When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights that Rebekah conceived after Isaac prayed for her, but the struggle within her womb began immediately after. This suggests the conflict was not just a physical anomaly of twins developing, but a spiritual battle that started at the very inception of these distinct lives, pointing to the prophetic significance of their struggle even before birth.
When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Rebekah, Isaac's wife, had been barren for years, so Isaac prayed for her and God granted her conception. As her pregnancy progressed, she felt the twins struggling within her, prompting her to seek God's clarification about the turmoil. God revealed to her that she carried two nations, and a prophecy foretold their future rivalry, with the older serving the younger.
God's promises often unfold with a surprising twist, even in the timing of birth.
Rebekah's pregnancy wasn't just a biological event; it was the culmination of God's promise and a sign of His unfolding plan. The text states, 'when her days to give birth were fulfilled,' highlighting that this was not premature or delayed, but precisely on God's schedule. This perfect timing underscores God's faithfulness, even as the 'twins in her womb' hint at the complex future this promise would bring.
The very act of birth can foreshadow the destinies of nations.
The birth of these twins, Esau and Jacob, was not ordinary. The text, along with commentary, suggests that the struggle within Rebekah and the way the twins emerged were divinely orchestrated signs. Esau's premature, hairy appearance and Jacob's 'hand taking hold of his brother's heel' were not mere coincidences. They were early indicators of the rivalry and the future spiritual and national roles these brothers, and their descendants, would play. This foretold a dynamic where the 'elder would serve the younger,' a reversal of natural order that pointed to God's sovereign choice.
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tomim · Hebrew Noun
Two individuals born of the same pregnancy; in Scripture, this serves to highlight the contrast between two lines of heritage, often emphasizing the difference between the elect and the non-elect.
The birth of twins Esau and Jacob, and the divine prophecy that the elder would serve the younger, sets the stage for a divine plan that prioritizes spiritual heritage over natural birth order.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham's Covenant Promises
God reiterates His promises to Abraham, including a vast posterity and the land of Canaan, emphasizing that the covenant line will pass through Isaac.
c. 1970 BC
Isaac Marries Rebekah
Isaac, around 40 years old, marries Rebekah, who is initially barren. This period of waiting and prayer for offspring highlights dependence on God.
c. 1950 BC— this verse
Rebekah's Prayer and Divine Revelation
After twenty years of barrenness, Isaac prays for Rebekah, and she conceives twins. God reveals to Rebekah that two nations are in her womb, with the elder serving the younger.
c. 1950 BC
Birth of Esau and Jacob
Rebekah gives birth to twins: Esau, red and hairy, and Jacob, who grasps Esau's heel. Their names and the manner of their birth foreshadow their future rivalry.
c. 1930 BC
Esau Sells His Birthright
A hungry Esau carelessly trades his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew, demonstrating his disregard for the spiritual inheritance.
c. 1910 BC
Isaac Blesses Jacob (Deceptively)
Influenced by Rebekah, Jacob deceptively obtains Isaac's blessing intended for Esau, further solidifying the transfer of the patriarchal lineage.
c. 1910 BC
Jacob Flees to Padan-Aram
Fearing Esau's wrath, Jacob flees to his uncle Laban's home, beginning a long period of exile and spiritual growth.
This verse describes the birth of twins, Pharez and Zarah, to Judah and Tamar, using similar language to indicate the twin nature of the birth.
Malachi 1:2-3This passage directly references the divine preference for Jacob over Esau, stating 'Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated,' highlighting the theological significance of these twin brothers' destinies.
Romans 9:10-13The Apostle Paul uses the story of Jacob and Esau's birth and divine election to illustrate God's sovereign choice and predestination, showing that the purpose of God does not depend on human works but on His calling.
Luke 1:57This verse notes the fulfillment of days for Elizabeth to give birth, showing a parallel in the timing of significant births in biblical narrative and the completion of God's appointed time.
clarkeGenesis 25:24: "And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb."
There were twins - תומם thomim, from which comes Thomas, properly interpreted by the word Διδυμος, Didymus, which signifies a twin; so the first person who was called Thomas or Didymus, we may take for granted, had this name from the circumstance of his being a twin.
calvinGenesis 25:1-34: "Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah."
And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.
Et Iocsan genuit Seba, et Dedan. Filii autem Dedan fuerunt Assurim, et Letusim, et Leummin.
And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
Filii vero Midian, Hephah, et Hepher, et Hanoch, et Abidah, et Eldaah: omnes isti, filii Ceturae.…
The text highlights that Rebekah conceived after Isaac prayed for her, but the struggle within her womb began immediately after. This suggests the conflict was not just a physical anomaly of twins developing, but a spiritual battle that started at the very inception of these distinct lives, pointing to the prophetic significance of their struggle even before birth.
Rebekah, Isaac's wife, had been barren for years, so Isaac prayed for her and God granted her conception. As her pregnancy progressed, she felt the twins struggling within her, prompting her to seek God's clarification about the turmoil. God revealed to her that she carried two nations, and a prophecy foretold their future rivalry, with the older serving the younger.
Rebekah, Isaac's wife, had been barren for years, so Isaac prayed for her and God granted her conception. As her pregnancy progressed, she felt the twins struggling within her, prompting her to seek God's clarification about the turmoil. God revealed to her that she carried two nations, and a prophecy foretold their future rivalry, with the older serving the younger.
"When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb." — The text highlights that Rebekah conceived after Isaac prayed for her, but the struggle within her womb began immediately after. This suggests the conflict was not just a physical anomaly of twin…
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Last reviewed October 2026