Genesis 25:21

Jacob and Esau · Genesis 25:19–28
Read Genesis 25

Translations

Modern
Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived.
Traditional
And Isaac intreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
Literal
And Isaac entreated YHWH for his wife, because she was barren. And YHWH was entreated for him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
Latin
Deprecatusque est Isaac Dominum pro uxore sua, eo quod esset sterilis: qui exaudivit eum, et dedit conceptum Rebeccæ.

Original

Hebrew
English
Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived.

Notes

  • For 20 years, Rebekah could not have children (compare 25:20, 26), similar to Sarah (see 16:1). This condition tested their faith (see study note on 16:1–3). How could they be childless when God promised that nations would come from them?

  • Isaac begged the Lord for help, and the Lord answered his prayer. Isaac seemed to learn from his father's mistake and acted with faith.

Jacob’s struggle to be greater than his brother began before the twins were born (see Hosea 12:3).

Theme notes and profiles

Esau Isaac Jacob Rebekah Infertility Symbolic Numbers

Parallels

Malachi 1:1–5 Romans 9:6–29

People

Isaac: Son of Abraham; father of Jacob and Esau Rebekah: Wife of Isaac; mother of Jacob and Esau

Glossary

Barrenness Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Birthright Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Mishma Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the Rebecca, Rebekah

Topics

Barren Women Barrenness: Miraculously Removed: Rebecca Blessing: Temporal Blessings, Prayer For: Isaac Children in Answer to Prayer: Isaac Children: Often Given in Answer to Prayer Conception: Miraculous: Rebekah Esau: Birth of Getting Pregnant Having a Baby Isaac: The Miraculous Son of Abraham: Esau and Jacob Born To Isaac: The Miraculous Son of Abraham: His Devoutness IVF Jacob: Given in Answer to Prayer Miracles: Catalogue of The Conception of Jacob and Esau Rebekah (Rebecca): Mother of Esau and Jacob The Fetus