Genesis 29:32 And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, "The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now."

◄ Genesis 29:32 ►

New International Version
Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the LORD has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.”

New Living Translation
So Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has noticed my misery, and now my husband will love me.”

English Standard Version
And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, “Because the LORD has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.”

Berean Standard Bible
And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.”

King James Bible
And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

New King James Version
So Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, “The LORD has surely looked on my affliction. Now therefore, my husband will love me.”

New American Standard Bible
Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and named him Reuben, for she said, “Because the LORD has seen my affliction; surely now my husband will love me.”

NASB 1995
Leah conceived and bore a son and named him Reuben, for she said, “Because the LORD has seen my affliction; surely now my husband will love me.”

NASB 1977
And Leah conceived and bore a son and named him Reuben, for she said, “Because the LORD has seen my affliction; surely now my husband will love me.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So Leah conceived and bore a son and named him Reuben, for she said, “Because Yahweh has seen my affliction; surely now my husband will love me.”

Amplified Bible
Leah conceived and gave birth to a son and named him Reuben (See, a son!), for she said, “Because the LORD has seen my humiliation and suffering; now my husband will love me [since I have given him a son].”

Christian Standard Bible
Leah conceived, gave birth to a son, and named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction; surely my husband will love me now.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Leah conceived, gave birth to a son, and named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction; surely my husband will love me now.”

American Standard Version
And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Because Jehovah hath looked upon my affliction: for now my husband will love me.

Contemporary English Version
Leah gave birth to a son and named him Reuben. Then she said, "The LORD has taken away my sorrow. Now my husband will love me more than he does Rachel."

English Revised Version
And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Because the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben [Here's My Son], because she said, "Certainly, the LORD has seen my misery; now my husband will love me!"

Good News Translation
Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She said, "The LORD has seen my trouble, and now my husband will love me"; so she named him Reuben.

International Standard Version
Leah conceived, bore a son, and named him Reuben, because she was saying, "The LORD had looked on my torture, so now my husband will love me."

Majority Standard Bible
And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.”

NET Bible
So Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, "The LORD has looked with pity on my oppressed condition. Surely my husband will love me now."

New Heart English Bible
Leah conceived, and bore a son, and she named him Reuben. For she said, "Because God has looked at my affliction, and given me a son. For now my husband will love me."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Leah conceived, and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

World English Bible
Leah conceived, and bore a son, and she named him Reuben. For she said, “Because Yahweh has looked at my affliction; for now my husband will love me.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and Leah conceives, and bears a son, and calls his name Reuben, for she said, “Because YHWH has looked on my affliction; because now does my husband love me.”

Young's Literal Translation
and Leah conceiveth, and beareth a son, and calleth his name Reuben, for she said, 'Because Jehovah hath looked on mine affliction; because now doth my husband love me.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Leah will conceive and will bring forth a son, and she will call his name Reuben: for she said that Jehovah saw my affliction, for now my husband will love me.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And she conceived and bore a son, and called his name Ruben, saying: The Lord saw my affliction: now my husband will love me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Having conceived, she gave birth to a son, and she called his name Reuben, saying: “The Lord saw my humiliation; now my husband will love me.”

New American Bible
Leah conceived and bore a son, and she named him Reuben; for she said, “It means, ‘The LORD saw my misery; surely now my husband will love me.’ ”

New Revised Standard Version
Leah conceived and bore a son, and she named him Reuben; for she said, “Because the LORD has looked on my affliction; surely now my husband will love me.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Leah conceived, and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, Because the LORD has seen my affliction, now therefore my husband will love me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Leah became pregnant and she bore a son and she called his name Rubyl, and she said “Because God saw my oppression; now my husband will love me.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And Leah conceived, and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said: 'Because the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Lea conceived and bore a son to Jacob; and she called his name, Ruben; saying, Because the Lord has looked on my humiliation, and has given me a son, now then my husband will love me.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah
31When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. 32And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.” 33Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has given me this son as well.” So she named him Simeon.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Genesis 30:18
Then Leah said, “God has rewarded me for giving my maidservant to my husband.” So she named him Issachar.

Genesis 49:3-4
Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. / Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it.

Deuteronomy 21:15-17
If a man has two wives, one beloved and the other unloved, and both bear him sons, but the unloved wife has the firstborn son, / when that man assigns his inheritance to his sons he must not appoint the son of the beloved wife as the firstborn over the son of the unloved wife. / Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him.

1 Chronicles 5:1-2
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. / And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph.

Exodus 1:1-2
These are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family: / Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah;

Judges 8:22-23
Then the Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us—you and your son and grandson—for you have saved us from the hand of Midian.” / But Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you.”

1 Samuel 1:20
So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.”

1 Samuel 2:21
So the LORD attended to Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.

1 Kings 8:16
‘Since the day I brought My people Israel out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city from any tribe of Israel in which to build a house so that My Name would be there. But I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’

2 Kings 14:27
and since the LORD had said that He would not blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam son of Jehoash.

Matthew 1:2
Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.

Luke 3:33
the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,

John 4:22
You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.

Romans 9:7-8
Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring.

Romans 11:1
I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.

Treasury of Scripture

And Leah conceived, and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD has looked on my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

Genesis 35:22
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:

Genesis 37:21,22,29
And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him…

Genesis 42:22,27
And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required…

Reuben.

Exodus 3:7
And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

Exodus 4:31
And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

Deuteronomy 26:7
And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression:

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Genesis 29

1. Jacob comes to the well of Haran.
9. He becomes acquainted with Rachel.
13. Laban entertains him.
18. Jacob covenants for Rachel.
23. He is deceived by Laban with Leah.
28. He marries also Rachel, and serves for her seven years more.
32. Leah bears Reuben;
33. Simeon;
34. Levi;
35. and Judah.

Berean Study Bible

And Leah conceived
The phrase "And Leah conceived" marks a significant moment in the narrative of Jacob's family. The Hebrew root for "conceived" is "הרָה" (harah), which signifies the beginning of life and God's blessing of fertility. In the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, a woman's ability to conceive was seen as a sign of divine favor and personal worth. Leah's conception is a testament to God's providence and His involvement in the unfolding of His covenant promises through the lineage of Jacob.

and gave birth to a son
The act of giving birth, "וַתֵּלֶד" (vataled), is a fulfillment of God's promise to multiply Abraham's descendants. The birth of a son, in particular, was of great importance in the patriarchal society, as sons were seen as carriers of the family name and inheritance. This birth is not just a personal triumph for Leah but a continuation of the divine plan for the nation of Israel.

and she named him Reuben
The naming of Reuben, "רְאוּבֵן" (Re'uven), is deeply symbolic. The name Reuben is a play on words in Hebrew, combining "רָאָה" (ra'ah), meaning "to see," and "בֵּן" (ben), meaning "son." Leah's choice of name reflects her acknowledgment of God's awareness of her situation. In the biblical tradition, names often carry prophetic significance, and Reuben's name is a testament to God's intervention and Leah's hope for her future.

for she said, 'Because the LORD has seen my affliction
Leah's declaration, "Because the LORD has seen my affliction," uses the Hebrew word "עָנִי" (ani), meaning "affliction" or "misery." This reflects Leah's personal struggle and her sense of being unloved in her marriage to Jacob. The use of "LORD," translated from "יהוה" (YHWH), emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Leah's faith in God's ability to see and respond to her suffering is a powerful reminder of His compassion and justice.

surely my husband will love me now
Leah's hope, "surely my husband will love me now," reveals her deep desire for Jacob's affection. The Hebrew word for "love," "אָהֵב" (ahev), indicates a longing for emotional connection and acceptance. Leah's statement underscores the human need for love and validation, and it highlights the complexities of her relationship with Jacob. Despite her circumstances, Leah's faith in God's provision remains steadfast, serving as an inspiration for believers to trust in God's timing and purpose.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(32-35) She called his name Reuben.--There is something very touching in the history of these four births. When the first child is born, Leah joyfully calls him "Reuben," that is, See, a son! and fondly hopes that now she is a mother her husband will love her. And the mention of her "affliction" shows that, while she loved Jacob tenderly, he was to her more than unloving. Her second son she calls" Simeon," that is hearing, and, disappointed in her first hope, regards the child as a gift of Jehovah to compensate her for the lack of the affection for which she so longed. Her third son she calls "Levi," that is, joined, still hoping that as in her tent alone there were children to play around the father, he would be more united to her. But her hope remains unfulfilled. And when her fourth son is born, she calls him "Judah," that is, praise. Throughout, in the midst of her melancholy, there is a tone of fervent piety, and that not merely to God, but to the covenant Jehovah. And now slowly she parts with her hope of human affection, and finds comfort in Jehovah alone. This time, she says, I will praise Jehovah. And it was this son of the despised one, whose birth called forth from her this hymn of simple thanksgiving, who was fore-ordained to be the ancestor of the promised seed.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 32. - And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben (literally, reuben, Behold a Son! an expression of joyful surprise at the Divine compassion): for she said, Surely the Lord hath looked upon my affliction. Though not directly contained in the term Reuben, the sense of these words is implied (Kalisch). As Leah's child was an intimation that she had been an object of Jehovah's compassion, so did she expect it to be a means of drawing towards herself Jacob s affection. Now therefore (literally, for now) my husband will love me. She was confident in the first flush of maternal joy that Jacob's heart would turn towards her; she believed that God had sent her child to effect this conversion of her husband's affections; and she regarded the birth of Reuben as a signal proof of the Divine pity.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And Leah
לֵאָה֙ (lê·’āh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3812: Leah -- 'weary', a wife of Jacob

conceived
וַתַּ֤הַר (wat·ta·har)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2029: To conceive, become pregnant

and gave birth to
וַתֵּ֣לֶד (wat·tê·leḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage

a son,
בֵּ֔ן (bên)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

and she named
וַתִּקְרָ֥א (wat·tiq·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

him Reuben,
רְאוּבֵ֑ן (rə·’ū·ḇên)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7205: Reuben -- 'behold a son!' oldest son of Jacob, also his desc

for
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

she said,
אָֽמְרָ֗ה (’ā·mə·rāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“The LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

has seen
רָאָ֤ה (rā·’āh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

my affliction.
בְּעָנְיִ֔י (bə·‘ān·yî)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6040: Affliction, poverty

Surely
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

my husband
אִישִֽׁי׃ (’î·šî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

will love
יֶאֱהָבַ֥נִי (ye·’ĕ·hā·ḇa·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 157: To have affection f

me now.”
עַתָּ֖ה (‘at·tāh)
Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

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OT Law: Genesis 29:32 Leah conceived and bore a son (Gen. Ge Gn)