of Hebrew origin (רִבְקָה); Rebecca (i.e. Ribkah), the wife of Isaac:--Rebecca.
Transliteration:Rhebékka
Pronunciation:hreb-bek'-kah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek transliteration `{{G4479}}` *Rhebékka* is a direct rendering of the Hebrew proper noun רִבְקָה (*Ribqah*), the name of Isaac's wife and the mother of Jacob and Esau. While the Greek form itself does not add semantic layers beyond denoting the specific individual, the underlying Hebrew name carries potential etymological significance. Scholars have proposed several derivations for *Ribqah*. One common interpretation links it to a root meaning "to tie" or "to bind," possibly implying a captivating beauty or one who "ensnares" with charm. Another suggested root points to "a tethered animal," which some connect to a sense of fertility or plumpness, implying prosperity or abundance. A less common view connects it to an Aramaic root signifying "fattened" or "well-fed," again hinting at prosperity or health. Regardless of the precise etymology, the name identifies a pivotal figure in the patriarchal narratives, whose character and actions profoundly shaped the course of biblical history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Rebecca (`{{G4479}}`) appears exclusively in the New Testament when referencing the Old Testament matriarch, primarily in [[Romans 9:10]] and [[Hebrews 11:11]]. These New Testament references serve to highlight specific aspects of her story in the context of broader theological arguments concerning God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
Her full narrative, however, is found extensively in the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly in the book of Genesis. Rebecca is introduced in [[Genesis 24]] as the chosen bride for Isaac, Abraham's son. Her character is immediately presented as one of remarkable hospitality, beauty, and decisive action, as she readily offers water to Abraham's servant and his camels, and then agrees to leave her family to marry Isaac. This narrative underscores divine providence in guiding the servant to her.
After marrying Isaac, Rebecca experiences barrenness, a recurring theme among the matriarchs, until Isaac prays for her, and she conceives twins ([[Genesis 25:21]]). The struggle within her womb is divinely interpreted as two nations vying for supremacy, with the prophecy that "the older will serve the younger" ([[Genesis 25:23]]). This prophecy profoundly influences Rebecca's actions, leading her to favor Jacob over Esau.
Her most controversial act is orchestrating Jacob's deception of Isaac to secure the blessing of the firstborn for Jacob ([[Genesis 27]]). This episode reveals her strong will and her determination to see the divine prophecy fulfilled, even if it required manipulative means. Following this, she sends Jacob away to her brother Laban to escape Esau's wrath, and is not mentioned again as being alive, though her burial in the cave of Machpelah is noted ([[Genesis 49:31]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
As a key figure in the patriarchal narratives, Rebecca's story is intrinsically linked to several crucial biblical concepts and individuals.
* **Family Lineage:** Her primary role is as the wife of Isaac (`{{H3327}}`, `{{G2464}}`) and mother of Jacob (`{{H3290}}`, `{{G2377}}`) and Esau (`{{H6166}}`, `{{G2245}}`), directly connecting her to Abraham (`{{H0085}}`, `{{G0000}}`).
* **Matriarchs:** She stands alongside Sarah (`{{H8283}}`, `{{G4564}}`), Rachel (`{{H7354}}`, `{{G4478}}`), and Leah (`{{H3816}}`, `{{G3000}}`) as one of the foundational mothers of Israel, instrumental in the continuation of the covenant line.
* **Covenant:** Her life is interwoven with the Abrahamic covenant, as she is the vessel through whom God's promises of numerous descendants and land are carried forward.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency:** Her story vividly illustrates the interplay between God's sovereign plan (the prophecy of the twins) and human actions, including flawed ones (the deception).
* **Barrenness and Divine Intervention:** Like Sarah and Rachel, her initial barrenness highlights God's miraculous intervention in fulfilling His promises.
* **Blessing and Birthright:** Her involvement in the transfer of the blessing from Esau to Jacob is central to the theme of divine election and the establishment of the covenant lineage.
### Theological Significance
Rebecca's life holds profound theological significance, particularly in demonstrating God's sovereign hand in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Her story, particularly the prophecy concerning her twin sons, serves as a foundational text for understanding God's elective purpose, as explicitly referenced by Paul in [[Romans 9:10-13]]. God's choice of Jacob over Esau, even before their birth and independent of their deeds, underscores that His election is based on His gracious will, not human merit.
Furthermore, Rebecca's initial barrenness, followed by divine intervention, reinforces the theme of God's power to bring life from seemingly impossible situations, a recurring motif that points to His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Her role in the deception of Isaac, while morally ambiguous, is often interpreted within the larger framework of God using imperfect human instruments to achieve His perfect purposes. This does not condone her actions but rather highlights the mysterious interplay between divine predestination and human free will, and how God can work through, and even redirect, human sin for His ultimate glory.
Rebecca's journey from a foreign land to become a matriarch of Israel also prefigures the inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan, albeit in a more subtle way than later biblical narratives. Her character, marked by both great faith and human failing, provides a realistic portrayal of those chosen by God, demonstrating that His covenant is maintained not by human perfection, but by His steadfast grace.
### Summary
Rebecca (`{{G4479}}`, from Hebrew *Ribqah*) is a central matriarch in the biblical narrative, serving as Isaac's wife and the mother of Jacob and Esau. Her story, primarily found in Genesis, is pivotal for the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant. She is introduced as a woman of hospitality and decisive action, chosen by divine providence to be Isaac's bride. Her life is marked by the miraculous conception of twins after a period of barrenness, and the divine prophecy that "the older will serve the younger," a declaration of God's sovereign election. Rebecca's strong will and determination to see this prophecy fulfilled led her to orchestrate the deception of Isaac to secure the blessing for Jacob. Though her methods were flawed, her actions ultimately served God's overarching plan for the lineage of the covenant. Her story is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness, His ability to work through human imperfections, and His sovereign choice in establishing His people, themes later expounded in the New Testament.
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