And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.

GENESIS 29:34KJV
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Genesis 29:34 (KJV)

What does Genesis 29:34 mean?

Genesis 29:34 tells how Leah, after giving birth to her third son, hopes that her husband Jacob will finally feel close to her because she has now given him three sons. She names the child Levi, which is connected to her longing for her husband’s affection and unity with her.

In this verse, Leah is speaking after the birth of her third son. She expresses her hope that Jacob will now be "joined" to her, since she has borne him multiple sons—a valued role in her culture. The name "Levi" is tied to the Hebrew word for "joined," reflecting Leah’s desire for a stronger bond with Jacob.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 29:34

  • The word "joined" comes from לָוָה (lavah), which means to be attached or connected. Leah’s choice of the name Levi (לֵוִי, levi) is a play on this word, showing her hope that Jacob will become more emotionally connected to her.
  • The word for "three" is שָׁלוֹשׁ (shalosh), marking the significance of Leah having now given Jacob three sons, which in her eyes should strengthen their relationship.
  • The word for "husband" here is אִישׁ (ish), a general word for man or husband, emphasizing Leah’s personal longing for her husband’s attention.

Why Genesis 29:34 matters

  • This verse highlights Leah’s ongoing struggle for Jacob’s love and approval, even as she fulfills the important role of bearing children in their family.
  • The naming of Levi is not just a label but carries deep emotional meaning for Leah, showing how names in Genesis often reflect personal hopes or circumstances.
  • Genesis 29:34 connects to the larger story of Jacob’s family, where relationships are often complicated by favoritism, longing, and the desire for acceptance.

Where else these words appear

“joined” Hebrew H3867 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 22:25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
  • Psalms 37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
  • Isaiah 14:1 For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.

“again” Hebrew H2029 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
  • Genesis 30:19 And Leah conceived again, and bare Jacob the sixth son.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:23 And when he went in to his wife, she conceived, and bare a son, and he called his name Beriah, because it went evil with his house.

“Levi” Hebrew H3878 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 34:25 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.
  • Numbers 17:3 And thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:43 The son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.

“time” Hebrew H6471 · used in 108 verses

  • Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
  • Deuteronomy 10:10 And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also, and the LORD would not destroy thee.
  • 2 Kings 5:14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.