Genesis 30:20
Genesis 30:20 in Multiple Translations
“God has given me a good gift,” she said. “This time my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons.” And she named him Zebulun.
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.
And Leah said, God hath endowed me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.
And she said, God has given me a good bride-price; now at last will I have my husband living with me, for I have given him six sons: and she gave him the name Zebulun.
Leah said, “God has given me a good gift. Now my husband will honor me because I've given him six sons.” So she named him Zebulun.
Then Leah said, God hath endued me with a good dowrie: nowe will mine husband dwell with me, because I haue borne him sixe sonnes: and she called his name Zebulun.
and Leah saith, 'God hath endowed me — a good dowry; this time doth my husband dwell with me, for I have borne to him six sons;' and she calleth his name Zebulun;
Leah said, “God has endowed me with a good dowry. Now my husband will live with me, because I have borne him six sons.” She named him Zebulun.
And Leah said, God hath endowed me with a good dower; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.
And said: God hath endowed me with a good dowry: this turn also my husband will be with me, because I have borne him six sons: and therefore she called his name Zabulon.
Leah said, “God has given me a precious gift. ◄This time/Now► my husband will honor/respect me, because I have given birth to six sons for him.” So she named him Zebulon, which sounds like the Hebrew word that means ‘accepted gift’.
Then Leah said, “God gave me lots of sons. They are like a really special present from God. Now I reckon my husband Jacob will respect me, because I gave him 6 sons.” And Leah named that baby Zebulun. That name means respect.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 30:20
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 30:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר
לֵאָ֗ה
זְבָדַ֨/נִי
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
אֹתִ/י֮
זֵ֣בֶד
טוֹב֒
הַ/פַּ֨עַם֙
יִזְבְּלֵ֣/נִי
אִישִׁ֔/י
כִּֽי
יָלַ֥דְתִּי
ל֖/וֹ
שִׁשָּׁ֣ה
בָנִ֑ים
וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א
אֶת
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
זְבֻלֽוּן
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
לֵאָ֗ה
Lêʼâh
H3812
Leah
N-proper
זְבָדַ֨/נִי
zâbad
H2064
to endow
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֹתִ/י֮
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
זֵ֣בֶד
zebed
H2065
dowry
N-ms
טוֹב֒
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
הַ/פַּ֨עַם֙
paʻam
H6471
beat
Art | N-fs
יִזְבְּלֵ֣/נִי
zâbal
H2082
to honour
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
אִישִׁ֔/י
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יָלַ֥דְתִּי
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
שִׁשָּׁ֣ה
shêsh
H8337
six
Adj
בָנִ֑ים
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
זְבֻלֽוּן
Zᵉbûwlûwn
H2074
Zebulun
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 30:20
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.
זְבָדַ֨/נִי
zâbad
H2064
"to endow"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
To endow means to give someone a gift or ability, and this verb is used in the Bible to describe God's generosity. It can also mean to bestow a gift on someone.
Definition: (Qal) to endow, bestow, endow with, bestow upon
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: endure. See also: Genesis 30:20.
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
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.
אֹתִ/י֮
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
זֵ֣בֶד
zebed
H2065
"dowry"
N-ms
A dowry was a gift given to a bride by her family at marriage, and this word is used in the Old Testament to describe such gifts. It was an important part of ancient wedding customs.
Definition: endowment, gift
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: dowry. See also: Genesis 30:20.
טוֹב֒
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
הַ/פַּ֨עַם֙
paʻam
H6471
"beat"
Art | N-fs
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
יִזְבְּלֵ֣/נִי
zâbal
H2082
"to honour"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to honor or exalt someone, it can also mean to dwell in a high place. It is translated as dwell with in the KJV Bible.
Definition: (Qal) to exalt, honour, (possible) dwell exaltedly
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: dwell with. See also: Genesis 30:20.
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.
כִּֽי
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.
יָלַ֥דְתִּי
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
שִׁשָּׁ֣ה
shêsh
H8337
"six"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.
Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.
בָנִ֑ים
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
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/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.
זְבֻלֽוּן
Zᵉbûwlûwn
H2074
"Zebulun"
N-proper
Zebulun was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 30:20. The tribe and territory were also named after him.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Zebulun living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.20; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Sered (H5624), Elon (H0356H) and Jahleel (H3177) § Zebulun = "exalted" 1) the 10th of the sons of Jacob, 6th and last of Leah; progenitor of Zebulun 2) the tribe descended from Zebulun 3) the land allocated to the tribe of Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: Zebulun. See also: Genesis 30:20; Joshua 21:34; Psalms 68:28.
Study Notes — Genesis 30:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 30:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:20
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:20
- Sermons on Genesis 30:20
Context — Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah
18Then Leah said, “God has rewarded me for giving my maidservant to my husband.” So she named him Issachar.
19Again Leah conceived and bore a sixth son to Jacob.
20“God has given me a good gift,” she said. “This time my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons.” And she named him Zebulun.
21After that, Leah gave birth to a daughter and named her Dinah. 22Then God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 35:23 | The sons of Leah were Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. |
| 2 | Matthew 4:13 | Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, |
| 3 | Genesis 49:13 | Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and become a harbor for ships; his border shall extend to Sidon. |
| 4 | Genesis 46:14 | The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. |
| 5 | Judges 5:14 | Some came from Ephraim, with their roots in Amalek; Benjamin came with your people after you. The commanders came down from Machir, the bearers of the marshal’s staff from Zebulun. |
| 6 | Psalms 68:27 | There is Benjamin, the youngest, ruling them, the princes of Judah in their company, the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali. |
| 7 | Judges 4:10 | where he summoned Zebulun and Naphtali. Ten thousand men followed him, and Deborah also went with him. |
| 8 | Genesis 30:15 | 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.” |
| 9 | Genesis 29:34 | Once again Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi. |
Genesis 30:20 Summary
In Genesis 30:20, Leah says that God has given her a good gift, recognizing that her six sons are a blessing from Him (as seen in Psalm 127:3). She believes that having many sons will bring her husband's honor and recognition. This verse reminds us that God is a God of compassion and mercy, who sees and remembers those who are often overlooked (as seen in Genesis 30:22 and Exodus 2:25). We can learn from Leah's experience to trust in God's promise and provision, and to find our identity and worth in His love and acceptance, rather than in the opinions of others or in our own accomplishments (as seen in Jeremiah 31:3 and Ephesians 1:4-5).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Leah's statement 'God has given me a good gift' in Genesis 30:20?
Leah's statement acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness in her life, recognizing that her children are a gift from Him, as seen in Psalm 127:3, which says 'Behold, children are a gift from the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward.'
Why did Leah think that having six sons would cause her husband to honor her?
In the biblical culture, having many sons was seen as a blessing and a symbol of a woman's worth, as mentioned in Genesis 29:31, where God sees that Leah is unloved and opens her womb, and in Genesis 30:20, Leah believes that having six sons will bring her husband's honor and recognition.
What can we learn from Leah's experience about God's character?
We can learn that God is a God of compassion and mercy, who sees and remembers those who are often overlooked, as seen in Genesis 30:22, where God remembers Rachel and opens her womb, and in Exodus 2:25, where God sees the Israelites' suffering and remembers His covenant with them.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Genesis?
This verse fits into the larger narrative of Genesis, which explores the theme of God's covenant and promise to His people, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3, where God promises to make Abraham a great nation, and in Genesis 28:13-15, where God reiterates His promise to Jacob.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can, like Leah, acknowledge God's sovereignty and goodness in my life, even in difficult circumstances?
- How can I, like Leah, find my identity and worth in God's love and acceptance, rather than in the opinions of others or in my own accomplishments?
- In what ways can I, like Leah, trust in God's promise and provision, even when I don't see immediate results or recognition?
- How can I, like Leah, cultivate a heart of gratitude and thankfulness, recognizing that every blessing and gift comes from God's hand?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:20
And Leah said, God hath endued me [with] a good dowry,.... Having so many children; for though her husband could give her nothing at marriage, and her father gave her no more than one handmaid, yet
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:20
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.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:20
Genesis 30:20 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.Ver. 20. God hath endued me with a good dowry.] That is, as it proves, though children are dulcis acerbitas , saith one; certain cares, but uncertain comforts, saith another; yet all men desire them: how much more should we covet grace, and those things that accompany salvation! These having gotten, we may safely and surely say, "God hath endued me with a good dowry." Fροντιδεςμεγαλαι, ελπιδεςαδηλοι. - Plutar., De Prolis Amore.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:20
(20) Zebulun.—Leah is more than usually obscure in the reasons she gives for this name; for she plays upon two words, which probably both belonged to the Mesopotamian pato is: and as this was a Syriac dialect, we must look to that language for their explanation. The first is zebed; and here there is no difficulty. It means such presents as a father gives his daughter on her marriage, over and above those enumerated in the marriage contract. Of the second, zabal, there is no trace. Nor do the Syro-Arabic lexicons acknowledge in the word “Zebulun” such a sense as that of dwelling, given it in our margin. Bar-Ali explains it as meaning “salvation of the night, or a good dowry,” and Bar- Bahlul, “a dowry of the night,” both deriving it from zebed, a dowry, and lun, to pass the night. The derivation is wrong as far as concerns lun; for the word Zebulun is formed simply from zebed, the final d of which is changed into I for mere reasons of euphony. The Versions take the word zabal as mean ing, “to be with,” Vulg.; “to choose,” LXX.; “to cleave to,” Syriac. It occurs nowhere else, but the substantive zebul is not uncommon, and means dwelling, station.As a woman’s value in the East rises with each son, Leah now hoped for more love from her husband. Nor does she seem to have been disappointed.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:20
Verse 20. Now will my husband dwell with me] יזבלני yizbeleni; and she called his name Zebulun, זבל a dwelling or cohabitation, as she now expected that Jacob would dwell with her, as he had before dwelt with Rachel.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:20
20. dwell] Heb. zabal, “he dwelt.” In this verse we have two explanations of the name “Zebulun.” In the first clause Leah says “God has endowed (zabad) me with a good dowry (zebed)”; cf. the names Zabdi (Joshua 7:1) and Zebedee (Mark 1:19). In the second clause the derivation is taken from the word zabal, “he dwelt.” Presumably both popular etymologies were current. The interchange of d and l sounds is well known; cf. δάκρυον = Lat. lachryma. Assyriologists suggest a derivation from the Assyrian zabalu, “lift up,” “exalt,” “honour.” The two tribes of Issachar and Zebulun occupied adjoining territories.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:20
20. Zebulun — Which means, dwelling or habitation; for now she fondly hopes that her husband will dwell with her; cleave to her in his home-life with a warmer attachment.
Sermons on Genesis 30:20
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A Judgement Is Coming by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not just having access to the light of God's truth, but also actively engaging with it. He warns against the danger of bei |
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(Spirit-Filled Life) Part 7: Humility and a Good Conscience by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking with Jesus and living a triumphant life. He highlights the irrationality of being against television but not agains |
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Model for Praying - Part 2 by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the good news lies in the fact that Jesus is not just a teacher, but also empowers his disciples to practice what he teaches. The speake |
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Understanding Our Salvation by Harold Erickson | In this sermon, the preacher shares the story of James Gardner, a British soldier who lived a life of moral reckoning. Despite his repeated attempts to quit his sinful habits, he w |
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The Sure Performance of Prophecy. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the certainty of prophecy's fulfillment, particularly regarding the coming of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. He reflects on past prophecies that |
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(Genesis) Genesis 30:1-24 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the disapproval of God towards the strife that existed within the families of Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob. The preacher mentions the birth |
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(Genesis) Genesis 49:11-15 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of the tribes of Israel in the nation's history. He emphasizes that the average person, like the tribes, is often overlooked an |