Genesis 25:21

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she [was] barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Yitz'chak prayed to ADONAI on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. ADONAI heeded his prayer, and Rivkah became pregnant.

Berean Standard Bible:

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.

American Standard Version:

And Isaac entreated Jehovah for his wife, because she was barren: and Jehovah was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And Isaac{H3327} intreated{H6279} the LORD{H3068} for{H5227} his wife{H802}, because she was barren{H6135}: and the LORD{H3068} was intreated{H6279} of him, and Rebekah{H7259} his wife{H802} conceived{H2029}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Ezra 8:23

  • So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.

Isaiah 58:9

  • Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am]. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

Luke 1:13

  • But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

2 Chronicles 33:13

  • And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he [was] God.

Romans 9:10

  • And not only [this]; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, [even] by our father Isaac;

Romans 9:12

  • It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.

1 Chronicles 5:20

  • And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that [were] with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.

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Commentary for Genesis 25:21

Genesis 25:21 is a verse that falls within the broader narrative of the patriarchal stories in the Book of Genesis, specifically focusing on the life of Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. The historical context of this verse is set within the ancient Near Eastern world, where the lineage and continuation of the family line were of utmost importance, particularly for the chosen line of Abraham through which God promised to bless all nations (Genesis 12:3).

The verse specifically addresses the issue of fertility, a common theme in the biblical narrative, as the ability to bear children was seen as a divine blessing. In this case, Isaac's wife Rebekah is barren, which would have been a source of great personal anguish and social concern, as offspring were necessary to inherit property, continue the family line, and fulfill God's promises.

The theological theme highlighted here is the power and providence of God in human affairs, particularly regarding childbirth. Isaac's response to his wife's barrenness is to pray to the Lord, demonstrating his faith and reliance on God. The verse underscores the efficacy of prayer and God's attentiveness to the needs and supplications of His people. In answer to Isaac's prayers, God intervenes and Rebekah conceives, which not only resolves the immediate concern but also sets the stage for the birth of their twin sons, Esau and Jacob, who will play significant roles in the unfolding story of God's covenant people. This event reinforces the theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His active participation in the lives of the patriarchs and matriarchs.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H3327
    There are 101 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יִצְחָק
    Transliteration: Yitschâq
    Pronunciation: yits-khawk'
    Description: from צָחַק; laughter (i.e. mochery); Jitschak (or Isaac), son of Abraham; Isaac. Compare יִשְׂחָק.
  2. Strong's Number: H6279
    There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עָתַר
    Transliteration: ʻâthar
    Pronunciation: aw-thar'
    Description: a primitive root (rather denominative from עֶתֶר); to burn incense in worship, i.e. intercede (reciprocally, listen to prayer); intreat, (make) pray(-er).
  3. Strong's Number: H3068
    There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יְהֹוָה
    Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
    Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
    Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
  4. Strong's Number: H5227
    There are 22 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נֹכַח
    Transliteration: nôkach
    Pronunciation: no'-kakh
    Description: from the same as נֵכַח; properly, the front part; used adverbially (especially with preposition), opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of; (over) against, before, direct(-ly), for, right (on).
  5. Strong's Number: H802
    There are 729 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אִשָּׁה
    Transliteration: ʼishshâh
    Pronunciation: ish-shaw'
    Description: feminine of אִישׁ or אֱנוֹשׁ; irregular plural, נָשִׁים;(used in the same wide sense as אֱנוֹשׁ); a woman; (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English.
  6. Strong's Number: H6135
    There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עָקָר
    Transliteration: ʻâqâr
    Pronunciation: aw-kawr'
    Description: from עָקַר; sterile (as if extirpated in the generative organs); ([idiom] male or female) barren (woman).
  7. Strong's Number: H7259
    There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: רִבְקָה
    Transliteration: Ribqâh
    Pronunciation: rib-kaw'
    Description: from an unused root probably meaning to clog by tying up the fetlock; fettering (by beauty); Ribkah, the wife of Isaac; Rebekah.
  8. Strong's Number: H2029
    There are 42 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: הָרָה
    Transliteration: hârâh
    Pronunciation: haw-raw'
    Description: a primitive root; to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively); been, be with child, conceive, progenitor.