Genesis 35:24

KJV

The sons of Rachel; Joseph, and Benjamin:

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Rachel {H7354}; Joseph {H3130}, and Benjamin {H1144}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Rachel were Yosef and Binyamin.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin.

American Standard Version

the sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 35:24 concisely identifies Joseph and Benjamin as the two sons born to Jacob through his beloved wife, Rachel. This brief genealogical entry is part of a larger record detailing the twelve sons who would become the patriarchs of the tribes of Israel, highlighting God's meticulous faithfulness in preserving and multiplying the covenant lineage as His divine plan for salvation unfolds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [Genesis 35](/genesis/35 "Jacob's Return to Bethel and Family Records"), a pivotal chapter marking a significant turning point in Jacob's life and the narrative of the patriarchs. It immediately follows the account of Jacob's return to Bethel, where God reaffirms the covenant promises made to Abraham and Isaac, promising to make Jacob fruitful and to establish a nation and a company of nations from him, as well as kings, and to give the land of Canaan to his descendants ([Genesis 35:9-12](/genesis/35-9-12 "God Appears to Jacob Again at Bethel")). The listing of Jacob's sons, beginning in [Genesis 35:23](/genesis/35-23 "The Sons of Jacob Listed by Mothers"), serves as a fulfillment of these promises, meticulously detailing the foundational members of the nascent nation of Israel. Critically, Genesis 35:24 follows the poignant and tragic account of Rachel's death during Benjamin's birth ([Genesis 35:16-18](/genesis/35-16-18 "Rachel Gives Birth to Benjamin and Dies")), making the mention of her sons here a tender and significant detail within the broader family record.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, lineage and genealogy were of paramount importance, serving not merely as historical records but as affirmations of identity, inheritance, and covenant standing. The patriarchal period, characterized by nomadic or semi-nomadic life, placed a high value on male offspring for the continuation of the family name, the preservation of property, and the fulfillment of divine promises related to progeny. The specific mention of sons by their mothers, as seen in the broader list of [Genesis 35:23-26](/genesis/35-23-26 "The Complete List of Jacob's Sons"), reflects the social structure where a wife's status and her contribution to the family were often tied to the sons she bore. Rachel's unique status as Jacob's beloved wife, for whom he labored fourteen years, imbues the mention of her sons with particular emotional and narrative weight. The renaming of Benjamin by Jacob, from "Ben-oni" (son of my sorrow) to "Benjamin" (son of the right hand), also reflects the cultural practice of names carrying prophetic or aspirational significance.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 35:24 contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Fulfillment**, as God's promise to multiply Jacob's descendants ([Genesis 35:11](/genesis/35-11 "God's Covenant Promise to Jacob")) begins to visibly take shape through the enumeration of his twelve sons, who will form the tribes of Israel. Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand guiding the lineage despite human sorrow and struggle, as exemplified by Rachel's death during Benjamin's birth. Thirdly, it emphasizes the theme of **Family and Lineage as the Foundation of Israel**, meticulously tracing the origins of the nation through its patriarchal figures. Finally, the narrative surrounding Joseph and Benjamin, particularly Joseph's later story, introduces the theme of **Sovereignty and Redemption**, where God uses human suffering and betrayal for a greater redemptive purpose, ultimately preserving the covenant family and foreshadowing future salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 35:24, "The sons of Rachel; Joseph, and Benjamin:", is a concise yet profoundly significant statement within the genealogical record of Jacob's family. It serves to highlight two pivotal figures in the unfolding narrative of Israel.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên_):** From the root meaning "to build," this word signifies a male offspring, but also carries the broader connotation of one who builds or continues the family name and lineage. In this context, it emphasizes Joseph and Benjamin's role in constructing the future nation of Israel.
* **Joseph (Hebrew, _Yôwçêph_):** Meaning "let him add" or "adding," this name reflects Rachel's prayer for another son after Joseph's birth, as recorded in [Genesis 30:24](/genesis/30-24 "Rachel Names Joseph"). Joseph's life indeed added immensely to the preservation and growth of Jacob's family, as he became a powerful ruler in Egypt and saved his family from famine.
* **Benjamin (Hebrew, _Binyâmîyn_):** Meaning "son of (the) right hand," this name was given by Jacob to his youngest son, contrasting with Rachel's dying name "Ben-oni" ("son of my sorrow"). Jacob's renaming signifies a hope for strength, favor, and blessing, indicating a turning point from grief to a future of divine favor for this son.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Rachel;":** This clause immediately draws attention to Rachel, Jacob's most beloved wife, whose long struggle with barrenness and eventual joy in childbirth are central to the Genesis narrative. Her two sons, Joseph and Benjamin, hold a special place in Jacob's affection and in the biblical story, distinct from the sons born to Leah, Bilhah, and Zilpah. This highlights the emotional and spiritual significance of Rachel's progeny.
* **"Joseph, and Benjamin:":** This direct enumeration names the two individuals who would become immensely significant. Joseph, Rachel's firstborn, is the protagonist of a major portion of Genesis, his life a testament to God's sovereign plan to preserve His people. Benjamin, the youngest of all Jacob's sons, born tragically as Rachel died, represents both sorrow and the promise of future strength and favor, as indicated by Jacob's renaming of him. Their inclusion here marks them as foundational pillars of the twelve tribes, each destined to lead a significant branch of the future nation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices. **Genealogy** is the primary device, serving to meticulously record the lineage through which God's covenant promises are fulfilled. The specific mention of "Rachel" highlights **Emphasis** or **Highlighting**, drawing particular attention to her sons due to her beloved status and the dramatic circumstances of Benjamin's birth. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the naming of Joseph and Benjamin, particularly Joseph, subtly hints at their future prominence and the critical roles they will play in the preservation of Jacob's family and the establishment of Israel. Furthermore, the implicit **Contrast** between Rachel's sorrowful naming of Ben-oni and Jacob's hopeful renaming of Benjamin underscores the theme of God's ability to bring blessing and strength out of profound loss.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 35:24, though a simple genealogical entry, deeply connects to the overarching theological themes of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, His meticulous providence, and the foundational role of family in His redemptive plan. The enumeration of Jacob's sons, particularly Joseph and Benjamin, underscores God's commitment to multiply Abraham's descendants into a great nation, ensuring the lineage through which His promises would be fulfilled. Even in the midst of sorrow and loss, such as Rachel's death, God's purpose for His chosen people remains steadfast, demonstrating His ability to weave human tragedy into His divine tapestry of salvation. This verse reminds us that every individual, every family, and every generation is part of God's grand design, contributing to the unfolding of His eternal purposes.

* [Genesis 35:11](/genesis/35-11 "God's Covenant Renewal with Jacob: Be Fruitful and Multiply")
* [Genesis 49:22-26](/genesis/49-22-26 "Jacob's Prophetic Blessing for Joseph")
* [Numbers 1:36-37](/numbers/1-36-37 "Census of the Tribe of Benjamin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 35:24, a seemingly simple record, invites us to reflect on the profound truth that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives, even the seemingly mundane or painful ones. Just as Joseph and Benjamin were integral to God's grand plan for Israel, so too are our individual lives, our families, and our unique circumstances woven into His sovereign design. This verse encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness, even when faced with sorrow or uncertainty, knowing that He can bring forth strength and purpose from our deepest pains, just as Jacob renamed "Ben-oni" to "Benjamin." It challenges us to see our own lineage, our relationships, and our place in the broader community of faith as part of God's ongoing story, reminding us that every life has significance in His eyes and contributes to His unfolding kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed attention given to Jacob's sons, even in a brief verse, encourage your trust in God's meticulous care for your own life and lineage?**
* **Considering the contrast between Rachel's "son of my sorrow" and Jacob's "son of the right hand" for Benjamin, how can you choose to see hope and strength in areas of your life that have been marked by sorrow?**
* **In what ways can you recognize your own family or community as part of God's larger, unfolding story, and how might that understanding influence your actions and perspectives?**

### FAQ
**Why are Joseph and Benjamin specifically highlighted as Rachel's sons, given that Jacob had other children?**

Answer: This verse is part of a comprehensive genealogical summary in [Genesis 35:23-26](/genesis/35-23-26 "The Complete List of Jacob's Sons"), which meticulously lists all twelve of Jacob's sons by their mothers. Joseph and Benjamin are specifically highlighted as Rachel's sons because Rachel was Jacob's most beloved wife, and her long struggle with barrenness made the birth of her two sons particularly significant and miraculous. Furthermore, Joseph, her firstborn, played an exceptionally pivotal role in the preservation of the nascent nation of Israel, becoming a type of Christ in his suffering, exaltation, and saving work. Benjamin, her last-born, was born in the land of Canaan and at the cost of Rachel's life, adding a layer of poignant significance to his entry into the world. Their unique narrative importance within the book of Genesis warrants their specific mention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The enumeration of Jacob's sons, particularly Joseph and Benjamin, forms the essential genealogical backbone for the nation of Israel, the very people through whom God's redemptive plan would unfold, ultimately culminating in the advent of the Messiah. Joseph, Rachel's firstborn, stands out as a profound type of Christ. Like Jesus, Joseph was deeply loved by his father ([Genesis 37:3](/genesis/37-3 "Jacob's Love for Joseph")), yet rejected and betrayed by his own brothers ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph Sold into Slavery")). He suffered unjustly, was imprisoned, but was ultimately exalted to a position of immense power and authority ([Genesis 41:40-41](/genesis/41-40-41 "Joseph's Exaltation in Egypt")). From this position, Joseph, through his wisdom and God-given foresight, saved his family and many nations from death by famine, prefiguring Christ's suffering, His exaltation to the right hand of God ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Christ's Exaltation")), and His ultimate role as the Savior of humanity, providing spiritual sustenance and eternal life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The preservation of this specific lineage, despite trials and tragedies like Rachel's death and Joseph's suffering, demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, ensuring the unbroken line from which the Christ, the true "Son of the Right Hand" and the ultimate "adder" of blessing, would ultimately come to redeem His people ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")).

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 30:22

And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.

Genesis 30:24

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

Genesis 46:19

The sons of Rachel Jacob's wife; Joseph, and Benjamin.

Genesis 46:22

These [are] the sons of Rachel, which were born to Jacob: all the souls [were] fourteen.

Genesis 35:16

¶ And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.

Genesis 35:18

And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.