### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Râchêl**, represented by `{{H7354}}`, refers to **Rachel**, a wife of Jacob. It appears **47 times** across **44 unique verses** in the Bible, establishing her as a central matriarchal figure in the lineage of Israel. Her story is one of profound love, bitter rivalry, and enduring maternal significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Rachel is introduced as the younger `{{H6996}}` daughter `{{H1323}}` of Laban `{{H3837}}` [[Genesis 29:16]]. Described as **beautiful** `{{H3303}}` and **well favoured** `{{H4758}}` [[Genesis 29:17]], she was deeply **loved** `{{H157}}` by Jacob `{{H3290}}`, who **served** `{{H5647}}` seven years for her [[Genesis 29:18]]. Initially, however, Rachel was **barren** `{{H6135}}` while her sister Leah `{{H3812}}` bore children [[Genesis 29:31]]. This led Rachel to **envy** `{{H7065}}` her sister `{{H269}}` and cry out to Jacob, "**Give** `{{H3051}}` me children, or else I **die** `{{H4191}}`" [[Genesis 30:1]]. Her struggle is further highlighted when she bargains with Leah for mandrakes `{{H1736}}` in hopes of conceiving [[Genesis 30:14-15]]. Eventually, God `{{H430}}` **remembered** `{{H2142}}` Rachel and **opened** `{{H6605}}` her womb `{{H7358}}` [[Genesis 30:22]]. Her life concluded tragically when she **died** `{{H4191}}` giving birth to her second son and was **buried** `{{H6912}}` on the way to Ephrath `{{H672}}`, also known as Bethlehem `{{H1035}}` [[Genesis 35:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are essential to understanding Rachel's narrative:
* `{{H3812}}` **Lêʼâh** (Leah): Rachel's sister and co-wife. The dynamic between the two—Jacob's greater love for Rachel versus Leah's fertility—is a source of constant tension and rivalry [[Genesis 29:30-31]].
* `{{H6135}}` **ʻâqâr** (barren): This term defines Rachel's primary and most painful struggle, setting the stage for much of her story and her desperate actions [[Genesis 29:31]].
* `{{H3130}}` **Yôwçêph** (Joseph): Rachel's firstborn son. His birth marks a turning point, as it is a direct answer to her pleas after God "remembered" her ([[Genesis 30:22]], [[Genesis 30:25]]).
* `{{H1144}}` **Binyâmîyn** (Benjamin): Rachel's second son. His birth is bittersweet, as Rachel endures **hard** `{{H7185}}` labor and dies in childbirth ([[Genesis 35:16]], [[Genesis 46:19]]).
* `{{H8655}}` **tᵉrâphîym** (images): These were the family idols that Rachel **had stolen** `{{H1589}}` from her father Laban, revealing a complex and morally ambiguous side to her character ([[Genesis 31:19]], [[Genesis 31:34]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7354}}` is significant, portraying her as a figure of both personal trial and national importance.
* **Mother of Israel:** Alongside Leah, Rachel is remembered as one of the two who "did **build** `{{H1129}}` the **house** `{{H1004}}` of Israel," establishing her as a foundational mother of the nation [[Ruth 4:11]].
* **Divine Remembrance:** Rachel's story illustrates the theme of divine intervention in human barrenness. After her long period of suffering, God **remembered** `{{H2142}}` Rachel and **hearkened** `{{H8085}}` to her, opening her womb `{{H7358}}` [[Genesis 30:22]].
* **Symbol of National Grief:** In a powerful prophetic passage, Rachel becomes an enduring symbol of maternal sorrow. A **voice** `{{H6963}}` is heard in Ramah of Rachel **weeping** `{{H1058}}` for her children `{{H1121}}`, **refusing** `{{H3985}}` to be **comforted** `{{H5162}}` because they are no more [[Jeremiah 31:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7354}}` **Râchêl** represents a pivotal figure in biblical history. She is the beloved wife of Jacob, whose personal journey from agonizing barrenness to motherhood is central to the Genesis narrative. Through her sons, Joseph `{{H3130}}` and Benjamin `{{H1144}}`, she becomes an ancestor to key tribes of Israel. Her legacy is multifaceted, remembered for her beauty, the deep love she inspired, her desperate faith, and as the timeless symbol of a mother grieving for her lost children.
TRV