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Genesis 30:15

Genesis 30:15 in Multiple Translations

But 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.”

And she said unto her, Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son’s mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy son’s mandrakes.

And she said unto her, Is it a small matter that thou hast taken away my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son’s mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to-night for thy son’s mandrakes.

But Leah said to her, Is it a small thing that you have taken my husband from me? and now would you take my son's love-fruits? Then Rachel said, You may have him tonight in exchange for your son's love-fruits.

“Aren't you satisfied with stealing my husband?” Leah replied. “Are you going to take my son's mandrakes too?” “Fine, he can sleep with you tonight if you give me some mandrakes in return,” Rachel responded.

But shee answered her, Is it a small matter for thee to take mine husband, except thou take my sonnes mandrakes also? Then sayde Rahel, Therefore he shall sleepe with thee this night for thy sonnes mandrakes.

And she saith to her, 'Is thy taking my husband a little thing, that thou hast taken also the love-apples of my son?' and Rachel saith, 'Therefore doth he lie with thee to-night, for thy son's love-apples.'

Leah said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son’s mandrakes, also?” Rachel said, “Therefore he will lie with you tonight for your son’s mandrakes.”

And she said to her, Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son's mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to-night for thy son's mandrakes.

She answered: Dost thou think it a small matter, that thou hast taken my husband from me, unless thou take also my son’s mandrakes? Rachel said: He shall sleep with thee this night, for thy son’s mandrakes.

But Leah said to her, “No! ◄It was bad that you stole my husband!/Is it not bad enough that you stole my husband?► [RHQ] Now ◄are you going to take my son’s mandrake plants?/You want to take my son’s mandrake plants also, so that you can become pregnant!►” [RHQ] So Rachel said, “All right, Jacob can sleep with you tonight, if you give me some of your son’s mandrake plants.” So Leah ◄agreed/gave her some►.

Then Leah got angry with Rachel. She said, “Listen, I married Jacob first, but he loved you and married you. It’s like you took my husband away from me. That’s really bad. And now, you want to take my son’s mandrakes too. No, you can’t have them.” But Rachel still wanted those mandrakes. So she said to Leah, “All right, if you give me your son’s mandrakes, you can sleep with Jacob tonight.” And Leah agreed.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 30:15

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 30:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר לָ֗/הּ הַ/מְעַט֙ קַחְתֵּ֣/ךְ אֶת אִישִׁ֔/י וְ/לָ/קַ֕חַת גַּ֥ם אֶת דּוּדָאֵ֖י בְּנִ֑/י וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר רָחֵ֗ל לָ/כֵן֙ יִשְׁכַּ֤ב עִמָּ/ךְ֙ הַ/לַּ֔יְלָה תַּ֖חַת דּוּדָאֵ֥י בְנֵֽ/ךְ
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
לָ֗/הּ Prep | Suff
הַ/מְעַט֙ mᵉʻaṭ H4592 little Part | N-ms
קַחְתֵּ֣/ךְ lâqach H3947 to take V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
אִישִׁ֔/י ʼîysh H376 man N-ms | Suff
וְ/לָ/קַ֕חַת lâqach H3947 to take Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
גַּ֥ם gam H1571 also DirObjM
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
דּוּדָאֵ֖י dûwday H1736 mandrake N-mp
בְּנִ֑/י bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
רָחֵ֗ל Râchêl H7354 Rachel N-proper
לָ/כֵן֙ kên H3651 right Prep | Adv
יִשְׁכַּ֤ב shâkab H7901 to lie down V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עִמָּ/ךְ֙ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff
הַ/לַּ֔יְלָה layil H3915 night Art | N-ms
תַּ֖חַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep
דּוּדָאֵ֥י dûwday H1736 mandrake N-mp
בְנֵֽ/ךְ bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 30:15

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.
לָ֗/הּ "" Prep | Suff
הַ/מְעַט֙ mᵉʻaṭ H4592 "little" Part | N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
קַחְתֵּ֣/ךְ lâqach H3947 "to take" V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
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.
אִישִׁ֔/י ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וְ/לָ/קַ֕חַת lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
גַּ֥ם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
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.
דּוּדָאֵ֖י dûwday H1736 "mandrake" N-mp
The Hebrew word for mandrake, a plant believed to stimulate sexual desire and aid in procreation. It is also translated as 'basket' or 'love-apple' in some Bible versions, and is mentioned in the story of Rachel and Leah in Genesis.
Definition: 1) mandrake, love-apple 1a) as exciting sexual desire, and favouring procreation
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: basket, mandrake. See also: Genesis 30:14; Genesis 30:16; Jeremiah 24:1.
בְּנִ֑/י bên H1121 "son" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
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.
רָחֵ֗ל Râchêl H7354 "Rachel" N-proper
Rachel was a wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Her name means ewe, and she is an important figure in the book of Genesis, where her story is told in detail.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.6; daughter of: Laban (H3837A); sister of: Leah (H3812); married to Israel (H3478); mother of: Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144) Also named: Rhachēl (Ῥαχήλ "Rachel" G4478) § Rachel = "ewe" daughter of Laban, wife of Jacob, and mother of Joseph and Benjamin
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Rachel. See also: Genesis 29:6; Genesis 30:25; Jeremiah 31:15.
לָ/כֵן֙ kên H3651 "right" Prep | Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
יִשְׁכַּ֤ב shâkab H7901 "to lie down" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
עִמָּ/ךְ֙ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
הַ/לַּ֔יְלָה layil H3915 "night" Art | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
תַּ֖חַת tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
דּוּדָאֵ֥י dûwday H1736 "mandrake" N-mp
The Hebrew word for mandrake, a plant believed to stimulate sexual desire and aid in procreation. It is also translated as 'basket' or 'love-apple' in some Bible versions, and is mentioned in the story of Rachel and Leah in Genesis.
Definition: 1) mandrake, love-apple 1a) as exciting sexual desire, and favouring procreation
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: basket, mandrake. See also: Genesis 30:14; Genesis 30:16; Jeremiah 24:1.
בְנֵֽ/ךְ bên H1121 "son" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

Study Notes — Genesis 30:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Numbers 16:13 Is it not enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? Must you also appoint yourself as ruler over us?
2 1 Corinthians 4:3 I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.
3 Numbers 16:9–10 Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? He has brought you near, you and all your fellow Levites, but you are seeking the priesthood as well.
4 Isaiah 7:13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God as well?
5 Ezekiel 16:47 And you not only walked in their ways and practiced their abominations, but soon you were more depraved than they were.

Genesis 30:15 Summary

[Genesis 30:15 shows us that even in biblical times, people struggled with feelings of jealousy and competition, just like we do today. Leah felt like Rachel had taken away her husband's affection, and she was upset that Rachel wanted her son's mandrakes too. This verse reminds us that our actions and desires can impact those around us, and it's essential to communicate effectively and prioritize our relationships (as seen in Ephesians 4:32). By trusting in God's sovereignty and being humble, we can navigate complex relationships and find peace, just like Leah did when she conceived and bore a fifth son to Jacob in Genesis 30:17.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What are mandrakes and why were they significant in Genesis 30:15?

Mandrakes were a type of plant believed to have medicinal and spiritual properties, and in this context, Rachel desired them for their supposed ability to enhance fertility, as seen in Genesis 30:14. This desire is also reflected in other biblical accounts, such as Song of Solomon 7:13, where mandrakes are associated with love and fertility.

Why did Leah accuse Rachel of taking away her husband in Genesis 30:15?

Leah felt that Rachel had taken Jacob's affection away from her, as Rachel was the favored wife, and this is evident in the way Jacob worked for Laban to marry Rachel in Genesis 29:18-30. Leah's statement highlights the tension and competition between the two sisters for Jacob's love and attention.

What does this verse reveal about the relationship between Leah and Rachel?

Genesis 30:15 shows that the relationship between Leah and Rachel was strained, with a sense of competition and jealousy, as also seen in Genesis 29:31-30:24. This tension is a result of their shared husband, Jacob, and their own desires for his affection and children.

How does this verse relate to the theme of marriage and family in the Bible?

Genesis 30:15 highlights the complexities and challenges of marriage and family, as also seen in other biblical accounts such as Genesis 2:24 and Ephesians 5:25-33. The verse shows how the desires and actions of individuals can impact their relationships and the dynamics of their family.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I handle feelings of jealousy or competition in my own relationships, and what can I learn from Leah's response in Genesis 30:15?
  2. What are some ways I can prioritize my relationships and communicate effectively with my loved ones, as seen in the interactions between Leah and Rachel?
  3. How can I trust God's sovereignty in my life, even when I face challenges or tensions in my relationships, as Leah and Rachel did in Genesis 30:15?
  4. What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and selflessness in my relationships, and how can I apply this to my own life?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:15

And she said unto her,.... Leah to Rachel, taking this opportunity to bring out a thing which had some time lain with uneasiness upon her mind: [is it] a small thing that thou hast taken away my husband?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:15

And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them unto his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray thee, of thy son's mandrakes.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:15

Jacob either did equally divide the times between his two wives; or rather, had more estranged himself from Leah, and cohabited principally with Rachel, which occasioned the foregoing expostulation.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:15

Genesis 30:15 And she said unto her, [Is it] a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son’ s mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy son’ s mandrakes.Ver. 15. Therefore he shall lie with thee, &c.] Thus he is bought and sold by his emulous wives: which was no small affliction to him, and a punishment of his polygamy.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:15

Verse 15. Thou hast taken my husband] It appears probable that Rachel had found means to engross the whole of Jacob's affection and company, and that she now agreed to let him visit the tent of Leah, on account of receiving some of the fruits or plants which Reuben had found.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:15

OTHER OF LEAH, Genesis 30:14-21. Reuben went — He was now a boy of four or five years. Mandrakes γεγΰιν, dudhaim, love-apples, a fruit, as appears from this context, believed to have the power of promoting conception.

Sermons on Genesis 30:15

SermonDescription
St. John Chrysostom Philippians 2:1-4 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of unity, love, and humility among believers, emphasizing the need to have the same mind, love one another, and be of one accord. He urge
Arno Clemens Gaebelein Nebuchadnezzar's Dream by Arno Clemens Gaebelein Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the prophetic unfolding in the Book of Daniel, focusing on the great pivotal chapter introducing the times of the Gentiles. The chapter reveals t
Philip Doddridge The Sinner Sentenced by Philip Doddridge Philip Doddridge delivers a powerful sermon warning sinners about the impending judgement day, emphasizing the universal curse pronounced by God's law on all transgressors, leading
John Gill 2 Peter 3:12 by John Gill John Gill emphasizes the significance of eagerly anticipating the day of God, which refers to Christ's second coming and final judgment. He explains that this day will reveal God's
St. John Chrysostom 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of judgment and the importance of humility, highlighting the need to refrain from harshly judging others and to focus on self-reflection.
Harmon A. Baldwin Inconsistencies in Professors by Harmon A. Baldwin In his sermon, Harmon A. Baldwin addresses objections to holiness based on the inconsistencies seen in the lives of believers. He compares the existence of counterfeit money to cou
James Arminius The Assurance of Salvation by James Arminius James Arminius discusses the assurance of salvation, emphasizing that believers in Jesus Christ can be certain and persuaded of their status as children of God, standing in His gra

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