Meaning of the name Rebekah

BDB Theological Dictionary does not translate Rebekah. Both Jones' Dictionary of Old
Testament Proper Names and the NOBSE Study Bible Name List render the name: A Rope
With A Noose. Jones' Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names quotes Gesenius who
suggests that this name denotes a woman who ensnares a man with her beauty. But although
the Biblical occurrence of this name has to do with much, not with the snaring of a man by
beauty. The name denotes merely a tying up of cattle, both for their own protection, the
establishment of their home and to keep them from wandering off. Within this name lies the
notion that individuals are placed together by something higher or smarter than they.

The name Rebekah literally means Tied Up but more specific (and more friendly)
is Secured.

The Rebekah of the Bible was a singular woman. She was chosen with Gods guidance to be the wife of Isaac, the

miracle son of Abrahams old age and became the mother of twin boys, Jacob and Esau.

When Abrahams servant journeyed to find a wife for Isaac, he was burdened with a great responsibility. He was

supposed to find a wife who would help fulfill Gods promise to his master to have descendants that would outnumber

the stars. Knowing that there was no way he could find such a gem in his own ability, he prayed for a sign. He asked

for the most far out thing he could think of at the time: he would ask for a drink of water, and the woman who volunteered

without prompting to water his ten camels also would be the one. It would take a remarkably generous girl to freely

offer to haul water from a well for ten thirsty camels.

Rebekah was the one. A virgin from among Abrahams relatives, generous of heart, she bravely left her family and

went with this stranger to marry a young man shed never met. Isaac took her as his wife and loved her very much.

She was such a beautiful woman that when she and Isaac lived in the land of the Philistines, Isaac told everyone that

she was his sister. He was afraid that if they knew he was her husband, then he might be murdered so that someone

else could take Rebekah for their own. But even when he was supposed to be keeping a secret, Isaac couldnt resist

public displays of affection with his beautiful wife, and eventually the truth came out.

Although one of Rebekahs flaws was her show of favoritism towards Jacob, even in this God worked His way to bless

the man He had chosen to father the twelve tribes of Israel. Her wise advice kept the two brothers apart long enough

for Esaus anger to cool, and her guidance pointed Jacob towards a Godly wife from his familys homeland.
Scriptures for the Bible Stories of the Girl Name Rebekah
Rebekah is selected as Isaacs wife: Genesis 24
Isaac calls Rebekah his sister: Genesis 26
Rebekah favors Jacob: Genesis 25 (scroll down to verse 28) and Genesis 27