Genesis 29:32

And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

And Leah {H3812} conceived {H2029}, and bare {H3205} a son {H1121}, and she called {H7121} his name {H8034} Reuben {H7205}: for {H3588} she said {H559}, Surely {H3588} the LORD {H3068} hath looked {H7200} upon my affliction {H6040}; now therefore {H3588} my husband {H376} will love {H157} me.

Le'ah conceived and gave birth to a son, whom she named Re'uven [see, a son!], for she said, "It is because ADONAI has seen how humiliated I have been, but now my husband will love me."

And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, โ€œThe LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.โ€

And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Because Jehovah hath looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.

Commentary

Genesis 29:32 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Jacob and the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel. This verse records the birth of Jacob's first son, Reuben, to Leah, a significant event shaped by the complex family dynamics established by Laban's deception.

Context

The immediate context for this verse is Jacob's arrival in Haran and his marriage to Laban's daughters. Jacob had worked seven years for Rachel, whom he loved deeply. However, Laban tricked him into marrying Leah, the older sister, first (Genesis 29:25). Jacob's love for Rachel was evident, and he showed clear preference for her over Leah (Genesis 29:30), leading to Leah's emotional distress. In this environment of unrequited love and familial tension, the Lord "opened Leah's womb" while Rachel remained barren, setting the stage for the births of Jacob's first four sons.

Key Themes

  • Divine Compassion and Sovereignty: The verse highlights God's active involvement in human affairs, particularly His compassion for the afflicted. Leah explicitly states, "Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction," indicating her recognition of divine intervention. This echoes a broader biblical theme of God seeing and responding to the suffering of His people (Exodus 3:7).
  • Human Longing for Love and Acceptance: Leah's deepest desire was for her husband's affection. Her hope that the birth of a son would win Jacob's love reveals the profound human need for validation and belonging within relationships, particularly in a polygamous household where she felt unloved.
  • The Significance of Naming: Biblical names often carry prophetic or symbolic meaning, reflecting the circumstances of birth or the parents' hopes. Leah's naming of her son Reuben directly conveys her emotional state and expectation.
  • Foundation of the Twelve Tribes: Reuben, as Jacob's firstborn, holds a significant place in the lineage that will become the twelve tribes of Israel, laying the groundwork for the future nation.

Linguistic Insight

The name Reuben (Hebrew: R'uven, ืจึฐืื•ึผื‘ึตืŸ) is deeply significant here. Leah's explanation, "Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction" (Hebrew: ra'ah b'onyi), directly links to the components of the name. Re'u (ืจึฐืื•ึผ) means "see ye" or "behold," and ben (ื‘ึตึผืŸ) means "son." Thus, the name itself serves as a constant reminder of God's attentiveness to her plight. It encapsulates her gratitude for God's intervention and her fervent hope for Jacob's love.

Significance and Application

Genesis 29:32 offers profound insights into human nature and God's character. Leah's story reminds us that God sees our pain and acknowledges our struggles, even when our circumstances seem unchangeable or our human relationships fall short. Her hope for Jacob's love, though understandable, also illustrates the human tendency to seek ultimate fulfillment and validation from other people rather than from God alone. While a child is a blessing, it cannot fully satisfy the soul's yearning for unconditional love and acceptance that only God can provide.

For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God who sees. When we feel overlooked, unloved, or afflicted, we can find comfort in the knowledge that the Lord observes our condition with compassion (Psalm 103:13). It encourages us to place our hope and identity not in human approval or worldly achievements, but in the steadfast love and faithfulness of God.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 4:31 (7 votes)

    And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

  • Deuteronomy 26:7 (7 votes)

    And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression:

  • Exodus 3:7 (7 votes)

    ยถ And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which [are] in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

  • Luke 1:25 (5 votes)

    Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on [me], to take away my reproach among men.

  • Genesis 37:21 (5 votes)

    And Reuben heard [it], and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.

  • Genesis 37:22 (5 votes)

    And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, [but] cast him into this pit that [is] in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.

  • 2 Samuel 16:12 (5 votes)

    It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.