And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet there was but a little way to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath; the same is Bethlehem.
As for me, when I was traveling back from Padan-aram, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the journey, when we were just a short distance from reaching Ephrath. I buried her there on the road to Ephrath, which is now called Bethlehem.
Jacob is explaining to Joseph how his beloved wife Rachel died during their journey and was buried near Bethlehem, sharing this painful but important family memory.
📚 Historical Context
Jacob is speaking to Joseph near the end of his life, recounting the death of Rachel, Joseph's mother, during childbirth with Benjamin. This happened during their journey back to Canaan from Padan-aram (modern-day Syria) where Jacob had worked for his uncle Laban. Rachel's tomb near Bethlehem became a significant landmark that would later be mentioned in connection with the Messiah's birthplace.
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