Definition: When Leah saw that she had left bearing, she took Zilpah her maid, and gave her Jacob to wife.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 30:9. It’s a really important story about family and responsibility! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Leah, one of Jacob’s wives, realized she had left her child with Zilpah, Jacob’s maid, and she took him as her own. Let's unpack that a little further: “When Leah saw…” : This tells us this happened at a specific point in time – after the story of Joseph. “…that she had left bearing” : This is a bit tricky, but it means Leah made a mistake and abandoned her child. She wasn’t keeping him safe or caring for him properly. “She took Zilpah her maid…” : Leah chose to give this child – Joseph – to her servant, Zilpah. “…and gave her Jacob to wife.” : Finally, she made a big decision: she gave Joseph to Jacob, his father. So, what’s the point of this story? This is a pivotal moment in the Bible. It shows that even though Leah made a mistake, God still loves and cares for his people. It highlights that responsibility and care for children are important , and it sets up a chain of events that leads to Joseph eventually becoming a very important figure in the story. Why is this verse significant? It shows God's love: It’s a beautiful example of how God loves his people, even when they make mistakes. It demonstrates responsibility: It teaches us that we have a duty to care for those who are entrusted to us. It establishes a lineage: It connects Leah with Jacob and Joseph, showing the importance of family ties. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, I could talk about: The context of the story (the story of Joseph) What it means to be a "maid" in that era The significance of giving someone to your father.