Genesis 25:20

KJV

And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Isaac {H3327} was forty {H705} years {H8141} old {H1121} when he took {H3947} Rebekah {H7259} to wife {H802}, the daughter {H1323} of Bethuel {H1328} the Syrian {H761} of Padanaram {H6307}, the sister {H269} to Laban {H3837} the Syrian {H761}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yitz'chak was forty years old when he took Rivkah, the daughter of B'tu'el the Arami from Paddan-Aram and sister of Lavan the Arami, to be his wife.

Berean Standard Bible

and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan-aram and the sister of Laban the Aramean.

American Standard Version

and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Paddan-aram, the sister of Laban the Syrian, to be his wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 25:20 precisely records the marriage of Isaac, Abraham's covenant heir, to Rebekah at the age of forty. This pivotal verse provides essential biographical and geographical details, identifying Rebekah as the daughter of Bethuel and sister of Laban, both designated as Syrians from Padanaram. This union was divinely orchestrated, ensuring the continuation of God's covenant promises through the chosen lineage, free from the influence of Canaanite idolatry, and setting the stage for the next generation of patriarchs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 25:20 serves as a concise summary statement following the expansive narrative of Isaac's marriage in [Genesis chapter 24](/genesis/24 "The Account of Isaac and Rebekah's Marriage"). Chapter 24 meticulously details Abraham's charge to his servant to find a wife for Isaac from his own kin, the servant's journey, the providential encounter with Rebekah at the well, and her family's consent. Verse 20, therefore, acts as a concluding historical marker for this significant event, preceding the birth of Isaac's twin sons, Esau and Jacob, in [Genesis 25:21-26](/genesis/25-21-26 "The Birth of Esau and Jacob"). It bridges the gap between Abraham's death and the unfolding of the next patriarchal generation, emphasizing the continuity of the covenant through Isaac.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, marriages were often arranged, particularly among prominent families, to solidify alliances, preserve lineage, and protect inheritance. Abraham's insistence that Isaac not marry a Canaanite woman ([Genesis 24:3-4](/genesis/24-3-4 "Abraham's Oath Regarding Isaac's Marriage")) reflects the cultural imperative of endogamy—marrying within one's kin group—to maintain ethnic and religious purity. The designation "Syrian" (Hebrew: *Arammi*) for Bethuel and Laban, and the geographical identifier "Padanaram" (the "plain of Aram"), firmly place Rebekah's family in northern Mesopotamia, the region from which Abraham himself had migrated ([Genesis 11:31](/genesis/11-31 "Terah's Migration to Haran")). This highlights the shared ancestral heritage, ensuring that Isaac's wife came from a people related to Abraham, albeit distinct from the idolatrous Canaanites who inhabited the promised land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis. Foremost is the **Covenant Continuity**, as Isaac's marriage is essential for the perpetuation of the Abrahamic covenant and the promise of numerous descendants ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "The Promise to Abraham")). It also underscores **Divine Providence**, as God's hand is clearly seen in orchestrating the union, guiding Abraham's servant to Rebekah ([Genesis 24:27](/genesis/24-27 "The Servant's Prayer of Thanks")). The emphasis on Rebekah's non-Canaanite origin highlights the theme of **Lineage Purity** and the separation of the chosen people from the surrounding pagan cultures, a recurring motif throughout the patriarchal narratives and later Israelite history. Finally, Isaac's age of forty years at marriage, and the subsequent period of waiting for children ([Genesis 25:21](/genesis/25-21 "Rebekah's Barrenness")), subtly introduces the theme of **Patience and Trust in God's Timing**.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Isaac (Hebrew, _Yitschâq'_):** From the root meaning "laughter" (i.e., mockery). This name, given to Abraham's son, is deeply significant, recalling the laughter of Abraham and Sarah at the impossible promise of a child in their old age ([Genesis 17:17](/genesis/17-17 "Abraham's Laughter") and [Genesis 18:12-15](/genesis/18-12-15 "Sarah's Laughter")). Isaac's very name embodies the miraculous nature of his birth and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, making his marriage a crucial step in the continuation of that divine plan.
* **took (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to take" in a wide variety of applications, including to accept, bring, buy, or seize. In this context, it specifically refers to "taking to wife" (often paired with *ishshâh*, H802, "woman/wife"), signifying the formal act of marriage and the establishment of a marital covenant. This verb emphasizes Isaac's active role in establishing his household and continuing the patriarchal line.
* **Rebekah (Hebrew, _Ribqâh'_):** From an unused root probably meaning "to clog by tying up the fetlock," suggesting "fettering (by beauty)." While the etymology is debated, Rebekah's character in Genesis 24 portrays her as a woman of beauty, hospitality, and initiative, chosen by divine providence to be Isaac's wife and the mother of the next generation of covenant heirs. Her name, though perhaps hinting at captivating beauty, ultimately points to her role in being "bound" to Isaac and the covenant purpose.
* **Syrian (Hebrew, _ʼĂrammîy'_):** A patrial term from *Aram*, designating an Aramite or Aramaean. This term identifies Rebekah's family as ethnically and geographically originating from Aram, a region in northern Mesopotamia (Padanaram). This is crucial for distinguishing her lineage from the Canaanites, thereby fulfilling Abraham's directive and ensuring the purity of the covenant line. The repetition of "the Syrian" for both Bethuel and Laban emphasizes their shared ethnic identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife,"**: This opening clause establishes the timing and the central event. Isaac's age of forty (Hebrew: *ʼarbâʻîym* years, *shâneh* old, *bên* son/age) indicates a mature age for marriage in the ancient world, suggesting a deliberate and significant step. The phrase "took Rebekah to wife" (Hebrew: *lâqach Ribqâh lᵉʼishshâh*) signifies the formal and binding act of marriage, a foundational event for the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant.
* **"the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram,"**: This phrase meticulously identifies Rebekah's paternal lineage and geographical origin. Bethuel was Abraham's nephew, son of Nahor ([Genesis 22:23](/genesis/22-23 "Nahor's Descendants")), making Rebekah Isaac's first cousin once removed. The designation "the Syrian" (Hebrew: *ʼĂrammîy*) and "of Padanaram" (Hebrew: *Paddân ʼĂrâm*) precisely locate her family in northern Mesopotamia, the "plain of Aram," a region associated with the Aramean people. This detail is vital as it confirms her non-Canaanite background, fulfilling Abraham's command to his servant.
* **"the sister to Laban the Syrian."**: This final clause further specifies Rebekah's family connections by naming her prominent brother, Laban. His identification as "the Syrian" reiterates the family's Aramean ethnicity, reinforcing their connection to Abraham's ancestral homeland. Laban would later play a significant, albeit challenging, role in the life of Jacob, Isaac's son ([Genesis 29:15-30](/genesis/29-15-30 "Jacob and Laban")). This detailed genealogical and geographical information underscores the providential care in preserving the covenant lineage.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its significant information. **Precision of Detail** is evident in the exact age of Isaac and the meticulous naming of Rebekah's father, brother, and geographical origin ("Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian"). This precision lends historical credibility and underscores the importance of lineage in the patriarchal narratives. The **Repetition** of "the Syrian" for both Bethuel and Laban serves to emphasize their distinct ethnic identity, reinforcing the theme of separation from the Canaanites. The verse also functions as a form of **Summary Statement**, condensing the extensive narrative of [Genesis chapter 24](/genesis/24 "The Story of Isaac and Rebekah") into a single, declarative sentence, marking a crucial transition point in the unfolding saga of God's covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 25:20, while concise, is pregnant with theological significance, highlighting God's active involvement in the lives of His covenant people. The marriage of Isaac and Rebekah was not merely a personal event but a divinely orchestrated step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It underscores the theme of divine faithfulness, as God meticulously provides for the continuation of the promised lineage, ensuring that the covenant promises made to Abraham would be passed to the next generation through Isaac. This union also emphasizes the importance of purity and separation, as Abraham's insistence on a non-Canaanite wife protected the nascent covenant community from the idolatrous influences of the surrounding cultures, setting a precedent for Israel's future identity.

* [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant and Universal Blessing") - God's promise to make Abraham a great nation and bless all families through him, necessitating the continuation of his lineage.
* [Genesis 24:7](/genesis/24-7 "God's Angel Will Guide") - Abraham's confidence that God would send His angel to guide his servant in finding the right wife for Isaac, demonstrating divine providence.
* [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Promise to Abraham's Seed") - Paul's theological exposition on how the promise was made to Abraham and his "seed," which is Christ, highlighting the ultimate purpose of the lineage.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 25:20, though a brief historical note, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the seemingly ordinary details of our lives, including significant relationships like marriage. Isaac's patient waiting for a wife, and the meticulous care taken to ensure she was from his kin, speaks to the importance of seeking God's will and timing in major life decisions, rather than rushing into choices. It encourages us to trust in God's providential guidance, knowing that He orchestrates circumstances to fulfill His purposes, even when the path is not immediately clear. Furthermore, the emphasis on a "pure" lineage, distinct from the surrounding culture, serves as a spiritual metaphor for believers today: we are called to be set apart, not conforming to the patterns of this world, but living in a way that honors God and reflects our identity as His covenant people. Just as God was faithful to establish Isaac's family, He remains faithful to build and sustain His spiritual family, the Church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Isaac's patient waiting for a wife, as implied by his age, challenge our modern tendencies toward instant gratification in relationships?**
* **In what ways can we discern God's providential hand in our own significant life decisions, much like the detailed account of Rebekah's selection?**
* **What does the emphasis on Rebekah's non-Canaanite origin teach us about the importance of spiritual discernment and choosing partners or associations that align with our faith?**
* **How does understanding the continuity of the covenant through Isaac's marriage deepen our appreciation for God's long-term faithfulness in His plan for humanity?**

### FAQ
**Why was Isaac forty years old when he married Rebekah?**

Answer: Isaac's age of forty years at marriage, while not explicitly explained in this verse, signifies a period of maturity and deliberate action. His mother, Sarah, had died three years prior ([Genesis 23:1](/genesis/23-1 "Sarah's Age at Death")), suggesting a time of mourning and transition before this significant life event. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, forty years could represent a seasoned age for a man of status to take a wife, indicating a thoughtful and divinely orchestrated union rather than a hasty decision. This age also highlights the significant period of waiting, which would be further extended by Rebekah's initial barrenness ([Genesis 25:21](/genesis/25-21 "Rebekah's Barrenness")).

**What is the significance of Rebekah being called "the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram"?**

Answer: This detailed identification is crucial for several reasons related to the Abrahamic covenant. First, it confirms that Rebekah came from Abraham's extended family, specifically his nephew Nahor's lineage ([Genesis 22:20-23](/genesis/22-20-23 "Nahor's Descendants")), fulfilling Abraham's command that Isaac not marry a Canaanite woman ([Genesis 24:3-4](/genesis/24-3-4 "Abraham's Oath")). Second, "Padanaram" (the plain of Aram) specifies her geographical origin in northern Mesopotamia, emphasizing her non-Canaanite background. Third, the term "Syrian" (Hebrew: *Arammi*) identifies her as ethnically Aramean, a people group distinct from the Canaanites, thereby preserving the purity and distinctiveness of the covenant lineage.

**Why is the term "Syrian" used to describe Bethuel and Laban?**

Answer: The term "Syrian" in this context is a translation of the Hebrew word *Arammi* (אֲרַמִּי), which refers to someone from Aram. This indicates their ethnic and geographical origin in Mesopotamia, specifically the region of Padanaram, which was associated with the Aramean people. It does not refer to the modern nation of Syria but rather to a distinct ancient Semitic people group with whom the Israelites shared distant kinship and often interacted. This detail reinforces their non-Canaanite identity, which was vital for the covenant line to remain distinct and fulfill God's promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 25:20, by meticulously detailing the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah, serves as a vital link in the unfolding redemptive history that culminates in Jesus Christ. Isaac, as the son of promise and the heir of the Abrahamic covenant, represents the continuation of God's chosen lineage through whom the Messiah would ultimately come. His divinely orchestrated union with Rebekah ensures the purity and preservation of this line, foreshadowing God's meticulous care in preparing the way for the ultimate "seed" of Abraham. Just as Isaac was the unique son through whom the covenant promises would flow ([Genesis 21:12](/genesis/21-12 "God's Promise to Abraham Regarding Isaac")), so too is Jesus the singular Son through whom God's ultimate covenant of grace is established. The faithfulness of God in preserving this specific lineage, even through periods of waiting and the challenges of human relationships, underscores His unwavering commitment to His promises, culminating in the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the true fulfillment of the covenant and through whom all nations of the earth are blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Promise to Abraham's Seed") and [Acts 3:25-26](/acts/3-25-26 "Peter's Sermon: The Seed of Abraham")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 24:29

¶ And Rebekah had a brother, and his name [was] Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.

Genesis 24:67

And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's [death].

Genesis 22:23

And Bethuel begat Rebekah: these eight Milcah did bear to Nahor, Abraham's brother.

Genesis 31:24

And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Deuteronomy 26:5

And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish [was] my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous:

Genesis 31:20

And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.

Genesis 28:5

And Isaac sent away Jacob: and he went to Padanaram unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob's and Esau's mother.