King James Version

What Does Genesis 29:31 Mean?

Genesis 29:31 in the King James Version says “And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.”

Genesis 29:31 · KJV

Context

29

And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid.

30

And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.

31

And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.

32

And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me. Reuben: that is, See a son

33

And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon. Simeon: that is, Hearing

Read Genesis 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיַּ֤רְא1 of 10

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יְהוָה֙2 of 10

“And when the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּֽי3 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שְׂנוּאָ֣ה4 of 10

“was hated”

H8130

to hate (personally)

לֵאָ֔ה5 of 10

“that Leah”

H3812

leah, a wife of jacob

וַיִּפְתַּ֖ח6 of 10

“he opened”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

אֶת7 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רַחְמָ֑הּ8 of 10

“her womb”

H7358

the womb

וְרָחֵ֖ל9 of 10

“but Rachel”

H7354

rachel, a wife of jacob

עֲקָרָֽה׃10 of 10

“was barren”

H6135

sterile (as if extirpated in the generative organs)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 29:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 29:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 2:21Matthew 10:37Psalms 127:3Deuteronomy 21:151 Samuel 1:5Genesis 20:18-21:2

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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