Genesis 35:16
Genesis 35:16 in Multiple Translations
Later, they set out from Bethel, and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult.
¶ And they journeyed from Beth-el; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.
And they journeyed from Beth-el; and there was still some distance to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labor.
So they went on from Beth-el; and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, the pains of birth came on Rachel and she had a hard time.
Then they moved on from Bethel. While they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel went into labor and had great difficulty giving birth.
Then they departed from Beth-el, and when there was about halfe a daies iourney of ground to come to Ephrath, Rahel trauailed, and in trauailing she was in perill.
And they journey from Bethel, and there is yet a kibrath of land before entering Ephratha, and Rachel beareth, and is sharply pained in her bearing;
They traveled from Bethel. There was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and Rachel travailed. She had hard labor.
And they journeyed from Beth-el; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labor.
And going forth from thence, he came in the springtime to the land which leadeth to Ephrata: wherein when Rachel was in travail,
Jacob and his family left Bethel and traveled south toward Ephrath town. When they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to have severe childbirth pains.
Jacob and his family left Bethel, and they started going towards the town called Efrath. At that time, Jacob’s wife Rachel had a baby growing inside her. And while they were still a long way from Efrath, the time came for Rachel to have her baby. A woman came to help Rachel have her baby, but Rachel had a lot of pain, and she had trouble having that baby. Then Rachel had her baby, but that pain was really bad. That woman said to her, “Don’t be frightened. You have another son.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 35:16
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Genesis 35:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 35:16
Study Notes — Genesis 35:16
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 35:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 35:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 35:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 35:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 35:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 35:16
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 35:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 35:16
- Sermons on Genesis 35:16
Context — Benjamin Born, Rachel Dies
16Later, they set out from Bethel, and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult.
17During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.” 18And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micah 5:2 | But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel — One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity. |
| 2 | Genesis 48:7 | Now as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way in the land of Canaan, some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem). |
| 3 | 2 Kings 5:19 | “Go in peace,” said Elisha. But after Naaman had traveled a short distance, |
| 4 | 1 Timothy 2:15 | Women, however, will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control. |
| 5 | Genesis 35:19 | So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). |
| 6 | Matthew 2:1 | After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, |
| 7 | Psalms 132:6 | We heard that the ark was in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar. |
| 8 | Matthew 2:16 | When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi. |
| 9 | Ruth 1:2 | The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah, and they entered the land of Moab and settled there. |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 2:19 | When Azubah died, Caleb married Ephrath, who bore to him Hur. |
Genesis 35:16 Summary
Genesis 35:16 tells us that Rachel had a difficult time giving birth to her second son, which can be a reminder that life is not always easy, but God is always with us (as seen in Genesis 28:15 and Matthew 28:20). This event is a part of the larger story of Jacob's life, which is marked by God's presence and promises. Just like Rachel and Jacob, we can trust in God's sovereignty, even when the outcome is uncertain. As we read this verse, we can reflect on how we respond to difficult circumstances and how we can trust in God's goodness, as described in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rachel's labor become so difficult?
The Bible does not give a specific reason for Rachel's difficult labor, but it may be related to her age or the will of God, as seen in Genesis 35:16 and also in Genesis 30:22-24 where Rachel had previously been barren.
What is the significance of the location where Rachel gave birth?
The location, near Ephrath, is significant because it is close to Bethlehem, which would later become the birthplace of Jesus Christ, as prophesied in Micah 5:2 and fulfilled in Luke 2:4-7.
Is there any spiritual significance to Rachel's birth pains?
While the Bible does not make a direct spiritual application of Rachel's birth pains, it can be seen as a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the pain that came into the world through sin, as described in Genesis 3:16 and Romans 8:22.
How does this event relate to the larger story of Jacob's life?
This event is part of Jacob's journey, which is marked by God's presence and promises, as seen in Genesis 28:10-22 and Genesis 35:1-15, and ultimately points to the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, as stated in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 17:1-14.
Reflection Questions
- How do you respond to difficult circumstances, like Rachel's labor, and what can you learn from her experience?
- What role does faith play in the midst of pain and uncertainty, as seen in Rachel's story?
- How can you trust in God's sovereignty, even when the outcome is uncertain, as it was for Rachel and Jacob?
- What does this verse reveal about the human condition, and how can it inform your prayers and relationships with others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 35:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 35:16
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 35:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 35:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 35:16
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 35:16
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 35:16
Sermons on Genesis 35:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Genesis #21 Ch. 35-37 Joseph, the Dreamer by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters 35 through 37. He begins by praying for understanding and guidance from the Holy Spirit. He then highlights the importance |
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Christ in Genesis: Jacob's Pillars by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the life of Jacob and the four pillars that make up the testimony of Jesus entrusted to the church. The first pillar is awakening, where indi |
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Eternity of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God in our lives. He mentions that God has been present since before the existence of communism, fascism, and modern inven |
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Country Preacher Who Came to Town by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the days of Jeroboam and the prosperity that came to the land. The people were living in luxury, lying on beds of ivory and eating the finest |
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Baptism and the Gospel by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of remembering what God has done for us. He then introduces the topic of the gospel and its significance. The speak |
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Midrash - Rabbi Jesus of Nazareth by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the belief that God has a son. While acknowledging that God does not have a son in the sense of human procreation, the speaker argues that it |
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Life & Times of Jesus #01 by Jack Hibbs | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the different aspects of Christ and His role in eternity. The first week focuses on the wonderful news about Christ and eternity. The second |







