New International VersionWhen the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb.
New Living TranslationAnd when the time came to give birth, Rebekah discovered that she did indeed have twins!
English Standard VersionWhen her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb.
Berean Standard BibleWhen her time came to give birth, there were indeed twins in her womb.
King James BibleAnd when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
New King James VersionSo when her days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb.
New American Standard BibleWhen her days leading to the delivery were at an end, behold, there were twins in her womb.
NASB 1995When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
NASB 1977When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd her days to give birth were fulfilled, and behold, there were twins in her womb.
Amplified BibleWhen her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
Christian Standard BibleWhen her time came to give birth, there were indeed twins in her womb.
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhen her time came to give birth, there were indeed twins in her womb.
American Standard VersionAnd when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
Contemporary English VersionWhen Rebekah gave birth,
English Revised VersionAnd when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen the time came for her to give birth, she had twins.
Good News TranslationThe time came for her to give birth, and she had twin sons.
International Standard VersionSure enough, when her due date arrived, she delivered twin sons.
NET BibleWhen the time came for Rebekah to give birth, there were twins in her womb.
New Heart English BibleWhen the time came for her to give birth, look, there were twins in her womb.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen her time came to give birth, there were indeed twins in her womb.
World English BibleWhen her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd her days to bear are fulfilled, and behold, twins [are] in her womb;
Young's Literal Translation And her days to bear are fulfilled, and lo, twins are in her womb;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd her days shall be completed to bring forth; and behold, twins in her belly. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when her time was come to be delivered, behold twins were found in her womb.
Catholic Public Domain VersionNow the time had arrived to give birth, and behold, twins were discovered in her womb.
New American BibleWhen the time of her delivery came, there were twins in her womb.
New Revised Standard VersionWhen her time to give birth was at hand, there were twins in her womb. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd her days were fulfilled to give birth, and behold, twins were in her womb. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered, and she had twins in her womb.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jacob and Esau… 23and 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.” 24When her timecameto give birth,there were indeedtwinsin her womb.25The first one came out red, covered with hair like a fur coat; so they named him Esau.…
Cross References Genesis 25:23and 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.”
Genesis 27:29May 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.”
Genesis 27:40You shall live by the sword and serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will tear his yoke from your neck.”
Genesis 9:6Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.
Genesis 17:16And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will descend from her.”
Genesis 21:1-2Now 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.
Genesis 30:24She named him Joseph, and said, “May the LORD add to me another son.”
Genesis 38:27-30When the time came for Tamar to give birth, there were twins in her womb. / And as she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it around his wrist. “This one came out first,” she announced. / But when he pulled his hand back and his brother came out, she said, “You have broken out first!” So he was named Perez. ...
Exodus 1:7but the Israelites were fruitful and increased rapidly; they multiplied and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them.
Romans 9:10-12Not 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.”
Hebrews 11:20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.
Romans 9:13So it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
Malachi 1:2-3“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.”
1 Peter 2:9-10But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. / Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Galatians 4:28-29Now 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.
Treasury of Scripture And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. Jump to Previous BearBirthBodyBoysChildrenDeliveredFulfilledTimeTwinTwinsWombJump to Next BearBirthBodyBoysChildrenDeliveredFulfilledTimeTwinTwinsWombGenesis 25 1.The sons of Abraham by Keturah.5.The division of his goods.7.His age, death, and burial.11.God blesses Isaac.12.The generations of Ishmael.17.His age and death.19.Isaac prays for Rebekah, being barren.22.The children strive in her womb.24.The birth of Esau and Jacob.27.Their different characters and pursuits.29.Esau sells his birthright.When her time came to give birthThis phrase marks the fulfillment of God's promise to Rebekah, as seen earlier in Genesis 25:23, where God tells her that two nations are in her womb. The timing of birth is significant in biblical narratives, often symbolizing the unfolding of divine plans. The birth of twins here is a pivotal moment in the lineage of the Israelites, as it sets the stage for the future conflict and development of the tribes of Israel and Edom. there were indeed twins in her womb
The presence of twins fulfills the prophecy given to Rebekah. The twins, Esau and Jacob, represent two distinct nations and peoples, as God had foretold. This duality is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God often uses sibling relationships to illustrate His sovereign choice and the unfolding of His covenant promises. The struggle between Esau and Jacob, which begins in the womb, foreshadows the future tensions between their descendants. This narrative also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's election, as seen inRomans 9:10-13, where Paul discusses God's sovereign choice in loving Jacob and not Esau. The birth of twins here is not just a biological event but a significant moment in redemptive history, pointing to God's unfolding plan for His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. RebekahThe wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob. Her pregnancy and the birth of her twins are central to this passage. 2. IsaacThe son of Abraham and Sarah, and the father of Esau and Jacob. He plays a significant role in the lineage of the Israelites. 3. Esau and JacobThe twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Their birth marks the beginning of a significant biblical account concerning the struggle between the two brothers. 4. WombThe place where the twins developed, symbolizing the beginning of God's unfolding plan for the nations that would come from these two brothers. 5. BirthThe event of the twins' arrival, which sets the stage for the future dynamics between Esau and Jacob. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in BirthThe birth of Esau and Jacob demonstrates God's sovereign plan and purpose, reminding us that He is in control of all life events. The Significance of BirthrightThe account of Esau and Jacob underscores the importance of spiritual inheritance and the consequences of valuing or despising it. Family Dynamics and God's PlanThe account of these twins shows how family relationships can be complex, yet God works through them to fulfill His purposes. Trusting God's TimingRebekah's experience teaches us to trust in God's timing and His plans, even when they are not immediately clear. The Role of ProphecyThe prophecy given to Rebekah about her sons reminds us of the importance of God's word and its fulfillment in His time. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 25:24?
2.How does Genesis 25:24 illustrate God's sovereignty in the birth of twins?
3.What significance do the twins' birth hold in God's plan for Israel's history?
4.How can we trust God's timing in our lives, as seen in Genesis 25:24?
5.How does Genesis 25:24 connect to God's promise to Rebekah in Genesis 25:23?
6.What lessons on patience and faith can we learn from Rebekah's experience?
7.How does Genesis 25:24 support the belief in divine intervention in childbirth?
8.What historical evidence exists for the events described in Genesis 25:24?
9.How does Genesis 25:24 relate to the theme of sibling rivalry in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 25?
11.What is Edom's significance in the Bible?
12.How did Jacob's life unfold in biblical narratives?
13.If Ezekiel 35:5 describes Edom’s “perpetual hatred,” does historical record support such an unbroken hostility?
14.Who are considered the descendants of Abraham?What Does Genesis 25:24 Mean When her time came- God’s promise to Rebekah finds its appointed moment.Genesis 25:21–22 shows Isaac praying and the LORD answering; v. 23 assures her of two nations in her womb. - Scripture frequently highlights divinely timed births—“At the appointed time next year I will return to you, and Sarah will have a son” (Genesis 18:14). - The phrase underscores that God’s schedule, not human planning, ultimately prevails (Galatians 4:4;Psalm 31:15).
to give birth- The narrative shifts from promise to fulfillment. Like Noah leaving the ark (Genesis 8:15–17) or Israel stepping into Canaan (Joshua 21:45), God’s word moves from spoken to seen. - Childbirth in Scripture often signals a new chapter in redemption history: Sarah with Isaac (Genesis 21:1–3), Rachel with Joseph (Genesis 30:22–24), Mary with Jesus (Luke 2:6–7). - Each scene reminds us that God works through ordinary human events to carry out extraordinary plans (Romans 8:28).
there were indeed twins- “Indeed” confirms what God had revealed: “Two nations are in your womb” (Genesis 25:23). The visible reality matches the divine oracle, reinforcing the reliability of God’s word (Numbers 23:19). - Twin births are rare in Scripture but always significant: Perez and Zerah to Tamar (Genesis 38:27–30) and here, Jacob and Esau. Both sets shape future tribal or national identities. - The twins emphasize contrast—two boys, two destinies—prefiguringRomans 9:10–13, where Paul cites this event to illustrate divine election.
in her womb- The focus returns to Rebekah herself. God’s covenant line passes not just through patriarchs but matriarchs (Genesis 17:16;Ruth 4:13–17). - Womb imagery highlights God’s creative authority (Psalm 139:13) and personal involvement (Jeremiah 1:5). - The private, unseen place where life begins becomes the stage for God’s unfolding purposes, foreshadowing hidden yet momentous works like the incarnation (Luke 1:31).
summaryGenesis 25:24 records the faithful completion of God’s promise to Rebekah: at the divinely appointed moment she gives birth, and exactly as foretold, twins emerge. Each phrase testifies that God’s timing is perfect, His word is sure, and His plans unfold through ordinary human experiences to accomplish extraordinary, nation-shaping purposes. Verse 24. - And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, - literally, and were fulfilled her days to bring forth; ἐπληρώθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ τεκεῖν αὐτην (LXX.; cf. Luke 1:57; Luke 2:6). Jarchi accounts for the different phrase used of Thamar ( Genesis 38:27), who also bore twins, by supposing that she had not completed her days, but gave birth to Pharez and Zarah in the seventh month ( vide Rosenmüller, in loco) -behold, there were twins in her womb (cf. Genesis 38:27, where the full form of the word for twins is given).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew When her timeיָמֶ֖יהָ(yā·me·hā)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3117:A daycameוַיִּמְלְא֥וּ(way·yim·lə·’ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4390:To fill, be full ofto give birth,לָלֶ֑דֶת(lā·le·ḏeṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3205:To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineagethere were indeedוְהִנֵּ֥ה(wə·hin·nêh)Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009:Lo! behold!twinsתוֹמִ֖ם(ṯō·w·mim)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8380:A twinin her womb.בְּבִטְנָֽהּ׃(bə·ḇiṭ·nāh)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 990:The belly, the womb, the bosom, body of anything
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OT Law: Genesis 25:24 When her days to be delivered were (Gen. Ge Gn) |
