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Genesis 48:7

Genesis 48:7 in Multiple Translations

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).

And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet there was but a little way to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath; the same is Beth-lehem.

And as for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when there was still some distance to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way to Ephrath (the same is Beth-lehem).

And as for me, when I came from Paddan, death overtook Rachel on the way, when we were still some distance from Ephrath; and I put her to rest there on the road to Ephrath, which is Beth-lehem.

I'm doing this because tragically for me when I was returning from Paddan-aram, Rachel died in Canaan some distance from Ephrath. I buried her there on the way to Ephrath” (also known as Bethlehem).

Nowe when I came from Padan, Rahel died vpon mine hande in the lande of Canaan, by the way when there was but halfe a dayes iourney of grounde to come to Ephrath: and I buryed her there in the way to Ephrath: the same is Beth-lehem.

'And I — in my coming in from Padan-Aram Rachel hath died by me in the land of Canaan, in the way, while yet a kibrath of land to enter Ephrata, and I bury her there in the way of Ephrata, which [is] Bethlehem.'

As for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (also called Bethlehem).”

And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan, in the way, when yet there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath, the same is Beth-lehem.

For, when I came out of Mesopotamia, Rachel died from me in the land of Chanaan in the very journey, and it was springtime: and I was going to Ephrata, and I buried her near the way of Ephrata, which by another name is called Bethlehem.

Many years ago, as I was returning from Paddan-Aram/Mesopotamia, your mother Rachel died in the Canaan region, while we were still traveling, not far from Ephrath town. So I buried her body there alongside the road to Ephrath [which is now called Bethlehem].”

Jacob also said to Joseph, “I want your 2 sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to have their own tribes and their own land, because your mother Rachel only gave me 2 sons. She had you and your brother Benjamin. And then she died, and I was really sad. At that time, we were going from Paddan Aram country to Canaan country. Your mother died in Canaan country, on the way to the town called Efrath. And I buried her body near the road that goes to Efrath.” Another name for that town is Bethlehem.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 48:7

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

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Genesis 48:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/אֲנִ֣י בְּ/בֹאִ֣/י מִ/פַּדָּ֗ן מֵ֩תָה֩ עָלַ֨/י רָחֵ֜ל בְּ/אֶ֤רֶץ כְּנַ֨עַן֙ בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ בְּ/ע֥וֹד כִּבְרַת אֶ֖רֶץ לָ/בֹ֣א אֶפְרָ֑תָה וָ/אֶקְבְּרֶ֤/הָ שָּׁם֙ בְּ/דֶ֣רֶךְ אֶפְרָ֔ת הִ֖וא בֵּ֥ית לָֽחֶם
וַ/אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron
בְּ/בֹאִ֣/י bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
מִ/פַּדָּ֗ן Paddân H6307 Paddan Prep | N-proper
מֵ֩תָה֩ mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal-Perf-3fs
עָלַ֨/י ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
רָחֵ֜ל Râchêl H7354 Rachel N-proper
בְּ/אֶ֤רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs
כְּנַ֨עַן֙ Kᵉnaʻan H3667 Canaan N-proper
בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs
בְּ/ע֥וֹד ʻôwd H5750 still Prep | Adv
כִּבְרַת kibrâh H3530 distance N-fs
אֶ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs
לָ/בֹ֣א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶפְרָ֑תָה ʼEphrâth H672 Ephrath N-proper
וָ/אֶקְבְּרֶ֤/הָ qâbar H6912 to bury Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
שָּׁם֙ shâm H8033 there Adv
בְּ/דֶ֣רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs
אֶפְרָ֔ת ʼEphrâth H672 Ephrath N-proper
הִ֖וא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron
בֵּ֥ית Bêyth Lechem H1035 Bethlehem N-proper
לָֽחֶם Bêyth Lechem H1035 Bethlehem N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 48:7

וַ/אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 "I" Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
בְּ/בֹאִ֣/י bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
מִ/פַּדָּ֗ן Paddân H6307 "Paddan" Prep | N-proper
Paddan is a region in Syria mentioned in Genesis as the place where Jacob's wife Rachel was from. It was a plain or tableland in northern Mesopotamia, also known as Padan-Aram. This area is significant in the story of Jacob and his family.
Definition: § Padan or Padan-aram = "field" a plain or tableland in northern Mesopotamia in Aram, a region of Syria
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Padan, Padan-aram. See also: Genesis 25:20; Genesis 31:18; Genesis 48:7.
מֵ֩תָה֩ mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal-Perf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
עָלַ֨/י ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רָחֵ֜ל 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.
בְּ/אֶ֤רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
כְּנַ֨עַן֙ Kᵉnaʻan H3667 "Canaan" N-proper
Canaan was a son of Ham and the name of the country where he lived, which is now modern-day Israel. The Canaanites were known for being merchants and traders, as seen in Genesis and other books.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.9.18; son of: Ham (H2526); brother of: Cush (H3568), Egypt (H4714) and Put (H6316); father of: Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Amorite (H0567), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577) § merchant, trader
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: Canaan, merchant, traffick. See also: Genesis 9:18; Exodus 6:4; Psalms 105:11.
בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
בְּ/ע֥וֹד ʻôwd H5750 "still" Prep | Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
כִּבְרַת kibrâh H3530 "distance" N-fs
This word refers to a distance or length, but the exact measurement is not specified. It is used in the Bible to describe a short or small distance. The KJV translates it as little.
Definition: distance (undetermined length)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] little. See also: Genesis 35:16; Genesis 48:7; 2 Kings 5:19.
אֶ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
לָ/בֹ֣א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶפְרָ֑תָה ʼEphrâth H672 "Ephrath" N-proper
Ephrath is another name for the city of Bethlehem, which means 'place of fruitfulness'. It is mentioned in Psalm 132:6 and is also the name of an Israelite woman. The city is significant in the Bible as the birthplace of Jesus.
Definition: Ephrath or Ephratah = "ash-heap: place of fruitfulness" Another name of bet le.chem (בֵּית לֶ֫חֶם "Bethlehem" H1035G)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: once (Psalm 132:6) perhaps for Ephraim; also of an Israelitish woman; Ephrath, Ephratah. See also: Genesis 35:16; 1 Chronicles 2:19; Psalms 132:6.
וָ/אֶקְבְּרֶ֤/הָ qâbar H6912 "to bury" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
To bury means to inter or lay someone to rest, often in a grave or tomb. This word is used throughout the Bible to describe the act of burying the dead, and is translated as bury in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to bury 1a) (Qal) to bury 1b) (Niphal) to be buried 1c) (Piel) to bury, bury (in masses) 1d) (Pual) to be buried
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, bury(-ier). See also: Genesis 15:15; 1 Kings 14:31; Psalms 79:3.
שָּׁם֙ shâm H8033 "there" Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
בְּ/דֶ֣רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
אֶפְרָ֔ת ʼEphrâth H672 "Ephrath" N-proper
Ephrath is another name for the city of Bethlehem, which means 'place of fruitfulness'. It is mentioned in Psalm 132:6 and is also the name of an Israelite woman. The city is significant in the Bible as the birthplace of Jesus.
Definition: Ephrath or Ephratah = "ash-heap: place of fruitfulness" Another name of bet le.chem (בֵּית לֶ֫חֶם "Bethlehem" H1035G)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: once (Psalm 132:6) perhaps for Ephraim; also of an Israelitish woman; Ephrath, Ephratah. See also: Genesis 35:16; 1 Chronicles 2:19; Psalms 132:6.
הִ֖וא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
בֵּ֥ית Bêyth Lechem H1035 "Bethlehem" N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
לָֽחֶם Bêyth Lechem H1035 "Bethlehem" N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.

Study Notes — Genesis 48:7

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 35:16–19 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. During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.” And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin. So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).
2 Matthew 2:18 “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
3 Genesis 35:9 After Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him.
4 1 Samuel 17:12 Now David was the son of a man named Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah who had eight sons in the days of Saul. And Jesse was old and well along in years.
5 1 Samuel 1:1 Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.
6 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.
7 1 Samuel 10:2 When you leave me today, you will find two men at Rachel’s tomb in Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. They will say to you, ‘The donkeys you seek have been found, and now your father has stopped worrying about the donkeys and started worrying about you, asking, “What should I do about my son?”’
8 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.
9 Genesis 25:20 and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan-aram and the sister of Laban the Aramean.

Genesis 48:7 Summary

Genesis 48:7 tells us about a very sad time in Jacob's life when his wife Rachel died. He buried her in a special place called Bethlehem, which would later become an important city in the Bible (as seen in Matthew 2:1-6). Jacob's love for Rachel and his sorrow over her death show us how much he cared for her. This story reminds us that it's okay to feel sad when someone we love dies, and we can always turn to God for comfort, just like Jacob did (as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jacob bury Rachel in Bethlehem instead of Hebron where Abraham and other family members were buried?

According to Genesis 48:7, Jacob buried Rachel in Bethlehem because that is where she died, and it was a significant location for their family's history (as seen in Genesis 35:19 and Ruth 4:11).

What is the significance of Jacob mentioning his sorrow over Rachel's death in this context?

Jacob's expression of sorrow over Rachel's death in Genesis 48:7 highlights the deep love and loss he experienced, which is also seen in Genesis 29:20 and Genesis 30:22, where his affection for Rachel is evident.

How does this verse relate to the broader story of Jacob's life and his relationship with his family?

Genesis 48:7 is part of Jacob's personal history, which is intertwined with his family's story, including his sons and their inheritance, as discussed in Genesis 48:5-6 and Genesis 49:1-28.

What can we learn from Jacob's actions and emotions in this verse about dealing with loss and grief?

Jacob's response to Rachel's death, as mentioned in Genesis 48:7, demonstrates the importance of acknowledging and expressing grief, as seen in Psalm 34:18 and Ecclesiastes 3:4, which encourage honesty about our emotions before God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you experienced loss or grief in your life, and how did you respond to it?
  2. What role does faith play in coping with the death of a loved one, as seen in Jacob's story?
  3. In what ways can we honor and remember those who have passed away, as Jacob did with Rachel's burial in Genesis 48:7?
  4. How can we find comfort in God's presence and promises during times of sorrow, as Jacob seemed to do despite his grief?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 48:7

And as for me, when I came from Padan,.... From Syria, from Laban's house: Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan; his beloved wife, the mother of Joseph, on whose account he mentions her, and to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 48:7

And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet there was but a little way to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath; the same is Bethlehem.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 48:7

Rachel died by me; or, beside me; near me, before mine eyes, I seeing, but not being able to help her in her extremity; which makes the remembrance of it more grievous to me. This story he here mentions, partly because the sight of Joseph and his children brought his beloved Rachel to his remembrance; partly to give the reason of this action of his to the rest of his children, which was not only because Rachel was his first rightful wife by designation and contract, and therefore the right of the first-born was truly Joseph’ s; but because by her early death he was cut off from all hopes of having more children by her, and therefore it was but fit he should supply that defect by adopting Joseph’ s children. I buried her there, not out of disrespect to her, whose person was, and memory yet is, precious and honourable to me, but either because dying in childbed they could not keep her till they came to the burying-place of the patriarchs at Hebron, , especially when they were tied to the slow motion of the flocks and herds; or because I would not bury her in the common burying-place with heathens and idolaters, in the city of Ephrath. By which he tacitly implies, that he would not have Joseph joined with the Egyptians in burial.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 48:7

Genesis 48:7 And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet [there was] but a little way to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath; the same [is] Bethlehem.Ver. 7. And I buried her there.] He could not carry her to the cave of Machpelah; and he would not bury her at Bethdehem among infidels. This he tells Joseph, to teach him and the rest not to set up their rest anywhere but in the land of Canaan.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 48:7

(7) Rachel died by me.—Heb., died upon me, or as we should say, “died in my arms.” The mention of Rachel is to account for an act so authoritative as the bestowal of the double portion of the firstborn upon Joseph. Jacob grounds the justification of his act, not upon her being the chief wife, but upon her untimely death, which prevented her bearing other sons. Even now Leah, if we count Levi, had six tribes, each handmaid two, and Rachel three. The same is Beth-lehem.—A note added subsequently, when the place was famous as the birthplace of David. It would not be called Beth-lehem until corn was cultivated there.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 48:7

Verse 7. Rachel died by me, c.] Rachel was the wife of Jacob's choice, and the object of his unvarying affection he loved her in life - he loves her in death: many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it. A match of a man's own making when guided by reason and religion, will necessarily be a happy one. When fathers and mothers make matches for their children, which are dictated by motives, not of affection, but merely of convenience, worldly gain, c., &c., such matches are generally wretched it is Leah in the place of Rachel to the end of life's pilgrimage.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 48:7

7. And as for me] This verse, with its reference to Genesis 35:16-19, is introduced very abruptly. The mention of Rachel’s grave is not followed by any further statement, and, standing by itself, it comes in strangely. It hardly admits of explanation as an old man’s wandering soliloquy. Such an explanation is too modern in character. Possibly the passage originally contained the tradition of Jacob’s request, that he might be buried in the same grave with his beloved wife, Rachel. But the entreaty to be buried at Machpelah having already (Genesis 47:30) been inserted from J, it was necessary to drop the concluding portion of Jacob’s utterance, i.e. the request to be buried with Rachel, to which the allusion to Rachel’s death and burial at Ephrath was leading up. This theory accounts for the introduction of the touching allusion to Rachel and her burial-place, and for the sudden dropping of the subject. Paddan] For “Paddan-aram,” as in LXX. See Genesis 25:20. by me] R.V. marg. to my sorrow, lit. “upon me,” expresses the full meaning. Compare “against me” in Genesis 42:36; see note. when there was still some way] See note on Genesis 35:16. The Heb. gives a measure of distance; cf. 2 Kings 5:19; and the LXX gives the strange rendering κατὰτὸνἱππόδρομονχαβραθὰτῆςγῆς, where χαβραθὰ transliterates the Heb., and κατὰτὸνἱππόδρομον, “according to the race-course,” reproduces the tradition that the race-course at Alexandria was the length of this Hebrew measure; cf. Schleusner, s.v. The Vulg. has eratque vernum tempus (!). “On the way to Ephrath,” LXX ἐντῇὁδῷτοῦἱπποδρόμου.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 48:7

7. Rachel died by me — “Jacob honours his beloved Rachel by giving her eldest son the right of the firstborn.

Sermons on Genesis 48:7

SermonDescription
Chuck Missler 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
Stephen Kaung 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
A.W. Tozer The Birth of the Infant Lord by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the three disasters that have engulfed the human race: total, moral, and spiritual disaster. He emphasizes the importance of understanding th
Paul Washer Internship Program Study Part 1 by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeing God work in the lives of believers. He explains that although perfection may not be achieved in a short period of t
Roy Hession Jacob - Gods Unchanging Grace - Genesis 25 - Sermon 5 of 5 by Roy Hession In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being willing to be overcome and conquered by God in order to receive His grace. He refers to a hymn by George Matheson th
Joe Focht (Genesis) Genesis 32-34 by Joe Focht In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob wrestling with God in the dark. Jacob, who is alone and afraid, is suddenly attacked by someone in the darkness. They wres
Paris Reidhead El Shaddai, Divine Healing in the Church by Paris Reidhead Paris Reidhead preaches about the importance of encountering God's character through faith and obedience, using the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22 as an example. He empha

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