KJV ORIGINAL
And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben. She said, 'Surely the LORD has seen my suffering; now my husband will love me.'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Leah names her firstborn son Reuben, hoping that having a child will finally win her husband Jacob's love since she feels God has seen her pain.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during Jacob's complicated marriage situation where he was tricked into marrying Leah first, though he loved her sister Rachel. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a woman's status and security were closely tied to bearing children, especially sons. Leah felt unloved and hoped that giving Jacob his first son would change his feelings toward her.
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