds the reader of Rachel's history of barrenness and the preceding birth of Joseph. It confirms that Rachel has indeed completed her contribution to Jacob's twelve sons, an essential part of God's covenant promise for Israel. While the birth of a son is cause for celebration and a direct answer to prayer, this short moment of triumph quickly transitions to the tragic death of Rachel, illustrating how God's purposes can unfold amidst both profound blessings and deep personal loss. It showcases the delicate balance of life and death, fulfillment and sorrow, that defines the human experience even within the scope of divine plans.