Genesis 35:22

And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard [it]. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:

And it came to pass, when Israel {H3478} dwelt {H7931} in that land {H776}, that Reuben {H7205} went {H3212} and lay {H7901} with Bilhah {H1090} his father's {H1} concubine {H6370}: and Israel {H3478} heard {H8085} it. Now the sons {H1121} of Jacob {H3290} were twelve {H8147}{H6240}:

It was while Isra'el was living in that land that Re'uven went and slept with Bilhah his father's concubine, and Isra'el heard about it. Ya'akov had twelve sons.

While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons:

And it came to pass, while Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine: and Israel heard of it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:

Commentary

Genesis 35:22 recounts a significant and troubling incident within Jacob's family during their journey. This verse highlights the moral failure of Jacob's eldest son, Reuben, and subtly sets the stage for future developments in the family's history.

Context

This event occurs as Jacob, now called Israel, and his large family are settling in the land of Canaan after their pivotal encounter with God at Bethel (see Genesis 35:1-15). The preceding verses detail the birth of Benjamin and the tragic death of Rachel. The family is in a period of transition, and this incident reveals underlying tensions and moral challenges within the patriarchal household.

Key Themes

  • Moral Transgression: Reuben's act of lying with Bilhah, his father's concubine, was a grave sin against family honor, purity, and patriarchal authority. Bilhah was Rachel's handmaid, given to Jacob to bear children (as seen in Genesis 30:3-5). This act was a profound disrespect to Jacob and a challenge to his headship.
  • Consequences of Sin: Though Jacob's immediate reaction is not recorded here, the gravity of Reuben's sin is later revealed in Jacob's deathbed prophecy, where Reuben loses his birthright and preeminence among his brothers (see Genesis 49:3-4). This incident serves as a stark reminder that actions have lasting repercussions.
  • Family Dynamics: The verse briefly mentions that "Israel heard [it]," indicating Jacob's awareness of the transgression. This period was marked by complex relationships, rivalries among the wives, and the challenges of raising twelve sons, who would become the twelve tribes of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "went and lay with" (וַיֵּלֶךְ וַיִּשְׁכַּב `vayelech vayishkav`) is a direct and unambiguous description of sexual intercourse. The term "concubine" (פִּילֶגֶשׁ `pilegesh`) indicates a secondary wife, often a servant, who held a recognized, albeit lower, status within the family structure. An act with a concubine was considered an offense against the patriarch, akin to adultery or incest, as it violated his personal property and family order.

Reflection and Application

Genesis 35:22 serves as a sobering reminder of human frailty and the reality of sin, even within a family chosen by God. It underscores several timeless principles:

  • Integrity Matters: Our actions, especially those concerning sexual purity and respect for authority, have profound and lasting consequences, impacting not only ourselves but also our families and future generations.
  • God's Sovereignty: Despite the moral failings of individuals within Jacob's family, God's overarching plan to form a nation through these twelve sons remained intact. This shows God's ability to work through imperfect people to accomplish His perfect will.
  • Learning from History: The Bible does not shy away from recording the struggles and sins of its heroes. These accounts are given for our instruction, teaching us to avoid similar pitfalls and to pursue a life of holiness and integrity (1 Corinthians 10:6).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 5:1 (8 votes)

    ¶ Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he [was] the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.

  • Leviticus 18:8 (4 votes)

    The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it [is] thy father's nakedness.

  • 2 Samuel 16:21 (3 votes)

    And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that [are] with thee be strong.

  • 2 Samuel 16:22 (3 votes)

    So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ It is reported commonly [that there is] fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

  • 2 Samuel 20:3 (3 votes)

    And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women [his] concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood.

  • Genesis 49:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you [that] which shall befall you in the last days.