Genesis 35:19-20
So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem), and Jacob set up a pillar over her tomb. It is the pillar of Rachel’s tomb, which is there to this day.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "which is Bethlehem" might seem like a simple clarification, but it potentially reflects a later addition or a conflation of traditions, as Rachel's tomb is also associated with other locations in Scripture. This highlights how ancient texts can carry layers of history and interpretation within them.
Jacob's family is journeying towards Ephrath, and as they are on the road, Rachel goes into difficult labor and ultimately dies. She is buried by the wayside, and the narrative then shifts to other family events, including the death of Isaac and the ongoing story of Jacob's sons.
The place name 'Ephrath' connected to Rachel's burial site has a history of confusion. Where exactly was she laid to rest?
The verse states Rachel was buried on the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. However, the exact location has been debated:
Rachel's death in childbirth is a profound moment of grief. How does this tragedy fit within God's larger plan for Jacob's family?
Rachel's death is a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of life, even for those favored by God:
Understand the original words
matstsebah · Hebrew Noun
A vertical stone structure erected as a memorial or marker, often used in the Old Testament to commemorate a significant event, a covenant with God, or a burial site.
Rachel's death occurs during a critical period of spiritual renewal and family upheaval for Jacob, occurring just as he is re-establishing his family's devotion to God and shortly before the death of his father Isaac.
~1800 BC
Jacob's family settles in Canaan
After fleeing his brother Esau, Jacob returns to Canaan and begins to establish his family and flocks in the land.
~1780 BC
Jacob's sons' violent act at Shechem
In revenge for the defilement of their sister Dinah, Jacob's sons Simeon and Levi violently attack the city of Shechem, causing widespread fear.
~1770 BC
God commands Jacob to return to Bethel
Following the crisis at Shechem, God instructs Jacob to go to Bethel and build an altar, prompting Jacob to purify his household and prepare for the journey.
~1770 BC— this verse
Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin
As Jacob's family journeys from Bethel towards Ephrath (Bethlehem), Rachel dies in childbirth. She is buried by the roadside, a place that would later be associated with Bethlehem.
This passage speaks of Rachel weeping for her children in Ramah, a location near where some traditions place her tomb, echoing the sorrow of loss associated with her death.
Matthew 2:16-18This New Testament passage directly alludes to Jeremiah's prophecy, connecting Rachel's grief to the slaughter of infants in Bethlehem by Herod, highlighting her as a symbol of maternal sorrow.
Genesis 48:7Jacob himself mentions Rachel's death and burial on the way to Canaan when speaking to Joseph, reinforcing the significance of this event in his life and family history.
Ruth 4:11This verse mentions Bethlehem as 'Ephrathah' and invokes a blessing on the woman entering the house, implicitly linking the location to fertile beginnings and lineage, a stark contrast to Rachel's death there.
cambridgeGenesis 35:19: "And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem."
19 . Ephrath ( the same is Beth-lehem )] The words, “the same is Beth-lehem,” create a difficulty; they occur also in Genesis 48:7 , and seem to be confirmed by Ruth 4:11 ; Micah 5:2 , “Bethlehem Ephrathah,” where the reference is to Bethlehem, S. of Jerusalem. But (1) judging from the present passage we should suppose that Rachel’s tomb was a little south of Bethel: (2) from Jeremiah 31:15 it would appe…
calvinGenesis 35:1-29: "And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother."
Et filii Zilpah ancillae Leah, Gad et Aser. Isti sunt filii Iahacob, qui nati sunt in Padan Aram.
And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned.
Et venit Iahacob ad Ishac patrem suum in Mamre civitatem Arbah: h…
The phrase "which is Bethlehem" might seem like a simple clarification, but it potentially reflects a later addition or a conflation of traditions, as Rachel's tomb is also associated with other locations in Scripture. This highlights how ancient texts can carry layers of history and interpretation within them.
Jacob's family is journeying towards Ephrath, and as they are on the road, Rachel goes into difficult labor and ultimately dies. She is buried by the wayside, and the narrative then shifts to other family events, including the death of Isaac and the ongoing story of Jacob's sons.
Jacob's family is journeying towards Ephrath, and as they are on the road, Rachel goes into difficult labor and ultimately dies. She is buried by the wayside, and the narrative then shifts to other family events, including the death of Isaac and the ongoing story of Jacob's sons.
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~1770 BC
Isaac dies
Shortly after Rachel's death, Jacob's father Isaac passes away. Jacob and Esau come together to bury him, marking a significant point in the family's history.
"So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem), and Jacob set up a pillar over her tomb. It is the pillar of Rachel’s tomb, which is there to this day." — The phrase "which is Bethlehem" might seem like a simple clarification, but it potentially reflects a later addition or a conflation of traditions, as Rachel's tomb is also associated with other loca…
