Verses 19-22 list the descendants of Rachel. In these verses there are some additions and variations to the Hebrew text that are found in the Septuagint. Hebrew Old Testament Text Project takes the view that these are a part of the early text but were omitted at some stage for theological reasons. The variations are as follows:
(1) In verse 20 there is an addition at the end of the verse that is partly parallel with Num 26.28-37. It adds four more names to the list.
(2) In verse 21 the Hebrew text gives ten sons of Benjamin, whereas the Septuagint gives three sons and eight grandsons.
(3) In verse 22 the total given is fourteen persons in the Hebrew text, but nineteen in the Septuagint. This is a consequence of the variations in verses 21 and 22.
(4) There is a further consequential variation in verse 27, where the Hebrew text has a grand total of seventy and the Septuagint seventy-five.
While many commentators point out that the Hebrew text is difficult or corrupted, all modern versions follow it, and translators are advised to do the same.
For the translation of verse 19, see Good News Translation.
Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .
