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's beloved wife, Rachel. This verse is part of a broader genealogical record detailing the twelve sons of Jacob, who would become the patriarchs of the tribes of Israel, underscoring the divine faithfulness in preserving the covenant lineage.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated within Genesis chapter 35, a pivotal passage that recounts Jacob's return to Bethel, a sacred site where God had previously appeared to him and renewed His covenant promises to him and his descendants, as recorded in [Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Jacob's dream and vow at Bethel"). Following this divine encounter and the establishment of a memorial, the narrative progresses to list all twelve of Jacob's sons, who are destined to form the nation of Israel. Notably, this specific verse immediately follows the poignant account of Rachel's death during Benjamin's birth, a tragic event detailed in [Genesis 35:18](/genesis/35-18 "Rachel's death and Benjamin's birth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 35:24, "The sons of Rachel; Joseph, and Benjamin:", serves as a direct and clear statement within the larger genealogical record of Jacob's family. While brief, it highlights two figures of immense importance to the unfolding narrative of Israel.

* **Joseph:** As Rachel's firstborn son, Joseph is a central figure in the book of Genesis. His detailed story, commencing in [Genesis 37](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/37 "The beginning of Joseph's story"), chronicles his journey from being sold into slavery by his brothers to becoming a powerful ruler in Egypt. Through his wisdom and God-given foresight, Joseph ultimately preserved his family and the nascent nation of Israel from famine, demonstrating God's sovereign plan through challenging circumstances.
* **Benjamin:** The youngest of Jacob's sons and the only one born in the land of Canaan after Jacob's return from Paddan Aram, Benjamin's birth is marked by sorrow and hope. His mother, Rachel, named him "Ben-oni" (meaning "son of my sorrow") in her dying moments. However, Jacob, perhaps looking beyond the immediate grief, renamed him "Benjamin" (Hebrew: בִּנְיָמִין, *Binyamin*), meaning "son of the right hand" or "son of strength/favor." This renaming signifies Jacob's desire to associate his youngest son with strength and blessing rather than sorrow, a testament to his faith in God's future for his family. The tribe of Benjamin, though small, would later play a significant role in Israel's history, including providing its first king, Saul.
* **Genealogical Significance:** This verse, along with the full list of Jacob's sons in [Genesis 35:23-26](/genesis/35-23 "The full list of Jacob's sons"), meticulously records the lineage through which God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would be fulfilled. Each son represents a foundational patriarch contributing to the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel, emphasizing the divine meticulousness in establishing His chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** The listing of Jacob's sons, including Joseph and Benjamin, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to multiply Jacob's descendants and establish them as a great nation ([Genesis 35:11](/genesis/35-11 "God's blessing and covenant renewal with Jacob")).
* **Divine Providence in Lineage:** Even within a simple genealogical entry, God's intricate plan is evident. The specific individuals listed, particularly Joseph, were divinely chosen and prepared for significant roles in the preservation and development of God's people.
* **Sorrow and Hope:** The contrast between Rachel's dying name for Benjamin ("son of my sorrow") and Jacob's renaming of him ("son of the right hand") highlights a recurring biblical theme: God's ability to bring strength and blessing out of sorrow and loss.
* **Foundation of Israel:** This verse is a foundational element in the formation of the twelve tribes, emphasizing the importance of family and lineage in God's redemptive history and the establishment of His chosen people.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 35:24, though a brief genealogical note, serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous and purposeful work within human history. It encourages us to recognize that even seemingly ordinary details, like a family tree entry, are integral to God's grand narrative. Just as Joseph and Benjamin were part of a divine plan that shaped a nation, so too are our lives woven into God's overarching design. This verse calls us to consider our own place within God's unfolding story, trusting that He uses individuals and families, with all their joys and sorrows, to accomplish His eternal purposes.

### FAQ
**Why are only Rachel's sons specifically highlighted in this verse?**

Answer: This verse is part of a larger genealogical summary in [Genesis 35:23-26](/genesis/35-23 "The full list of Jacob's sons"), which lists all twelve of Jacob's sons by their mothers. Genesis 35:24 specifically calls out Rachel's sons (Joseph and Benjamin) because she was Jacob's most beloved wife, and her sons, particularly Joseph, played exceptionally significant roles in the early history of Israel. This specific mention emphasizes their unique position within the family lineage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The lineage of Jacob's sons, including Joseph and Benjamin, forms the foundational structure of the nation of Israel, the very people through whom God's redemptive plan would unfold, culminating in the advent of the Messiah. Joseph, in particular, serves as a powerful type of Christ: he was rejected by his brothers, suffered unjustly, yet was exalted to a position of power and used by God to save his family and many nations from death, prefiguring Christ's suffering, exaltation, and ultimate role as the Savior of humanity. The preservation of this specific lineage, despite trials and tragedies like Rachel's death, demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, ensuring the unbroken line from which the Christ would ultimately come, fulfilling the hope embedded in every patriarchal promise.

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.