Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 30:19 mean?
A: Genesis 30:19 describes Leah giving birth to her sixth son, Zebulun, with Jacob. This continues the narrative of the matriarchs building the Twelve Tribes of Israel. According to Rashi, Leah named him Zebulun (from the root 'zaval,' meaning 'to dwell') expressing her hope that Jacob would now dwell with her since she bore him six sons (Rashi on Genesis 30:20).
Q: Why is Leah having a sixth son important?
A: Leah's six sons (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun) formed half of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 71:4) highlights Leah's righteousness and her role in building the nation. Each tribe had a unique destiny, and Zebulun later became associated with commerce and supporting Torah study (see Genesis 49:13).
Q: What can we learn from Leah in this verse?
A: Leah teaches perseverance and faith. Despite feeling unloved (Genesis 29:31), she continued to pray and trust in Hashem, as seen by her six sons. The Talmud (Berachot 7b) notes that Leah was the first to praise and thank Hashem for her children (Genesis 29:35), setting an example of gratitude.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish tradition today?
A: The Twelve Tribes, including Leah's sons, are foundational in Judaism. Zebulun's partnership with Issachar (Deuteronomy 33:18) established the model for supporting Torah study—a value still central in Orthodox communities today. The Midrash (Tanchuma Vayechi 11) emphasizes this enduring relationship between scholars and their supporters.
The Significance of Leah's Sixth Son
The verse (Bereishit 30:19) states: "וַתַּהַר עוֹד לֵאָה וַתֵּלֶד בֵּן־שִׁשִּׁי לְּיַעֲקֹב" ("And Leah conceived again, and bore Yaakov a sixth son"). This marks the birth of Zevulun, completing Leah's six sons, who would become six of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi notes that Leah's naming of Zevulun (later in the verse) reflects her gratitude to Hashem for the "zevul" (dwelling or honor) she received by bearing six tribes—half of Yaakov's sons. This demonstrates Leah's recognition of divine kindness despite her earlier struggles for Yaakov's affection (Rashi on Bereishit 30:20).
Midrashic Insights
Rambam's Perspective
In Moreh Nevuchim (3:49), Rambam explains that the matriarchs' childbearing was providential, ensuring the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham of numerous descendants. Leah's six sons underscore the divine plan for the formation of the tribes.
Kabbalistic Interpretation
The Zohar (1:158b) associates Leah's six sons with the sefirah of Yesod (foundation), as they established the physical and spiritual legacy of Yaakov's household. Zevulun, as the sixth, represents completion before the shift to Rachel's offspring.