Genesis 25:24

KJV

And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, [there were] twins in her womb.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when her days {H3117} to be delivered {H3205} were fulfilled {H4390}, behold, there were twins {H8380} in her womb {H990}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the time for her delivery came, there were twins in her womb.

Berean Standard Bible

When her time came to give birth, there were indeed twins in her womb.

American Standard Version

And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 25:24 marks the culmination of Rebekah's long-awaited pregnancy, revealing the surprising presence of twins within her womb. This verse signifies the divine fulfillment of God's promise to Isaac and Rebekah, setting the stage for the unfolding patriarchal narrative and introducing the pivotal figures of Jacob and Esau, whose distinct destinies would profoundly shape the history of Israel and Edom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 25:24 arrives as a climactic moment following two decades of Rebekah's barrenness. The preceding verses detail [Isaac's earnest prayer for his wife](/genesis/25-21 "Isaac's Prayer for Rebekah's Pregnancy"), highlighting the couple's reliance on divine intervention for the continuation of their lineage. This period of waiting underscores the profound importance of their offspring for the fulfillment of [God's covenant promises made to Abraham](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham: A Great Nation"), particularly concerning the development of a great nation and the ultimate lineage of the Messiah. The divine hand in orchestrating Rebekah's pregnancy and the subsequent birth is evident, transforming a period of barrenness into a moment of miraculous fulfillment. Immediately following this verse, the narrative delves into the birth order and the initial characteristics of the twins, setting the stage for their contrasting lives and the prophetic utterance in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - The Prophecy of Two Nations").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, barrenness was often considered a great misfortune or even a curse, placing immense social and personal pressure on women and their families. Conversely, fertility and numerous offspring were seen as divine blessings and a sign of favor, crucial for the continuation of the family line and tribal strength. The patriarchal narratives, including this one, frequently emphasize the miraculous nature of births to previously barren women (e.g., Sarah, Rachel, Hannah), underscoring God's direct involvement in the establishment of His chosen people. The concept of primogeniture (the right of the firstborn) was also deeply ingrained, making the revelation of twins, and the subsequent divine reversal of birth order in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - The Prophecy of Two Nations"), particularly significant and counter-cultural.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's meticulous control over life and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises, even after long periods of waiting, as seen in [Genesis 21:1-2](/genesis/21-1-2 "Genesis 21:1-2 - The Birth of Isaac"). The unexpected presence of twins introduces the theme of **Divine Election and Purpose**, foreshadowing God's sovereign choice of Jacob over Esau, a concept later expounded by Paul in [Romans 9:11-13](/romans/9-11-13 "Romans 9:11-13 - God's Sovereign Choice"). Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **God Working Through the Unexpected**, as the dual birth immediately sets up the narrative of two distinct nations and their intertwined, yet often conflicting, destinies, a pattern seen throughout Israel's history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The KJV text of Genesis 25:24 states, "And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, [there were] twins in her womb." This concise statement is rich with theological and narrative significance.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fulfilled (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** From H4390, meaning to fill or be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively); to accomplish, confirm, be at an end, be expired. Here, it signifies the completion of Rebekah's full term of pregnancy, emphasizing that the birth occurred precisely at the divinely appointed time. It underscores God's meticulous control over the unfolding of His redemptive plan, ensuring that events transpire according to His perfect schedule.
* **twins (Hebrew, _tâʼôwm'_):** From H8380, a twin (in plural only), literally or figuratively. This word is central to the verse's revelation, immediately setting the stage for the complex narrative that follows. The unexpected arrival of two individuals, rather than a single heir, is not merely a biological occurrence but a divinely purposed event that would shape the future of two distinct nations, as prophesied in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - The Prophecy of Two Nations").
* **womb (Hebrew, _beṭen'_):** From H990, the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything. This term highlights the intimate and miraculous nature of the divine work within Rebekah. It is within this sacred, hidden space that God's sovereign plan for two nations begins to take physical form, emphasizing the profound mystery and wonder of life's inception under divine orchestration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled":** This clause emphasizes the completion of a divinely appointed period. After twenty years of barrenness and Isaac's fervent prayer, this signifies God's perfect timing and faithfulness in bringing the pregnancy to term. The phrase "days to be delivered" refers to the natural gestation period, but its "fulfillment" underscores a supernatural orchestration, highlighting that this birth was neither accidental nor premature, but precisely according to God's plan.
* **"behold":** The Hebrew interjection *hinneh* (often translated "behold" or "lo") serves as an attention-grabber, signaling something unexpected, significant, or divinely revealed. In this context, it heightens the dramatic impact of the subsequent revelation, drawing the reader's focus to the surprising outcome of Rebekah's pregnancy and emphasizing the miraculous and noteworthy aspect of the multiple birth.
* **"[there were] twins in her womb":** This is the central disclosure of the verse. The discovery of not one, but two children, is pivotal. It immediately sets the stage for the prophecy given to Rebekah in the preceding verse ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - The Prophecy of Two Nations")) and formally introduces the two key figures, Jacob and Esau, whose distinct destinies would shape the future of two nations. The phrase "in her womb" emphasizes the intimate, internal, and miraculous nature of this divine work, a hidden wonder now revealed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. The most prominent is the **Interjection** "behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*), which functions as a dramatic marker, drawing the reader's immediate attention to the surprising and divinely orchestrated revelation that follows. This interjection elevates the moment from a mere biological event to a pivotal point in salvation history. Furthermore, the very presence of "twins" serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**. Given the preceding prophecy in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - The Prophecy of Two Nations") about "two nations" and "two manner of people," the revelation of twins immediately sets up the narrative of rivalry, contrasting destinies, and divine election that will unfold between Jacob and Esau throughout the rest of Genesis and beyond.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 25:24 is a profound testament to God's active involvement in human affairs, particularly in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. It underscores His perfect timing and sovereign control, demonstrating that even in moments of human barrenness and waiting, God's promises are meticulously brought to fruition. The revelation of twins, rather than a single heir, immediately introduces the theme of divine election, showing that God's purposes are not limited by human expectations or natural order, but are sovereignly ordained for His glory and the advancement of His covenant.

* [Genesis 21:1-2](/genesis/21-1-2 "Genesis 21:1-2 - The Birth of Isaac"): Just as God "visited" Sarah and fulfilled His promise by giving her Isaac in her old age, He now faithfully fulfills His promise to Isaac and Rebekah, demonstrating His consistent character as a covenant-keeping God.
* [Romans 9:11-13](/romans/9-11-13 "Romans 9:11-13 - God's Sovereign Choice of Jacob"): Paul explicitly references the birth of Jacob and Esau to illustrate God's sovereign election, emphasizing that His choice was not based on human works or merit, but on His divine purpose and call, even before the twins were born.
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"): This verse exemplifies God's declaration of the end from the beginning, as the birth of the twins, and the prophecy concerning them, reveals God's foreknowledge and pre-ordained plan for their lives and the nations that would descend from them.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 25:24 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us to trust implicitly in God's perfect timing. Just as Isaac and Rebekah waited patiently for two decades, this verse assures us that God's promises will be fulfilled precisely when He ordains, even when circumstances seem barren or delayed. It also invites us to recognize God's sovereign hand in the unexpected turns of life, understanding that His plans often unfold in ways beyond our comprehension, using diverse individuals and situations to advance His will. Ultimately, this passage highlights the immense value God places on every life, demonstrating that His divine purpose often begins to unfold in the most intimate and personal moments, even before birth. It calls us to patience, faith, and a deeper appreciation for God's meticulous and mysterious work in our lives and in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Rebekah's long wait for children, culminating in the birth of twins, encourage you to trust God's timing in your own life when faced with delays or unanswered prayers?**
* **In what ways has God surprised you with an "unexpected" outcome that ultimately proved to be part of His greater plan?**
* **How does the revelation of twins, with their distinct destinies, deepen your understanding of God's sovereign purpose and election in the lives of individuals?**

### FAQ
**Why does the KJV use the word "behold" in this verse?**

Answer: The word "behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) is an interjection used to draw immediate attention to a surprising, significant, or divinely orchestrated event. In [Genesis 25:24](/genesis/25-24 "Genesis 25:24 - The Birth of Jacob and Esau"), its inclusion emphasizes the unexpected and noteworthy discovery that Rebekah was carrying not one, but two children, underscoring the miraculous and divinely purposed nature of the multiple birth. It serves to heighten the drama and significance of the moment for the reader.

**Why were twins significant in this narrative, rather than a single child?**

Answer: The birth of twins, Jacob and Esau, was profoundly significant because it immediately set the stage for the fulfillment of God's prophecy to Rebekah in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - The Prophecy of Two Nations") that "two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels." This revelation foreshadowed their distinct destinies, their future rivalry, and the divergent paths of the nations that would descend from them, highlighting God's sovereign plan for both individuals and peoples, and setting the stage for the narrative of divine election.

**Does this verse imply God's pre-birth election of individuals?**

Answer: While [Genesis 25:24](/genesis/25-24 "Genesis 25:24 - The Birth of Jacob and Esau") itself simply states the fact of the twins' birth, the broader narrative, particularly God's prophecy to Rebekah in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - The Prophecy of Two Nations") about the elder serving the younger, strongly implies God's pre-birth knowledge and sovereign choice. The Apostle Paul later explicitly references this account in [Romans 9:11-13](/romans/9-11-13 "Romans 9:11-13 - God's Sovereign Choice") to illustrate God's unmerited election, emphasizing that His choice was "not of works, but of him that calleth," demonstrating His divine prerogative to choose and ordain according to His will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 25:24, by introducing Jacob, directly contributes to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jacob, later renamed Israel, became the patriarch through whom the twelve tribes would descend, establishing the nation from which the Messiah would ultimately come. The birth of these twins, particularly Jacob's lineage, is a vital link in the genealogical chain leading directly to Jesus Christ, fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant that through Abraham's seed (and thus, Jacob's line), all the nations of the earth would be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Blessing to All Nations")). This moment underscores God's meticulous providence in preparing the way for the Incarnation, ensuring the continuation of the promised seed through whom salvation would ultimately come to humanity ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Christ, the Seed of Abraham")). Thus, this verse is a foundational moment in the unfolding narrative of salvation history, pointing towards the ultimate birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ, who would take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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.