Genesis 25:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 25:21 records a pivotal moment in the life of Isaac and Rebekah, detailing Isaac's earnest prayer to the LORD concerning his wife's barrenness and God's gracious and direct response, which led to Rebekah's miraculous conception. This event not only highlights the power of persistent intercessory prayer but also underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring the continuation of the divinely chosen lineage through which His redemptive plan for humanity would unfold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the patriarchal narratives of Genesis, specifically following Isaac's marriage to Rebekah at the age of forty, as recorded in [Genesis 25:20](/genesis/25-20 "Isaac Marries Rebekah"). The twenty-year period of Rebekah's barrenness (Isaac was sixty when Jacob and Esau were born, per [Genesis 25:26](/genesis/25-26 "Birth of Jacob and Esau")) creates a significant narrative tension, echoing the earlier challenge of Sarah's barrenness in [Genesis 11:30](/genesis/11-30 "Sarah's Barrenness"). This delay emphasizes the human inability to produce the promised heir and sets the stage for divine intervention, making the subsequent conception a clear act of God's power and faithfulness, rather than a natural occurrence. It immediately precedes the miraculous birth of Jacob and Esau, whose destinies are prophetically declared even before their birth in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Prophecy Concerning Jacob and Esau").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, barrenness was considered a significant misfortune and often a source of shame for women, as children, especially sons, were crucial for lineage, inheritance, and social standing. The continuation of the family line was paramount, and a barren wife posed a direct threat to this. For Abraham's descendants, the issue was even more acute, as God's covenant with Abraham hinged on the promise of numerous offspring who would become a great nation and possess the land (e.g., [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham") and [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's Promise of Descendants")). Therefore, Rebekah's barrenness was not merely a personal trial but a theological crisis, challenging the very fulfillment of God's divine promises to the patriarchs. Isaac's action of "entreating the LORD" reflects a deep-seated cultural and spiritual understanding of seeking divine intervention in matters of great importance, especially those pertaining to family and covenant.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 25:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it reiterates the theme of **divine sovereignty and intervention**, demonstrating that God actively works within human history to accomplish His purposes, often transcending natural limitations, as seen in the repeated motif of miraculous births to barren women (e.g., [Sarah in Genesis 21:1-2](/genesis/21-1-2 "Birth of Isaac"), [Rachel in Genesis 30:22-24](/genesis/30-22-24 "Birth of Joseph"), [Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:19-20](/1_samuel/1-19-20 "Birth of Samuel")). Secondly, it highlights the **efficacy of prayer**, portraying Isaac's earnest supplication as a direct catalyst for God's action. Thirdly, it underscores **God's covenant faithfulness**, proving that He will uphold His promises to Abraham and his descendants, even when human circumstances seem to contradict them. This verse is a crucial link in the chain of the promised seed, ensuring the continuation of the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **intreated (Hebrew, _ʿâthar'_):** This verb, used twice in the verse, signifies a deep, earnest, and fervent prayer or supplication. It implies a persistent and heartfelt pleading, often involving a sense of burning or offering, as if burning incense in worship. When applied to God, as in "the LORD was intreated," it means He was favorably disposed to the prayer, heard it, and responded. It is not merely a request but a profound act of seeking God's face and intervention.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal covenant name of God, often translated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." It speaks to God's self-existence, eternality, and His covenant relationship with His people. Isaac's entreaty was not to a generic deity but to the specific God who had made promises to his father Abraham and with whom he was in covenant relationship. The use of this name emphasizes God's personal faithfulness and His active involvement in the lives of His chosen ones.
* **barren (Hebrew, _ʿâqâr'_):** This term describes a state of sterility, implying that the generative organs are as if "extirpated" or rendered unproductive. It highlights a natural impossibility, setting the stage for a supernatural intervention. The inclusion of this detail emphasizes that Rebekah's conception was not a natural occurrence but a direct, miraculous act of God in response to prayer, overcoming a physical limitation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren:"** This clause establishes the problem and Isaac's response. Rebekah's barrenness, a significant challenge to the covenant promise of numerous descendants, prompts Isaac to turn to the LORD in earnest prayer. His action demonstrates faith and reliance on God's power to overcome natural limitations, rather than resorting to human schemes (unlike Abraham and Sarah with Hagar in [Genesis 16:1-4](/genesis/16-1-4 "Abraham and Hagar")). The preposition "for" (Hebrew, _nôkach'_), meaning "in behalf of" or "in front of," underscores Isaac's direct and specific intercession on Rebekah's behalf.
* **"and the LORD was intreated of him,"** This crucial phrase signifies God's favorable reception and positive response to Isaac's prayer. The passive voice ("was intreated") emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in answering, yet it directly links His action to Isaac's fervent plea. It confirms that God heard, acknowledged, and decided to act in accordance with His will and covenant promises. This is a powerful affirmation of the efficacy of prayer.
* **"and Rebekah his wife conceived."** This final clause states the miraculous outcome. The conception of Rebekah, after twenty years of barrenness, is presented as a direct result of the LORD's intervention in response to Isaac's prayer. This event ensures the continuation of the promised lineage, fulfilling God's word and setting the stage for the birth of Jacob and Esau, who would play pivotal roles in Israel's history.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The recurring **Barrenness Motif** (also seen with Sarah, Rachel, and Hannah) serves to highlight God's **Divine Sovereignty** and His power to bring life from apparent impossibility, ensuring that the birth of covenant heirs is always understood as a miraculous gift, not a natural occurrence. The direct cause-and-effect relationship between Isaac's prayer and Rebekah's conception demonstrates **Divine Responsiveness**, emphasizing the efficacy of earnest intercession. The concise, declarative style of the verse, particularly the phrase "and Rebekah his wife conceived," functions as a **Climax**, providing a clear resolution to the twenty-year tension and affirming God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 25:21 is a profound theological statement on God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. It reveals that God's sovereign plan for redemption often unfolds through human weakness and in response to the faithful prayers of His people. The miraculous conception of Rebekah underscores that the continuation of the Abrahamic lineage, critical for the coming of the Messiah, was not dependent on human fertility or ingenuity but solely on God's supernatural power and faithfulness. This event serves as a powerful reminder that God hears and responds to the earnest cries of His children, working in ways that transcend natural limitations to accomplish His divine purposes. It teaches us about the nature of God as a covenant-keeping God who actively intervenes in the lives of His people.

* [Psalm 65:2](/psalm/65-2 "God who hears prayer")
* [Romans 4:19-21](/romans/4-19-21 "Abraham's faith in God's promise")
* [Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "Nothing is impossible with God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 25:21 offers enduring lessons for believers today, particularly concerning the nature and power of prayer. Isaac's persistent and fervent "entreaty" in the face of a twenty-year barrenness models a profound reliance on God, even when circumstances seem impossible. This challenges us to cultivate a prayer life marked by earnestness and perseverance, bringing our deepest concerns and seemingly insurmountable obstacles before the LORD with unwavering faith. The immediate and clear response, "the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived," serves as a powerful affirmation that God hears and answers the prayers of His people according to His perfect will and timing. This passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is actively involved in our lives and possesses the power to work beyond natural limitations to achieve His purposes, particularly those aligned with His redemptive plan. It reminds us that just as God was faithful to His covenant with Abraham by enabling Rebekah to conceive, He remains faithful to His promises to us, providing immense comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty and reinforcing the truth that His timing is always perfect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "barrenness" or impossible situation in your life are you being called to bring before the LORD with persistent and fervent prayer, like Isaac?**
* **How does Isaac's example challenge your own approach to prayer, particularly concerning patience and perseverance when answers are delayed?**
* **In what ways does this account of God's intervention strengthen your faith in His sovereignty and His ability to work beyond natural limitations?**

### FAQ
**Why was Rebekah barren for twenty years before conceiving?**

Answer: Rebekah's twenty-year barrenness, much like Sarah's, highlights several crucial theological truths. Firstly, it underscores the miraculous nature of the subsequent conception, emphasizing that the birth of Isaac's heirs was solely a result of divine intervention, not natural ability. This reinforces God's sovereignty and His direct involvement in fulfilling His covenant promises, demonstrating that the lineage would continue by His power alone. Secondly, it serves as a test of faith and an impetus for prayer, as seen in Isaac's earnest entreaty. The delay cultivated dependence on God. Finally, barrenness is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often preceding the birth of significant figures in God's redemptive plan (e.g., [Genesis 11:30](/genesis/11-30 "Sarah's Barrenness"), [Genesis 29:31](/genesis/29-31 "Rachel's Barrenness"), [1 Samuel 1:2](/1_samuel/1-2 "Hannah's Barrenness")), demonstrating that God often chooses to work through human weakness and apparent impossibility to display His power and ensure His glory.

**What does it mean that "the LORD was intreated of him"?**

Answer: The phrase "the LORD was intreated of him" signifies that God was favorably disposed to Isaac's earnest prayer and responded directly to it. The Hebrew verb *ʿāthar* (עָתַר), translated "intreated," conveys the idea of a fervent, persistent, and heartfelt supplication, akin to burning incense or making a solemn plea. When it is said that God "was intreated," it means He heard Isaac's specific, passionate plea and acted in response to it. This demonstrates God's attentiveness to the prayers of His people and His willingness to intervene in human circumstances according to His divine will and covenant promises. It is a powerful affirmation of the efficacy of prayer when offered in faith and alignment with God's purposes, showing that God delights in responding to the cries of His children.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 25:21, with its account of a miraculous conception ensuring the continuation of the promised lineage, profoundly points forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. God's sovereign intervention to overcome Rebekah's barrenness underscores His unwavering commitment to preserving the specific line through which the Messiah would eventually come, demonstrating His meticulous orchestration of redemptive history. Every miraculous birth in the Old Testament, including this one, serves as a prefigurement of the unique and ultimate miraculous birth of Jesus, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit (as foretold in [Luke 1:34-35](/luke/1-34-35 "Conception of Jesus")), without human father. Jesus is the true "seed" of Abraham, through whom all the promises made to Abraham find their ultimate realization ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Christ as Abraham's Seed")). Through Christ, not only is the physical lineage fulfilled, but the spiritual offspring promised to Abraham, extending salvation and blessing to all nations, is also realized ([Romans 4:16-17](/romans/4-16-17 "Abraham, Father of Many Nations")). Thus, this ancient narrative of divine intervention for the sake of a barren womb ultimately anticipates the greater miracle of God becoming flesh to redeem humanity, ensuring the spiritual "conception" of all who believe in Him.

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

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.