Genesis 30:6

KJV

And Rachel said, God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Rachel {H7354} said {H559}, God {H430} hath judged {H1777} me, and hath also heard {H8085} my voice {H6963}, and hath given {H5414} me a son {H1121}: therefore called {H7121} she his name {H8034} Dan {H1835}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rachel said, "God has judged in my favor; indeed he has heard me and given me a son." Therefore she called him Dan [he judged].

Berean Standard Bible

Then Rachel said, “God has vindicated me; He has heard my plea and given me a son.” So she named him Dan.

American Standard Version

And Rachel said, God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 30:6 marks a profound turning point in Rachel's life, as she finally experiences the joy of motherhood through her handmaid Bilhah, after years of painful barrenness. Her declaration attributes this long-awaited blessing directly to God's divine intervention, believing He has heard her fervent prayers and vindicated her. The naming of her son, Dan, serves as a powerful and enduring testament to her conviction that God had acted as her righteous judge and advocate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the complex and often contentious family dynamics of Jacob's household, specifically highlighting the intense rivalry between his two wives, Leah and Rachel. Following Leah's initial four sons, Rachel, Jacob's beloved but barren wife, expresses deep distress and confronts Jacob in [Genesis 30:1](/genesis/30-1 "Rachel's desperate plea to Jacob"). In a desperate attempt to build her family and status, Rachel, following the cultural custom of the time, gives her handmaid Bilhah to Jacob to bear children on her behalf. The birth of Bilhah's first son, Dan, is presented as Rachel's direct answer to prayer, a moment of vindication and joy in her ongoing struggle for motherhood, setting the stage for further births through handmaids and the continuation of the patriarchal narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a woman's status and honor were profoundly tied to her ability to bear children, particularly sons, who would carry on the family name and inheritance. Barrenness was often perceived as a divine curse or a source of deep shame and sorrow. The practice of a barren wife giving her handmaid to her husband to bear children on her behalf (e.g., [Genesis 16:2](/genesis/16-2 "Sarai gives Hagar to Abram")) was a legally recognized custom, ensuring the continuation of the family line. These children were legally considered the offspring of the primary wife. Rachel's naming of Dan reflects the profound theological significance often embedded in names during this period, serving as a mnemonic device for significant life events or divine interventions.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 30:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's active involvement in human affairs, even amidst familial strife and personal longing, as He orchestrates the growth of the covenant family. The verse also powerfully illustrates **God as Judge and Vindicator**, portraying Him as one who hears the cries of the afflicted and intervenes to set right perceived injustices, as seen in Rachel's conviction that God has "judged" her. Furthermore, it highlights the recurring motif of **Barrenness Overcome by Divine Intervention**, a pattern seen in the lives of other matriarchs like Sarah [Genesis 21:1-2](/genesis/21-1-2 "The Birth of Isaac") and Rebekah [Genesis 25:21](/genesis/25-21 "Rebekah's Pregnancy"), emphasizing God's power over natural limitations and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Finally, the **Significance of Names** is evident, as Dan's name encapsulates a pivotal theological statement about God's action in Rachel's life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Rachel's declaration in Genesis 30:6 is a profound statement of faith and personal vindication, revealing her understanding of God's active role in her life.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural form, often used with a singular verb, refers specifically to the supreme God, the Creator and Sovereign of the universe. Rachel's attribution of her son's birth to "God" (H430) signifies her belief in a personal, active deity who intervenes in human affairs, rather than a generic or impersonal force. It underscores her conviction that this was a divine act, not merely a natural occurrence.
* **judged (Hebrew, _dîyn'_):** The root of the verb "judged" (H1777), _dîyn_, implies a legal process of contention, arbitration, or vindication. In Rachel's context, it does not mean condemnation, but rather that God has acted as her advocate, settling her "case" against the perceived injustice of her barrenness and ruling in her favor. It signifies divine intervention to set things right and affirm her worth.
* **Dan (Hebrew, _Dân'_):** The name "Dan" (H1835) is directly derived from the Hebrew root _dîyn_ (H1777), meaning "judge." Rachel's naming choice is a deliberate theological statement, permanently linking her son's identity to God's righteous intervention and vindication in her life. The name serves as a perpetual reminder of God's justice and His response to her prayer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Rachel said,"**: This opening phrase sets the stage for Rachel's personal theological declaration. It highlights her agency and voice within the narrative, emphasizing that the following words are her interpretation of events, reflecting her deep emotional and spiritual state.
* **"God hath judged me,"**: Rachel attributes the change in her circumstances directly to God's action. The verb "judged" (Hebrew: *dananni*, from *din*) here means God has acted as her advocate, vindicating her from the shame and sorrow of barrenness. She perceives God as having heard her plight and rendered a favorable verdict in her "case" against her perceived misfortune.
* **"and hath also heard my voice,"**: This clause emphasizes the direct connection between Rachel's persistent prayers and God's responsive action. It underscores God's attentiveness to the cries of His people, illustrating a personal and relational aspect of the divine. This echoes the theme of God hearing the distressed, a motif found throughout Scripture.
* **"and hath given me a son:"**: This is the tangible outcome of God's judgment and hearing. The son, though born through Bilhah, is unequivocally claimed by Rachel as her own, fulfilling her deepest longing for motherhood and signifying God's direct provision. The Hebrew word for "given" (H5414, *nâthan*) implies a deliberate act of bestowal.
* **"therefore called she his name Dan."**: The naming of the son is the culmination and theological summation of Rachel's experience. The name "Dan" (H1835) directly reflects the Hebrew verb *din* (H1777), meaning "to judge" or "to vindicate." This act of naming serves as a permanent memorial and public declaration of God's righteous intervention and vindication in her life.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Etymological Naming** is central, as Rachel's choice of the name "Dan" directly reflects the Hebrew verb *din* ("to judge" or "to vindicate"), thereby embedding the theological meaning of God's intervention directly into the son's identity. This act of naming functions as a **Theological Statement**, transforming a personal event into a public declaration of divine justice and faithfulness. There is also an implicit **Contrast** with Leah's earlier fertility and Rachel's prolonged barrenness, highlighting the miraculous nature of God's intervention in Rachel's seemingly impossible situation. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Divine Intervention** as a key plot device, with God actively responding to Rachel's distress, underscoring His sovereignty over life and human circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Rachel's experience in Genesis 30:6 offers profound theological insights into God's character and His interaction with humanity. It powerfully demonstrates God's attentiveness to the cries of the distressed and His willingness to intervene in personal circumstances, even amidst complex human relationships and cultural norms. Rachel's declaration of God as her "judge" highlights His role not merely as a dispenser of justice in a punitive sense, but as a righteous advocate who vindicates the oppressed and fulfills the longings of the faithful. This act of divine provision underscores God's sovereignty over life and His faithfulness to His overarching plan for the covenant family, even when human efforts or natural processes seem to fail. The naming of Dan serves as a perpetual reminder of God's active presence and His commitment to His people, establishing a pattern of divine response to human prayer and need that resonates throughout biblical history.

* [1 Samuel 1:11](/1-samuel/1-11 "Hannah's Prayer for a Son")
* [Psalm 7:8](/psalm/7-8 "God Judges the Peoples")
* [Psalm 113:9](/psalm/113-9 "God Gives the Barren Woman a Home")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Rachel's journey from barrenness to motherhood, culminating in her declaration in Genesis 30:6, offers enduring lessons for believers navigating their own seasons of waiting and longing. Her experience encourages us to cultivate a spirit of persistent prayer, trusting that God genuinely hears our "voice" and, in His perfect timing and wisdom, will act on our behalf. Like Rachel, we are called to acknowledge God's hand in our breakthroughs, recognizing that He is a righteous judge who sees our struggles, understands our deepest desires, and vindicates those who trust in Him. This narrative reminds us to attribute our blessings and successes, especially those that seem miraculous or long-delayed, to His divine favor and intervention, giving Him the glory for His faithful work in our lives. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and affirm God's sovereign control, even when His answers do not conform to our expectations or timelines.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently waiting on God's "judgment" or vindication?**
* **How does Rachel's perseverance in prayer encourage you to continue bringing your deepest longings before God?**
* **How can you more intentionally acknowledge God's hand in the blessings and breakthroughs you experience, giving Him the glory?**
* **What does Rachel's naming of Dan teach us about remembering and proclaiming God's faithfulness in our own lives?**

### FAQ
**Does "God hath judged me" imply Rachel was being condemned?**

Answer: No, in this context, "judged" (from the Hebrew root *din*, H1777) does not imply condemnation but rather that God acted as her advocate or vindicator. Rachel felt God had ruled in her favor, affirming her worth and granting her desire for a child, thereby settling her "case" against barrenness or the perceived injustice of her barrenness. It signifies a divine intervention to set things right and bring about a just outcome for her.

**Why did Rachel claim Bilhah's son as her own?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern customs, if a wife was barren, she could give her handmaid to her husband to bear children on her behalf. These children were legally considered the children of the primary wife, ensuring the continuation of the family lineage and status. This practice was a common social and legal arrangement, as also seen with Sarai and Hagar in [Genesis 16](/genesis/16 "Sarai and Hagar"). Rachel's claim was culturally and legally legitimate within her society.

**How does Rachel's story connect to other biblical narratives of barrenness?**

Answer: Rachel's story is a prominent example of a significant biblical motif where God miraculously opens the womb of a barren woman. This pattern is seen with Sarah [Genesis 21:1-2](/genesis/21-1-2 "The Birth of Isaac"), Rebekah [Genesis 25:21](/genesis/25-21 "Rebekah's Pregnancy"), Hannah [1 Samuel 1:1-20](/1-samuel/1-1-20 "Hannah's Prayer and Samuel's Birth"), and Elizabeth [Luke 1:5-25](/luke/1-5-25 "The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold"). These narratives consistently highlight God's miraculous power, His sovereignty over life, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises, often leading to the birth of a key figure in salvation history. They underscore that true blessing and the continuation of God's plan ultimately depend on divine intervention, not human ability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 30:6 highlights God's justice and faithfulness in a personal context, its ultimate and most profound fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ. Rachel's cry for vindication and a son foreshadows humanity's desperate need for a divine advocate and deliverer. Just as God "judged" Rachel's case and "heard her voice" by giving her a son, God heard the cry of a sin-laden humanity and, in His ultimate act of justice and love, "gave" His only Son, Jesus, to reconcile us to Himself [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World"). Through Christ, we receive the ultimate vindication from the judgment of sin, as He bore the penalty on our behalf [Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "No Condemnation in Christ Jesus"). He is the true Judge who, through His sacrifice, makes us righteous and adopts us into God's family, fulfilling the deepest longing for belonging and blessing that Rachel experienced [Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4-7 "Sons and Heirs Through Christ"). In Christ, we are not merely given a son, but we *become* sons and daughters of God, inheriting eternal life and experiencing the fullness of divine favor, a spiritual reality far surpassing Rachel's earthly joy [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "Children of God").

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 43:1

¶ Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.

Psalms 35:24

Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.

Lamentations 3:59

O LORD, thou hast seen my wrong: judge thou my cause.

Genesis 49:16

Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel.

Genesis 49:17

Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.

Genesis 35:25

And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid; Dan, and Naphtali:

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.