And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad.

GENESIS 30:11KJV
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Genesis 30:11 (KJV)

What does Genesis 30:11 mean?

Genesis 30:11 describes Leah, after her maid Zilpah gives birth to a son, declaring, "A troop cometh," and naming the child Gad. The verse shows Leah expressing a sense of increase or good fortune through the birth of this son.

In the story, Leah is one of Jacob's wives, and she is speaking after her servant Zilpah bears a child on her behalf. The name "Gad" is linked to the Hebrew idea of a "troop" or "fortune," reflecting Leah's feeling that she has gained more children or a stroke of luck. This moment is part of a larger account where Jacob's wives compete for his favor and for children.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 30:11

  • The word גָּד (gad) is used for the name "Gad" and is closely tied to the idea of "troop" or "fortune." In this context, it can mean a group or a fortunate event, which is why Leah connects the birth to an increase or blessing.
  • The Hebrew word גָּד (gad, H1410) is a play on the word גָּד (gad, H1409), meaning "troop" or "fortune," showing how names in Genesis often carry a meaning tied to the circumstances of birth.

Why Genesis 30:11 matters

  • Genesis 30:11 helps explain the origin of the name Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, showing how names often reflect the circumstances or feelings at the time of birth.
  • The verse highlights the ongoing rivalry and emotional struggles between Leah and Rachel, as they seek to gain favor and status through bearing children for Jacob.
  • Understanding the wordplay in the naming helps readers see how the Hebrew language often connects names and events, adding depth to the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“troop” Hebrew H1409 · used in 2 verses

  • Isaiah 65:11 But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.

“Leah” Hebrew H3812 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 29:16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
  • Genesis 30:12 And Zilpah Leah's maid bare Jacob a second son.
  • Genesis 31:33 And Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the two maidservants' tents; but he found them not. Then went he out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent.

“Gad” Hebrew H1410 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 35:26 And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these are the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padanaram.
  • Deuteronomy 33:20 And of Gad he said, Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head.
  • 2 Samuel 24:5 And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer: