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Genesis 35:22 While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father's concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons:
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Jacob had twelve sons:" /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/35-22.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/35-22.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/35.htm">Chapter 35</a> > Verse 22</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/35-21.htm" title="Genesis 35:21">◄</a> Genesis 35:22 <a href="/genesis/35-23.htm" title="Genesis 35:23">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/35.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/35.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard of it. Jacob had twelve sons:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/35.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />While he was living there, Reuben had intercourse with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, and Jacob soon heard about it. These are the names of the twelve sons of Jacob:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/35.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />While Israel lived in that land, Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine. And Israel heard of it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/35.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/35.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard <i>it</i>. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/35.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And it happened, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine; and Israel heard <i>about it.</i> Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/35.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And it came about, while Israel was living in that land, that Reuben went and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard <i>about it.</i> Now there were twelve sons of Jacob—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/35.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />It came about while Israel was dwelling in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine, and Israel heard of it. Now there were twelve sons of Jacob—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/35.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And it came about while Israel was dwelling in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine; and Israel heard <i>of it.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/35.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now it happened while Israel was dwelling in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine, and Israel heard <i>of it</i>. And there were twelve sons of Jacob—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/35.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />While Israel was living in that land, Reuben [his eldest son] went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine, and Israel heard about it. Now Jacob had twelve sons—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/35.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/35.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had 12 sons: <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, while Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard of it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/35.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />During their time there, Jacob's oldest son Reuben slept with Bilhah, who was one of Jacob's other wives. And Jacob found out about it. <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, while Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard of it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/35.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went to bed with his father's concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had 12 sons. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/35.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />While Jacob was living in that land, Reuben had sexual intercourse with Bilhah, one of his father's concubines; Jacob heard about it and was furious. Jacob had twelve sons. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/35.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But while Israel lived in that land, Reuben went inside his father's tent and had sexual relations with his father's concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Now Jacob had twelve sons. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/35.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father?s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/35.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />While Israel was living in that land, Reuben had sexual relations with Bilhah, his father's concubine, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/35.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It happened, while Israel lived in that land, that Reuben went and slept with Bilhah, his father?s secondary wife, and Israel heard about it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve.<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 Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/35.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />While Israel lived in that land, Reuben went and lay with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, and Israel heard of it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve. <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 Israel’s dwelling in that land, that Reuben goes, and lies with his father’s concubine Bilhah; and Israel hears.<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 Israel's dwelling in that land, that Reuben goeth, and lieth with Bilhah his father's concubine; and Israel heareth.<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 the dwelling of Israel in that land, and Reuben will go, and will lie with Bilhah, his father's concubine: and Israel will hear. And the sons of Jacob will be twelve.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/35.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when he dwelt in that country, Ruben went, and slept with Bala, the concubine of his father: which he was not ignorant of. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/35.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when he was living in that region, Reuben went out, and he slept with Bilhah the concubine of his father, which was not such a small matter as to be hidden from him. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/35.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />While Israel was encamped in that region, Reuben went and lay with Bilhah, his father’s concubine. When Israel heard of it, he was greatly offended. The sons of Jacob were now twelve.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/35.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />While Israel lived in that land, Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine; and Israel heard of it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve.<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 Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah, his father's concubine; and Israel heard of it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:<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 Israel had dwelt in that land, Rubil went and he lay with Balha the Concubine of his father, and Israel heard; and there were twelve sons of Yaquuv,<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, while Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine; and Israel heard of it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:<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 when Israel dwelt in that land, that Ruben went and lay with Balla, the concubine of his father Jacob; and Israel heard, and the thing appeared grievous before him. And the sons of Jacob were twelve.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/35-22.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=8921" 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">The Sons of Jacob</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21</span>Israel again set out and pitched his tent beyond the Tower of Eder. <span class="reftext">22</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.">While</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7931.htm" title="7931: biš·kōn (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root (by transmission) to shakab through the idea of lodging; compare cikluwth, shakam); to reside or permanently stay.">was living</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hi·w (Art:: Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">in that</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: bā·’ā·reṣ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">region,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7205.htm" title="7205: rə·’ū·ḇên (N-proper-ms) -- From the imperative of ra'ah and ben; see ye a son; Reuben, a son of Jacob.">Reuben</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">went in</a> <a href="/hebrew/7901.htm" title="7901: way·yiš·kaḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To lie down. A primitive root; to lie down.">and slept with</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">his father’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/6370.htm" title="6370: pî·le·ḡeš (N-fsc) -- Concubine. Or pilegesh; of uncertain derivation; a concubine; also a paramour.">concubine</a> <a href="/hebrew/1090.htm" title="1090: bil·hāh (N-proper-fs) -- Bilhah -- a concubine of Jacob. From balahh; timid; Bilhah, the name of one of Jacob's concubines; also of a place in Palestine.">Bilhah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rå̄·ʾēl p̄ (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">and Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·yih·yū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: way·yiš·ma‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">heard about it.</a> <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 had</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·nêm (Number-md) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">twelve</a> <a href="/hebrew/6240.htm" title="6240: ‘ā·śār (Number-ms) -- Ten. For eser; ten, i.e. -teen; also -teenth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">sons:</a> </span><span class="reftext">23</span>The sons of Leah were Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.…<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_chronicles/5-1.htm">1 Chronicles 5:1</a></span><br />These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. So he is not reckoned according to birthright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/49-3.htm">Genesis 49:3-4</a></span><br />Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. / Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-21.htm">2 Samuel 16:21-22</a></span><br />Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” / So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-3.htm">2 Samuel 20:3</a></span><br />When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to take care of the palace, and he placed them in a house under guard. He provided for them, but he no longer slept with them. They were confined until the day of their death, living as widows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/18-8.htm">Leviticus 18:8</a></span><br />You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/22-30.htm">Deuteronomy 22:30</a></span><br />A man is not to marry his father’s wife, so that he will not dishonor his father’s marriage bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/27-20.htm">Deuteronomy 27:20</a></span><br />‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his father’s wife, for he has violated his father’s marriage bed.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-13.htm">1 Kings 2:13-25</a></span><br />Now Adonijah son of Haggith went to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, and she asked, “Do you come in peace?” “Yes, in peace,” he replied. / Then he said, “I have something to tell you.” “Say it,” she answered. / “You know that the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected that I should reign, but the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/5-1.htm">1 Corinthians 5:1</a></span><br />It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-18.htm">1 Corinthians 6:18</a></span><br />Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-8.htm">1 Corinthians 10:8</a></span><br />We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19</a></span><br />The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Ephesians 5:3</a></span><br />But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">Colossians 3:5</a></span><br />Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:3-5</a></span><br />For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; / each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, / not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God;</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 Israel dwelled in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:</p><p class="hdg">lay with.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/49-4.htm">Genesis 49:4</a></b></br> Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou <i>it</i>: he went up to my couch.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/18-8.htm">Leviticus 18:8</a></b></br> The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it <i>is</i> thy father's nakedness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/16-21.htm">2 Samuel 16:21,22</a></b></br> And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that <i>are</i> with thee be strong… </p><p class="hdg">Now the sons.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/35-18.htm">Genesis 35:18</a></b></br> And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/29-31.htm">Genesis 29:31-35</a></b></br> And when the LORD saw that Leah <i>was</i> hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel <i>was</i> barren… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/30-5.htm">Genesis 30:5-24</a></b></br> And Bilhah conceived, and bare Jacob a son… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/30-7.htm">Bilhah</a> <a href="/genesis/22-24.htm">Concubine</a> <a href="/genesis/34-2.htm">Connection</a> <a href="/genesis/34-10.htm">Country</a> <a href="/genesis/27-39.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/genesis/34-16.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/genesis/34-19.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/genesis/34-7.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/genesis/31-1.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/genesis/35-21.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-12.htm">Israel's</a> <a href="/genesis/19-20.htm">It</a> <a href="/genesis/35-20.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/34-2.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/genesis/32-5.htm">News</a> <a href="/genesis/22-2.htm">Region</a> <a href="/genesis/30-14.htm">Reuben</a> <a href="/genesis/21-13.htm">Servant-Woman</a> <a href="/genesis/30-16.htm">Slept</a> <a href="/genesis/25-16.htm">Twelve</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/35-25.htm">Bilhah</a> <a href="/genesis/36-12.htm">Concubine</a> <a href="/genesis/36-12.htm">Connection</a> <a href="/genesis/36-6.htm">Country</a> <a href="/genesis/36-40.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/genesis/36-8.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/genesis/35-29.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/genesis/37-17.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/genesis/37-21.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/genesis/36-31.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/genesis/42-5.htm">Israel's</a> <a href="/genesis/41-8.htm">It</a> <a href="/genesis/35-23.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/37-22.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/genesis/38-13.htm">News</a> <a href="/genesis/36-20.htm">Region</a> <a href="/genesis/35-23.htm">Reuben</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-20.htm">Servant-Woman</a> <a href="/genesis/38-18.htm">Slept</a> <a href="/genesis/35-23.htm">Twelve</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'; 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Jacob, also known as Israel, was residing in the land of Canaan, which God had promised to his descendants. This period follows Jacob's return from Paddan Aram and his reconciliation with Esau. The region is significant as it is part of the Promised Land, a central theme in the narrative of the Israelites.<p><b>Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah,</b><br>Reuben, Jacob's firstborn son, committed a grave sin by sleeping with Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant and Jacob's concubine. This act was not only a personal betrayal but also a challenge to Jacob's authority and family structure. In the cultural context of the time, such an act was seen as an attempt to usurp the father's position. This incident foreshadows Reuben's loss of his birthright, as later seen in <a href="/genesis/49-3.htm">Genesis 49:3-4</a>, where Jacob rebukes him for his instability and sin.<p><b>and Israel heard about it.</b><br>The phrase indicates that Jacob became aware of Reuben's actions, though the text does not immediately describe his reaction. This knowledge would have significant implications for family dynamics and inheritance rights. It sets the stage for future developments in the narrative, particularly in Jacob's blessings and prophecies over his sons in <a href="/genesis/49.htm">Genesis 49</a>.<p><b>Jacob had twelve sons:</b><br>This statement summarizes the patriarchal lineage of the twelve tribes of Israel. Each son would become the progenitor of a tribe, playing a crucial role in the history and identity of the Israelite nation. The number twelve is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness and divine order. The sons of Jacob are central figures in the unfolding story of God's covenant with Israel, and their actions and descendants are pivotal throughout the Old Testament.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel (Jacob)</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelite tribes, originally named Jacob. He is the father of Reuben and the other eleven sons who become the tribes of Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/reuben.htm">Reuben</a></b><br>The firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. His actions in this verse have significant implications for his future and his standing among his brothers.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/bilhah.htm">Bilhah</a></b><br>Rachel's maidservant and Jacob's concubine. She bore Jacob two sons, Dan and Naphtali.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_region.htm">The Region</a></b><br>The specific location is not named in this verse, but it is part of the broader account of Jacob's journey and settlement in Canaan.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a></b><br>Reuben's act of sleeping with Bilhah, his father's concubine, is a significant transgression that affects his inheritance rights and family dynamics.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>Reuben's actions had long-lasting effects on his life and legacy. Sin can have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate moment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_family_boundaries.htm">Respect for Family Boundaries</a></b><br>The Bible emphasizes the importance of respecting family relationships and boundaries. Violating these can lead to brokenness and division.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a></b><br>As the firstborn, Reuben had a responsibility to lead by example. His failure serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of integrity in leadership.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_family_dynamics.htm">God's Sovereignty in Family Dynamics</a></b><br>Despite human failings, God's purposes prevail. The account of Jacob's family shows how God can work through imperfect people to fulfill His promises.<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/why_is_reuben's_act_with_bilhah_brief.htm">(Genesis 35:22) Why is Reuben’s act with Bilhah mentioned only briefly here, and does it conflict with other passages describing moral or legal consequences?</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_quiverfull,_patriarchy.htm">What does the Bible say about Quiverfull and patriarchy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_g12_vision.htm">What is the G12 Vision?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/35.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(22) <span class= "bld">Reuben.</span>--Again another grief for Jacob to mar his return home, and this time it arises from the sin of his first-born, who thereby forfeits the birthright. It was the thought of these miseries, following upon his long years of exile, which made Jacob speak so sorrowfully of his experience of life before Pharaoh (<a href="/genesis/47-9.htm" title="And Jacob said to Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.">Genesis 47:9</a>).<p><span class= "bld">And Israel heard it.</span>--The Masora notes that some words have here fallen out of the text, which the LXX. fill up by adding, "And it was evil in his sight."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/35.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine</span>: - an act of incest (<a href="/leviticus/18-8.htm">Leviticus 18:8</a>) for which he was afterwards disinherited (<a href="/genesis/49-4.htm">Genesis 49:4</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/5-1.htm">1 Chronicles 5:1</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">and Israel heard</span> <span class="cmt_word">it</span>. The hiatus in the text and the break in the MS. at this point may both have been designed to express Jacob's grief at the tidings. The LXX. add feebly <span class="greek">καὶ πονηρὸν ἐφάνη ἐναντίον</span> <span class="greek">αὐτοῦ</span>, which surely fails to represent the mingled shame and sorrow, indignation and horror, with which his eldest son's wickedness must have filled him. <span class="cmt_word">Now the sons of Jacob were twelve</span> - a separate verse in the LXX., which is certainly more in accordance with the sense than the division in the text. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/35-22.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">While</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְהִ֗י</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">Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵל֙</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was living</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּשְׁכֹּ֤ן</span> <span class="translit">(biš·kōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7931.htm">Strong's 7931: </a> </span><span class="str2">To settle down, abide, dwell</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in that</span><br /><span class="heb">הַהִ֔וא</span> <span class="translit">(ha·hi·w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">region,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּאָ֣רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(bā·’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Reuben</span><br /><span class="heb">רְאוּבֵ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(rə·’ū·ḇên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7205.htm">Strong's 7205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Reuben -- 'behold a son!' oldest son of Jacob, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">went in</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and slept with</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁכַּ֕ב֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·kaḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7901.htm">Strong's 7901: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lie down</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his father’s</span><br /><span class="heb">אָבִ֑֔יו</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḇîw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">concubine</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּילֶ֣גֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(pî·le·ḡeš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6370.htm">Strong's 6370: </a> </span><span class="str2">A concubine, a paramour</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Bilhah,</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּלְהָ֖ה֙</span> <span class="translit">(bil·hāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1090.htm">Strong's 1090: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bilhah -- a concubine of Jacob</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵֽ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heard about it.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁמַ֖ע</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·ma‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jacob had</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">twelve</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁנֵ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(šə·nêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - md<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sons:</span><br /><span class="heb">בְנֵֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·nê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<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/35-22.htm">Genesis 35:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/35-22.htm">Genesis 35:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/35-22.htm">Genesis 35:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/35-22.htm">Genesis 35:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/35-22.htm">Genesis 35:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/35-22.htm">Genesis 35:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/35-22.htm">Genesis 35:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/35-22.htm">Genesis 35:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/35-22.htm">Genesis 35:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/35-22.htm">Genesis 35:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/35-22.htm">OT Law: Genesis 35:22 It happened while Israel lived in that (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/35-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 35:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 35:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/35-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 35:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 35:23" /></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>