Genesis 30:22
Genesis 30:22 in Multiple Translations
Then God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb,
¶ And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.
And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.
Then God gave thought to Rachel, and hearing her prayer he made her fertile.
Then God paid attention to Rachel and listened to her appeals, and helped her to have children.
And God remembred Rahel, and God heard her, and opened her wombe.
And God remembereth Rachel, and God hearkeneth unto her, and openeth her womb,
God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her, and opened her womb.
And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and rendered her fruitful.
The Lord also remembering Rachel, heard her, and opened her womb.
Then God thought about what Rachel wanted. He heard her prayers and enabled her to become pregnant.
But Leah’s sister Rachel still wanted to have her own kids. And God was good to Rachel, and he gave her what she wanted. Before this time, Rachel didn’t have any kids, but then God let a baby start growing inside her. Rachel had a baby boy. Then Rachel said, “I used to feel shame, because I didn’t have any kids. But now, God gave me a son, so I don’t feel shame any more.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 30:22
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 30:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּזְכֹּ֥ר
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
אֶת
רָחֵ֑ל
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֤ע
אֵלֶ֨י/הָ֙
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
וַ/יִּפְתַּ֖ח
אֶת
רַחְמָֽ/הּ
וַ/יִּזְכֹּ֥ר
zâkar
H2142
to remember
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רָחֵ֑ל
Râchêl
H7354
Rachel
N-proper
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֤ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלֶ֨י/הָ֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
וַ/יִּפְתַּ֖ח
pâthach
H6605
to open
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רַחְמָֽ/הּ
rechem
H7358
womb
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 30:22
וַ/יִּזְכֹּ֥ר
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
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.
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.
רָחֵ֑ל
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.
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֤ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֵלֶ֨י/הָ֙
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
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.
וַ/יִּפְתַּ֖ח
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
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.
רַחְמָֽ/הּ
rechem
H7358
"womb"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means womb, referring to the place where a fetus grows. It is translated as matrix or womb in the KJV, symbolizing birth and new life. It is a significant concept in biblical culture.
Definition: 1) womb 1a) womb 1b) womb-man, woman-slave, woman, two women
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: matrix, womb. See also: Genesis 20:18; 1 Samuel 1:6; Psalms 22:11.
Study Notes — Genesis 30:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 30:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:22
- Sermons on Genesis 30:22
Context — Joseph
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,
23and she conceived and gave birth to a son. “God has taken away my shame,” she said. 24She named him Joseph, and said, “May the LORD add to me another son.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 29:31 | When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. |
| 2 | Psalms 113:9 | He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah! |
| 3 | Psalms 127:3 | Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. |
| 4 | Genesis 8:1 | But God remembered Noah and all the animals and livestock that were with him in the ark. And God sent a wind over the earth, and the waters began to subside. |
| 5 | Genesis 21:1–2 | Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised. |
| 6 | Genesis 25:21 | Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 1:19–20 | The next morning Elkanah and Hannah got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.” |
| 8 | Psalms 105:42 | For He remembered His holy promise to Abraham His servant. |
| 9 | Genesis 30:2 | Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?” |
Genesis 30:22 Summary
This verse tells us that God remembered Rachel and listened to her, then opened her womb, allowing her to have a child. This shows us that God is a loving and caring God who hears our prayers and acts on our behalf (as seen in Psalm 34:15). It also reminds us that God's timing is not always our timing, but He always keeps His promises (as stated in Genesis 29:31). We can trust in God's goodness and wait patiently, just like Rachel did, knowing that He will act in His perfect time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God wait so long to remember Rachel?
God's timing is not always our timing, and His ways are higher than ours, as seen in Isaiah 55:9, but He did hear Rachel's prayers and remembered her, as stated in Genesis 30:22, and in His perfect time, He opened her womb.
What does it mean for God to 'remember' someone?
When the Bible says God 'remembered' someone, it doesn't mean He forgot them, but rather, it signifies that He is now acting on their behalf, as seen in Genesis 8:1 where God remembered Noah, and in Exodus 2:24 where God remembered His covenant with Abraham.
Did Rachel's prayers have anything to do with God opening her womb?
While the Bible doesn't explicitly state that Rachel's prayers were the direct cause of God opening her womb, it does imply that God listened to her and acted, similar to how Hannah's prayers were heard and answered in 1 Samuel 1:19-20.
What can we learn from Rachel's experience about God's character?
Rachel's experience shows us that God is a loving and merciful God who hears the prayers of His people and acts on their behalf, as stated in Psalm 103:8, and that He is a God who keeps His promises, as seen in Genesis 29:31 and Genesis 30:22.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like God has forgotten me, and how can I trust in His perfect timing?
- How does God's character, as seen in this verse, encourage me to pray and trust in Him?
- In what ways can I, like Rachel, wait patiently and trust in God's goodness, even when my prayers seem unanswered?
- What are some promises of God that I can cling to, like Rachel did, when facing difficulties or uncertainties?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:22
And God remembered Rachel,.... In a way of mercy and kindness, whom he seemed to have forgotten, by not giving her children: and God hearkened to her; to her prayer, which had been made time after
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:22
And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:22
Genesis 30:22 And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.Ver. 22. And God remembered Rachel.] She began to think that God had forgotten her, because she was so long suspended, and her prayers not answered. This is a common fault. David bewails it in himself. Basil grew so weary of the Arian persecution, that once he cried out, An Ecclesias suas prorsus dereliquit Dominus? an novissima hora est? &c. So the Church of old: "Where is thy zeal and thy strength, Lord? the sounding of thy heart and of thy mercies toward us? are they restrained?". Here we must check and chide ourselves, for once questioning God’ s kind remembrance of us, whom he cannot forget, and learn and labour not to "waken our well beloved, until he please". He "waits to be gracious," and, when it is fit, will come "leaping over the mountains of Bether," all lets and impediments.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:22
(22-24) God remembered Rachel.—Rachel’s long barrenness had probably humbled and disciplined her; and, cured of her former petulance, she trusts no longer to “love-apples,” but looks to God for the great blessing of children. He hearkens to her prayer, and remembers her. (Comp. 1 Samuel 1:19.) In calling his name Joseph, there is again a play upon two words, for it may be formed from the verb used in Genesis 30:23, and would then mean he takes away; or it may signify he adds, which is the meaning made prominent by Rachel. And God did add to her another son, but the boon cost her her life. As Joseph was born six or seven years before Jacob left Padan-aram, Rachel had been barren for twenty-six years. We must add that in her joy at Joseph’s birth there is no trace of the ungenerous triumph over Leah so marked in her rejoicing at the birth of the sons of Bilhah; and in her trust that “Jehovah would add to her another son,” she evidently had in mind the covenant promises, which a son of her own womb might now inherit. As a matter of fact, the long struggle for supremacy lay between the houses of Joseph and Judah; and Judah finally prevailed.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:22
Verse 22. And God hearkened to her] After the severe reproof which Rachel had received from her husband, Genesis 30:2, it appears that she sought God by prayer, and that he heard her; so that her prayer and faith obtained what her impatience and unbelief had prevented.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:22
BIRTH OF JOSEPH, Genesis 30:22-24. 22. God remembered Rachel — It would seem from the language of these verses that Rachel’s wrestling with God (comp. Genesis 30:8) had acquired a nobler tone; a more devout and humble trust.
Sermons on Genesis 30:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 29:15-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his love for Rachel. Jacob serves his uncle Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachel, as his love for her is so |
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Barrenness by David Smithers | In this sermon, Frank Bartleman discusses the need for revival in the church in America, which he refers to as a state of barrenness. He emphasizes that the church has been sanctif |
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(Genesis) 46 - Jacob in the Crucible of Divine Discipline by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Genesis chapter 30, which explores the story of Rachel and Leah and the fruit of polygamy. The chapter begins with Rachel's jealousy and env |
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Camp Spalding - Part 1 by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity and worshiping God together. He highlights the need for reconciliation and redemption within the family of God. The |
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Through the Bible - Genesis 29-31 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses Jacob's journey to Haran, where he meets Rachel at a well, showcasing God's guidance in his life. Jacob's love for Rachel leads him to work seven years for he |
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Divinely Lead by David Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the cycle of bondage and captivity that the nation of Israel experienced due to their disobedience to God. The speaker highlights specific ins |