from an unused root probably meaning to clog by tying up the fetlock; fettering (by beauty); Ribkah, the wife of Isaac; Rebekah.
Transliteration:Ribqâh
Pronunciation:rib-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term רִבְקָה (Ribqâh), Strong's number `{{H7259}}`, is the proper name for Rebekah, the wife of Isaac. Its base definition stems from an unused root, speculated to mean "to clog by tying up the fetlock," leading to the derived meaning "fettering (by beauty)." This etymological suggestion implies a captivating or binding quality, perhaps referring to a charming or ensnaring influence. While the precise root meaning remains somewhat speculative, the notion of "fettering" or "binding" could subtly allude to her significant and sometimes manipulative influence within her family, or more positively, her captivating nature that drew Abraham's servant to her and sealed her destiny.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Rebekah is a prominent figure in the book of Genesis, primarily from chapter 24 through chapter 28, with her death mentioned in [[Genesis 49:31]]. Her story begins with Abraham's quest for a wife for Isaac, leading his servant to Nahor, where Rebekah is found. Her character is immediately established as hospitable and industrious, offering water to the servant and his camels ([[Genesis 24:18-20]]). Her swift and decisive willingness to leave her family and go with the servant to an unknown land demonstrates her courage and faith ([[Genesis 24:58]]).
Upon meeting Isaac, she immediately veils herself, a gesture of respect and humility ([[Genesis 24:65]]). Her marriage to Isaac brings comfort to him after his mother Sarah's death ([[Genesis 24:67]]). For twenty years, Rebekah is barren, prompting Isaac to pray to the Lord, who answers their plea ([[Genesis 25:21]]). During her pregnancy, she experiences a struggle within her womb, leading her to inquire of the Lord, who reveals the prophecy of two nations and two peoples, with the older serving the younger ([[Genesis 25:23]]).
This prophecy profoundly shapes her actions. She develops a strong favoritism for Jacob over Esau, mirroring Isaac's preference for Esau ([[Genesis 25:28]]). This favoritism culminates in her elaborate plan to deceive Isaac into giving Jacob the blessing intended for Esau ([[Genesis 27]]). Her resourcefulness and determination are evident, but so is her willingness to engage in deception, even taking the potential curse upon herself ([[Genesis 27:13]]). This act, while securing Jacob's destiny, also leads to Esau's wrath and Jacob's subsequent flight, separating Rebekah from her favored son for many years. Her final appearance in the narrative is her burial in the cave of Machpelah ([[Genesis 49:31]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Rebekah's narrative is intricately linked with several key biblical figures and theological concepts.
* **Isaac (`{{H3327}}`):** Her husband, whose life and lineage she is instrumental in continuing. Their relationship is one of mutual affection, though complicated by their differing favoritism towards their sons.
* **Jacob (`{{H3290}}`) and Esau (`{{H6166}}`):** Her twin sons, whose rivalry and the divine prophecy concerning them define much of her later life. Her actions directly influence the course of the covenant line through Jacob.
* **Abraham (`{{H85}}`):** Her father-in-law, whose covenant promises she becomes a vital link in fulfilling.
* **Laban (`{{H3838}}`):** Her brother, who later becomes Jacob's father-in-law, highlighting the family ties and recurring themes of deception within the family lineage.
* **Divine Providence:** Her discovery by Abraham's servant is presented as divinely guided ([[Genesis 24:27, 48]]). Her barrenness and the subsequent birth of twins also underscore God's sovereign control over life and destiny.
* **Covenant Succession:** As a matriarch, Rebekah is crucial for the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant through Isaac and Jacob. Her role in ensuring Jacob received the blessing, despite the means, is seen by some as an instrument of God's predetermined will.
* **Favoritism and Deception:** Her story exemplifies the destructive nature of parental favoritism and the ethical complexities of deception, even when seemingly aimed at fulfilling a divine prophecy.
### Theological Significance
Rebekah's life holds significant theological weight within the biblical narrative of salvation history. As one of the four matriarchs (Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Leah), she is a foundational figure in the lineage of the promised Messiah. Her story underscores several crucial theological themes:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Election:** The prophecy given to Rebekah, "the older shall serve the younger" ([[Genesis 25:23]]), is a profound declaration of God's sovereign choice, independent of human merit or birth order. This passage is later cited by the Apostle Paul in [[Romans 9:10-13]] to illustrate God's elective purpose in salvation. Rebekah's actions, though ethically questionable, are often interpreted as instruments through which God's preordained plan for Jacob to receive the blessing was brought to fruition.
2. **God's Faithfulness Amidst Human Imperfection:** Rebekah is a complex character—courageous and hospitable, yet also manipulative and deceptive. Her story demonstrates that God uses imperfect individuals with flawed characters to accomplish His perfect will. Her faith in leaving her home is commendable, but her later deception highlights the ongoing struggle with sin even among those chosen by God.
3. **The Nature of Blessing and Covenant:** Her active role in securing the blessing for Jacob emphasizes the critical importance of the patriarchal blessing as a vehicle for covenant transmission. While the means were deceptive, the outcome aligns with God's stated purpose, raising questions about human agency and divine orchestration.
4. **The Tension Between Means and Ends:** Rebekah's story presents a challenging theological dilemma regarding whether a "good" end (fulfilling prophecy) justifies deceptive means. The narrative does not explicitly condone her deception but portrays it as part of the unfolding divine drama, with consequences for all involved (e.g., Jacob's exile).
### Summary
Rebekah (רִבְקָה, `{{H7259}}`) is a pivotal matriarch in the book of Genesis, whose name's etymological root possibly suggests a "fettering" or "captivating" quality. Discovered through divine providence, she embodies hospitality, courage, and decisive action in her early life, readily agreeing to marry Isaac. As Isaac's wife and the mother of Jacob and Esau, she plays a critical role in the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant line. Her life is marked by the miraculous birth of her twin sons and the divine prophecy concerning their destinies. Driven by favoritism for Jacob and a desire to see the prophecy fulfilled, she orchestrates a significant deception against Isaac to secure the blessing for Jacob. Theologically, Rebekah's narrative powerfully illustrates God's sovereign election and His ability to work through imperfect human agents to achieve His redemptive purposes, even amidst their flaws and moral ambiguities. Her story stands as a testament to the complex interplay of divine will and human action in the unfolding history of God's covenant with His people.
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