Gen 30:14-15 | NETfull | STEP | At the time of the wheat harvest Reuben went out and found some mandrake plants in a field and brought them to his mother Leah. Rachel said to Leah, “Give me some of your son’s mandrakes.”

Genesis 30:14-15

14 At the time ^{▼▼ Heb “during the days.”} of the wheat harvest Reuben went out and found some mandrake plants ^{▼▼ Mandrake plants were popularly believed to be an aphrodisiac in the culture of the time.} in a field and brought them to his mother Leah. Rachel said to Leah, “Give me some of your son’s mandrakes.” 15 But Leah replied, ^{▼▼ Heb “and she said to her”; the referent of the pronoun “she” (Leah) has been specified in the translation for clarity.} “Wasn’t it enough that you’ve taken away my husband? Would you take away my son’s mandrakes too?” “All right,” ^{▼▼ Heb “therefore.”} Rachel said, “he may sleep ^{▼▼ Heb “lie down.” The expression “lie down with” in this context (here and in the following verse) refers to sexual intercourse. The imperfect verbal form has a permissive nuance here.} with you tonight in exchange for your son’s mandrakes.”