Rachel

Rachel, a shepherdess, comes to water her father's sheep at a well near Haran. Jacob, her cousin, arrives fleeing from Esau. Upon seeing Rachel, Jacob single-handedly rolls away the heavy stone and waters her flock. He kisses her and weeps.

Jacob falls deeply in love with Rachel, described as beautiful in form and appearance. He agrees to work seven years for Laban to marry her. The years 'seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.'

On the wedding night, Laban substitutes Leah for Rachel under the bridal veil. Jacob discovers the deception in the morning. Laban justifies his treachery by local custom. Jacob works another seven years for Rachel.

While Leah bears Jacob four sons, Rachel remains barren. She becomes desperate and jealous, crying to Jacob: 'Give me children, or I'll die!' She gives her servant Bilhah to Jacob as a surrogate, naming the children as her own.

Reuben finds mandrakes, believed to promote fertility. Rachel bargains with Leah for them, trading a night with Jacob. Despite the mandrakes, it is Leah who conceives again. The sisters' rivalry deepens over their husband's attention.

God finally remembers Rachel and opens her womb. She gives birth to Joseph, saying: 'God has taken away my disgrace.' She names him Joseph, meaning 'may he add,' expressing hope for another son.

When Jacob decides to leave Laban, Rachel secretly steals her father's household idols (teraphim). When Laban searches for them, Rachel hides them in a camel's saddle and sits on them, claiming she cannot rise due to her monthly period.

Near Bethlehem, Rachel goes into difficult labor with her second son. As she dies, she names him Ben-Oni ('son of my sorrow'), but Jacob renames him Benjamin ('son of my right hand'). She is buried on the road to Bethlehem.