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Genesis 25:21 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.
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The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/25.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Isaac pleaded with the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was unable to have children. The LORD answered Isaac’s prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with twins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/25.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/25.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/25.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she <i>was</i> barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/25.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now Isaac pleaded with the LORD for his wife, because she <i>was</i> barren; and the LORD granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was unable to have children; and the LORD answered him, and his wife Rebekah conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/25.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren; and the LORD answered him and Rebekah his wife conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren; and the LORD answered him and Rebekah his wife conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Isaac entreated Yahweh on behalf of his wife because she was barren; and Yahweh was moved by his entreaty. So Rebekah his wife conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was unable to conceive children; and the LORD granted his prayer and Rebekah his wife conceived [twins].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife because she was childless. The LORD was receptive to his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife because she was childless. The LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/25.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Isaac entreated Jehovah for his wife, because she was barren: and Jehovah was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Rebekah still had no children. So Isaac asked the LORD to let her have a child, and the LORD answered his prayer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/25.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Isaac entreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife because she was childless. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/25.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Because Rebecca had no children, Isaac prayed to the LORD for her. The LORD answered his prayer, and Rebecca became pregnant. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/25.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, since she was unable to conceive children, and the LORD responded to him—his wife Rebekah became pregnant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/25.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife because she was childless. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Isaac prayed for his wife, because she was barren. And God was moved by his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Isaac entreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/25.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Isaac entreated Yahweh for his wife, because she was barren. Yahweh was entreated by him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Isaac makes plea to YHWH before his wife, for she [is] barren: and YHWH accepts his plea, and his wife Rebekah conceives,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Isaac maketh entreaty to Jehovah before his wife, for she is barren: and Jehovah is entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceiveth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Isaak will supplicate to Jehovah for his wife, because she was barren: and Jehovah will be supplicated for him, and Rebekah his wife will conceive.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Isaac besought the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and he heard him, and made Rebecca to conceive. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Isaac beseeched the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And he heard him, and he gave conception to Rebekah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/25.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Isaac entreated the LORD on behalf of his wife, since she was sterile. The LORD heard his entreaty, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was barren; and the LORD granted his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Isaac prayed before the LORD for his wife, because she was barren; and the LORD answered him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/25.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Isaaq prayed before LORD JEHOVAH, because his wife was sterile, and LORD JEHOVAH answered him, and Raphqa his wife became pregnant.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/25.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Isaac entreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren; and the LORD let Himself be entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/25.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Isaac prayed the Lord concerning Rebecca his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord heard him, and his wife Rebecca conceived in her womb.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/25-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=5904" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/25.htm">Jacob and Esau</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan-aram and the sister of Laban the Aramean. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3327.htm" title="3327: yiṣ·ḥāq (N-proper-ms) -- He laughs, son of Abraham and Sarah. From tsachaq; laughter; Jitschak, son of Abraham.">Later, Isaac</a> <a href="/hebrew/6279.htm" title="6279: way·ye‘·tar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To pray, supplicate. A primitive root; to burn incense in worship, i.e. Intercede.">prayed</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">to the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5227.htm" title="5227: lə·nō·ḵaḥ (Prep-l) -- From the same as nekach; properly, the front part; used adverbially, opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of.">on behalf of</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·tōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">his wife,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">she</a> <a href="/hebrew/6135.htm" title="6135: ‘ă·qā·rāh (Adj-fs) -- Barren. From aqar; sterile.">was barren.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">And the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6279.htm" title="6279: way·yê·‘ā·ṯer (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To pray, supplicate. A primitive root; to burn incense in worship, i.e. Intercede.">heard his prayer,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·tōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">and his wife</a> <a href="/hebrew/7259.htm" title="7259: riḇ·qāh (N-proper-fs) -- Wife of Isaac. From an unused root probably meaning to clog by tying up the fetlock; fettering; Ribkah, the wife of Isaac.">Rebekah</a> <a href="/hebrew/2029.htm" title="2029: wat·ta·har (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To conceive, become pregnant. A primitive root; to be pregnant, conceive.">conceived.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So Rebekah went to inquire of the LORD,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-10.htm">1 Samuel 1:10-20</a></span><br />In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears. / And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.” / As Hannah kept on praying before the LORD, Eli watched her mouth. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-13.htm">Luke 1:13</a></span><br />But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-36.htm">Luke 1:36-37</a></span><br />Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month. / For no word from God will ever fail.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-10.htm">Romans 9:10-12</a></span><br />Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac. / Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, / not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/30-22.htm">Genesis 30:22</a></span><br />Then God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/13-2.htm">Judges 13:2-3</a></span><br />Now there was a man from Zorah named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, whose wife was barren and had no children. / The angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “It is true that you are barren and have no children; but you will conceive and give birth to a son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-27.htm">1 Samuel 1:27</a></span><br />I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/113-9.htm">Psalm 113:9</a></span><br />He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/16-11.htm">Genesis 16:11</a></span><br />The angel of the LORD proceeded: “Behold, you have conceived and will bear a son. And you shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard your cry of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Genesis 21:1-2</a></span><br />Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. / So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/30-1.htm">Genesis 30:1-2</a></span><br />When Rachel saw that she was not bearing any children for Jacob, she envied her sister. “Give me children, or I will die!” she said to Jacob. / Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/29-31.htm">Genesis 29:31</a></span><br />When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-14.htm">2 Kings 4:14-17</a></span><br />So he asked, “Then what should be done for her?” “Well, she has no son,” Gehazi replied, “and her husband is old.” / “Call her,” said Elisha. So Gehazi called her, and she stood in the doorway. / And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/1-20.htm">Matthew 1:20-21</a></span><br />But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. / She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11</a></span><br />By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Isaac entreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/1-11.htm">1 Samuel 1:11,27</a></b></br> And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no rasor come upon his head… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/50-15.htm">Psalm 50:15</a></b></br> And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/65-2.htm">Psalm 65:2</a></b></br> O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.</p><p class="hdg">because.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/11-30.htm">Genesis 11:30</a></b></br> But Sarai was barren; she <i>had</i> no child.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2,3</a></b></br> And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house <i>is</i> this Eliezer of Damascus? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2</a></b></br> And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.</p><p class="hdg">and the.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/5-20.htm">1 Chronicles 5:20</a></b></br> And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that <i>were</i> with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/33-13.htm">2 Chronicles 33:13</a></b></br> 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 <i>was</i> God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/8-23.htm">Ezra 8:23</a></b></br> So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.</p><p class="hdg">and Rebekah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/9-10.htm">Romans 9:10-12</a></b></br> And not only <i>this</i>; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, <i>even</i> by our father Isaac; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/20-18.htm">Barren</a> <a href="/genesis/23-8.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/genesis/21-18.htm">Child</a> <a href="/genesis/25-10.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/21-2.htm">Conceived</a> <a href="/genesis/21-2.htm">Conceiveth</a> <a href="/genesis/23-15.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/genesis/12-16.htm">Entreated</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Entreaty</a> <a href="/genesis/24-56.htm">Granted</a> <a href="/genesis/25-20.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/genesis/21-8.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/genesis/20-17.htm">Prayed</a> <a href="/genesis/20-17.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/genesis/21-2.htm">Pregnant</a> <a href="/genesis/25-20.htm">Rebecca</a> <a href="/genesis/25-20.htm">Rebekah</a> <a href="/genesis/25-20.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/29-31.htm">Barren</a> <a href="/exodus/27-21.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/genesis/29-31.htm">Child</a> <a href="/genesis/25-22.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/29-32.htm">Conceived</a> <a href="/genesis/29-32.htm">Conceiveth</a> <a href="/genesis/26-5.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/exodus/5-22.htm">Entreated</a> <a href="/exodus/8-28.htm">Entreaty</a> <a href="/genesis/27-20.htm">Granted</a> <a href="/genesis/25-26.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/genesis/26-30.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/genesis/32-9.htm">Prayed</a> <a href="/genesis/30-22.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/genesis/29-32.htm">Pregnant</a> <a href="/genesis/25-28.htm">Rebecca</a> <a href="/genesis/25-26.htm">Rebekah</a> <a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 25</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-1.htm">The sons of Abraham by Keturah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-5.htm">The division of his goods.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-7.htm">His age, death, and burial.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-11.htm">God blesses Isaac.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-12.htm">The generations of Ishmael.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-17.htm">His age and death.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-19.htm">Isaac prays for Rebekah, being barren.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-22.htm">The children strive in her womb.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-24.htm">The birth of Esau and Jacob.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-27.htm">Their different characters and pursuits.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-29.htm">Esau sells his birthright.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The Hebrew word for "prayed" is "עָתַר" (athar), which implies a deep, earnest entreaty. Isaac's prayer is a model of intercession, showing his role as a spiritual leader in his family. This reflects the importance of prayer in the life of believers, emphasizing that God desires a personal relationship with His people, where they can bring their deepest concerns to Him.<p><b>on behalf of his wife</b><br />Isaac's prayer is not self-centered but is intercessory, highlighting the importance of praying for others, especially those closest to us. This phrase underscores the biblical principle of love and care within marriage, where spouses support each other spiritually. It also reflects the patriarchal context of the time, where the husband often took the spiritual lead in the family.<p><b>because she was barren</b><br />Rebekah's barrenness is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God often works through the impossible to fulfill His promises. The Hebrew word for "barren" is "עֲקָרָה" (aqarah), which denotes a state of childlessness. This situation sets the stage for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness, as He had done with Sarah, Isaac's mother. It reminds believers that God's timing and plans are perfect, even when circumstances seem hopeless.<p><b>and the LORD answered him</b><br />The phrase indicates God's responsiveness to prayer. The Hebrew root "עָנָה" (anah) means to respond or answer, showing that God is not distant but actively involved in the lives of His people. This assurance of answered prayer encourages believers to persist in prayer, trusting that God hears and will respond according to His will.<p><b>and his wife Rebekah conceived</b><br />This miraculous conception is a testament to God's faithfulness and power. The Hebrew word for "conceived" is "הָרָה" (harah), which signifies the beginning of new life. Rebekah's conception is not just a personal blessing but a fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham, ensuring the continuation of the chosen lineage. It serves as a reminder that God is sovereign over life and fulfills His promises in His perfect timing.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/25.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Isaac entreated</span> - from a root signifying to burn incense, hence to pray, implying, as some think (Wordsworth, 'Speaker s Commentary'), the use of incense in patriarchal worship; but perhaps only pointing to the fact that the prayers of the godly ascend like incense (Gesenius): cf. Tobit 12:12; <a href="/acts/10-4.htm">Acts 10:4</a>. The word is commonly regarded as noting precum <span class="accented">multiplicationem</span>, <span class="accented">et vehementiam et perseverantiam</span> (Poole): cf. <a href="/ezekiel/35-13.htm">Ezekiel 35:13</a> - <span class="cmt_word">the Lord</span> - <span class="accented">Jehovah</span>; not because vers. 21-23 are the composition of the Jehovist (Tuch, Bleek, Davidson, <span class="accented">et alii</span>), but because the desired son was to be the heir of promise (Hengstenberg). The less frequent occurrence of the Divine name in the Thol-doth of Isaac than in those of Terah has been explained by the fact that the historical matter of the later portion furnishes less occasion for its introduction than that of the earlier; and the predominance of the name <span class="accented">Elohim</span> over that of <span class="accented">Jehovah</span> in the second stage of the patriarchal history has been partly ascribed to the employment after Abraham's time of such like equivalent expressions as "God of Abraham" and "God of my father" (Keil) - <span class="cmt_word">for his wife,</span> - literally, <span class="accented">opposite to</span> his wife, <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. beside his wife, placing himself opposite her, and conjoining his supplications with hers (Ainsworth, Bush); or, better, in behalf of his wife (<span class="accented">LXX</span>., Vulgate, Calvin, Keil, Kalisch), <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. setting her over against him as the sole object to which he had regard in his intercessions (Luther) - <span class="cmt_word">because she was barren</span>: - as Sarah had been before her (<span class="accented">vide</span> Genesis 11:80); the long-continued sterility of both having been designed to show partly that "children are the heritage of the Lord" (<a href="/psalms/127-3.htm">Psalm 127:3</a>), but chiefly that the children of the promise were to be not simply the fruit of nature, but the gift of grace <span class="cmt_word">and the Lord was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived</span> (cf. <a href="/romans/9-10.htm">Romans 9:10</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/25-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Later, Isaac</span><br /><span class="heb">יִצְחָ֤ק</span> <span class="translit">(yiṣ·ḥāq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3327.htm">Strong's 3327: </a> </span><span class="str2">Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">prayed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֶּעְתַּ֨ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·ye‘·tar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6279.htm">Strong's 6279: </a> </span><span class="str2">To burn incense in worship, intercede</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">לַֽיהוָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on behalf of</span><br /><span class="heb">לְנֹ֣כַח</span> <span class="translit">(lə·nō·ḵaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5227.htm">Strong's 5227: </a> </span><span class="str2">The front part, opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his wife,</span><br /><span class="heb">אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’iš·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">she</span><br /><span class="heb">הִ֑וא</span> <span class="translit">(hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[was] barren.</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲקָרָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·qā·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6135.htm">Strong's 6135: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sterile</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heard his prayer,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּעָ֤תֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·‘ā·ṯer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6279.htm">Strong's 6279: </a> </span><span class="str2">To burn incense in worship, intercede</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and his wife</span><br /><span class="heb">אִשְׁתּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’iš·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Rebekah</span><br /><span class="heb">רִבְקָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(riḇ·qāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7259.htm">Strong's 7259: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rebekah -- wife of Isaac</span><br /><br /><span class="word">conceived.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתַּ֖הַר</span> <span class="translit">(wat·ta·har)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2029.htm">Strong's 2029: </a> </span><span class="str2">To conceive, become pregnant</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">OT Law: Genesis 25:21 Isaac entreated Yahweh for his wife because (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/25-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 25:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 25:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/25-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 25:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 25:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>