Genesis 30:5

KJV

And Bilhah conceived, and bare Jacob a son.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Bilhah {H1090} conceived {H2029}, and bare {H3205} Jacob {H3290} a son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Bilhah conceived and bore Ya'akov a son.

Berean Standard Bible

and Bilhah conceived and bore him a son.

American Standard Version

And Bilhah conceived, and bare Jacob a son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 30:5](/genesis/30-5 "The Conception and Birth of Dan") records the pivotal moment when Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid, conceived and bore Jacob his fifth son, a significant event within the intense familial rivalry for offspring between Leah and Rachel. This birth marks a temporary triumph for Rachel in her desire for children and continues the expansion of Jacob's household, which would eventually form the twelve tribes of Israel.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated amidst a period of profound emotional distress and competition within Jacob's family, driven by the societal and personal imperative to bear children. Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, was [initially barren](/genesis/29-31 "Rachel's Barrenness") while her sister and co-wife, Leah, had already given birth to four sons. In her desperation, Rachel resorted to the ancient Near Eastern custom of providing her handmaid, Bilhah, to Jacob as a surrogate, a practice also observed with [Abraham and Sarah and Hagar](/genesis/16-2 "Sarah and Hagar's Arrangement"). This arrangement ensured that any children born to the handmaid would be legally considered the children of the barren wife, fulfilling the crucial need for an heir and perpetuating the family line. [Genesis 30:5](/genesis/30-5 "The Birth of Dan") thus signifies the successful outcome of Rachel's strategy, marking the birth of the first son through Bilhah and a moment of perceived victory for Rachel in her longing for progeny.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 30:5](/genesis/30-5 "Bilhah Bears a Son") states concisely: "And Bilhah conceived, and bare Jacob a son." This straightforward declaration reveals a critical development in the patriarchal narrative, highlighting the immediate and direct outcome of Rachel's desperate measure. The Hebrew phrase "וַתַּהַר בִּלְהָה֙ וַתֵּ֣לֶד לְיַעֲקֹ֖ב בֵּֽן" (**_vattahar Bilhah vatteled l'Ya'akov ben_**) translates directly as "and Bilhah conceived, and bore Jacob a son." The verbs "conceived" (*harah*) and "bore" (*yalad*) are fundamental terms for pregnancy and childbirth, emphasizing the physical reality of the event.

* **Family Dynamics and Rivalry:** The birth through Bilhah underscores the deep-seated emotional distress and intense competition for children within Jacob's household, particularly between Leah and Rachel. This rivalry significantly shaped their interactions and the very structure of Jacob's burgeoning family, driven by the desire for status and legacy through offspring. Rachel's anguish over her barrenness is evident in [Genesis 30:1](/genesis/30-1 "Rachel's Anguish"), leading directly to her decision to give Bilhah to Jacob.
* **Ancient Surrogacy Practices:** This verse illustrates a prevailing custom in the ancient Near East where a barren wife could provide her handmaid to her husband to bear children on her behalf. These children were then legally considered hers, fulfilling the crucial need for an heir and perpetuating the family line. This practice was not unique to Jacob's family, as seen with Abraham and Sarah.
* **The Desire for Offspring:** The narrative consistently emphasizes the profound cultural and personal importance of having children in biblical times, especially sons, for establishing legacy and ensuring the continuation of the family and covenant promises. Each birth, regardless of the mother, contributed to the growing lineage that would eventually form the [twelve tribes of Israel](/genesis/49-1 "Jacob's Blessings to His Sons").
* **Divine Providence Amidst Human Strategy:** While the immediate cause of Bilhah's conception is Rachel's human strategy, the broader narrative of Genesis consistently demonstrates God's sovereign hand guiding the unfolding of His covenant plan through the complex and often flawed actions of His chosen people. This birth, like all others in Jacob's family, is ultimately part of God's design to build the nation of Israel. The naming of this son, Dan, and Rachel's interpretation of his birth, are found in [Genesis 30:6](/genesis/30-6 "The Naming of Dan"), followed by the subsequent birth of another son through Bilhah in [Genesis 30:7](/genesis/30-7 "The Birth of Naphtali").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency:** [Genesis 30:5](/genesis/30-5 "God's Plan in Human Actions") highlights the tension between human efforts to control circumstances (Rachel's use of Bilhah) and God's ultimate sovereignty in fulfilling His promises. Even through the complexities and imperfections of Jacob's family, God's plan for a numerous offspring is advanced.
* **The Importance of Lineage and Covenant Fulfillment:** Every birth in Jacob's household, including Bilhah's son, contributes directly to the formation of the twelve tribes, which are foundational to God's covenant with Abraham. This verse is a small but vital step in the unfolding of the promise that Abraham's descendants would be as numerous as the stars ([Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's Promise to Abraham")).
* **God's Work Through Imperfect Vessels:** The narrative of Jacob's family is rife with human sin, jealousy, and manipulation. Yet, God consistently works through these flawed individuals and their challenging relationships to bring about His purposes, demonstrating His faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness.
* **The Value of Children in God's Economy:** The intense desire for children, though leading to rivalry, underscores the biblical view of children as a blessing and a vital part of God's design for family and societal continuity.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 30:5](/genesis/30-5 "Lessons from Jacob's Family") offers a glimpse into universal human desires for family, belonging, and legacy, even when expressed through culturally specific practices. It reminds us that human strategies, though sometimes born of desperation or competition, often play out within a larger divine plan. For believers today, this passage can serve as a reflection on the complexities of family relationships and the importance of seeking God's will and timing, even when faced with deep personal longings or societal pressures. Ultimately, the narrative of Jacob's family, with all its challenges, demonstrates God's faithfulness in raising up a nation through His chosen line, reminding us to trust His overarching purpose even amidst life's messiness.

### FAQ
**Why did Rachel give her handmaid Bilhah to Jacob?**

Answer: Rachel gave Bilhah to Jacob out of desperation due to her barrenness. In the ancient Near East, it was a common custom for a barren wife to provide her handmaid to her husband to bear children on her behalf. These children would then be legally considered the children of the primary wife, ensuring the continuation of the family line and fulfilling the societal expectation of bearing offspring. This practice aimed to secure an heir and prevent the family name from dying out.

**What is the significance of Bilhah bearing a son in the broader biblical narrative?**

Answer: The birth of Bilhah's son, Dan, is significant because it directly contributes to the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel. Each son born to Jacob, regardless of the mother (Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, or Zilpah), became a patriarch of one of the tribes. This event is a crucial step in the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in building His chosen people through diverse and often challenging family dynamics.

**Does the Bible condone the practice of surrogacy as seen with Bilhah?**

Answer: The Bible describes the practice of surrogacy (through handmaids) as a cultural reality in the ancient Near East, particularly when a wife was barren. While it narrates these events, it does not explicitly endorse or condemn the practice as a moral imperative or a model for all times. The narrative often highlights the relational strife and complexities that arose from such arrangements (e.g., the rivalry between Rachel and Leah, and Sarah and Hagar). The biblical text records what happened, allowing readers to observe the consequences and reflect on God's work amidst human customs, rather than providing a direct ethical prescription for modern practices.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though [Genesis 30:5](/genesis/30-5 "The Lineage of Christ") describes a specific event within a complex family dynamic, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in its contribution to the unfolding lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. Every birth in Jacob's family, including that of Bilhah's son, was a step in the divine plan to raise up the nation of Israel, from whom the "seed" promised to Abraham would ultimately emerge. God, in His sovereignty, orchestrated the growth of this family despite human sin, rivalry, and unconventional practices, ensuring the continuation of the covenant line that would eventually lead to Jesus Christ. The birth of Dan, therefore, is a small but vital thread in the grand tapestry of redemptive history, pointing to God's faithfulness in bringing forth His chosen people and, ultimately, the Savior of the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.