Genesis 30:13
Genesis 30:13 in Multiple Translations
Leah said, “How happy I am! For the women call me happy.” So she named him Asher.
And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.
And Leah said, Happy am I! for the daughters will call me happy: and she called his name Asher.
And Leah said, Happy am I! and all women will give witness to my joy: and she gave him the name Asher.
Leah said, “I'm so happy, and the other women will say I'm happy too!” So she named him Asher.
Then sayde Leah, Ah, blessed am I, for the daughters will blesse me. and she called his name, Asher.
and Leah saith, 'Because of my happiness, for daughters have pronounced me happy;' and she calleth his name Asher.
Leah said, “Happy am I, for the daughters will call me happy.” She named him Asher.
And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.
And Lia said: This is for my happiness: for women will call me blessed. Therefore she called him Aser.
Leah said, “Now I am very happy, and people will call me happy.” So she named him Asher, which means ‘happy.’
Then Leah said, “I’m so happy. I reckon other women will say, ‘Leah is happy now.’” And Leah named that baby Asher. That name means happy.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 30:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 30:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר
לֵאָ֔ה
בְּ/אָשְׁרִ֕/י
כִּ֥י
אִשְּׁר֖וּ/נִי
בָּנ֑וֹת
וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א
אֶת
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
אָשֵֽׁר
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
לֵאָ֔ה
Lêʼâh
H3812
Leah
N-proper
בְּ/אָשְׁרִ֕/י
ʼôsher
H837
happy
Prep | N-ms | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אִשְּׁר֖וּ/נִי
ʼâshar
H833
to bless
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
בָּנ֑וֹת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fp
וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
אָשֵֽׁר
ʼÂshêr
H836
Asher
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 30:13
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לֵאָ֔ה
Lêʼâh
H3812
"Leah"
N-proper
Leah was the first wife of Jacob, daughter of Laban, and mother of many tribes of Israel, including Reuben and Judah, as told in Genesis 29:16.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.16; daughter of: Laban (H3837A); sister of: Rachel (H7354); married to Israel (H3478); mother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783) § Leah = "weary" daughter of Laban, first wife of Jacob, and mother of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Leah. See also: Genesis 29:16; Genesis 30:18; Ruth 4:11.
בְּ/אָשְׁרִ֕/י
ʼôsher
H837
"happy"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word describes a state of happiness or joy, and it is used to express a positive emotional state. In the Bible, it is used to describe the happiness that comes from following God's ways and being content with one's circumstances. It is a feeling of well-being and satisfaction.
Definition: happiness
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: happy. See also: Genesis 30:13.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִשְּׁר֖וּ/נִי
ʼâshar
H833
"to bless"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
To bless means to make someone happy or content. In the Bible, it can also mean to guide or lead someone in the right direction, like in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to go straight, walk, go on, advance, make progress 1a)(Qal) to go straight on, make progress 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to go straight on, advance 1b2) to lead on (causative) 1b3) to set right, righten 1b4) to pronounce happy, call blessed 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be advanced, be led on 1c2) to be made happy, be blessed
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (call, be) bless(-ed, happy), go, guide, lead, relieve. See also: Genesis 30:13; Proverbs 23:19; Psalms 41:3.
בָּנ֑וֹת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אָשֵֽׁר
ʼÂshêr
H836
"Asher"
N-proper
Asher was the eighth son of Jacob and one of the twelve tribes of Israel, mentioned in Genesis 30:13. The tribe of Asher was known for its happy and blessed people. Asher is also the name of a region in Palestine.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Asher living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.13; son of: Israel (H3478) and Zilpah (H2153); brother of: Gad (H1410); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Imnah (H3232), Ishvah (H3438), Ishvi (H3440), Beriah (H1283) and Serah (H8294); also translated "pine" or "cypress wood" at Ezk.27.6(?); Ashurite at 2Sa.2.9(?); § Asher = "happy" 1) son of Jacob and Zilpah 2) the tribe descended from Asher 3) a city east of Shechem in Manasseh
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: Asher See also: Genesis 30:13; Joshua 17:11; Ezekiel 48:34.
Study Notes — Genesis 30:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 30:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:13
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:13
- Sermons on Genesis 30:13
Context — Gad and Asher
11Then Leah said, “How fortunate!” So she named him Gad.
12When Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son,
13Leah said, “How happy I am! For the women call me happy.” So she named him Asher.
14Now during the wheat harvest, Reuben went out and found some mandrakes in the field. When he brought them to his mother, Rachel begged Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.” 15But Leah replied, “Is it not enough that you have taken away my husband? Now you want to take my son’s mandrakes as well?” “Very well,” said Rachel, “he may sleep with you tonight in exchange for your son’s mandrakes.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 1:48 | For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. |
| 2 | Proverbs 31:28 | Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well: |
| 3 | Song of Solomon 6:9 | but my dove, my perfect one, is unique, the favorite of the mother who bore her. The maidens see her and call her blessed; the queens and concubines sing her praises. |
| 4 | Genesis 35:26 | And the sons of Leah’s maidservant Zilpah were Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan-aram. |
| 5 | Genesis 49:20 | Asher’s food will be rich; he shall provide royal delicacies. |
| 6 | Genesis 46:17 | The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 33:24–25 | And concerning Asher he said: “May Asher be the most blessed of sons; may he be the most favored among his brothers and dip his foot in oil. May the bolts of your gate be iron and bronze, and may your strength match your days.” |
Genesis 30:13 Summary
In Genesis 30:13, Leah expresses her happiness and gratitude for the birth of her son Asher, which means 'happy' or 'blessed'. This verse reminds us that true happiness comes from recognizing and thanking God for His blessings in our lives, as seen in Psalm 100:4-5. Leah's story also teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in difficult circumstances, and to find joy in His love and acceptance, as encouraged in Jeremiah 31:3 and 1 John 3:1-3. By reflecting on Leah's experience, we can learn to cultivate a sense of joy and contentment in our own lives, knowing that we are loved and blessed by God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Leah say she was happy in Genesis 30:13?
Leah said she was happy because the women around her considered her fortunate to have borne another son, as seen in Genesis 30:13, and this brought her a sense of joy and acceptance, much like Hannah's prayer of thanksgiving in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.
What is the significance of the name Asher in Genesis 30:13?
The name Asher means 'happy' or 'blessed', which reflects Leah's emotional state at the time of his birth, as expressed in Genesis 30:13, and serves as a reminder of God's blessing in her life, similar to the way Jacob's name was changed to Israel in Genesis 32:28.
How does Leah's statement in Genesis 30:13 relate to her overall character?
Leah's statement in Genesis 30:13 reveals her deep-seated desire for love, acceptance, and happiness, which is a recurring theme in her story, as seen in Genesis 29:32-33, and highlights her vulnerability and VGod's gracious response to her needs, as promised in Jeremiah 31:3.
What can we learn from Leah's experience in Genesis 30:13 about God's sovereignty?
Leah's experience in Genesis 30:13 demonstrates God's sovereign control over all aspects of life, including the birth of children, as stated in Psalm 127:3-5, and reminds us to trust in His goodness and providence, even in difficult circumstances, as encouraged in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can cultivate a sense of joy and contentment in my life, like Leah in Genesis 30:13?
- How can I, like Leah, trust God's sovereignty in my life and find happiness in His blessings?
- In what ways can I, as a child of God, experience the happiness and acceptance that comes from being loved by Him, as seen in Genesis 30:13 and 1 John 3:1-3?
- What are some lessons I can learn from Leah's story about the importance of gratitude and recognizing God's blessings in my life, as expressed in Genesis 30:13 and Psalm 100:4-5?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:13
And Leah said,.... Upon the birth of the second son by her maid: happy am I; or, "in my happiness"; or, "for my happiness" (c); that is, this child is an addition to my happiness, and will serve to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:13
And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher. Asher - i:e., happy, blessed.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:13
The daughters of men, i.e. women, as .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:13
Genesis 30:13 And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.Ver. 13. For the daughters will call me blessed.] This phrase the Virgin Mary maketh use of, as she doth also of various other Scripture phrases, in that holy song of hers: which showeth that she was very well versed in the Book of God.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:13
(9-13) Leah . . . took Zilpah . . . —By ceasing to bear, Leah had lost her one hold upon her husband’s affection, and to regain it she follows Rachel’s example. The struggle of these two women for the husband gives us a strange picture of manners and morals, but must not be judged by our standard. Leah herself regards the bestowal of her handmaid upon Jacob as a deserving act of self-sacrifice (Genesis 30:18). The names, moreover, which she gives to Zilpah’s children show that the happier frame of mind to which she had attained when she called her fourth son “Judah,” praise, remained unbroken. On the birth of the first, she says, “With good luck!” and calls his name “Gad,” that is, luck. The Jews read, in their synagogue, Luck cometh, whence the rendering of the Authorised Version, “A troop cometh;” but there is no justification for the change. With regard to the meaning of the word “Gad,” all the Versions render it prosperity, good fortune. Nor is the Samaritan, as has been alleged, an exception; for though the worthless Latin translation of it has “a troop cometh,” the Samaritan itself has with good luck. In Isaiah 65:11 we find Gad used as the name of an idol. Zilpah’s other son is called Asher, that is, happy, in Latin Felix, and Leah says, “With my happiness,” using just the same turn of speech as before.
The first child came bringing her good luck; the second brought her happiness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:13
Verse 13. And Leah said, Happy am I] באשרי beoshri, in my happiness, therefore she called his name אשר asher, that is, blessedness or happiness.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:13
13. call me happy] Heb. asher, to call happy. The “daughters” are probably the daughters of the land. Cf. Son 6:9, “the daughters saw her and called her blessed”; cf. Luke 1:48. These two Hebrew traditional etymologies do not exclude the possibility that the names of Asher and Gad may have been drawn from the names of primitive gods of prosperity. Asher, or Aseru, appears in Egyptian inscriptions of the time of Rameses II (14th cent. b.c.) as the name of a district in N. W. Palestine.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:13
13. Asher — Which means, blessed, happy. The words happy, blessed, and Asher in this verse are all from the same Hebrew root.
Sermons on Genesis 30:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Motherhood by Billy Sunday | Billy Sunday emphasizes the profound impact of motherhood through the story of Moses' mother, who defied Pharaoh's decree to save her child. He illustrates her unwavering faith and |
|
Understanding Spiritual Authority (Part 3): The Greatest Faith in Israel by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the Passover in Egypt and draws parallels to the present generation. He emphasizes the importance of obeying God's instructions |
|
A Woman Who Fears the Lord Is to Be Praised by John Piper | In this sermon, the preacher uses a personal anecdote to illustrate the fear of God. He describes a situation where a dog chases after someone who runs away from it, comparing it t |