The LORD has seen my affliction: The name Reuben (from the Hebrew re’uben) sounds like the Hebrew phrase ra‘ah be‘onyi, which means “he has seen my affliction.” Leah felt that God had seen her suffering and had comforted her when her son was born, and she hoped that Jacob would now love her.
Jacob did not notice her suffering, but God did (compare 16:14; 24:62; 25:11). The name was a reminder of God’s care and help.