Genesis 29:33

Again 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.

Study Bible

Again she conceived and gave birth to a son
This phrase highlights the continued blessing of fertility upon Leah, Jacob's first wife. In the Hebrew context, the ability to bear children was seen as a direct blessing from God, a sign of favor and honor. The Hebrew word for "conceived" is "הָרָה" (harah), which emphasizes the miraculous nature of life and God's sovereignty in the process of creation. Leah's continued ability to bear children underscores God's ongoing provision and involvement in her life, despite her feeling of being unloved by Jacob.

Because the LORD heard
The Hebrew word for "heard" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and responding. This reflects the personal and relational nature of God, who is attentive to the cries and needs of His people. Leah acknowledges that God is aware of her plight and has responded to her situation. This phrase is a testament to God's compassion and His active role in the lives of His followers, providing comfort and assurance that He is always listening.

that I am unloved
The Hebrew word used here is "שָׂנוּא" (sanu), meaning "hated" or "unloved." Leah's statement reveals the deep emotional pain and rejection she feels in her marriage to Jacob, who favors her sister Rachel. This context highlights the complex family dynamics and the cultural importance of love and acceptance within marriage. Leah's experience is a poignant reminder of the human need for love and the pain of rejection, yet it also shows how God can bring blessing and purpose even in difficult circumstances.

He has given me this son as well
Leah recognizes the birth of her son as a direct gift from God. The phrase "He has given" in Hebrew is "נָתַן" (natan), which conveys the idea of a generous and intentional gift. This acknowledgment of God's provision reflects Leah's faith and gratitude, despite her challenging circumstances. It serves as an encouragement to believers to see God's hand in their lives and to trust in His provision and timing.

So she named him Simeon
The name "Simeon" is derived from the Hebrew "שִׁמְעוֹן" (Shim'on), which is related to the word "שָׁמַע" (shama), meaning "to hear." By naming her son Simeon, Leah memorializes God's response to her cries and His attentiveness to her situation. This act of naming is significant in the biblical context, as names often reflect personal experiences or divine encounters. Simeon's name serves as a lasting reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to transform pain into purpose.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Leah
The first wife of Jacob, who felt unloved compared to her sister Rachel. Leah's struggle for affection and recognition is central to this passage.

2. Jacob
The patriarch who married Leah and Rachel. His preference for Rachel over Leah sets the stage for Leah's feelings of being unloved.

3. Simeon
The second son of Leah and Jacob. His name, derived from the Hebrew "Shimon," means "heard," reflecting Leah's belief that God heard her plight.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who Leah acknowledges as the one who hears her distress and blesses her with children.

5. Rachel
Leah's sister and Jacob's favored wife, whose presence in the account highlights the familial tension and Leah's desire for love and acceptance.

Teaching Points

God Hears the Unloved
Leah's account reminds us that God is attentive to those who feel unloved or marginalized. He hears our cries and responds with compassion.

Finding Identity in God
Leah's naming of Simeon reflects her growing understanding that her worth is not dependent on human affection but on God's recognition and blessing.

The Power of Naming
In biblical times, names often reflected circumstances or divine intervention. Consider how we can name our experiences in light of God's work in our lives.

Trusting God's Timing
Leah's journey shows that God's blessings may not come in the way or time we expect, but they are always purposeful and for our good.

Sibling Rivalry and God's Plan
The tension between Leah and Rachel illustrates how God can work through human conflict to fulfill His promises and purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Leah's experience of feeling unloved resonate with your own life experiences, and how can you find comfort in knowing that God hears you?

2. In what ways can you identify with Leah's struggle for identity and worth, and how does this passage encourage you to find your identity in God?

3. How does the naming of Simeon reflect Leah's faith journey, and what can we learn about the significance of names and identity in our own spiritual walk?

4. How can Leah's account of God's attentiveness to her plight inspire you to trust in God's timing and provision in your current circumstances?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt overlooked or unloved. How can Leah's account encourage you to seek God's perspective and find peace in His love and purpose for you?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 29:31
This verse provides context, showing that God saw Leah was unloved and opened her womb, beginning the account of Leah's children.

Exodus 3:7
God tells Moses that He has heard the cries of the Israelites, similar to how He heard Leah's plight, demonstrating His attentiveness to human suffering.

1 Samuel 1:20
Hannah names her son Samuel, meaning "heard by God," paralleling Leah's naming of Simeon, both reflecting God's response to their prayers.