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Genesis 30:18

Genesis 30:18 in Multiple Translations

Then Leah said, “God has rewarded me for giving my maidservant to my husband.” So she named him Issachar.

And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.

And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I gave my handmaid to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.

Then Leah said, God has made payment to me for giving my servant-girl to my husband: so she gave her son the name Issachar.

Leah said, “The Lord has rewarded me for giving my personal maid to my husband.” So she named him Issachar.

Then said Leah, God hath giuen me my reward, because I gaue my mayde to my husband, and she called his name Issachar.

and Leah saith, 'God hath given my hire, because I have given my maid-servant to my husband;' and she calleth his name Issachar.

Leah said, “God has given me my hire, because I gave my servant to my husband.” She named him Issachar.

And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.

And said: God hath given me a reward, because I gave my handmaid to my husband. And she called his name Issachar.

Leah said, “God has rewarded me for giving my slave to my husband to be another wife for him.” So she named him Issachar, which sounds like the Hebrew word that means ‘reward’.

Then Leah said, “I reckon God is happy with me, because I let Jacob sleep with my working woman Zilpah. And now, God let me have another baby. It’s like God is paying me for that good thing I did.” And Leah named that baby Issachar. That name means pay.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 30:18

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 30:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר לֵאָ֗ה נָתַ֤ן אֱלֹהִים֙ שְׂכָרִ֔/י אֲשֶׁר נָתַ֥תִּי שִׁפְחָתִ֖/י לְ/אִישִׁ֑/י וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖/וֹ יִשָּׂשכָֽר
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
לֵאָ֗ה Lêʼâh H3812 Leah N-proper
נָתַ֤ן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp
שְׂכָרִ֔/י sâkâr H7939 wages N-ms | Suff
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
נָתַ֥תִּי nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-1cs
שִׁפְחָתִ֖/י shiphchâh H8198 maidservant N-fs | Suff
לְ/אִישִׁ֑/י ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-ms | Suff
וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
שְׁמ֖/וֹ shêm H8034 name N-ms | Suff
יִשָּׂשכָֽר Yissâˢkâr H3485 Issachar N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 30:18

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.
לֵאָ֗ה 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.
נָתַ֤ן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
שְׂכָרִ֔/י sâkâr H7939 "wages" N-ms | Suff
Payment for work or services, like the wages paid to the laborers in Matthew 20:8. This word encompasses various forms of compensation, including salary, fare, or maintenance. It is about receiving payment for something.
Definition: 1) hire, wages 1a) wages 1b) reward, pay 1c) fare, fee, passage-money
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: hire, price, reward(-ed), wages, worth. See also: Genesis 15:1; 2 Chronicles 15:7; Psalms 127:3.
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
נָתַ֥תִּי nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
שִׁפְחָתִ֖/י shiphchâh H8198 "maidservant" N-fs | Suff
A shiphchah was a female slave or servant in a household, often belonging to a mistress. This term is used to describe a lowly position, and is sometimes used as a term of humility or respect.
Definition: 1) maid, maid-servant, slavegirl 1a) maid, maid-servant (as belonging to a mistress) 1b) of address, speaker, humility (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (bond-, hand-) maid(-en, -servant), wench, bondwoman, womanservant. See also: Genesis 12:16; Ruth 2:13; Psalms 123:2.
לְ/אִישִׁ֑/י ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | 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.
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.
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.
יִשָּׂשכָֽר Yissâˢkâr H3485 "Issachar" N-proper
Issachar means 'there is recompense' and refers to the 9th son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. He was the 5th son of Leah, Jacob's first wife. The tribe of Issachar is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and other books.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.26.5; son of: Obed-edom (H5654); brother of: Shemaiah (H8098I), Jehozabad (H3075H), Joah (H3098I), Sachar (H7940), Nethanel (H5417K), Ammiel (H5988I) and Peullethai (H6469) § Issachar = "there is recompense" 1) the 9th son of Jacob and the 5th by Leah his first wife and the progenitor of a tribe by his name 2) a Korahite Levite and the 7th son of Obed-edom and doorkeeper to the temple 3) the tribe descended from Issachar the son of Jacob 4) the territory allocated to the descendants of Issachar when they entered the land of Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Issachar. See also: Genesis 30:18; Joshua 19:23; Ezekiel 48:33.

Study Notes — Genesis 30:18

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 49:14–15 Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds. He saw that his resting place was good and that his land was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to labor as a servant.
2 Deuteronomy 33:18 Concerning Zebulun he said: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys, and Issachar, in your tents.
3 Genesis 46:13 The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puvah, Job, and Shimron.
4 Genesis 35:23 The sons of Leah were Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.
5 1 Chronicles 12:32 From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command.

Genesis 30:18 Summary

Genesis 30:18 tells us that Leah felt blessed by God with another son, Issachar, and she believed it was a reward for her decision to give her maidservant to her husband Jacob. This shows that Leah recognized God's hand in her life, even in difficult circumstances. We can learn from Leah's example to trust God and be grateful for His blessings, just like the Psalmist in Psalm 100:4-5. By acknowledging God's sovereignty, like Leah, we can find peace and hope in our own lives, even when things seem complicated or uncertain (Romans 8:28).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Leah mean by 'God has rewarded me' in Genesis 30:18?

Leah is expressing her gratitude to God for blessing her with another son, Issachar, as a reward for her decision to give her maidservant to her husband Jacob, as seen in Genesis 30:9-13 and Genesis 29:24.

Why did Leah name her son Issachar?

Leah named her son Issachar, which means 'hired' or 'reward', because she believed God had rewarded her for giving her maidservant to Jacob, demonstrating her recognition of God's sovereignty in her life, similar to Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.

Is Leah's statement in Genesis 30:18 an expression of pride or humility?

Leah's statement can be seen as a mix of both, as she is acknowledging God's blessing in her life, but also highlighting her own role in giving her maidservant to Jacob, reflecting a complex character like many biblical figures, such as David in Psalm 51:1-19.

How does Genesis 30:18 relate to the broader theme of God's covenant with Jacob?

Genesis 30:18 shows how God is fulfilling His promise to Jacob, as stated in Genesis 28:13-15 and Genesis 29:31, by blessing him with many children, despite the complicated family dynamics and relationships.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can recognize and acknowledge God's rewards in my own life, like Leah did in Genesis 30:18?
  2. How can I, like Leah, trust God's sovereignty in my life and relationships, even when circumstances seem uncertain or complicated?
  3. In what ways can I prioritize gratitude and humility, like Leah, when experiencing blessings or successes in my life?
  4. What does Leah's example teach me about the importance of perseverance and faith in the midst of challenging situations, like her experiences with Jacob and her sister Rachel?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:18

And Leah said, God hath given me my hire,.... Of the mandrakes with which she had hired of Rachel a night's lodging with Jacob, and for which she had a sufficient recompense, by the son that God had

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:18

And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar. She called his name Issachar - [Hebrew, Yisaaskaar (H3485).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:18

Thus she mistakes the answer of her prayers for a recompence of her error.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:18

Genesis 30:18 And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.Ver. 18. God hath given me my hire.] Wherein she was much mistaken, as having not her "senses exercised to discern good and evil." Here she rejoiceth in that for which she should have repented; and was in the common error of measuring and judging of things by the success; as if God were not many times angry with men, though they outwardly prosper. Thus Dionysius, after the spoils of an idol temple, finding the winds favourable, Lo, said he, how the gods approve of sacrilege! Foelix scelus virtus vocatur . - Cicero, De Divin., lib. ii.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:18

(18) Issachar.—Heb., there is hire. As is so often the case in Hebrew names, there is a double play in the word: for, first, it alluded to the strange fact that Jacob had been hired of Rachel by the mandrakes; but, secondly, Leah gives it a higher meaning, “for God,” she says, “hath given me my hire.” In her eyes the birth of her fifth son was a Divine reward for the self-sacrifice involved in giving her maid to Jacob, and which had been followed by years of neglect of herself. As, too, it is said that “God hearkened unto Leah,” we may feel sure that she had prayed for God’s blessing upon her re-union with her husband; for Calvin’s objection that prayer would scarcely accompany such odious courses has little weight. Leah and Rachel were uneducated and untrained country women, whose sole anxiety was to have offspring. Leah was the most religious and best disciplined of the two; and the shame ideally was that she should have been forced thus to buy her husband’s attentions.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:18

Verse 18. God hath given me my hire] שכרי sechari. And she called his name Issachar, יששכר, This word is compounded of יש yesh, IS, and שכר sachar, WAGES, from שכר sachar, to content, satisfy, saturate; hence a satisfaction or compensation for work done, &c.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:18

18. hire] Heb. sβchβr = “wages,” “reward.” Issachar] The name receives a twofold explanation, in its derivation from sβchβr: (1) as the passive of the verb, in the sense of “he shall be hired or rewarded”; (2) as the combination of ξsh, “man,” and sβchβr, “hire,” i.e. “a man of hire.” In Genesis 30:16 Leah “hires” Jacob with the mandrakes given to Rachel; in Genesis 30:18 she calls Issachar the “hire” or wage, which she receives for giving Zilpah to Jacob.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:18

18. God hath given me my hire — Leah, of higher spiritual nature than Rachel, relies on God more than on any love potions, and she has her reward, and she gives her new-born son a name, Issachar, which means, there is a reward.

Sermons on Genesis 30:18

SermonDescription
C.H. Spurgeon Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, Reverend C.H. Spurgeon speaks about the comfort and hope that can be found in God's mercy and grace. He uses the metaphor of a bruised reed and smoking flax to desc
Chuck Missler Genesis #26 Ch. 49 Israel's Prophecy by Chuck Missler In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapter 49, focusing on the characters of Levi and Simeon. He mentions how Levi and Simeon brought vengeance for the rape of their s
C.H. Spurgeon Going Oat With Joy by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the joy of going out, drawing from the blessing of Zebulun in Deuteronomy 33:18. He encourages believers to rejoice in their journeys, whether traveling, e
Stan Ford The Four W's 03 the Worship of God by Stan Ford In this sermon, the preacher starts by mentioning a recent travel experience and a conversation with a woman who was excited about reading the last book of the Bible. The preacher
David Wilkerson "When Judgment Becomes Evident" by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and having discernment in times of judgment and crisis. It calls for a return to prayer, seeking God's wisdom, a
Vance Havner Discernment - Part 3 by Vance Havner In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning the times we live in. He references Matthew 16:3, where Jesus asks if people can discern the signs of the times
T. Austin-Sparks The Crisis of Our Time by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that all four gospels in the Bible lead up to the cross, highlighting the significance of the crucifixion in the message of Jesus. The speake

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