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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 25:22 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,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/25-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/01_Gen_25_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 25:22 - Jacob and Esau" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/25-22.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/25-22.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/25.htm">Chapter 25</a> > Verse 22</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/25-21.htm" title="Genesis 25:21">◄</a> Genesis 25:22 <a href="/genesis/25-23.htm" title="Genesis 25:23">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/25.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/25.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, &#8220Why is this happening to me?&#8221 So she went to inquire of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/25.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But the two children struggled with each other in her womb. So she went to ask the LORD about it. “Why is this happening to me?” she asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/25.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The children struggled together within her, and she said, “If it is thus, why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/25.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/25.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If <i>it be</i> so, why <i>am</i> I thus? And she went to inquire of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/25.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If <i>all is</i> well, why <i>am I like</i> this?” So she went to inquire of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If it is so, why am I <i>in</i> this <i>condition?</i>” So she went to inquire of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/25.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But the children struggled together within her; and she said, &#8220If it is so, why then am I this way?&#8221 So she went to inquire of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If it is so, why then am I <i>this way?</i>” So she went to inquire of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If it is so, why then am I this <i>way</i>?” So she went to inquire of Yahweh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But the children struggled together within her [kicking and shoving one another]; and she said, “If it is so [that the LORD has heard our prayer], why then am I <i>this way?”</i> So she went to inquire of the LORD [praying for an answer].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, “Why is this happening to me? ” So she went to inquire of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, &#8220Why is this happening to me?&#8221 So she went to inquire of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/25.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, wherefore do I live? And she went to inquire of Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Before Rebekah gave birth, she knew she was going to have twins, because she could feel them inside her, fighting each other. She thought, "Why is this happening to me?" Finally, she asked the LORD why her twins were fighting, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/25.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, wherefore do I live? And she went to inquire of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the children inside her were struggling with each other, she said, "If it's like this now, what will become of me?" So she went to ask the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/25.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />She was going to have twins, and before they were born, they struggled against each other in her womb. She said, "Why should something like this happen to me?" So she went to ask the LORD for an answer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/25.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But when the infants kept on wrestling each other inside her womb, she asked herself, "Why is this happening?" So she asked the LORD for an explanation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/25.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But the children struggled inside her, and she said, "If it is going to be like this, I'm not so sure I want to be pregnant!" So she asked the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The children struggled together within her. She said, "If all is well, why am I like this?" She went to inquire of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the children struggled together within her: and she said, If it is so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/25.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The children struggled together within her. She said, “If it is like this, why do I live?” She went to inquire of Yahweh. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the children struggle together within her, and she says, “If [it is] right—why [am] I thus?” And she goes to seek YHWH.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the children struggle together within her, and she saith, 'If it is right -- why am I thus?' and she goeth to seek Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the sons will struggle within her: and she will say. If so, wherefore am I thus? And she will go to inquire of Jehovah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But the children struggled in her womb: and she said: If it were to be so with me, what need was there to conceive? And she went to consult the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But the little ones struggled in her womb. So she said, “If it was to be so with me, what need was there to conceive?” And she went to consult the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/25.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But the children jostled each other in the womb so much that she exclaimed, “If it is like this, why go on living!” She went to consult the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The children struggled together within her; and she said, “If it is to be this way, why do I live?” So she went to inquire of the LORD.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the children struggled together within her womb; and she said, If it is to be like this, why do I live? So she went to enquire of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/25.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And her children were crowded in her womb, and she said, “If it is like this, why am I living”? And she went to ask of LORD JEHOVAH.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/25.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the children struggled together within her; and she said: 'If it be so, wherefore do I live?' And she went to inquire of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/25.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the babes leaped within her; and she said, If it will be so with me, why is this to me? And she went to enquire of the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/25-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=5914" 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">21</span>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="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: hab·bā·nîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">But the children</a> <a href="/hebrew/7130.htm" title="7130: bə·qir·bāh (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3fs) -- Inward part, midst. From qarab; properly, the nearest part, i.e. The center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial.">inside her</a> <a href="/hebrew/7533.htm" title="7533: way·yiṯ·rō·ṣă·ṣū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To crush. A primitive root; to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively.">struggled with each other,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wat·tō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and she said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">is this</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">happening to me?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: wat·tê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">So Rebekah went</a> <a href="/hebrew/1875.htm" title="1875: liḏ·rōš (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow; by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship.">to inquire</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></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.">of the LORD,</a> </span><span class="reftext">23</span>and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”…<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="/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="/hosea/12-3.htm">Hosea 12:3</a></span><br />In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he wrestled with God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/1-2.htm">Malachi 1:2-3</a></span><br />“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved, / but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a></span><br />Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-29.htm">Genesis 27:29</a></span><br />May peoples serve you and nations bow down to you. May you be the master of your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed, and those who bless you be blessed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-10.htm">1 Samuel 1:10-11</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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/22-7.htm">2 Samuel 22:7</a></span><br />In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried out to my God. And from His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help reached His ears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/22-1.htm">Psalm 22:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning? / I cry out by day, O my God, but You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/139-13.htm">Psalm 139:13-16</a></span><br />For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. / I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. / My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/1-5.htm">Jeremiah 1:5</a></span><br />“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-41.htm">Luke 1:41-44</a></span><br />When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. / In a loud voice she exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! / And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ...<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="/galatians/4-28.htm">Galatians 4:28-29</a></span><br />Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. / At that time, however, the son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit. It is the same now.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-20.htm">Hebrews 11:20</a></span><br />By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">Ephesians 1:11</a></span><br />In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/9-9.htm">1 Samuel 9:9</a></b></br> (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for <i>he that is</i> now <i>called</i> a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/10-22.htm">1 Samuel 10:22</a></b></br> Therefore they inquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/22-15.htm">1 Samuel 22:15</a></b></br> Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute <i>any</i> thing unto his servant, <i>nor</i> to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_peter/2-2.htm">Babies</a> <a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Children</a> <a href="/revelation/12-7.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-12.htm">Happening</a> <a href="/genesis/24-57.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/genesis/19-10.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/genesis/24-37.htm">Live</a> <a href="/galatians/3-2.htm">Question</a> <a href="/genesis/24-49.htm">Right</a> <a href="/revelation/9-6.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-4.htm">Struggle</a> <a href="/john/18-36.htm">Struggled</a> <a href="/genesis/22-19.htm">Together</a> <a href="/genesis/24-62.htm">Way</a> <a href="/genesis/24-31.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/genesis/23-17.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/2-6.htm">Babies</a> <a href="/genesis/25-24.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/26-22.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/5-7.htm">Happening</a> <a href="/exodus/18-15.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/genesis/26-2.htm">Live</a> <a href="/exodus/18-16.htm">Question</a> <a href="/genesis/25-31.htm">Right</a> <a href="/genesis/31-39.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/genesis/30-8.htm">Struggle</a> <a href="/genesis/32-28.htm">Struggled</a> <a href="/genesis/29-3.htm">Together</a> <a href="/genesis/25-34.htm">Way</a> <a href="/genesis/26-27.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Within</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/25.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/25.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But the children inside her struggled with each other</b><br>This phrase refers to the twins, Esau and Jacob, who were in Rebekah's womb. The struggle between them is significant as it foreshadows the future conflict between their descendants, the Edomites and Israelites. This prenatal struggle symbolizes the ongoing tension and rivalry that will characterize their relationship. The Hebrew word used for "struggled" can imply a violent or intense conflict, indicating the depth of the discord. This struggle is also a precursor to the prophecy given to Rebekah about the two nations that will come from her sons, highlighting the divine orchestration of events even before their birth.<p><b>and she said, “Why is this happening to me?”</b><br>Rebekah's question reflects her distress and confusion over the unusual and intense movement within her womb. In the cultural context of the time, such a struggle might have been seen as an omen or a sign of something significant. Her question indicates a personal and emotional response, seeking understanding of her situation. It also shows her awareness of the unusual nature of her pregnancy, prompting her to seek divine insight. This moment of questioning is a common human experience, reflecting a desire to understand God's purpose in difficult circumstances.<p><b>So Rebekah went to inquire of the LORD</b><br>Rebekah's decision to seek the LORD demonstrates her faith and reliance on God for answers. In the patriarchal narratives, seeking divine guidance was a common practice, often through prayer or consulting a prophet. This act of inquiring suggests a personal relationship with God and a belief in His ability to provide wisdom and revelation. It also sets a precedent for seeking God's will in times of uncertainty. The LORD's response to Rebekah's inquiry reveals His sovereign plan and the future roles of her sons, emphasizing the theme of divine election and purpose.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/r/rebekah.htm">Rebekah</a></b><br>The wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob. She is experiencing a difficult pregnancy and seeks God's guidance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/esau_and_jacob.htm">Esau and Jacob</a></b><br>The twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah, who are struggling within Rebekah's womb, foreshadowing their future conflict.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>God, whom Rebekah seeks for understanding and guidance regarding her tumultuous pregnancy.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaac.htm">Isaac</a></b><br>Rebekah's husband, who prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife because she was barren (<a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21</a>).<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_struggle.htm">The Struggle</a></b><br>The internal conflict within Rebekah's womb, symbolizing the future rivalry between Esau and Jacob and their descendants.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/seek_god_in_times_of_confusion.htm">Seek God in Times of Confusion</a></b><br>Rebekah's decision to inquire of the LORD teaches us to turn to God when faced with confusion or distress. We should seek His wisdom and guidance through prayer and scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_sovereignty.htm">Understanding God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The struggle within Rebekah's womb is a reminder of God's sovereign plan. Even before birth, God had a purpose for Esau and Jacob. We can trust that God has a plan for our lives, even when circumstances seem chaotic.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_inquiry.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Inquiry</a></b><br>Rebekah's action of seeking God emphasizes the importance of spiritual inquiry. We should not hesitate to bring our questions and concerns to God, trusting that He will provide clarity and direction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_dynamics_and_god's_plan.htm">Family Dynamics and God's Plan</a></b><br>The conflict between Esau and Jacob highlights how family dynamics can play a role in God's overarching plan. We should be mindful of how God can work through our family situations, even those that are challenging.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_25.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 25</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_conflict_after_jacob-esau_meet.htm">What explains the absence of any further conflict between Jacob and Esau after their dramatic meeting in Genesis 33?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_jacob_and_esau's_story_important.htm">What is the significance of Jacob and Esau's story?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_gen_25_23_fit_edom-israel_history.htm">How does “the older shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23) align with later historical records of Edom and Israel? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_history_confirm_edom's_lasting_hate.htm">If Ezekiel 35:5 describes Edom’s “perpetual hatred,” does historical record support such an unbroken hostility? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/25.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And the children struggled together within her</span>. The verb is expressive of a violent internal commotion, as if the unborn children had been dashing against one another in her womb. Cf. the story of Acrisius and Praetus, who quarreled before birth about their subsequent dominion (Apollod., II. 2. 1). <span class="accented">Vide</span> Rosenmüller, Scholia, <span class="accented">in loco</span>. And she said, <span class="cmt_word">If it be so, why am I thus?</span> Literally, <span class="accented">If so</span>, <span class="accented">why thus</span> (am) <span class="accented">I?</span> Of obscure import, but probably meaning, "If so," <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. flit is the case that I have conceived, "for what am I thus?" what is the reason of these unwonted sensations that accompany my pregnancy? Aben Ezra, Calvin, Lange, Murphy); rather than, "If such be the sufferings of pregnancy, why did I seek to conceive?" (Rashi, Rosenmüller), or, why have I conceived? (Vulgate, Onkelos, Bush, Ainsworth), or, why do I yet live? (Syriac, Keil, Kalisch, Delitzsch). <span class="cmt_word">And she went to inquire of the Lord</span>. Not by Urim (Bohlen), since this method of inquiring at the Deity did not then exist (<a href="/numbers/27-21.htm">Numbers 27:21</a>); but either through a prophet, - Shem (Luther), Melchisedeck (Jewish interpreters), Heber (Lyra); more likely Abraham (Grotius, Ainsworth, Wordsworth, Kalisch, 'Speaker's Commentary'), or Isaac, the prophet nearest her (Lange), - or through herself by prayer, as in <a href="/psalms/34-5.htm">Psalm 34:5</a> (Calvin, Rosenmüller, Lange, Murphy, Inglis). The language seems to imply that by this time there was a regularly-appointed place for the worship of God by prayer and sacrifice - Theodoret suggests the family altar; Delitzsch, Hagar's well. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/25-22.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">But the children</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבָּנִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">inside her</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּקִרְבָּ֔הּ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·qir·bāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7130.htm">Strong's 7130: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nearest part, the center</span><br /><br /><span class="word">struggled with each other,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּתְרֹֽצֲצ֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiṯ·rō·ṣă·ṣū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7533.htm">Strong's 7533: </a> </span><span class="str2">To crack in pieces</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and she said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתֹּ֣אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Why</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֥מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(lām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is this</span><br /><span class="heb">זֶּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">happening to me?”</span><br /><span class="heb">אָנֹ֑כִי</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·nō·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">So [Rebekah] went</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתֵּ֖לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tê·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to inquire</span><br /><span class="heb">לִדְרֹ֥שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(liḏ·rōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1875.htm">Strong's 1875: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָֽה׃</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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/25-22.htm">Genesis 25:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/25-22.htm">Genesis 25:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/25-22.htm">Genesis 25:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/25-22.htm">Genesis 25:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/25-22.htm">Genesis 25:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/25-22.htm">Genesis 25:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/25-22.htm">Genesis 25:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/25-22.htm">Genesis 25:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/25-22.htm">Genesis 25:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/25-22.htm">Genesis 25:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/25-22.htm">OT Law: Genesis 25:22 The children struggled together within her (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/25-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 25:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 25:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/25-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 25:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 25:23" /></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>