Rachel

Lore & Background

Rachel is one of the matriarchs of the Israelites. She is the daughter of Laban and the sister of Leah. Jacob worked for Laban to marry Rachel, but Laban tricked him into marrying Leah first. Rachel later became Jacob's wife and gave birth to Joseph and Benjamin. She died giving birth to Benjamin and was buried on the road to Ephrath (Bethlehem).

Reader's Guide

Rachel is a key figure in the narrative of the patriarchs in the book of Genesis. Her story illustrates themes of love, rivalry, and divine intervention. She is remembered as a mother of two of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Did You Know?

• Rachel is one of the four matriarchs of Israel, along with Sarah, Rebekah, and Leah.
• The tomb of Rachel is a traditional pilgrimage site near Bethlehem.
• Rachel is mentioned in the book of Jeremiah as weeping for her children.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Now Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel Leah’s eyes were delicate, but Rachel was beautiful of form and appearance." — Rachel "So she said, “Here is my maid Bilhah; go in to her, and she will bear a child on my knees, that I also may [a]have children by her.” Then she gave him Bilhah her maid as wife, and Jacob went in to her." — Rachel