The opening verse of chapter 30 shifts our attention from Leah and the birth of her first four children to Rachel; and it pictures Rachel, who has had no children, as being jealous of her sister.

It is most likely the case that Rachel’s jealousy began long before the birth of Leah’s fourth son. In order to avoid giving the impression that Rachel’s jealousy began at that time, it may be advisable to link 30.1 more closely with 29.31-35 by saying, for example, “While Leah was giving birth to her sons, Rachel realized that she was unable to have children, and so she became jealous of her sister.”

When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children: saw is used here in the same way as in 29.31 with the sense of “found out,” “discovered,” “realized.” 29.31 states that Rachel was barren. For the case of Hannah, who suffered similarly, see 1 Samuel chapter 1. We may translate, for example, “When Rachel realized she was unable to have children….”

She envied her sister: envied translates a verb meaning to be envious or jealous. The idea expressed is that Rachel felt ill will or resentment against Leah, because Leah enjoyed the privilege of having sons for Jacob. Expressions for envy and jealousy are often figurative; for example, “Rachel’s liver turned black against her sister,” “Rachel’s heart became hot against Leah.” In some languages it may be necessary to use a special term for Leah, denoting “older sister.”

Give me children, or I shall die: Rachel’s suffering and shame from barrenness is so great that she feels she will die if she does not have children. Her demand is addressed to Jacob and is the equivalent of saying “Cause me to become pregnant,” “Make me have offspring.” Children translates the term for “sons” but in this context includes both sons and daughters.

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 .