God’s gifts to Leah

A joyous firstborn

In the final verses of Genesis 29 we read in quick succession the story of the birth of Leah’s four sons. Each one is given a Hebrew name which bears a deep emotional meaning only understood in the original Hebrew. Her first son, Reuben (רְאוּבֵן) is named from the Hebrew word ra’ah (רָאָה), which means “see”. Reuben’s name is a pure expression of joy – see a son is born! 

God hears Leah

Leah’s second son is Simeon (שִׁמְעוֹן), which comes from the Hebrew word shema (שָׁמַע) meaning “hear”. Leah expresses her gratitude that God has heard her cries and blessed her with a second son. The name of the third son Levi (לֵוִי) is related to the Hebrew word for “attach”, yelave (יִלָּוֶה). Leah hoped that this boy would finally cause Jacob to be more attached to her.
 

Experience the Bible through Hebrew

Most expressive is the fourth son’s name, Yehuda (יְהוּדָה), coming from the Hebrew word for “praise”, odeh (אוֹדֶה). Leah is finally able to set aside her rivalry with her sister and her frustration with her husband. She simply praises God for giving her a great portion in creating the tribes of the Jewish people. To this day, the people of Israel call themselves Yehudim or “sons of Judah.” Enroll in our live online Biblical Hebrew courses and let Hebrew reveal the depth of the Scriptures.