Genesis 35:22

Translations

Modern

While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons:

Traditional

And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:

Literal

And it came to pass while Israel was dwelling in the land, that Reuben went in and lay with Bilhah, concubine of his father, and Israel heard of it. And the sons of Jacob were two and ten:

Latin

Cumque habitaret in illa regione, abiit Ruben, et dormivit cum Bala concubina patris sui: quod illum minime latuit. Erant autem filii Jacob duodecim.

Original

Hebrew

English

While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons:

Notes

Genesis 35:22

Reuben had sexual relations with Bilhah. This dishonored his father's marriage. As the oldest son, Reuben might have been trying to take over as the clan leader using a pagan method (compare 2 Samuel 16:15–22). But this act caused him to lose his birthright (see Genesis 49:3–4).
Jacob soon found out what happened, but he delayed his response again (see 49:3–4; compare 34:5).

Genesis 35:1–29

This chapter discusses God's promises, Jacob's vow, and how Jacob's sons continue the covenant. Deborah, Rachel, and Isaac died. This marked the end of an era and the story of Isaac's family (25:19–35:29).
They removed idols (35:1–4) and established pure worship (35:6–7). During this time, they needed to renew their faith so Jacob's sons could continue the covenant.

Theme notes and profiles

Jacob Symbolic Numbers

Events

Rachel dies giving birth to Benjaminc. 1739 BC

Related verses

1 Chronicles 5:1
These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. So he is not reckoned according to birthright.
Leviticus 18:8
You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father.
1 Corinthians 5:1
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife.
2 Samuel 16:21–22
Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.”
Genesis 49:1–28
Then Jacob called for his sons and said, “Gather around so that I can tell you what will happen to you in the days to come:
2 Samuel 20:3
When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to take care of the palace, and he placed them in a house under guard. He provided for them, but he no longer slept with them. They were confined until the day of their death, living as widows.
Revelation 7:4–8
And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel:
1 Chronicles 2:1–2
These were the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun,
Genesis 29:31–35
When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.
Acts 7:8
Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. And Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.
Genesis 30:5–24
…and Bilhah conceived and bore him a son.
Deuteronomy 33:1–29
This is the blessing that Moses the man of God pronounced upon the Israelites before his death.

Parallels

1 Chronicles 2:1–2

People

Bilhah: Rachel's maidservant and mother of Dan and Naphtali Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Reuben: Firstborn son of Jacob and Leah

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bilhah (Person) Concubinage, Concubines Ebla Tablets Family Life and Relations Genealogy Genesis, Book of Patriarchs, Period of the Reuben (Person) Reuben, Tribe of

Topics

Adultery: Reuben Bilhah: Rachael's Servant: Reuben's Incest With Incest: Reuben Jacob: Descendants of Jacob: The Incest of his Son, Reuben, with his Concubine, Bilhah Reuben: Commits Incest with One of his Father's Concubines, And, in Consequence, Forfeits his Birthright The Jews: Divided Into Twelve Tribes The Tribes of Israel: Descended from Jacob's Sons

Genesis 35:22

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