King James Version

What Does Genesis 29:34 Mean?

Genesis 29:34 in the King James Version says “And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi. Levi: that is, Joined”

Genesis 29:34 · KJV

Context

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

34

And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi. Levi: that is, Joined

35

And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing. Judah: that is, Praise left: Heb. stood from bearing

Read Genesis 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, ... 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. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַתַּ֣הַר1 of 20

“And she conceived again”

H2029

to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)

עוֹד֮2 of 20
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

יָלַ֥דְתִּי3 of 20

“and bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

בָנִ֑ים4 of 20

“a son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וַתֹּ֗אמֶר5 of 20

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עַתָּ֤ה6 of 20
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

הַפַּ֙עַם֙7 of 20

“Now this time”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

יִלָּוֶ֤ה8 of 20

“be joined”

H3867

properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend

אִישִׁי֙9 of 20

“will my husband”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֵלַ֔י10 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כִּֽי11 of 20
H3588

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

יָלַ֥דְתִּי12 of 20

“and bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

ל֖וֹ13 of 20
H0
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה14 of 20

“him three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

בָנִ֑ים15 of 20

“a son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַל16 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֥ן17 of 20
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

קָרָֽא18 of 20

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמ֖וֹ19 of 20

“therefore was his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

לֵוִֽי׃20 of 20

“Levi”

H3878

levi, a son of jacob

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 29:34 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 29:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 32:26-29Genesis 49:5-7Genesis 35:23Deuteronomy 33:8-10Numbers 18:2-4Exodus 2:1

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