Genesis 24:60 - They blessed Rebekah, and said to her, “Our sister, may you be the mother of thousands of ten thousands, and let your offspring possess the gate of those who hate them.”

Generated Verse: Genesis 24:60

What does "Genesis 24:60" mean?


This verse from Genesis 24:60 is a blessing given to Rebekah by her family as she departs to marry Isaac. Let's break down the meaning of each part:

"They blessed Rebekah...": This signifies that Rebekah's family invoked divine favor and prosperity upon her. It was a solemn and important send-off.

"...and said to her, “Our sister...": This highlights the familial love and connection they have for Rebekah. It's an intimate farewell.

"...may you be the mother of thousands of ten thousands...": This is a hyperbolic expression wishing Rebekah abundant fertility and a numerous progeny. "Thousands of ten thousands" is a way of saying "innumerable" or "countless descendants." It's a blessing for her to be the matriarch of a great and powerful people. The sheer number emphasizes the magnitude of the blessing.

"...and let your offspring possess the gate of those who hate them.”: This is a blessing of power, victory, and security for Rebekah's descendants.

"Gate": In ancient times, the city gate was a strategically important location. It was the center of commerce, governance, legal proceedings, and defense. Controlling the gate meant controlling the city and its resources.
"Those who hate them": This refers to Rebekah's descendants' enemies or adversaries.
"Possess the gate": To "possess the gate" means to have dominion and control over their enemies. It suggests that Rebekah's descendants will be victorious in conflicts, prosperous in their endeavors, and secure from attack. They would have the upper hand and be able to dictate terms to their adversaries.

In summary, the verse is a powerful blessing on Rebekah, wishing her immense fertility and promising her descendants' victory, dominion, and security over their enemies. It is a prophetic statement suggesting that her offspring would be a great and powerful nation that would overcome its adversaries. This blessing sets the stage for the important role Rebekah and her descendants will play in the unfolding narrative of the Hebrew people. They will be the progenitors of the 12 tribes of Israel.

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