Tag Archives: Genesis 30:3

וַתֹּ֕אמֶר הִנֵּ֛ה אֲמָתִ֥י בִלְהָ֖ה בֹּ֣א אֵלֶ֑יהָ וְתֵלֵד֙ עַל־בִּרְכַּ֔י וְאִבָּנֶ֥ה גַם־אָנֹכִ֖י מִמֶּֽנָּה׃ Contextual Introduction Genesis 30:3 occurs in the emotionally charged narrative of the rivalry between Rachel and Leah, wives of יָעֲקֹב (Yaʿaqov), as they contend for honor and fertility in the patriarchal household. Rachel, barren and desperate, proposes that her maidservant בִּלְהָה act as a surrogate mother so that she may symbolically bear children through her. This verse is pivotal, introducing the complex concept of childbearing by proxy in Ancient Israel and encapsulating themes of identity, legitimacy, and divine providence.… Learn Hebrew