Genesis 35:16

Shilluk DC Bible © Bible Society in South Sudan, 2011

Kɑ ge odɑ̈gø kì Betiil. Kɑ Rɑceel pïïd yi pɑ̈dhi piny ge nuti wɑ̈nhi Eprɑtɑ̀ ki kɑɑm me lɑɑj,

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes Rachel's journey with her family from Bethel to Ephrath. As they were close to Ephrath, Rachel went into labor and had a difficult time giving birth.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're on a long car trip with your family, almost to your destination, and suddenly your mommy has to stop because she's going to have a baby. It's not easy, but she's almost there. That's what happened to Rachel in this story.

Historical Background

Genesis was written by Moses around 1400 BCE. This book records the early history of the Israelites, focusing on their ancestors' lives. This verse is part of the story of Jacob's family and their travels.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, we can apply this to the understanding that sometimes the hardest trials can come when we're close to our goals. Just like Rachel's labor, we might face challenges when we're almost there, but support and perseverance can help us through.

Topics

• journey
• birth
• hardship
• family
• perseverance
• support

Related Verses

• Genesis 35:17-20
• Genesis 30:22-24
• 1 Samuel 4:19
• John 16:21
• Romans 8:22-23

Recommended Reading

Commentary Genesis Commentaries → Get This Bible Shilluk DC Bible © Bible Society in South Sudan, Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the verse tell us about Rachel's condition?

The verse indicates that Rachel was in hard labor, suggesting that her childbirth was difficult and possibly risky.

Why is the distance mentioned?

The mention of the short distance to Ephrath highlights the proximity of Rachel's delivery to her destination, indicating that she was almost there when her labor started.

How does this verse relate to the broader story of Jacob and his family?

This verse is part of the narrative that tracks the movement and growth of Jacob's family, emphasizing the challenges they faced during their travels.

What can we learn about childbirth in ancient times from this verse?

This verse suggests that childbirth in ancient times could be difficult and risky, and it often occurred during travel, highlighting the challenges of nomadic or migratory lifestyles.