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Genesis 30:24 - Hope for another son?

Genesis 30:24 - בראשית 30:24

Hebrew Text

וַתִּקְרָא אֶת־שְׁמוֹ יוֹסֵף לֵאמֹר יֹסֵף יְהוָה לִי בֵּן אַחֵר׃

English Translation

and she called his name Yosef; and said, The Lord shall add to me another son.

Transliteration

Vatikra et-shmo Yosef lemor Yosef Adonai li ben acher.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתִּקְרָ֧א אֶת־שְׁמ֛וֹ יוֹסֵ֖ף לֵאמֹ֑ר יֹסֵ֧ף יְהֹוָ֛ה לִ֖י בֵּ֥ן אַחֵֽר׃
וַתִּקְרָ֧א אֶת־שְׁמ֛וֹ יוֹסֵ֖ף לֵאמֹ֑ר יֹסֵ֧ף יְהֹוָ֛ה לִ֖י בֵּ֥ן אַחֵֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Naming of Yosef

The verse states: "וַתִּקְרָא אֶת־שְׁמוֹ יוֹסֵף לֵאמֹר יֹסֵף יְהוָה לִי בֵּן אַחֵר" ("and she called his name Yosef; and said, The Lord shall add to me another son"). This naming reflects Rachel's prayer and hope for another child, as explained by Rashi (Bereshit 30:24). The name "Yosef" (יוסף) is derived from the root "אסף" (to gather or add), indicating Rachel's request for Hashem to grant her an additional son.

Rachel's Intent in the Naming

According to the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 73:4), Rachel's choice of the name Yosef was prophetic. She foresaw that Yosef would play a pivotal role in sustaining the family during famine (as seen later in the Torah). The phrase "יֹסֵף יְהוָה לִי בֵּן אַחֵר" ("May Hashem add to me another son") reflects both gratitude for Yosef and a plea for Binyamin, who would later be born (Ramban on Bereshit 30:24).

Grammatical and Linguistic Insights

  • The name "Yosef" is in the causative form (hiph'il), implying that Hashem would cause an addition—highlighting divine intervention in Rachel's fertility (Ibn Ezra on Bereshit 30:24).
  • The word "אַחֵר" ("another") suggests that Rachel sought not just any child, but specifically a son who would complement Yosef in completing the tribes of Israel (Sforno on Bereshit 30:24).

Spiritual Significance

The Talmud (Berachot 7b) teaches that Rachel's prayer was unique because she did not merely ask for a child, but framed her request in terms of divine benevolence—acknowledging that any additional blessing would come from Hashem. This reflects the proper attitude of prayer: recognizing that all sustenance and offspring are gifts from the Almighty.

Connection to Future Events

Later, when Rachel gives birth to Binyamin (Bereshit 35:18), the Midrash (Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 36) notes that her earlier plea for "another son" was fulfilled, albeit at the cost of her life. This underscores the weight of her words in our verse, as they carried both hope and destiny for the future of Klal Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Rachel name her son Yosef (Joseph)?
A: Rachel named her son Yosef (meaning 'He shall add') because she prayed that Hashem would grant her another son (Genesis 30:24). Rashi explains that this name expressed her hope for an additional child, which later came true with the birth of Binyamin (Benjamin).
Q: What is the significance of Yosef's name in the Torah?
A: Yosef's name reflects Rachel's faith in Hashem's blessing for more children. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 73:4) notes that Yosef's name hints at future events—just as Rachel was granted another son (Binyamin), Yosef would later sustain his family during famine, showing how Hashem 'adds' blessings.
Q: How does Yosef's name connect to Jewish tradition today?
A: Yosef's name reminds us to trust in Hashem's blessings, even in difficult times. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 3:11) teaches that we should always pray with hope, as Rachel did. Naming children after biblical figures like Yosef also links us to their virtues, such as resilience and faith.
Q: Why did Rachel say 'another son' instead of just praying for a son?
A: Rashi (on Genesis 30:24) explains that Rachel specifically asked for 'another son' because she prophetically saw that Yaakov (Jacob) was destined to have 12 sons. Since she had only Yosef at that time, she prayed to complete her share in this divine plan.