Genesis 25:22
New International Version
The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the LORD.

New Living Translation
But the two children struggled with each other in her womb. So she went to ask the LORD about it. “Why is this happening to me?” she asked.

English Standard Version
The children struggled together within her, and she said, “If it is thus, why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So Rebekah went to inquire of the LORD,

King James Bible
And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the LORD.

New King James Version
But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If all is well, why am I like this?” So she went to inquire of the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If it is so, why am I in this condition?” So she went to inquire of the LORD.

NASB 1995
But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If it is so, why then am I this way?” So she went to inquire of the LORD.

NASB 1977
But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If it is so, why then am I this way?” So she went to inquire of the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If it is so, why then am I this way?” So she went to inquire of Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
But the children struggled together within her [kicking and shoving one another]; and she said, “If it is so [that the LORD has heard our prayer], why then am I this way?” So she went to inquire of the LORD [praying for an answer].

Christian Standard Bible
But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, “Why is this happening to me? ” So she went to inquire of the LORD.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the LORD.

American Standard Version
And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, wherefore do I live? And she went to inquire of Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
Before Rebekah gave birth, she knew she was going to have twins, because she could feel them inside her, fighting each other. She thought, "Why is this happening to me?" Finally, she asked the LORD why her twins were fighting,

English Revised Version
And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, wherefore do I live? And she went to inquire of the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the children inside her were struggling with each other, she said, "If it's like this now, what will become of me?" So she went to ask the LORD.

Good News Translation
She was going to have twins, and before they were born, they struggled against each other in her womb. She said, "Why should something like this happen to me?" So she went to ask the LORD for an answer.

International Standard Version
But when the infants kept on wrestling each other inside her womb, she asked herself, "Why is this happening?" So she asked the LORD for an explanation.

Majority Standard Bible
But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, ?Why is this happening to me?? So Rebekah went to inquire of the LORD,

NET Bible
But the children struggled inside her, and she said, "If it is going to be like this, I'm not so sure I want to be pregnant!" So she asked the LORD,

New Heart English Bible
The children struggled together within her. She said, "If all is well, why am I like this?" She went to inquire of God.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the children struggled together within her: and she said, If it is so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the LORD.

World English Bible
The children struggled together within her. She said, “If it is like this, why do I live?” She went to inquire of Yahweh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the children struggle together within her, and she says, “If [it is] right—why [am] I thus?” And she goes to seek YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
and the children struggle together within her, and she saith, 'If it is right -- why am I thus?' and she goeth to seek Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the sons will struggle within her: and she will say. If so, wherefore am I thus? And she will go to inquire of Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But the children struggled in her womb: and she said: If it were to be so with me, what need was there to conceive? And she went to consult the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But the little ones struggled in her womb. So she said, “If it was to be so with me, what need was there to conceive?” And she went to consult the Lord.

New American Bible
But the children jostled each other in the womb so much that she exclaimed, “If it is like this, why go on living!” She went to consult the LORD,

New Revised Standard Version
The children struggled together within her; and she said, “If it is to be this way, why do I live?” So she went to inquire of the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the children struggled together within her womb; and she said, If it is to be like this, why do I live? So she went to enquire of the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And her children were crowded in her womb, and she said, “If it is like this, why am I living”? And she went to ask of LORD JEHOVAH.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the children struggled together within her; and she said: 'If it be so, wherefore do I live?' And she went to inquire of the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the babes leaped within her; and she said, If it will be so with me, why is this to me? And she went to enquire of the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob and Esau
21Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. 22But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So Rebekah went to inquire of the LORD, 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.”…

Cross References
Romans 9:10-12
Not 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.”

Hosea 12:3
In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he wrestled with God.

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.”

Genesis 9:6
Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.

Genesis 27:29
May 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.”

1 Samuel 1:10-11
In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears. / And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.”

2 Samuel 22:7
In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried out to my God. And from His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help reached His ears.

Psalm 22:1-2
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning? / I cry out by day, O my God, but You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest.

Psalm 139:13-16
For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. / I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. / My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. ...

Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Luke 1:41-44
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. / In a loud voice she exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! / And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ...

Matthew 1:20-21
But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. / She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

Galatians 4:28-29
Now 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.

Hebrews 11:20
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.

Ephesians 1:11
In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,


Treasury of Scripture

And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the LORD.

A.

1 Samuel 9:9
(Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)

1 Samuel 10:22
Therefore they inquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.

1 Samuel 22:15
Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more.

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Babies Children Fighting Happening Inquire Inside Live Question Right Seek Struggle Struggled Together Way Wherefore Within
Genesis 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.
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But the children inside her struggled together
The Hebrew word for "struggled" is "רָצַץ" (ratsats), which conveys a sense of crushing or oppressing. This word choice suggests a violent or intense conflict, not merely a gentle jostling. The struggle between Esau and Jacob in Rebekah's womb foreshadows the future conflict between their descendants, the Edomites and Israelites. This prenatal struggle is emblematic of the spiritual and physical battles that often occur in the lives of believers, reminding us that spiritual warfare can begin even before birth. The phrase "inside her" emphasizes the intimate and personal nature of this struggle, highlighting that God's plans and purposes are often at work in the hidden and unseen places of our lives.

and she said, 'If it is well, why am I like this?'
Rebekah's question reveals her distress and confusion. The phrase "If it is well" can be understood as questioning the goodness or purpose of her situation. In Hebrew, "טוֹב" (tov) means good, well, or pleasing. Rebekah's turmoil reflects the human condition of grappling with the mysteries of God's will, especially when circumstances seem contrary to His promises. Her question, "why am I like this?" is a profound expression of seeking understanding and purpose in suffering. It encourages believers to bring their doubts and questions to God, trusting that He is sovereign and His plans are ultimately for our good, even when they are beyond our comprehension.

So she went to inquire of the LORD
Rebekah's response to her struggle is instructive; she seeks divine guidance. The Hebrew word for "inquire" is "דָּרַשׁ" (darash), meaning to seek, require, or consult. This action demonstrates her faith and dependence on God, setting an example for believers to turn to the Lord in times of confusion and distress. Inquiring of the LORD implies a relationship and communication with God, highlighting the importance of prayer and seeking His wisdom. This phrase underscores the biblical principle that God is approachable and desires to provide guidance and revelation to those who earnestly seek Him. Rebekah's inquiry leads to a prophetic revelation about the future of her sons, reminding us that God is faithful to reveal His purposes to those who seek Him with a sincere heart.

Verse 22. - And the children struggled together within her. The verb is expressive of a violent internal commotion, as if the unborn children had been dashing against one another in her womb. Cf. the story of Acrisius and Praetus, who quarreled before birth about their subsequent dominion (Apollod., II. 2. 1). Vide Rosenmüller, Scholia, in loco. And she said, If it be so, why am I thus? Literally, If so, why thus (am) I? Of obscure import, but probably meaning, "If so," i.e. flit is the case that I have conceived, "for what am I thus?" what is the reason of these unwonted sensations that accompany my pregnancy? Aben Ezra, Calvin, Lange, Murphy); rather than, "If such be the sufferings of pregnancy, why did I seek to conceive?" (Rashi, Rosenmüller), or, why have I conceived? (Vulgate, Onkelos, Bush, Ainsworth), or, why do I yet live? (Syriac, Keil, Kalisch, Delitzsch). And she went to inquire of the Lord. Not by Urim (Bohlen), since this method of inquiring at the Deity did not then exist (Numbers 27:21); but either through a prophet, - Shem (Luther), Melchisedeck (Jewish interpreters), Heber (Lyra); more likely Abraham (Grotius, Ainsworth, Wordsworth, Kalisch, 'Speaker's Commentary'), or Isaac, the prophet nearest her (Lange), - or through herself by prayer, as in Psalm 34:5 (Calvin, Rosenmüller, Lange, Murphy, Inglis). The language seems to imply that by this time there was a regularly-appointed place for the worship of God by prayer and sacrifice - Theodoret suggests the family altar; Delitzsch, Hagar's well.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But the children
הַבָּנִים֙ (hab·bā·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1121: A son

inside her
בְּקִרְבָּ֔הּ (bə·qir·bāh)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7130: The nearest part, the center

struggled with each other,
וַיִּתְרֹֽצֲצ֤וּ (way·yiṯ·rō·ṣă·ṣū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7533: To crack in pieces

and she said,
וַתֹּ֣אמֶר (wat·tō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Why
לָ֥מָּה (lām·māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

is this
זֶּ֖ה (zeh)
Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

happening to me?”
אָנֹ֑כִי (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

So [Rebekah] went
וַתֵּ֖לֶךְ (wat·tê·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to inquire
לִדְרֹ֥שׁ (liḏ·rōš)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship

of the LORD,
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT Law: Genesis 25:22 The children struggled together within her (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 25:21
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