Genesis 35:16-20·~1 min

Benjamin Born, Rachel Dies

On the road from Bethel, Rachel's labor becomes severe, and the midwife tells her not to fear because another son is being born. As she dies, she names him Ben-oni, but Jacob calls him Benjamin.

L¹⁶ater, they set out from Bethel, and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult. ¹⁷During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.” ¹⁸And with her last breath— for she was dying— she named vvv him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin.

Rachel dies and is buried on the way to Ephrath, that is, Bethlehem. Jacob sets up a pillar over her grave, and it remains as her memorial.

¹⁹So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). ²⁰Jacob set up a pillar on her grave; it marks Rachel’s tomb to this day.

Section summaryAs the family leaves Bethel, Rachel goes into hard labor and dies giving birth to another son. Her dying name for the child gives way to Jacob's naming of Benjamin, and Rachel is buried on the road near Ephrath.

Role in the chapterThis section turns from covenant renewal to costly continuation of the family line. It holds promise and grief together as the household grows through Rachel's death.