Verse 7 gives an explanation for the statements in verses 5-6. Joseph’s mother Rachel died and was thus prevented from having more children. Consequently Jacob is adding Joseph’s sons to the sons of Rachel. Verse 7 is an adaptation of 35.16 and 19. In a number of translations the element of explanation is brought out; for example, “I have to do this because I am thinking of what happened to your mother” and “I was sad because Rachel had died on the way … and that is why I am saying this.”

Paddan is a short form of Paddan-aram, or Mesopotamia.

Rachel to my sorrow … on the way: Revised Standard Version follows the Hebrew text with Rachel. Note that Good News Translation says “Your mother Rachel,” which is the form used by the Septuagint. However, this does not seem to be a textual difference but a translational adjustment required by the context, in which a father is speaking to his son. To my sorrow may be translated in some languages as a separate statement; for example, “This made me very sorrowful” or “I was greatly grieved because of this.” For died in … Bethlehem see 35.19.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .