Genesis 30:14 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Bible Comments

Found mandrakes The word דודאים, thus rendered, is only found here and Song of Solomon 7:13; and it is not agreed among interpreters whether it signifies a fruit or a flower. It is thought, however, by many, that mandrake-apples are here meant, which, according to Pliny, are of the size of filberts. They were pleasant to the smell, (Song of Solomon 7:13,) and probably also desirable for food. Whatever they were, Rachel could not see them in Leah's hands, but she must covet them.

Genesis 30:14

14 And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them unto his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray thee, of thy son's mandrakes.