Genesis 35:25

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Bilhah {H1090}, Rachel's {H7354} handmaid {H8198}; Dan {H1835}, and Naphtali {H5321}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Bilhah Rachel's slave-girl were Dan and Naftali.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah were Dan and Naphtali.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 35:25 concisely lists Dan and Naphtali as the sons born to Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid, continuing the enumeration of Jacob's twelve sons. This verse is an integral part of a comprehensive genealogical record within a pivotal chapter detailing Jacob's return to Bethel and the consolidation of his family, laying the foundational lineage for the future twelve tribes of Israel.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated within a significant passage in Jacob's life, following his instruction from God to return to Bethel. Jacob establishes an altar there and renews his covenant with the Lord, as detailed in [Genesis 35:1-7](/genesis/35-1 "Read about Jacob's return to Bethel in Genesis 35:1"). The chapter then records the birth of Benjamin, the tragic death of Rachel, and culminates in a complete list of Jacob's sons, categorized by their mothers. This comprehensive list, including the sons of handmaids like Bilhah, serves as a crucial genealogical cornerstone, meticulously detailing the lineage that would form the future nation of Israel. Bilhah was given to Jacob by Rachel, her mistress, to bear children on Rachel's behalf, a common practice in the ancient Near East when a wife was barren, as seen in [Genesis 30:3-4](/genesis/30-3 "Learn about Rachel giving Bilhah to Jacob in Genesis 30:3").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 35:25 is part of a larger enumeration of Jacob's sons, which begins in [Genesis 35:22](/genesis/35-22 "Read about Reuben's transgression in Genesis 35:22") and concludes in [Genesis 35:26](/genesis/35-26 "Read the conclusion of Jacob's sons list in Genesis 35:26"). This specific verse focuses on Dan and Naphtali, highlighting their unique position as sons born to Bilhah, a handmaid. The inclusion of these sons, alongside those born to Jacob's wives, underscores the inclusive nature of God's plan for the formation of Israel, where every son, regardless of his mother's status, held a vital place in the divine scheme.

The names of Bilhah's sons carry specific meanings that reflect the circumstances of their births, as recorded earlier in Genesis:
* **Dan:** Meaning "judge" or "he judged." Rachel named him this, expressing her belief that "God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son" ([Genesis 30:6](/genesis/30-6 "Read about the naming of Dan in Genesis 30:6")). This reflects Rachel's deep longing for children and her perception of divine intervention in her barrenness.
* **Naphtali:** Meaning "my wrestling" or "my struggle." Rachel named him this, saying, "With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed" ([Genesis 30:8](/genesis/30-8 "Read about the naming of Naphtali in Genesis 30:8")). This highlights the intense and often bitter rivalry between Rachel and Leah to bear children for Jacob, a struggle that profoundly shaped the family dynamics.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **The Formation of Israel's Tribes:** This verse, along with the surrounding verses in [Genesis 35](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/35 "Read Genesis Chapter 35 KJV"), meticulously records the origins of the twelve tribes of Israel, emphasizing the importance of lineage and divine selection in God's plan for His chosen people, which would later be organized and numbered as seen in [Numbers 1](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/numbers/1 "Explore the numbering of the tribes of Israel in Numbers 1").
* **Divine Providence Amidst Human Complexity:** Jacob's family structure, involving multiple wives and handmaids, was complex and often fraught with rivalry and jealousy ([Genesis 30:1](/genesis/30-1 "Read about Rachel's jealousy in Genesis 30:1")). Yet, through these challenging human circumstances, God faithfully worked to fulfill His promise of multiplying Jacob's descendants into a great nation ([Genesis 35:11](/genesis/35-11 "Read God's promise to Jacob in Genesis 35:11")), demonstrating His ability to achieve His purposes despite human imperfections.
* **Significance of Each Son:** Regardless of their mother's status (wife or handmaid), each son born to Jacob held a crucial and divinely appointed place in the unfolding narrative of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This underscores God's meticulous attention to detail in His redemptive plan.
* **God's Inclusive Plan:** The inclusion of sons born to handmaids like Bilhah demonstrates that God's favor and plan extend beyond conventional human social hierarchies and expectations, embracing all who are part of His chosen lineage.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While seemingly a simple genealogical record, [Genesis 35:25](/genesis/35-25 "Read Genesis 35:25 KJV") underscores several enduring truths. It reminds us of the meticulous nature of biblical history and God's attention to detail in establishing the precise lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold. It also powerfully illustrates that God works through real, often imperfect, human families and complex situations to accomplish His divine purposes. Every individual, even those born into unconventional or challenging circumstances, has a place in God's grand design. The inclusion of Dan and Naphtali, sons of a handmaid, alongside the sons of Jacob's wives, emphasizes that God's favor and the fulfillment of His promises extend beyond human social distinctions and perceived status.

### FAQ
**Why are Jacob's sons listed by their mothers in this passage?**

Answer: Listing Jacob's sons by their mothers (Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah) provides crucial genealogical clarity and highlights the unique circumstances of their births, including the rivalries and divine interventions that shaped Jacob's family. This method emphasizes the distinct branches of the family that would eventually form the twelve tribes of Israel, each with its own identity and historical narrative.

**What was the role of handmaids like Bilhah in ancient Near Eastern society and in Jacob's family?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, including that of the patriarchs, handmaids often served as surrogate mothers for barren wives. If a wife could not bear children, she might give her handmaid to her husband to conceive children on her behalf. These children were legally considered the children of the wife. Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid, and Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, both bore sons for Jacob under these circumstances, fulfilling the desire for offspring and contributing to the formation of Jacob's large family.

**Does the mention of Dan and Naphtali in this verse imply anything about their future tribes?**

Answer: While [Genesis 35:25](/genesis/35-25 "Read Genesis 35:25 KJV") itself is a simple listing, the inclusion of Dan and Naphtali here is foundational for understanding the future development and roles of their respective tribes. The tribes of Dan and Naphtali would later play distinct roles in Israel's history, including their territories, military contributions, and, in Dan's case, a notable deviation into idolatry. This verse serves as the initial genealogical anchor for their subsequent narratives in the biblical record.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous enumeration of Jacob's sons, including Dan and Naphtali, in [Genesis 35:25](/genesis/35-25 "Read Genesis 35:25 KJV") points to the sovereign hand of God in establishing a specific lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold. This detailed genealogy is not merely historical record-keeping; it traces the very family line from which the Messiah would ultimately come. Jesus Christ, as the ultimate "seed" of Abraham and Jacob, is the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to multiply Jacob's descendants into a great nation and to bring blessing to all the families of the earth. The formation of the twelve tribes, rooted in these individual sons, culminates in the spiritual Israel, the Church, which finds its head and true identity in Christ. He is the one through whom God's promise of a chosen people and universal salvation is perfectly realized, transcending all human distinctions and imperfections.

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.