Genesis 30:15

And she said unto her, [Is it] a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son's mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy son's mandrakes.

And she said {H559} unto her, Is it a small matter {H4592} that thou hast taken {H3947} my husband {H376}? and wouldest thou take away {H3947} my son's {H1121} mandrakes {H1736} also? And Rachel {H7354} said {H559}, Therefore he shall lie {H7901} with thee to night {H3915} for {H8478} thy son's {H1121} mandrakes {H1736}.

She answered, "Isn't it enough that you have taken away my husband? Do you have to take my son's mandrakes too?" Rachel said, "Very well; in exchange for your son's mandrakes, sleep with him tonight."

But Leah replied, “Is it not enough that you have taken away my husband? Now you want to take my son’s mandrakes as well?” “Very well,” said Rachel, “he may sleep with you tonight in exchange for your son’s mandrakes.”

And she said unto her, Is it a small matter that thou hast taken away my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son’s mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to-night for thy son’s mandrakes.

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 30:15 (KJV)

Genesis 30:15 captures a poignant moment of tension and desperation within Jacob's household, specifically between his two wives, Leah and Rachel. This verse is part of a larger narrative detailing the intense rivalry between the sisters, driven by their desire for children and Jacob's affection.

Context

This verse occurs amidst the ongoing saga of Jacob's family, a complex household marked by polygamy and fierce competition for Jacob's love and the blessing of children. Leah, Jacob's first wife, was "hated" (meaning less loved) by Jacob compared to Rachel (Genesis 29:31), but God had opened her womb. Rachel, Jacob's beloved, was initially barren. The scene unfolds when Reuben, Leah's eldest son, finds mandrakes in the field. Mandrakes, a plant with a root resembling a human figure, were believed in ancient Near Eastern cultures to be aphrodisiacs or fertility aids. Rachel, still childless, sees these mandrakes as a potential solution to her barrenness and asks Leah for them.

Key Themes

  • Sibling Rivalry and Jealousy: The verse vividly portrays the deep-seated animosity and jealousy between Leah and Rachel, who are half-sisters and wives to the same man. Leah's bitter question, "Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband?" underscores her pain over Jacob's favoritism towards Rachel.
  • Desperation for Children: Both women are desperate for children, especially sons, as a source of status, security, and fulfillment in their culture. Rachel's eagerness to obtain the mandrakes, and Leah's willingness to barter Jacob's conjugal visit for them, highlight this intense desire.
  • Bartering and Negotiation: The verse details a stark negotiation where Jacob, the husband, becomes a commodity exchanged for fertility symbols. This reflects the transactional nature of relationships driven by unmet needs and cultural expectations.
  • Human Frailty and God's Sovereignty: Despite the human scheming, jealousy, and reliance on superstitions (like mandrakes), the broader narrative of Genesis consistently shows that it is God who ultimately opens and closes wombs, demonstrating His sovereign control over life (Genesis 30:22).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "mandrakes" is dudaim (דוּדָאִים), which some scholars connect to the Hebrew word for "love" or "love-apples," reinforcing their perceived association with romance and fertility. Leah's phrase, "Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband?" (הַמְעַט קַחְתֵּךְ אֶת אִישִׁי), conveys a profound sense of grievance and accusation. It's not a trivial thing; it's a deep wound.

Practical Application

This ancient narrative, though culturally specific, offers timeless insights into human nature:

  • The Destructive Power of Envy: The story serves as a cautionary tale about how jealousy and rivalry can poison relationships, even within families.
  • Seeking Fulfillment in the Wrong Places: Rachel's pursuit of mandrakes illustrates humanity's tendency to seek solutions and fulfillment in external things or superstitions rather than trusting in God's provision and timing.
  • God's Work Amidst Human Imperfection: Despite the dysfunctional dynamics of Jacob's family, God continues to work through them to establish the twelve tribes of Israel, demonstrating His ability to accomplish His purposes even through flawed individuals and difficult circumstances. This reminds us that God's plan is not thwarted by human failings.
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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

  • Numbers 16:13 (4 votes)

    [Is it] a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?

  • 1 Corinthians 4:3 (3 votes)

    But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

  • Numbers 16:9 (3 votes)

    [Seemeth it but] a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?

  • Numbers 16:10 (3 votes)

    And he hath brought thee near [to him], and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?

  • Isaiah 7:13 (3 votes)

    And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; [Is it] a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?

  • Ezekiel 16:47 (3 votes)

    Yet hast thou not walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations: but, as [if that were] a very little [thing], thou wast corrupted more than they in all thy ways.