Genesis 25:24-26
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The text uses "twins" not just to describe two babies, but to hint at the profound division God ordained even before their birth. It’s a subtle but crucial detail, foreshadowing the separation of two nations and the contrasting destinies God had for each line.
When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb. The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esau’s heel, so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Rebekah's pregnancy is not straightforward; a struggle within her womb prompts her to seek divine clarification. God reveals that she carries twins, representing two distinct nations destined for different futures, with the younger ultimately prevailing over the elder. This sets the stage for the dramatic births of Esau and Jacob, whose contrasting natures and destinies will significantly impact the unfolding covenant lineage.
Rebekah's journey from childlessness to carrying twins highlights God's power to bring abundance from seemingly impossible situations.
The narrative beautifully contrasts Rebekah's barrenness with the eventual abundance of her womb. This isn't just a biological detail; it's a theological statement.
A God of Overflow
The struggle within Rebekah's womb wasn't just physical; it was a divine preview of the future relationship between two distinct peoples.
The very beginning of Esau and Jacob's existence—their struggle inside Rebekah—was a sign from God.
A Divine Oracle at Birth
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Understand the original words
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.
admoni · Hebrew Adjective
A description of color, specifically reddish or ruddy; it serves as a signifier for the physical characteristics of the descendants of Esau (Edom).
yatsa · Hebrew Verb
Refers to the act of being born or coming forth from the womb; in biblical genealogy, it marks the beginning of an individual's life and role in the covenantal narrative.
aqeb · Hebrew Noun
Literally 'that which comes out behind,' used here metaphorically to denote one who supplants, grasps, or follows closely. The name carries the nuance of trickery or overcoming by taking the place of another.
Ya'aqob · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name derived from 'aqeb' (heel), signifying 'he grasps the heel' or 'supplanter.' It represents the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel and denotes one who struggles with man and God.
Esaw · Hebrew Proper Noun
Meaning 'hairy' or 'rough,' it refers to the firstborn son of Isaac. In biblical history, he is the progenitor of the Edomites and represents the brother who forfeits the birthright.
c. 2000-1800 BC
Abraham's Family Line
Abraham, the father of Isaac and Ishmael, lives in Canaan. His lineage is central to God's covenant promises.
c. 1850 BC
Isaac's Marriage to Rebekah
Isaac, Abraham's promised son, marries Rebekah. She is initially barren, prompting Isaac to pray for her.
c. 1830 BC
God Answers Isaac's Prayer
Rebekah conceives, but experiences a violent struggle within her womb, leading her to seek divine guidance.
c. 1830 BC— this verse
Prophecy of Twin Nations
God reveals to Rebekah that she carries twins, destined to become two nations, with the elder serving the younger.
c. 1830 BC
Birth of Esau and Jacob
Rebekah gives birth to twins. The first, Esau, is red and hairy; the second, Jacob, is born grasping Esau's heel.
c. 1810 BC
Esau Sells His Birthright
A hungry Esau impulsively sells his valuable birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew, showing his disregard for its spiritual significance.
This passage also mentions twins being born, specifically to Tamar, noting a difference in the timing of their birth, which offers a comparative context to Rebekah's experience.
Romans 9:10-13This New Testament passage directly references the twin birth of Jacob and Esau, using their story to illustrate God's sovereign choice and predestination, highlighting that the outcome was determined before their birth.
Malachi 1:2-3This prophetic book speaks of God's love for Jacob and hatred for Esau, directly referencing the divine preference established even before their birth, showing the theological significance of this twin birth.
Luke 1:57This verse, describing the birth of John the Baptist, uses similar phrasing to Genesis 25:24 ('her days to be delivered were fulfilled'), linking the miraculous and divinely ordained nature of significant births throughout Scripture.
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 uses "twins" not just to describe two babies, but to hint at the profound division God ordained even before their birth. It’s a subtle but crucial detail, foreshadowing the separation of two nations and the contrasting destinies God had for each line.
Rebekah's pregnancy is not straightforward; a struggle within her womb prompts her to seek divine clarification. God reveals that she carries twins, representing two distinct nations destined for different futures, with the younger ultimately prevailing over the elder. This sets the stage for the dramatic births of Esau and Jacob, whose contrasting natures and destinies will significantly impact the unfolding covenant lineage.
Rebekah's pregnancy is not straightforward; a struggle within her womb prompts her to seek divine clarification. God reveals that she carries twins, representing two distinct nations destined for different futures, with the younger ultimately prevailing over the elder. This sets the stage for the dramatic births of Esau and Jacob, whose contrasting natures and destinies will significantly impact the unfolding covenant lineage.
"When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb. The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esau’s heel, so h…" — The text uses "twins" not just to describe two babies, but to hint at the profound division God ordained even before their birth. It’s a subtle but crucial detail, foreshadowing the separation of two…
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Last reviewed October 2026
