Rebekah
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Rebekah in the Bible?
Rebekah was the daughter of Bethuel, granddaughter of Nahor and Milcah, sister of Laban, wife of Isaac, and mother of Esau and Jacob. She is first mentioned in the genealogy of the descendants of Nahor, brother of Abraham.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Rebekah clarifies the complex family dynamics and divine election themes in Genesis, specifically illustrating how her intervention facilitated the transfer of the covenant lineage from the firstborn Esau to the chosen son Jacob.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Rebekah reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Rebekah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Rebekah clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Rebekah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/rebekah/