Genesis 35:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jacob's group departs from Bethel, traveling toward Ephrath, when Rachel begins hard labor.
The Context of Genesis 35:16
The family travels from Bethel toward Ephrath; Rachel begins labor.
What Does Genesis 35:16 Mean?
The group's journey toward Ephrath (associated with Bethlehem) marks their continued movement into Canaan. Rachel's hard labor comes at a critical juncture—as the family journeys away from the sacred site of covenant renewal. The text's notation that labor was difficult foreshadows the tragedy that follows.
Rachel was one of Jacob's beloved wives and the mother of Joseph, Jacob's favored son. Her condition during travel, while the family is moving forward in faith, sets the stage for the most significant loss Jacob would experience after his earlier reconciliation with Esau.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 35:16
What does Genesis 35:16 mean?
Jacob's group departs from Bethel, traveling toward Ephrath, when Rachel begins hard labor.
What is the context of Genesis 35:16?
The family travels from Bethel toward Ephrath; Rachel begins labor.