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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/30.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/30.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Jacob became angry with her and said, &#8220Am I in the place of God, who has kept you from having children?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/30.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Jacob became furious with Rachel. “Am I God?” he asked. “He’s the one who has kept you from having children!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/30.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/30.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/30.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, <i>Am</i> I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/30.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Jacob’s anger was aroused against Rachel, and he said, “<i>Am</i> I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/30.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob’s anger burned against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/30.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Jacob&#8217s anger burned against Rachel, and he said, &#8220Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/30.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Jacob’s anger burned against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/30.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Jacob’s anger burned against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/30.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob became furious with Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has denied you children?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/30.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God? He has withheld offspring from you! ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/30.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, &#8220Am I in God&#8217s place, who has withheld children from you?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/30.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/30.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But Jacob became upset with Rachel and answered, "Don't blame me! I'm not God." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/30.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/30.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jacob became angry with Rachel and asked, "Can I take the place of God, who has kept you from having children?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/30.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, "I can't take the place of God. He is the one who keeps you from having children." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/30.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />That made Jacob angry with Rachel, so he asked her, "Can I take God's place, who has not allowed you to conceive?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/30.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Jacob became furious with Rachel and exclaimed, "Am I in the place of God, who has kept you from having children?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/30.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob became very angry with Rachel, and he said, "Am I in God's place, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/30.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel; and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/30.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/30.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Jacob’s anger burned against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in God’s place, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/30.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob’s anger burns against Rachel, and he says, “Am I in stead of God who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/30.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jacob's anger burneth against Rachel, and he saith, 'Am I in stead of God who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/30.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob's anger will burn at Rachel, and he will say, Am I instead of God, who kept back from thee the fruit of the belly?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/30.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob being angry with her, answered: Am I as God, who hath deprived thee of the fruit of thy womb? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/30.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Jacob, being angry, responded to her, “Am I in the place of God, who has deprived you of the fruit of your womb?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/30.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Can I take the place of God, who has denied you the fruit of the womb?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/30.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Jacob became very angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/30.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel; and he said to her, Am I in the place of God, that I have prevented you from having a child?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/30.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the anger of Yaquuv was provoked because of Rakhyl and he said to her, “Am I in the place of God, he who withholds from you the fruit of the womb?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/30.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel; and he said: 'Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/30.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob was angry with Rachel, and said to her, Am I in the place of God, who has deprived thee of the fruit of the womb?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/30-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=7208" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/30.htm">Dan and Naphtali</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>When Rachel saw that she was not bearing any children for Jacob, she envied her sister. “Give me children, or I will die!” she said to Jacob. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: ya·‘ă·qōḇ (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">Jacob</a> <a href="/hebrew/2734.htm" title="2734: way·yi·ḥar- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To burn or be kindled with anger. A primitive root; to glow or grow warm; figuratively to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy.">became angry</a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: ’ap̄ (N-msc) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7354.htm" title="7354: bə·rā·ḥêl (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- A wife of Jacob. The same as rachel; Rachel, a wife of Jacob.">with Rachel</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">“Am I</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: hă·ṯa·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">in the place</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/4513.htm" title="4513: mā·na‘ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To withhold, hold back. A primitive root; to debar from benefit or injury.">has withheld</a> <a href="/hebrew/6529.htm" title="6529: pə·rî- (N-msc) -- Fruit. From parah; fruit.">children</a> <a href="/hebrew/990.htm" title="990: ḇā·ṭen (N-fs) -- From an unused root probably meaning to be hollow; the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·mêḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from you?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>Then she said, “Here is my maidservant Bilhah. Sleep with her, that she may bear children for me, so that through her I too can build a family.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2</a></span><br />So Sarai said to Abram, “Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/20-18.htm">Genesis 20:18</a></span><br />for on account of Abraham’s wife Sarah, the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/29-31.htm">Genesis 29:31</a></span><br />When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21</a></span><br />Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Genesis 21:1-2</a></span><br />Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. / So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/18-14.htm">Genesis 18:14</a></span><br />Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/17-16.htm">Genesis 17:16</a></span><br />And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will descend from her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-5.htm">Genesis 33:5</a></span><br />When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he asked, “Who are these with you?” Jacob answered, “These are the children God has graciously given your servant.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/48-9.htm">Genesis 48:9</a></span><br />Joseph said to his father, “They are the sons God has given me in this place.” So Jacob said, “Please bring them to me, that I may bless them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-5.htm">1 Samuel 1:5-6</a></span><br />But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb. / Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her viciously to taunt her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-19.htm">1 Samuel 1:19-20</a></span><br />The next morning they got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then they returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. / So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/127-3.htm">Psalm 127:3</a></span><br />Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/113-9.htm">Psalm 113:9</a></span><br />He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/66-9.htm">Isaiah 66:9</a></span><br />Shall I bring a baby to the point of birth and not deliver it?” says the LORD. “Or will I who deliver close the womb?” says your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-13.htm">Luke 1:13</a></span><br />But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God's stead, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?</p><p class="hdg">anger.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-36.htm">Genesis 31:36</a></b></br> And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What <i>is</i> my trespass? what <i>is</i> my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/32-19.htm">Exodus 32:19</a></b></br> And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Matthew 5:22</a></b></br> But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.</p><p class="hdg">Am I.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2</a></b></br> And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21</a></b></br> And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she <i>was</i> barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/50-19.htm">Genesis 50:19</a></b></br> And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for <i>am</i> I in the place of God?</p><p class="hdg">withheld.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/7-13.htm">Deuteronomy 7:13,14</a></b></br> And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/113-9.htm">Psalm 113:9</a></b></br> He maketh the barren woman to keep house, <i>and to be</i> a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/127-3.htm">Psalm 127:3</a></b></br> Lo, children <i>are</i> an heritage of the LORD: <i>and</i> the fruit of the womb <i>is his</i> reward.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/27-45.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/genesis/27-45.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/genesis/25-25.htm">Body</a> <a href="/genesis/22-8.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/revelation/21-8.htm">Burneth</a> <a href="/genesis/30-1.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/28-3.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/genesis/28-22.htm">God's</a> <a href="/genesis/30-1.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/28-5.htm">Jacob's</a> <a href="/genesis/29-14.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-12.htm">Kindled</a> <a href="/genesis/30-1.htm">Rachel</a> <a href="/genesis/22-13.htm">Stead</a> <a href="/genesis/22-16.htm">Withheld</a> <a href="/genesis/29-31.htm">Womb</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/31-35.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/genesis/31-35.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/genesis/35-11.htm">Body</a> <a href="/genesis/31-36.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/genesis/39-19.htm">Burneth</a> <a href="/genesis/30-3.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/41-47.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/genesis/32-2.htm">God's</a> <a href="/genesis/30-4.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/30-42.htm">Jacob's</a> <a href="/genesis/31-7.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/genesis/39-19.htm">Kindled</a> <a href="/genesis/30-6.htm">Rachel</a> <a href="/genesis/36-33.htm">Stead</a> <a href="/genesis/39-9.htm">Withheld</a> <a href="/genesis/30-22.htm">Womb</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 30</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/30-1.htm">Rachel, in grief for her barrenness, gives Bilhah her maid unto Jacob.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/30-5.htm">Bilhah bears Dan and Naphtali.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/30-9.htm">Leah gives Zilpah her maid, who bears Gad and Asher.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/30-14.htm">Reuben finds mandrakes, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/30-15.htm">with which Leah buys her husband's company of Rachel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/30-17.htm">Leah bears Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/30-22.htm">Rachel bears Joseph.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/30-25.htm">Jacob desires to depart.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/30-27.htm">Laban detains him on a new agreement.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">37. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/30-37.htm">Jacob's policy, whereby he becomes rich.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/30.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/30.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Jacob became angry with Rachel</b><br>Jacob's anger here reflects the tension and frustration in his family dynamics. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, childbearing was often seen as a woman's primary role, and infertility could lead to social stigma. Jacob's response may also indicate his own frustration with the situation, as he is caught between his love for Rachel and the societal expectations of producing heirs. This moment highlights the human emotions and struggles within the patriarchal family, which are a recurring theme in Genesis.<p><b>and said, “Am I in the place of God,</b><br>Jacob's rhetorical question underscores the belief that God is sovereign over the womb and the giver of life. This reflects a theological understanding that human beings cannot control or dictate divine will, especially in matters of life and death. The phrase echoes other biblical instances where God's sovereignty is acknowledged, such as in <a href="/genesis/20-18.htm">Genesis 20:18</a> and <a href="/1_samuel/1-5.htm">1 Samuel 1:5-6</a>, where God is directly involved in opening and closing the womb. It also points to the broader biblical theme of recognizing God's ultimate authority over human affairs.<p><b>who has withheld children from you?”</b><br>This statement acknowledges God's direct involvement in Rachel's barrenness, a common biblical theme where God is seen as the one who opens and closes the womb (e.g., <a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2</a>, <a href="/1_samuel/1-5.htm">1 Samuel 1:5</a>). It reflects the belief that children are a blessing from God, as seen in <a href="/psalms/127-3.htm">Psalm 127:3</a>. The narrative of Rachel's struggle with infertility parallels other biblical stories, such as those of Sarah and Hannah, where God eventually intervenes to fulfill His promises. This phrase also foreshadows the eventual birth of Joseph, who plays a crucial role in the unfolding of God's plan for Israel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelite tribes, son of Isaac and Rebekah, and husband to Leah and Rachel. In this verse, he responds to Rachel's distress over her barrenness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/rachel.htm">Rachel</a></b><br>Jacob's beloved wife, who is struggling with infertility and expresses her frustration to Jacob, leading to his response.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The sovereign Creator, whom Jacob acknowledges as the one who controls the opening and closing of the womb.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/barren_womb.htm">Barren Womb</a></b><br>The central issue in this passage, representing Rachel's struggle and the cultural importance of childbearing in her time.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/acknowledging_god's_sovereignty.htm">Acknowledging God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Recognize that God is in control of all aspects of life, including fertility. Trust in His timing and purposes, even when they are not immediately clear.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_others'_pain.htm">Responding to Others' Pain</a></b><br>Jacob's response to Rachel's distress was one of frustration. We should strive to respond with empathy and prayerful support when others are struggling.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prayer.htm">The Role of Prayer</a></b><br>While Jacob's response was not a prayer, other biblical examples show the importance of bringing our deepest desires and struggles to God in prayer.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_our_limitations.htm">Understanding Our Limitations</a></b><br>Jacob's rhetorical question highlights human limitations. We must understand that there are things only God can do, and we should not try to take His place.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_plan.htm">Faith in God's Plan</a></b><br>Trust that God has a plan for each of us, even when circumstances seem challenging or unfair. His ways are higher than ours.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_30.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 30</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/genesis_30__align_or_conflict_with_god's_role.htm">How do these events in Genesis 30 align or conflict with other biblical texts that describe God's involvement in fertility and inheritance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_the_7_lampstands_symbolize.htm">Who was Bilhah in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_infertility.htm">What does the Bible say about infertility?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_jacob_see_god_if_no_one_has.htm">Why does Jacob's claim of seeing God 'face to face' (Gen. 32:30) not conflict with John 1:18, which says no one has ever seen God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/30.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel</span> (not without just cause, since she not only evinced a want of faith and resignation, but wrongfully imputed blame to him): <span class="cmt_word">and he said, Am I in God's stead,</span> - <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. am I omnipotent like him? This you yourself will surely not presume to believe. The interrogative particle conveys the force of a spirited denial (<span class="accented">vide</span> Ewald, 'Hebrew Syntax,' § 324) - <span class="cmt_word">who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?</span> Rachel herself understood that God alone could remove sterility (ver. 6); but to this fact jealousy of Leah appears for the moment to have blinded her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/30-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Jacob</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲקֹ֖ב</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">became angry</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּֽחַר־</span> <span class="translit">(way·yi·ḥar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2734.htm">Strong's 2734: </a> </span><span class="str2">To glow, grow warm, to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with Rachel</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרָחֵ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(bə·rā·ḥêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7354.htm">Strong's 7354: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rachel -- a wife of Jacob</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֗אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Am I</span><br /><span class="heb">אָנֹ֔כִי</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·nō·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the place</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲתַ֤חַת</span> <span class="translit">(hă·ṯa·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁר־</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has withheld</span><br /><span class="heb">מָנַ֥ע</span> <span class="translit">(mā·na‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4513.htm">Strong's 4513: </a> </span><span class="str2">To debar, from benefit, injury</span><br /><br /><span class="word">children</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּרִי־</span> <span class="translit">(pə·rî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6529.htm">Strong's 6529: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fruit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from you?”</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמֵּ֖ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(mim·mêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/30-2.htm">Genesis 30:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/30-2.htm">Genesis 30:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/30-2.htm">Genesis 30:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/30-2.htm">Genesis 30:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/30-2.htm">Genesis 30:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/30-2.htm">Genesis 30:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/30-2.htm">Genesis 30:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/30-2.htm">Genesis 30:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/30-2.htm">Genesis 30:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/30-2.htm">Genesis 30:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/30-2.htm">OT Law: Genesis 30:2 Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/30-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 30:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 30:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/30-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 30:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 30:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>