Genesis 35:17

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 35:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; for now thou shalt have another son.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; for now thou shalt have another son.
Genesis 35:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 35

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17And it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; for now thou shalt have another son.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, etc.] In the midst of it, and at the worst: that the midwife said unto her, fear not; for Rachel big with child, it was necessary to take a midwife with them in the journey; and perhaps this might be one that was always kept in the family, and had been assisting to all Jacob’s wives and concubines at their labours; and this seems probable from what follows, since she not only bids her be of good courage, and not fear, comforting her under her pains, giving her hopes they would soon be over, and that she would have a safe delivery, and do well: but this she assures her of, thou shalt have this son also; as she had one before, at whose birth…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- The Death of Isaac 8. דברה deborâh, Deborah, “bee.” בּכוּת אלּון 'alôn-bākût, Allon-bakuth, “oak of weeping.” 16. כברה kı̂brâh, “length stretch.” A certain but unknown distance, a stadium or furlong (Josephus) a hippodrome (Septuagint) which was somewhat longer, a mile (Kimchi). אפרת 'ephrâth, Ephrath, “fruitful or ashy.” 18. בן־אוני ben-'ônı̂y, Ben-oni, “son of my pain.” בנימין bı̂nyāmı̂yn, Binjamin, “son of the right hand.” 19. לחם בית bēyt-lechem, Beth-lechem, “house of bread.” 21. עדר ‛ěder, ‘Eder, “flock, fold.” This chapter contains the return of Jacob to his father’s house, and then appends the death of Isaac. Genesis 35:1-8 Jacob returns to Bethel. “And God said unto…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification