King James Version

What Does Genesis 30:21 Mean?

Genesis 30:21 in the King James Version says “And afterwards she bare a daughter, and called her name Dinah. Dinah: that is Judgment” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And afterwards she bare a daughter, and called her name Dinah. Dinah: that is Judgment”

Genesis 30:21 · KJV

Context

19

And Leah conceived again, and bare Jacob the sixth son.

20

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. Zebulun: that is, Dwelling: Gr. Zabulon

21

And afterwards she bare a daughter, and called her name Dinah. Dinah: that is Judgment

22

And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.

23

And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach:

Read Genesis 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And afterwards she bare a daughter, and called her name Dinah.... 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 understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How should this truth about Jacob's Prosperity shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְאַחַ֖ר1 of 7

“And afterwards”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

יָ֣לְדָה2 of 7

“she bare”

H3205

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

בַּ֑ת3 of 7

“a daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וַתִּקְרָ֥א4 of 7

“and called”

H7121

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

אֶת5 of 7
H853

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

שְׁמָ֖הּ6 of 7

“her name”

H8034

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

דִּינָֽה׃7 of 7

“Dinah”

H1783

dinah, the daughter 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 30:21 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 30:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 34:1-3Genesis 34:26Genesis 46:15

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