Genesis 48:7
New International Version
As I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died in the land of Canaan while we were still on the way, a little distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem).

New Living Translation
“Long ago, as I was returning from Paddan-aram, Rachel died in the land of Canaan. We were still on the way, some distance from Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). So with great sorrow I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath.”

English Standard Version
As for me, when I came from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath, and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).”

Berean Standard Bible
Now as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way in the land of Canaan, some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem).

King James Bible
And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet there was but a little way to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath; the same is Bethlehem.

New King James Version
But as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was but a little distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).”

New American Standard Bible
Now as for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died, to my sorrow, in the land of Canaan on the journey, when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath. I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).”

NASB 1995
“Now as for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died, to my sorrow, in the land of Canaan on the journey, when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).”

NASB 1977
“Now as for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died, to my sorrow, in the land of Canaan on the journey, when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now as for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died, to my sorrow, in the land of Canaan on the journey, when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).”

Amplified Bible
Now as for me, when I came from Paddan [in Mesopotamia], Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the journey, when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).”

Christian Standard Bible
When I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way, some distance from Ephrath in the land of Canaan. I buried her there along the way to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem).

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way, some distance from Ephrath in the land of Canaan. I buried her there along the way to Ephrath,” (that is, Bethlehem).

American Standard Version
And as for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when there was still some distance to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way to Ephrath (the same is Beth-lehem).

Contemporary English Version
Unfortunately, your mother Rachel died in Canaan after we had left northern Syria and before we reached Bethlehem. And I had to bury her along the way.

English Revised Version
And as for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when there was still some way to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way to Ephrath (the same is Beth-lehem).

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As I was coming back from Paddan, Rachel died in Canaan when we were still some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there on the way to Ephrath" (that is, Bethlehem).

Good News Translation
I am doing this because of your mother Rachel. To my great sorrow she died in the land of Canaan, not far from Ephrath, as I was returning from Mesopotamia. I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath." (Ephrath is now known as Bethlehem.)

International Standard Version
"Now as for me, Rachel died after I arrived in Canaan from Paddan, much to my sorrow. While I was on my journey to Ephrathah (also known as Bethlehem), I buried her there."

Majority Standard Bible
Now as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way in the land of Canaan, some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem).

NET Bible
But as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, Rachel died--to my sorrow--in the land of Canaan. It happened along the way, some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there on the way to Ephrath" (that is, Bethlehem).

New Heart English Bible
But as for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died, in my sorrow, in the land of Canaan on the journey, when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath. And I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)."

Webster's Bible Translation
And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan, in the way, when yet there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath, the same is Beth-lehem.

World English Bible
As for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (also called Bethlehem).”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I—in my coming in from Padan-[Aram] Rachel has died by me in the land of Canaan, in the way, while yet a distance of land to enter Ephrata, and I bury her there in the way of Ephrata, which [is] Beth-Lehem.”

Young's Literal Translation
And I -- in my coming in from Padan-Aram Rachel hath died by me in the land of Canaan, in the way, while yet a kibrath of land to enter Ephrata, and I bury her there in the way of Ephrata, which is Bethlehem.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And I in my coming from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan, in the way, in yet a length of land to go to Ephrath: and I shall bury her there in the way of Ephrath; this the house of bread.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For, when I came out of Mesopotamia, Rachel died from me in the land of Ohanaan in the very journey, and it was springtime: and I was going to Ephrata, and I buried her near the way of Ephrata, which by another name is called Bethlehem.

Catholic Public Domain Version
As for me, when I came from Mesopotamia, Rachel died in the land of Canaan on the very journey, and it was springtime. And I entered Ephrath and buried her next to the way of Ephrath, which by another name is called Bethlehem.”

New American Bible
I do this because, when I was returning from Paddan, your mother Rachel died, to my sorrow, during the journey in Canaan, while we were still a short distance from Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath [now Bethlehem].”

New Revised Standard Version
For when I came from Paddan, Rachel, alas, died in the land of Canaan on the way, while there was still some distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem).
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And as for me, when I was coming from Padan-aram, Rachel died at my side in the land of Canaan on the way, within the distance of three or four miles from the entrance to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the road to Ephrath; the same is Bethlehem.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I, when I came from Padan of Aram, Rakhyl died by me in the land of Canaan on the road, on a journey of about a Pharsakh of the land, to the entrance of Ephrath, and I buried her there on the road of Ephrath, which is Bayth Lekhem.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And as for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died unto me in the land of Canaan in the way, when there was still some way to come unto Ephrath; and I buried her there in the way to Ephrath--the same is Beth-lehem.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And as for me, when I came out of Mesopotamia of Syria, Rachel, thy mother, died in the land of Chanaan, as I drew night to the horse-course of Chabratha of the land of Chanaan, so as to come to Ephratha; and I buried her in the road of the course; this is Bethlehem.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh
6Any children born to you after them shall be yours, and they shall be called by the names of their brothers in the territory they inherit. 7Now as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way in the land of Canaan, some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem). 8When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, “Who are these?”…

Cross References
Genesis 35:16-20
Later, they set out from Bethel, and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult. / During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.” / And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin. ...

Genesis 49:31
There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah are buried, and there I buried Leah.

Genesis 33:18-20
After Jacob had come from Paddan-aram, he arrived safely at the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan, and he camped just outside the city. / And the plot of ground where he pitched his tent, he purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver. / There he set up an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel.

Genesis 37:1
Now Jacob lived in the land where his father had resided, the land of Canaan.

Genesis 50:5
my father made me swear an oath when he said, ‘I am about to die. You must bury me in the tomb that I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.’ Now let me go and bury my father, and then return.”

Ruth 4:11
“We are witnesses,” said the elders and all the people at the gate. “May the LORD make the woman entering your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you be prosperous in Ephrathah and famous in Bethlehem.

1 Samuel 10:2
When you leave me today, you will find two men at Rachel’s tomb in Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. They will say to you, ‘The donkeys you seek have been found, and now your father has stopped worrying about the donkeys and started worrying about you, asking, “What should I do about my son?”’

Matthew 2:18
“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

Jeremiah 31:15
This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

Genesis 23:19
After this, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field at Machpelah near Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 28:19
and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz.

Genesis 29:30
Jacob slept with Rachel as well, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah. So he worked for Laban another seven years.

Genesis 30:22-24
Then God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb, / and she conceived and gave birth to a son. “God has taken away my shame,” she said. / She named him Joseph, and said, “May the LORD add to me another son.”

Genesis 46:19
The sons of Jacob’s wife Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin.

Genesis 47:29-31
When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise to show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, / but when I lie down with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me with them.” Joseph answered, “I will do as you have requested.” / “Swear to me,” Jacob said. So Joseph swore to him, and Israel bowed in worship at the head of his bed.


Treasury of Scripture

And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath; the same is Bethlehem.

Padan.

Genesis 25:20
And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.

Rachel.

Genesis 35:9,16-19
And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him…

1 Samuel 10:2
When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?

Matthew 2:18
In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

to Ephrath.

Ruth 1:2
And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.

1 Samuel 1:1
Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:

1 Samuel 17:12
Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.

Jump to Previous
Bethlehem Beth-Lehem Buried Bury Canaan Death Died Distance Enter Ephrath Journey Kibrath Little Paddan Rachel Rest Returning Road Sorrow Way
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Bethlehem Beth-Lehem Buried Bury Canaan Death Died Distance Enter Ephrath Journey Kibrath Little Paddan Rachel Rest Returning Road Sorrow Way
Genesis 48
1. Joseph with his sons visits his sick father.
2. Jacob strengthens himself to bless them.
3. He repeats God's promise.
5. He takes Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons.
7. He tells Joseph of his mother's grave.
8. He blesses Ephraim and Manasseh.
17. He prefers the younger before the elder.
21. He prophesies their return to Canaan.














Now as for me
This phrase introduces a personal reflection from Jacob, emphasizing his individual experience and emotions. The Hebrew word "וַאֲנִי" (va'ani) underscores a shift in focus to Jacob's personal narrative, highlighting the intimate and heartfelt nature of his recollection.

when I was returning from Paddan
Paddan refers to Paddan Aram, the region where Jacob spent many years working for Laban and building his family. The journey from Paddan Aram back to Canaan marks a significant transition in Jacob's life, symbolizing a return to the land promised to his forefathers. This journey is laden with spiritual and covenantal significance, as it represents a movement towards the fulfillment of God's promises.

to my sorrow Rachel died
Rachel's death is a poignant moment in Jacob's life, filled with deep personal grief. The Hebrew word for sorrow, "עָלַי" (alay), conveys a heavy burden of emotional pain. Rachel was Jacob's beloved wife, and her passing marks a profound loss. This moment also serves as a reminder of the human experience of suffering and the transient nature of life.

along the way, in the land of Canaan
The phrase "along the way" indicates that Rachel's death occurred during a journey, symbolizing the unpredictability and challenges of life. The land of Canaan is significant as the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Rachel's death in Canaan ties her account to the broader narrative of God's covenant with the patriarchs.

while we were still on the journey
This emphasizes the ongoing nature of Jacob's travels and the unfinished business of his life. The journey motif is prevalent throughout the Bible, often representing the spiritual pilgrimage of faith. It reminds believers of the continuous journey of faith and the hope of reaching the ultimate destination in God's presence.

a short distance from Ephrath
Ephrath, later known as Bethlehem, is a location of great biblical significance. It is the birthplace of King David and, according to Christian tradition, Jesus Christ. The mention of Ephrath connects Rachel's account to the larger redemptive history, foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah.

So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath
Jacob's decision to bury Rachel by the road signifies a memorialization of her life and legacy. The act of burial is a testament to the love and honor Jacob held for Rachel. It also serves as a physical reminder of the journey and the sacrifices made along the way.

(that is, Bethlehem)
The parenthetical clarification that Ephrath is Bethlehem links Rachel's account to the future significance of this location in biblical history. Bethlehem becomes a focal point in the narrative of redemption, as the birthplace of Jesus, fulfilling the prophecies and promises of God. This connection inspires hope and anticipation for the fulfillment of God's plan through Christ.

(7) Rachel died by me.--Heb., died upon me, or as we should say, "died in my arms." The mention of Rachel is to account for an act so authoritative as the bestowal of the double portion of the firstborn upon Joseph. Jacob grounds the justification of his act, not upon her being the chief wife, but upon her untimely death, which prevented her bearing other sons. Even now Leah, if we count Levi, had six tribes, each handmaid two, and Rachel three.

The same is Beth-lehem.--A note added subsequently, when the place was famous as the birthplace of David. It would not be called Beth-lehem until corn was cultivated there.

Verse 7. - And as for me (literally, and I, the pronoun being emphatic), when I cams from Padan, - literally, in my coming, i.e. while on my journey, from Padam, or Padan-aram. This is the only place where the shorter designation is employed (cf. Genesis 25:20) - Rachel - the mention to Joseph of his beloved mother could not fail to kindle emotion in his breast, as obviously it had revived a pang of sorrow in that of the old man - " the remembrance of the never-to-be-forgotten one' causing a sudden spasm of feeling" (Delitzsch) - died by me - not for me in the sense of sharing with me my toils and perils, and so bringing on herself the deadly travail which cut her off (Lunge), which is too subtle and metaphysical in its refinement; but either upon me, i.e. as an heavy affliction falling on me (Rosenmüller, Gesenius, Murphy, et alii); or at my side, i.e. near me (Keil, Wordsworth, 'Speaker's Commentary'); or perhaps to me, meaning, This happened to me, or, I saw Rachel die (Kalisch); or possibly with a touch of tender emotion, Rachel to me, i.e. my Rachel died (Tayler Lewis) - in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet there was but a little way - literally, a length of ground; the LXX. add ἱππόδρομος, meaning probably such a distance as a horse can go without being over-worked (vide Genesis 35:16) - to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath; the same is Bethlehem.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now as for me,
וַאֲנִ֣י ׀ (wa·’ă·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

when I was returning
בְּבֹאִ֣י (bə·ḇō·’î)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

from Paddan,
מִפַּדָּ֗ן (mip·pad·dān)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6307: Paddan-aram -- the place where Rachel died

to my sorrow
עָלַ֨י (‘ā·lay)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Rachel
רָחֵ֜ל (rā·ḥêl)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7354: Rachel -- a wife of Jacob

died
מֵ֩תָה֩ (mê·ṯāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

along the way
בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ (bad·de·reḵ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

in the land
בְּאֶ֤רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Canaan,
כְּנַ֙עַן֙ (kə·na·‘an)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3667: Canaan -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their land West of the Jordan

some distance
כִּבְרַת־ (kiḇ·raṯ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3530: Length, a measure

from Ephrath.
אֶפְרָ֑תָה (’ep̄·rā·ṯāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 672: Ephrath -- an Israelite woman, also the name of several places in Palestine

So I buried
וָאֶקְבְּרֶ֤הָ (wā·’eq·bə·re·hā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6912: To inter

her there
שָּׁם֙ (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

beside the road
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ (bə·ḏe·reḵ)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

to Ephrath”
אֶפְרָ֔ת (’ep̄·rāṯ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 672: Ephrath -- an Israelite woman, also the name of several places in Palestine

(that
הִ֖וא (hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

[is],
בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ)
Preposition
Strong's Hebrew

Bethlehem).
לָֽחֶם׃ (lā·ḥem)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1035: Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun


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OT Law: Genesis 48:7 As for me when I came (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 48:6
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