Genesis 30:18

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

فقالَت لَيئة: «قد أَعْطاني اللهُ أَجْري، لأَنِّي أَعطَيتُ خادِمَتي لِزَوجي»، وسَمَّته يَسَّاكَر.

What Does This Mean?

In Genesis 30:18, Leah is speaking and she is naming her son Issachar. She believes God has given her this child as a reward for giving her maid to her husband, Jacob.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a friend who shares their toys with you. One day, you get a special gift because of your friend's kindness. That's a bit like what happened here. Leah got a baby because she shared her maid with her husband, and she thought God was giving her a gift for that.

Historical Background

Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. This section deals with the family dynamics and lineage of Jacob's children. The text reflects the cultural norms of that time, where servants were often given to their masters' wives to bear children.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, consider when you share a resource or responsibility with a partner. If it brings a positive outcome, like a new business opportunity or a successful project, it can be seen as a reward for your cooperation and sacrifice.

Topics

family dynamicsrewardsharingfaithservantschildbearing

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Leah's name 'Issachar' mean?

Issachar can be interpreted as 'there is a reward,' suggesting Leah believed God rewarded her for her actions.

Why did Leah give her maid to Jacob?

Leah gave her maid to Jacob to bear children, reflecting the cultural practice and the desire for a larger family in ancient times.

How does this verse relate to modern family dynamics?

It highlights themes of sharing and reward, which can be seen in modern family dynamics, particularly in cooperative parenting and family planning.

What does this verse teach about faith?

This verse teaches that faith involves recognizing God's involvement in everyday actions and seeing divine rewards for one's faithfulness.

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