And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

GENESIS 25:21KJV
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Genesis 25:21 (KJV)

What does Genesis 25:21 mean?

Genesis 25:21 tells how Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife Rebekah because she could not have children, and the LORD answered his prayer, allowing Rebekah to conceive. This verse shows a moment where Isaac’s request is heard and responded to by God, resulting in the beginning of the next generation.

In this verse, Isaac is the one praying, and he is specifically asking for help for his wife Rebekah, who is described as barren. The verse highlights both Isaac’s dependence on God and God’s willingness to respond. This event takes place before the birth of Jacob and Esau, setting the stage for the family line that will become central in the rest of Genesis.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 25:21

  • The word “intreated” comes from the Hebrew עָתַר (ʿāṯar), which means to plead or pray earnestly. This word is used twice in the verse, emphasizing Isaac’s persistence and the LORD’s positive response.
  • The word “barren” is עָקָר (ʿāqār), meaning unable to have children. This highlights the seriousness of Rebekah’s situation and the significance of God’s intervention.
  • The word “conceived” is הָרָה (hārāh), meaning to become pregnant. This word marks the turning point in the verse, showing that the prayer was effective and resulted in new life.

Why Genesis 25:21 matters

  • Genesis 25:21 shows that Isaac, like his father Abraham, faced the challenge of a barren wife, connecting their stories and underlining the theme of God’s promise being fulfilled despite human obstacles.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of prayer and God’s direct involvement in the lives of the patriarchs, showing that the continuation of the chosen family line depends on God’s action.
  • By focusing on Rebekah’s barrenness and God’s response, the verse sets up the significance of the children to be born—Jacob and Esau—whose story will shape the rest of Genesis.

Where else these words appear

“barren” Hebrew H6135 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 11:30 But Sarai was barren; she had no child.
  • Deuteronomy 7:14 Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle.
  • 1 Samuel 2:5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

“intreated” Hebrew H6279 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 8:8 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.
  • Exodus 10:17 Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:13 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 was God.

“for” Hebrew H5227 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 30:38 And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.
  • Judges 19:10 But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up and departed, and came over against Jebus, which is Jerusalem; and there were with him two asses saddled, his concubine also was with him.
  • Proverbs 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

“Rebekah” Hebrew H7259 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 22:23 And Bethuel begat Rebekah: these eight Milcah did bear to Nahor, Abraham's brother.
  • Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
  • Genesis 27:5 And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it.