Genesis 30:12

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

ووَلَدَت زِلفَةُ خادِمَةُ لَيئَةَ ٱبنًا ثانيًا لِيَعْقوب.

What Does This Mean?

In Genesis 30:12, it is recorded that Zilpah, who is Leah's maid, bore Jacob a second son. This verse is a straightforward account of the birth of a child, with no speaker indicated. The key message is the continuing lineage and growth of Jacob's family.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a friend who has a big family, and this friend's mom has a helper. This helper, just like a friend helping another friend, had a baby. This baby is part of the big family, and it's like adding another piece to a puzzle, making the family bigger and stronger.

Historical Background

Genesis was written by Moses around 1440-1400 B.C.E., and this particular verse is part of a genealogical record and family history. The audience was primarily the Israelites, and the cultural setting reflects the patriarchal society of the ancient Near East, where servants and maids were part of the household and could bear children for their mistresses.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can remind us of the importance of extended family and how each member contributes to the family's legacy. Just like Zilpah's son becomes part of Jacob's lineage, each of us can contribute to our family's story, no matter how big or small our role seems.

Topics

• family
• lineage
• patriarchs
• servitude
• genealogy
• Israelites

Related Verses

• Genesis 29:30
• Genesis 35:26
• 1 Chronicles 7:12
• Luke 3:34
• Romans 9:10

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Zilpah's role significant?

Zilpah's role is significant because it reflects the cultural norms of the time where servants could contribute to the family lineage, which was crucial in ancient societies for inheritance and status.

How does this verse tie into Jacob's family history?

This verse is part of the detailed account of Jacob's growing family, which is important for understanding the lineage and future of the Israelites.

What does this verse tell us about the social structure of the time?

This verse indicates a social structure where servants, like Zilpah, played a significant role in family life, often bearing children to contribute to the household and lineage.

How can this verse be applied to family dynamics today?

This verse can be applied today by recognizing the contributions of all family members, no matter their role, and understanding the importance of lineage and history in shaping a family's identity.