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Book of Genesis - Chapter 30 - Verse 15

30:15
And she said unto her, Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son's mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy son's mandrakes.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Genesis, Rachel confronts Leah about taking her husband Jacob and possibly taking her son's mandrakes as well. Mandrakes were believed to have fertility properties in ancient times, and Rachel desired them to help her conceive. Rachel's willingness to allow Jacob to spend the night with Leah in exchange for the mandrakes reflects the significance of motherhood and the lengths women were willing to go to in order to have children in the biblical context. This verse showcases the complexities of the relationships between the wives of Jacob and the importance of fertility in their culture. It also highlights the themes of jealousy, competition, and the desperate desire for motherhood. The actions of Rachel and Leah in this passage demonstrate the cultural practices and beliefs of the time, as well as the deep emotional struggles faced by women in their desire to bear children.

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