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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 35:17 During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, "Do not be afraid, for you are having another son."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/35-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/01_Gen_35_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 35:17 - Benjamin is Born, Rachel Dies" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, Do not be afraid, for you are having another son." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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thou shalt have this son also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/35.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said to her, “Do not fear; you will have this son also.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/35.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And when she was suffering severe difficulties in her labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not fear, for you have another son!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/35.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When she was in severe labor the midwife said to her, &#8220Do not fear, for now you have another son.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/35.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And it came about when she was in severe labor that the midwife said to her, “Do not fear, for now you have <i>another</i> son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/35.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now it happened that when she was in severe labor the midwife said to her, “Do not fear, for now you have another son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/35.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When she was in hard labor the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid; you now have another son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/35.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />During her difficult labor, the midwife said to her, “Don’t be afraid, for you have another son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/35.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />During her difficult labor, the midwife said to her, &#8220Don&#8217t be afraid, for you have another son.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/35.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; for now thou shalt have another son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/35.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />She was having a rough time, but the woman who was helping her said, "Don't worry! It's a boy." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/35.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; for now thou shalt have another son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/35.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />During one of her pains, the midwife said to her, "Don't be afraid! You're having another son!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/35.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When her labor pains were at their worst, the midwife said to her, "Don't be afraid, Rachel; it's another boy." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/35.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />While she was suffering due to her difficult labor, the midwife told her, "Don't fear! You're going to have another son."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/35.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, ?Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/35.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When her labor was at its hardest, the midwife said to her, "Don't be afraid, for you are having another son."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/35.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When she was in the difficult labor, the midwife said to her, "Do not be afraid, for now you have another son."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/35.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And it came to pass when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said to her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/35.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When she was in hard labor, the midwife said to her, “Don’t be afraid, for now you will have another son.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/35.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and it comes to pass, in her being sharply pained in her bearing, that the midwife says to her, “Do not fear, for this also [is] a son for you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/35.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and it cometh to pass, in her being sharply pained in her bearing, that the midwife saith to her, 'Fear not, for this also is a son for thee.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/35.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it will be in her being hard in bringing forth, and the midwife will say to her, Thou shalt not fear, for also this a son to thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/35.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />By reason of her hard labor she began to be in danger, and the midwife said to her: Fear not, for thou shalt have this son also. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/35.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />because it was a difficult birth, she began to be in danger. And the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you will have this son also.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/35.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When her labor was most intense, the midwife said to her, “Do not fear, for now you have another son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/35.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When she was in her hard labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid; for now you will have another son.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/35.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, the midwife said to her, Fear not; for this one also is a son for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/35.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And it was that when she was in labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not fear, because this son also is yours.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/35.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the mid-wife said unto her: 'Fear not; for this also is a son for thee.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/35.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And it came to pass in her hard labour, that the midwife said to her, Be of good courage, for thou shalt also have this son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/35-17.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=8889" 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/35.htm">Benjamin is Born, Rachel Dies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16</span>Later, they set out from Bethel, and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">During</a> <a href="/hebrew/7185.htm" title="7185: ḇə·haq·šō·ṯāh (Prep-b:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 3fs) -- To be hard, severe or fierce. A primitive root; properly, to be dense, i.e. Tough or severe.">her severe</a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: bə·liḏ·tāh (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3fs) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">labor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: ham·yal·le·ḏeṯ (Art:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-fs) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">the midwife</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wat·tō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- ">to her,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">“Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: tî·rə·’î (V-Qal-Imperf-2fs) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">be afraid,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">are having</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: ḡam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">another</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bên (N-ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin.…<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="/1_samuel/4-19.htm">1 Samuel 4:19-20</a></span><br />Now Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news of the capture of God’s ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she collapsed and gave birth, for her labor pains overtook her. / As she was dying, the women attending to her said, “Do not be afraid, for you have given birth to a son!” But she did not respond or pay any heed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/30-24.htm">Genesis 30:24</a></span><br />She named him Joseph, and said, “May the LORD add to me another son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/30-1.htm">Genesis 30:1-2</a></span><br />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. / 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="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/29-32.htm">Genesis 29:32</a></span><br />And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/16-11.htm">Genesis 16:11</a></span><br />The angel of the LORD proceeded: “Behold, you have conceived and will bear a son. And you shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard your cry of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/21-2.htm">Genesis 21:2</a></span><br />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/25-24.htm">Genesis 25:24</a></span><br />When her time came to give birth, there were indeed twins in her womb.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/38-27.htm">Genesis 38:27-30</a></span><br />When the time came for Tamar to give birth, there were twins in her womb. / And as she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it around his wrist. “This one came out first,” she announced. / But when he pulled his hand back and his brother came out, she said, “You have broken out first!” So he was named Perez. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/1-19.htm">Exodus 1:19</a></span><br />The midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before a midwife arrives.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-20.htm">1 Samuel 1:20</a></span><br />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="/1_samuel/2-21.htm">1 Samuel 2:21</a></span><br />So the LORD attended to Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-17.htm">2 Kings 4:17</a></span><br />But the woman did conceive, and at that time the next year she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.<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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-57.htm">Luke 1:57</a></span><br />When the time came for Elizabeth to have her child, she gave birth to a son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/2-6.htm">Luke 2:6-7</a></span><br />While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. / And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said to her, Fear not; you shall have this son also.</p><p class="hdg">Fear not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/30-24.htm">Genesis 30:24</a></b></br> And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/4-19.htm">1 Samuel 4:19-21</a></b></br> And his daughter in law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, <i>near</i> to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/32-11.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/genesis/30-9.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Childbearing</a> <a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Childbirth</a> <a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Difficulty</a> <a href="/genesis/35-5.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Great</a> <a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/james/2-22.htm">Helping</a> <a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/exodus/1-19.htm">Midwife</a> <a href="/genesis/34-25.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Pained</a> <a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Severe</a> <a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Sharply</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/38-11.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/genesis/37-25.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-15.htm">Childbearing</a> <a href="/exodus/1-16.htm">Childbirth</a> <a href="/exodus/7-18.htm">Difficulty</a> <a href="/genesis/42-4.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/genesis/36-7.htm">Great</a> <a href="/genesis/41-51.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/exodus/1-16.htm">Helping</a> <a href="/genesis/38-28.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/genesis/38-28.htm">Midwife</a> <a href="/exodus/15-14.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-25.htm">Pained</a> <a href="/genesis/41-31.htm">Severe</a> <a href="/joshua/10-21.htm">Sharply</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 35</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/35-1.htm">God commands Jacob to go to Bethel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/35-2.htm">He purges his house of idols.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/35-6.htm">He builds an altar at Bethel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/35-8.htm">Deborah dies at Allon Bacuth.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/35-9.htm">God blesses Jacob at Bethel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/35-10.htm">Jacob Named Israel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Rachel travails of Benjamin, and dies in the way to Edar.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/35-22.htm">Reuben lies with Bilhah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/35-23.htm">The sons of Jacob.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/35-27.htm">Jacob comes to Isaac at Hebron.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/35-28.htm">The age, death, and burial of Isaac.</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/35.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/35.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>During her severe labor</b><br>This phrase refers to Rachel's difficult childbirth. In the ancient Near East, childbirth was a perilous event, often resulting in the death of the mother or child. Rachel's labor is described as severe, indicating the intensity and danger of the situation. This moment is significant as it fulfills the promise of God to Jacob regarding his descendants. The severity of the labor also highlights the theme of struggle and suffering that often precedes blessing in biblical narratives.<p><b>the midwife said to her</b><br>Midwives played a crucial role in ancient societies, assisting women during childbirth. Their presence indicates the seriousness of Rachel's condition, as midwives were skilled in handling complications. The midwife's role here is not only practical but also comforting, as she provides reassurance to Rachel. This reflects the communal and supportive nature of childbirth in ancient times, contrasting with the isolation often experienced in modern contexts.<p><b>“Do not be afraid</b><br>This phrase is a common biblical exhortation, often used by God or His messengers to reassure individuals facing fear or uncertainty. It reflects the divine presence and assurance in times of distress. In this context, the midwife's words echo God's promises and faithfulness, encouraging Rachel to trust in the outcome despite her current suffering. This phrase connects to other biblical instances where fear is overcome by faith, such as in <a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Joshua 1:9</a> and <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a>.<p><b>for you are having another son.”</b><br>The announcement of a son is significant in the patriarchal society of the Bible, where sons were seen as carriers of the family name and inheritance. This birth fulfills God's promise to Jacob of numerous descendants. The birth of Benjamin, Rachel's second son, is pivotal in the narrative of Israel's tribes. Benjamin's birth also foreshadows the future tribe of Benjamin, which plays a crucial role in Israel's history. The mention of "another son" ties back to Rachel's earlier desire for children, as seen in <a href="/genesis/30.htm">Genesis 30:1</a>, and highlights the continuation of God's covenant promises through Jacob's lineage.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/r/rachel.htm">Rachel</a></b><br>The beloved wife of Jacob, who is experiencing severe labor. Her account is one of longing and fulfillment, as she had previously been barren before God opened her womb.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelite tribes, husband to Rachel, and father to her children. His journey is marked by encounters with God and the fulfillment of His promises.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/midwife.htm">Midwife</a></b><br>An unnamed woman assisting Rachel during childbirth. Her role is crucial in providing comfort and assurance during a critical moment.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/bethlehem.htm">Bethlehem (Ephrath)</a></b><br>The place near where Rachel gives birth. It later becomes significant as the birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/benjamin.htm">Benjamin</a></b><br>The son born to Rachel during this labor. His birth is significant as he becomes one of the twelve tribes of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_trials.htm">God's Faithfulness in Trials</a></b><br>Rachel's severe labor reminds us that God's promises often come through trials. We can trust His faithfulness even in difficult times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_encouragement.htm">The Role of Encouragement</a></b><br>The midwife's words, "Do not be afraid," highlight the power of encouragement. As believers, we are called to support and uplift one another, especially in times of distress.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/significance_of_names.htm">Significance of Names</a></b><br>The naming of Benjamin ("son of the right hand") reflects the importance of identity and destiny in God's plan. Our names and identities in Christ carry purpose and promise.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/legacy_and_impact.htm">Legacy and Impact</a></b><br>Rachel's account and the birth of Benjamin remind us that our lives and actions have lasting impacts on future generations. We are part of a larger account that God is weaving.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_35.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 35</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_benjamin_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Benjamin in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_are_the_israelites.htm">What is the identity of the Israelites?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_rachel's_death_site_verified_externally.htm">(Genesis 35:16-19) Can Rachel's fatal childbirth and burial location be corroborated by any external evidence or timeline?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_god_vs._satan.htm">What does the Bible say about God versus Satan?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/35.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And it came to pass, when she was in hard labor</span> (literally, <span class="accented">in her laboring hard in her parturition</span>)<span class="accented">, <span class="cmt_word"></span>that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also</span> - literally, <span class="accented">for also this to thee a son</span>; meaning either that she would certainly have strength to bring forth another son, or, what is more probable, that the child was already born, and that it was a son. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/35-17.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">During</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְהִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(way·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her severe</span><br /><span class="heb">בְהַקְשֹׁתָ֖הּ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·haq·šō·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7185.htm">Strong's 7185: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be hard, severe or fierce</span><br /><br /><span class="word">labor,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּלִדְתָּ֑הּ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·liḏ·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the midwife</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמְיַלֶּ֙דֶת֙</span> <span class="translit">(ham·yal·le·ḏeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתֹּ֨אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine 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">to her,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֤הּ</span> <span class="translit">(lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be afraid,</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּ֣ירְאִ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(tî·rə·’î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֖ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(lāḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">are having</span><br /><span class="heb">זֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">another</span><br /><span class="heb">גַם־</span> <span class="translit">(ḡam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">son.”</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּֽן׃</span> <span class="translit">(bên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/35-17.htm">Genesis 35:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/35-17.htm">Genesis 35:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/35-17.htm">Genesis 35:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/35-17.htm">Genesis 35:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/35-17.htm">Genesis 35:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/35-17.htm">Genesis 35:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/35-17.htm">Genesis 35:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/35-17.htm">Genesis 35:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/35-17.htm">Genesis 35:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/35-17.htm">Genesis 35:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/35-17.htm">OT Law: Genesis 35:17 When she was in hard labor (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/35-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 35:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 35:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/35-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 35:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 35:18" /></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>