Genesis 29:32

Reuben. Each of the sons of Jacob received a name signifying his mother’s thoughts and emotions at the time of his birth. In one way or another these names all reflect the rivalry of the two sisters. Each name is related in sound to certain key words in the accompanying statement made by the mother. Thus, the first syllable of Reuben, which means “see, a son,” is from ra’ah, “to see,” used in her remark, “the Lord hath looked upon my affliction.” To Leah, her first child was evidence of Jehovah’s compassion, and well might she expect him to be the means by which she could win Jacob’s affection. In the first flush of maternal joy she was confident that Jacob’s heart would now turn to her.