Genesis 30:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

She experienced a measure of joy when the maidservant bore a child; consequently, she named the boy herself and expressed gratitude to the Lord for his arrival.

She explained the significance of the name: the servant's child is called ‘judgment’ because the Lord ‘judged’ her. Indeed, ‘Dan’ translates to ‘judgment’.

You are interested in the meanings of the names of the patriarchs. Allow me to share these insights. Dan represents judgment.

God rendered a verdict in my favor. In other words, God validated Rachel's anguish over her inability to bear children through that very action. Thus, judgment leads to a decision.