רִבְקָה

רִבְקָה

Ribkah, the wife of Isaac

Definition

Rebekah (רִבְקָה) is the daughter of Bethuel, sister of Laban, and wife of Isaac, making her one of the matriarchs of Israel. She is introduced in Genesis 22:23 as the future bride for Isaac, and her story is central to the patriarchal narratives, particularly in Genesis 24 where she is chosen at the well for her kindness and initiative. Her role expands dramatically in Genesis 25 and 27, where she receives a divine oracle about her twin sons (Genesis 25:23) and later orchestrates the blessing of Jacob over Esau, ensuring the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant through her favored son.

Biblical Usage

The name Rebekah appears exclusively in the book of Genesis (29 times), primarily in the narrative of her betrothal (Genesis 24), her marriage to Isaac (Genesis 24:67), and the account of her sons Jacob and Esau. Its usage is strictly as a proper noun for this specific individual, with no other applied meanings. Key passages that define her character include her decisive action at the well (Genesis 24:15-20) and her pivotal role in the family drama of the stolen blessing (Genesis 27:5-17).

Etymology

The etymology of רִבְקָה (Ribqâh) is uncertain but is traditionally linked to a root meaning 'to tie' or 'to bind,' possibly implying 'fettering' or 'captivating,' perhaps in reference to beauty or a secure connection. This connection to binding may symbolically reflect her role in 'tying together' the family lines of Abraham and the next generation through her marriage to Isaac.

Semantic Range

Rebekah is a crucial figure in salvation history, demonstrating God's sovereign guidance in choosing the covenant line (Genesis 24). Her reception of a divine oracle (Genesis 25:23) highlights God's elective purpose ('the older shall serve the younger') prior to the twins' births, a key theme in Romans 9:10-13. Her actions, while morally complex, are used providentially to fulfill this prophecy, showing God working through human decisions to advance His covenantal promises. As a matriarch, Rebekah's story reflects ancient Near Eastern customs of arranged marriage, hospitality, and inheritance. Her initiative at the well and her authority within the family tent, even over her husband Isaac, show a woman of significant autonomy and influence within her cultural framework. The narrative of securing the birthright and blessing involves navigating the cultural norms of primogeniture, which she actively subverts in line with the divine oracle she received. None as a proper name, but conceptually linked to: אִשָּׁה (ʼishshâ, H802) — the general term for 'woman' or 'wife,' of which Rebekah is a specific, pivotal example.

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