Genesis 35:19

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which [is] Bethlehem.

Complete Jewish Bible:

So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Efrat (that is, Beit-Lechem).

Berean Standard Bible:

So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).

American Standard Version:

And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath (the same is Beth-lehem).

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And Rachel^{H7354} died^{H4191}, and was buried^{H6912} in the way^{H1870} to Ephrath^{H672}, which is Bethlehem^{H1035}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 35:19

1. Themes:
- **Divine Sovereignty and Human Loss**: The death of Rachel, one of the matriarchs of Israel, underscores the theme of human vulnerability and the sovereignty of God over life and death.
- **Fulfillment of Promise**: Despite Rachel's death, the narrative of Genesis continues to trace the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing the theme of God's promises being fulfilled through the chosen line, despite obstacles.
- **Transition and Continuity**: Rachel's death marks a transition in the family dynamics, as Jacob's journey continues without his beloved wife, signaling a shift towards the next generation.

2. Historical Context:
- **Patriarchal Era**: The verse is set within the broader context of the Patriarchal narratives, which describe the lives and journeys of the ancestors of Israel, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- **Jacob's Family Dynamics**: At this point in the narrative, Jacob is returning to his ancestral land with his large family, which includes his two wives, Leah and Rachel, and their children. Rachel's death occurs during this journey, specifically as they are traveling toward Bethlehem (Ephrath).
- **Geographical Significance**: Bethlehem, later known as the birthplace of King David and, in the New Testament, of Jesus, is significant in the history of Israel. The mention of Ephrath connects the story to a specific location, emphasizing the historical and geographical grounding of the biblical narrative.
- **Burial Practices**: The mention of Rachel's burial place reflects the ancient practice of marking and remembering the graves of significant figures, a practice that held religious and cultural importance in the ancient Near East.

In summary, Genesis 35:19 captures a moment of transition and loss within the patriarchal family, highlighting themes of divine sovereignty, the fulfillment of God's promises, and the historical and geographical roots of the Israelite people.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7354
   There are 44 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָחֵל
   Transliteration: Râchêl
   Pronunciation: raw-khale'
   Description: the same as רָחֵל; Rachel, a wife of Jacob; Rachel.
   
2. Strong's Number: H4191
   There are 694 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מוּת
   Transliteration: mûwth
   Pronunciation: mooth
   Description: a primitive root; to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill; [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.
   
3. Strong's Number: H6912
   There are 122 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָבַר
   Transliteration: qâbar
   Pronunciation: kaw-bar'
   Description: a primitive root; to inter; [idiom] in any wise, bury(-ier).
   
4. Strong's Number: H1870
   There are 627 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דֶּרֶךְ
   Transliteration: derek
   Pronunciation: deh'-rek
   Description: from דָּרַךְ; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb; along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever).
   
5. Strong's Number: H672
   There are 241 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֶפְרָת
   Transliteration: ʼEphrâth
   Pronunciation: ef-rawth'
   Description: or אֶפְרָתָה; from פָּרָה; fruitfulness; Ephrath, another name for Bethlehem; once (Psalm 132:6) perhaps for Ephraim; also of an Israelitish woman; Ephrath, Ephratah.
   
6. Strong's Number: H1035
   There are 39 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בֵּית לֶחֶם
   Transliteration: Bêyth Lechem
   Pronunciation: bayth leh'-khem
   Description: from בַּיִת and לֶחֶם; house of bread; Beth-Lechem, a place in Palestine; Bethlehem.