Genesis 30:8

Genesis 30:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Rachel said, “In my great struggles, I have wrestled with my sister and won.” So she named him Naphtali.

King James Version KJV

And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.

American Standard Version ASV

And Rachel said, With mighty wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Rachel said, I have had a great fight with my sister, and I have overcome her: and she gave the child the name Naphtali.

Free Bible Version FBV

Rachel said, “I've had a hard struggle with my sister, but I've won.” So she named him Naphtali.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Rahel said, with excellent wrestlings haue I wrestled with my sister, and haue gotten the vpper hande: and shee called his name, Naphtali.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Rachel saith, 'With wrestlings of God I have wrestled with my sister, yea, I have prevailed;' and she calleth his name Napthali.

World English Bible WEB

Rachel said, “I have wrestled with my sister with mighty wrestlings, and have prevailed.” She named him Naphtali.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For whom Rachel said: God hath compared me with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called him Nephtali.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Rachel said, “I have had a great struggle to have children like my older sister, but truly I have a son.” So she named him Naphtali, which sounds like the Hebrew word that means ‘struggle’.

Plain English Version PEV

Then Rachel said, “I used to be jealous of my sister Leah, because she had kids and I didn’t. But now I have 2 sons. It’s like I had a big fight with Leah, and I won.” And Rachel named that baby Naphtali. That name means my big fight.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 30:8

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 30:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר רָחֵ֗ל נַפְתּוּלֵ֨י אֱלֹהִ֧ים נִפְתַּ֛לְתִּי עִם אֲחֹתִ֖/י גַּם יָכֹ֑לְתִּי וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖/וֹ נַפְתָּלִֽי

וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

רָחֵ֗ל Râchêl H7354 Rachel N-proper

נַפְתּוּלֵ֨י naphtûwl H5319 wrestling N-mp

אֱלֹהִ֧ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

נִפְתַּ֛לְתִּי pâthal H6617 to twist V-Niphal-Perf-1cs

עִם ʻim H5973 with Prep

אֲחֹתִ֖/י ʼâchôwth H269 sister N-fs | Suff

גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM

יָכֹ֑לְתִּי yâkôl H3201 be able V-Qal-Perf-1cs

וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

שְׁמ֖/וֹ shêm H8034 name N-ms | Suff

נַפְתָּלִֽי Naphtâlîy H5321 Naphtali N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 30:8

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.

נַפְתּוּלֵ֨י naphtûwl H5319 "wrestling" N-mp

Naphtuli means wrestling or a struggle, describing a physical contest. It is used in the Bible to describe a competitive event. The KJV translates it as wrestling.

Definition: wrestlings

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: wrestling. See also: Genesis 30:8.

אֱלֹהִ֧ים 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.

נִפְתַּ֛לְתִּי pâthal H6617 "to twist" V-Niphal-Perf-1cs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to twist or struggle, often used to describe someone being morally corrupt or wrestling with God. It appears in various forms, such as being twisted or wrestling. This concept is seen in the actions of those who oppose God's will.

Definition: 1) to twist 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be twisted 1a2) to wrestle 1b) (Hithpael) to be twisted

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: (shew self) froward, shew self unsavoury, wrestle. See also: Genesis 30:8; Job 5:13; Psalms 18:27.

עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep

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.

אֲחֹתִ֖/י ʼâchôwth H269 "sister" N-fs | Suff

A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.

Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another

Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.

גַּם 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.

יָכֹ֑לְתִּי yâkôl H3201 "be able" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)

Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.

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.

נַפְתָּלִֽי Naphtâlîy H5321 "Naphtali" N-proper

Naphtali was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was born to Bilhah, Rachel's servant, and is first mentioned in Genesis 30:8. Naphtali's descendants lived in the region of Galilee.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Naphtali living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.8; son of: Israel (H3478) and Bilhah (H1090A); brother of: Dan (H1835H); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Jahzeel (H3183), Guni (H1476), Jezer (H3337) and Shillem (H8006) Also named: Nephthaleim (Νεφθαλείμ "Naphtali" G3508) § Naphtali = "wrestling" 1) the 5th son of Jacob and the 2nd by Bilhah the handmaid of Rachel 2) the tribe descended from Naphtali the son of Jacob 3) the territory assigned to the tribe of Naphtali

Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Naphtali. See also: Genesis 30:8; Judges 1:33; Psalms 68:28.

Study Notes — Genesis 30:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 30:8 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:8
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:8
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:8
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:8
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:8
Sermons on Genesis 30:8

Context — Dan and Naphtali

6Then Rachel said, “God has vindicated me; He has heard my plea and given me a son.” So she named him Dan. 7And Rachel’s servant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son.

8Then Rachel said, “In my great struggles, I have wrestled with my sister and won.” So she named him Naphtali.

9When Leah saw that she had stopped having children, she gave her servant Zilpah to Jacob as a wife. 10And Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 32:24–25	So Jacob was left all alone, and there a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower Jacob, he struck the socket of Jacob’s hip and dislocated it as they wrestled.
2	Genesis 23:6	“Listen to us, sir. You are God’s chosen one among us. Bury your dead in the finest of our tombs. None of us will withhold his tomb for burying your dead.”
3	Genesis 49:21	Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.
4	Matthew 4:13	Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,
5	1 Samuel 14:15	Then terror struck the Philistines in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even those in the outposts and raiding parties trembled. Indeed, the earth quaked and panic spread from God.
6	Genesis 35:25	The sons of Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah were Dan and Naphtali.
7	Deuteronomy 33:23	Concerning Naphtali he said: “Naphtali is abounding with favor, full of the blessing of the LORD; he shall take possession of the sea and the south.”
8	Genesis 46:24	The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem.
9	Exodus 9:28	Pray to the LORD, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. I will let you go; you do not need to stay any longer.”

Genesis 30:8 Summary

In this verse, Rachel is saying that she has struggled with her sister Leah, but she has come out on top by having a son, Naphtali. This shows that Rachel is still focused on her own efforts and competition with Leah, but it also hints at her faith in God, who has heard her prayers and given her a child, as seen in Genesis 30:6. Just like Rachel, we can trust that God is working in our lives, even in the midst of struggles and challenges (Psalm 138:8). By putting our faith in Him, we can find peace and victory, just like Rachel did.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for Rachel to say she has wrestled with her sister and won?

Rachel's statement is a reflection of the competition and tension between her and her sister Leah, as they both sought to have children and gain favor with their husband Jacob, as seen in Genesis 29:30 and Genesis 30:1.

Why did Rachel name her son Naphtali?

Rachel named her son Naphtali, which means 'my struggle', to commemorate her struggles and ultimate victory over her sister Leah in bearing children, as stated in Genesis 30:8.

Is Rachel's statement a reflection of her faith in God?

While Rachel's statement may seem focused on her own efforts and competition with Leah, it can also be seen as a reflection of her faith in God, who had previously heard her plea and given her a son, as mentioned in Genesis 30:6.

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 family and the promises of God, as seen in Genesis 12:2-3 and Genesis 28:13-15, highlighting the complex relationships and struggles within the family of Jacob.

Reflection Questions

What are the areas in my life where I feel like I am struggling or competing with others, and how can I trust God to work in those situations?
How can I, like Rachel, acknowledge and trust in God's sovereignty over my life, even in the midst of challenges and struggles?
What does it mean for me to 'wrestle' with God, as Jacob did in Genesis 32:24-33, and how can I apply that to my own life and relationships?
In what ways can I, like Rachel, use my experiences and struggles to point to God's faithfulness and goodness, as expressed in Psalm 107:1-2?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 30:8

And Rachel said, with great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister,.... Or, "with the wrestlings of God" (a), wrestling and striving in prayer with God; being vehement and importunate in her

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 30:8

And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali. Naphtali - i:e., wrestling.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 30:8

With great wrestlings, Heb. With wrestlings of God; either with great and hard wrestlings or strivings, or by wrestling with God in fervent prayer, and by God’ s grace and strength. Cir. 1747 I have prevailed; which was not true; for her sister exceeded her both in the number of her children, and in her propriety in them, being the fruit of her own womb, not of her handmaid’ s, as Rachel’ s were. Here is an instance how partial judges most persons are in their own causes and concernments.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 30:8

Genesis 30:8 And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.Ver. 8. With great wrestlings.] Heb., With wrestlings of God; that is, with excellent and most earnest wrestlings and endeavours; by storms of sighs, and showers of tears. Stupidity is the low extreme, like the dull earth. Despair is as much too high, as it were in the element of fire, which scorches up the spirit. The middle region of air and water, sighs and tears, is the best. Magno desiderio, precibus, suspiriis luctata est adversus sororem . - Pareus, in loc.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 30:8

(8) With great wrestlings.—Heb., wrestlings of God, but the Authorised Version undoubtedly gives the right sense. (See Note on Genesis 23:6.) By wrestling, some commentators understand prayer, but the connection of the two ideas of wrestling and prayer is taken from Genesis 32:24, where an entirely different verb is used. Rachel’s was a discreditable victory, won by making use of a bad custom, and it consisted in weaning her husband still more completely from the unloved Leah. Now that Bilhah and children were added to the attractiveness of her tent, her sister, she boasts, will be thought of no more.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 30:8

Verse 8. She called his name Naphtali] נפתלי naphtali, my wrestling, according to the common mode of interpretation; but it is more likely that the root פתל pathal signifies to twist or entwine. Hence Mr. Parkhurst translates the verse, "By the twistings-agency or operation, of God, I am entwisted with my sister; that is, my family is now entwined or interwoven with my sister's family, and has a chance of producing the promised Seed." The Septuagint, Aquila, and the Vulgate, have nearly the same meaning. It is, however, difficult to fix the true meaning of the original.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 30:8

8. mighty wrestlings] Heb. wrestlings of God. The “wrestlings of God” may mean either “mighty wrestlings,” “of God” being added as an intensive or superlative (cf. Genesis 23:6, “a mighty prince”); or “wrestlings,” i.e. “strugglings in prayer for God’s blessing” of children. The original meaning has probably been lost. wrestled] Lit. “twisted myself.” The participle niphtâl means “crooked” (Proverbs 8:8).

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 30:8

8. Naphtali — Which means, my wrestling, in allusion to the struggle of rivalry between herself and Leah. Her words are, literally: wrestlings of God have I wrestled with my sister; also I have prevailed.

Sermons on Genesis 30:8

	Sermon	Description
	Desperation by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being desperate for God's presence and blessings. He mentions various biblical figures who were desperate and received God
	The Sacrifice That Is Pleasing to God by Duncan Campbell	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of God's second chance. He highlights that after death, there is no second chance, but in life, God gives us the opportunity to c
	Fullness of Life by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the audience's personal infirmities and challenges them to be honest with themselves and with God. He uses the story of a man with an infirmit
	(Genesis) Genesis 32:25-32 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob wrestling with God and how it relates to our spiritual journey. Jacob initially wrestles with God, but eventually realize
	(Genesis) Genesis 32:24 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob wrestling with a man until daybreak. He clarifies that Jacob did not initiate the wrestling match and did not want to figh
	(Genesis) Genesis 32:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jacob and his encounter with his brother Esau. Jacob, who had previously been deceitful, is now fearful and distressed upon heari
	Brokenness by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God breaking us in order to use us effectively. He uses the example of Jacob being broken for twenty years in his father-in