Genesis 35:17

KJV

And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when she was in hard {H7185} labour {H3205}, that the midwife {H3205} said {H559} unto her, Fear {H3372} not; thou shalt have this son {H1121} also.

Complete Jewish Bible

While she was undergoing this hard labor, the midwife said to her, "Don't worry, this is also a son for you."

Berean Standard Bible

During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; for now thou shalt have another son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 35:17 profoundly captures the perilous and poignant moment of Rachel's final childbirth, depicting her "hard labour" and the midwife's crucial words of encouragement. This verse not only highlights the severe challenges and vulnerabilities of ancient life, particularly during childbirth, but also underscores the vital role of human compassion and the unwavering progression of God's covenant plan through the expansion of Jacob's family, even amidst profound personal suffering and impending tragedy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant transitional phase in Jacob's life, as he journeys back to the Promised Land. Immediately preceding this event, God has powerfully reconfirmed His covenant promises to Jacob at Bethel, reiterating the blessing of numerous descendants and the inheritance of the land, effectively re-establishing Jacob's identity as "Israel" [Genesis 35:9-12](/genesis/35-9-12 "God Renews His Covenant with Jacob"). The narrative then swiftly moves to Rachel's childbirth, a moment of intense personal struggle that tragically culminates in her death in the very next verse [Genesis 35:18](/genesis/35-18 "Rachel's Death and Benjamin's Birth"), followed by Benjamin's naming and Rachel's burial. This sequence underscores the interwoven themes of divine promise, human suffering, and the ongoing, often painful, unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the chosen lineage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Childbirth in the ancient Near East was an extremely dangerous and often life-threatening event for both mother and child, with high mortality rates. Medical knowledge was rudimentary, and women relied heavily on experienced midwives, who provided not only physical assistance but also crucial emotional and spiritual support. The nomadic lifestyle of Jacob's family, constantly on the move, would have exacerbated the dangers of such an event, lacking the stability and resources of a settled community. The birth of a son was paramount for the continuation of the family line and the fulfillment of covenant promises, making Rachel's "hard labour" a moment of immense anxiety and significance for the entire household.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 35:17 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine faithfulness amidst human struggle**, demonstrating how God's promises of multiplication, first given to Abraham [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham"), continue to unfold even through personal pain and loss. Secondly, it emphasizes the **importance of lineage and the continuity of the covenant**, as the birth of this son, Benjamin, completes the twelve sons who will become the patriarchs of Israel's tribes [Genesis 49:28](/genesis/49-28 "The Twelve Tribes of Israel"). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **life and death intertwined**, as the joy of a new birth is immediately followed by the sorrow of Rachel's passing, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the mysterious ways in which God's purposes are accomplished.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 35:17 details a critical moment in the patriarchal narrative, focusing on the immediate crisis of Rachel's childbirth, a scene fraught with danger and deep significance for Jacob's burgeoning family and the future of Israel.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hard (Hebrew, _qâshâh'_):** From H7185, meaning "to be dense, i.e. tough or severe (in various applications); be cruel, be fiercer, make grievous, be ((ask a), be in, have, seem, would) hard(-en, (labour), -ly, thing), be sore, (be, make) stiff(-en, (-necked))." In this context, it describes the extreme difficulty and severity of Rachel's labor, implying a prolonged, agonizing, and life-threatening ordeal. This word choice underscores the dire physical state Rachel was in.
* **Labour (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** From H3205, a primitive root meaning "to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage." Here, it specifically refers to the act of giving birth, emphasizing the physical process of delivery. The combination with "hard" (qâshâh) paints a vivid picture of the intense struggle Rachel endured in bringing forth her child.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** From H3372, a primitive root meaning "to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten." In the midwife's imperative "Fear not," this word addresses Rachel's natural apprehension and distress during such a perilous delivery. It is a common biblical expression of reassurance, aiming to calm and instill confidence in the face of danger or anxiety.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the setting and the critical nature of the situation. "Hard labour" (Hebrew: _qashah leladet_) signifies an extremely difficult, prolonged, and dangerous childbirth, indicating that Rachel's life was in peril. This phrase sets a tone of urgency and impending crisis, foreshadowing the tragic outcome.
* **"that the midwife said unto her,"**: This introduces the intervention of the midwife, a crucial figure in ancient birthing practices. Her presence highlights the human support system available in such moments and underscores her professional role in guiding the delivery and providing comfort. Her words are presented as a direct, authoritative intervention in Rachel's suffering.
* **"Fear not;"**: This is an imperative command, a common biblical phrase of reassurance (_al tire'i_ in Hebrew). It directly addresses Rachel's emotional state, aiming to alleviate her anxiety and instill courage. Despite the physical agony, the midwife seeks to calm Rachel's spirit, focusing her attention away from the pain and towards the hope of a successful delivery.
* **"thou shalt have this son also."**: This is the core of the midwife's encouragement and promise. The phrase "this son also" explicitly links the coming child to Rachel's first son, Joseph, and implicitly to God's ongoing faithfulness in expanding Jacob's lineage. It confirms the successful birth of a male heir, a matter of immense importance for the continuation of Jacob's family and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 35:17 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as the description of "hard labour" subtly hints at the tragic outcome of Rachel's death, which is explicitly stated in the very next verse. This creates a sense of dramatic tension and pathos. The **Dialogue** of the midwife, "Fear not; thou shalt have this son also," serves as a direct and empathetic intervention, highlighting the human element of support and reassurance in a moment of extreme vulnerability. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the midwife's words of comfort; while the son is indeed born, the mother does not survive, creating a poignant contrast between the joy of new life and the sorrow of loss. Finally, the phrase "this son also" carries **Symbolism**, representing not just an individual birth but the continuation and expansion of the covenant lineage, a vital step in the unfolding of God's plan for Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 35:17 powerfully illustrates the intersection of divine sovereignty and human suffering. Even in moments of intense physical agony and vulnerability, God's overarching plan for the multiplication of Jacob's descendants continues to unfold. Rachel's "hard labour" is a stark reality of the fallen world, yet the birth of her son, Benjamin, fulfills a crucial step in the covenant lineage, demonstrating that God's purposes are accomplished even through pain and loss. The midwife's words of encouragement serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of human compassion and support in times of crisis, reflecting a divine principle of caring for the afflicted. This event, immediately preceding Rachel's death, underscores the intertwined themes of life and death, blessing and sorrow, that characterize the biblical narrative, ultimately pointing to a God who works through all circumstances, even the most tragic, to bring about His redemptive design.

* [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's Promise of Descendants to Abram")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "God's Promise to Strengthen and Help")
* [Psalm 118:6](/psalms/118-6 "The Lord is on My Side; I Will Not Fear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 35:17 offers a deeply moving and applicable lesson for contemporary life. It reminds us that even life's most anticipated and joyous moments can be accompanied by profound struggle, pain, and uncertainty. Like Rachel, we may encounter "hard labour" in various forms—be it physical illness, emotional distress, spiritual battles, or challenging life transitions. In such times, the passage highlights the invaluable role of encouragement and support from those around us. The midwife's simple yet profound words, "Fear not," serve as a timeless call to trust and courage, reminding us that even in our darkest hours, hope can be found, often through the compassionate words or actions of others. This narrative also compels us to reflect on God's sovereign plan; even when our personal experiences are marked by sorrow or loss, as Rachel's was, God's larger purposes continue to unfold, often in ways beyond our immediate comprehension. We are called to place our trust in His unfailing faithfulness, knowing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him, even amidst life's most trying circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "hard labours" are you currently facing in your life, and where do you find yourself needing words of encouragement?**
* **How can you be a "midwife" of encouragement and support to others who are experiencing difficult or painful seasons?**
* **How does Rachel's story, where joy and sorrow are so closely intertwined, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty amidst human suffering?**
* **In what ways does this verse remind you to trust God's unfolding plan, even when circumstances seem dire or incomprehensible?**

### FAQ
**Why is the midwife's encouragement so significant given Rachel's eventual death?**

Answer: The midwife's encouragement, "Fear not; thou shalt have this son also," is profoundly significant because it provides immediate hope and reassurance in a moment of extreme distress and physical peril. While it could not prevent Rachel's ultimate death, which is tragically recounted in [Genesis 35:18](/genesis/35-18 "Rachel's Death and Benjamin's Birth"), it focused on the positive outcome of the birth itself. The successful delivery of a son was crucial for the continuation of Jacob's lineage and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. The midwife's words represent a vital human act of compassion and a hopeful perspective offered in a crisis, demonstrating the importance of present encouragement even when a larger, unforeseen tragedy looms. It highlights that even in the face of inevitable sorrow, there can be a focus on the immediate blessing and the continuation of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The birth of Benjamin, despite the profound sorrow surrounding it, is a critical step in the unfolding lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. As the last of Jacob's twelve sons, Benjamin completes the patriarchal foundation for the nation of Israel, from whom Christ would ultimately descend. The struggles and triumphs of these early patriarchs, including the painful birth of Benjamin, underscore the human condition and the necessity of God's redemptive plan. Rachel's naming of her son "Ben-oni" ("son of my sorrow") poignantly reflects the suffering of childbirth and impending death, while Jacob's renaming him "Benjamin" ("son of the right hand") speaks to strength, favor, and destiny. This narrative foreshadows Christ, the ultimate "Son of Sorrow" who bore the weight of humanity's sin on the cross [Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "The Suffering Servant"), yet through His resurrection, He became the exalted "Son of the Right Hand" of God [Acts 7:55-56](/acts/7-55-56 "Stephen's Vision of Christ at God's Right Hand"), bringing forth spiritual life and eternal hope for all who believe. His journey from suffering to exaltation perfectly embodies the fulfillment of God's promises made to the patriarchs, transforming sorrow into ultimate triumph.

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

Genesis 30:24

And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son.

1 Samuel 4:19

¶ And his daughter in law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, [near] to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her.

1 Samuel 4:21

And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband.