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Genesis 25:21 - Prayer overcomes barrenness miraculously

Genesis 25:21 - בראשית 25:21

Hebrew Text

וַיֶּעְתַּר יִצְחָק לַיהוָה לְנֹכַח אִשְׁתּוֹ כִּי עֲקָרָה הִוא וַיֵּעָתֶר לוֹ יְהוָה וַתַּהַר רִבְקָה אִשְׁתּוֹ׃

English Translation

And Yiżĥaq entreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was entreated of him, and Rivqa his wife conceived.

Transliteration

Va'ye'tar Yitzchak la'Adonai le'no'chach ishto ki akara hi va'ye'ater lo Adonai va'tahar Rivka ishto.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֶּעְתַּ֨ר יִצְחָ֤ק לַֽיהֹוָה֙ לְנֹ֣כַח אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ כִּ֥י עֲקָרָ֖ה הִ֑וא וַיֵּעָ֤תֶר לוֹ֙ יְהֹוָ֔ה וַתַּ֖הַר רִבְקָ֥ה אִשְׁתּֽוֹ׃
וַיֶּעְתַּ֨ר יִצְחָ֤ק לַֽיהֹוָה֙ לְנֹ֣כַח אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ כִּ֥י עֲקָרָ֖ה הִ֑וא וַיֵּעָ֤תֶר לוֹ֙ יְהֹוָ֔ה וַתַּ֖הַר רִבְקָ֥ה אִשְׁתּֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Power of Yitzchak's Prayer

Rashi (Bereshit 25:21) explains that the phrase "וַיֶּעְתַּר יִצְחָק" ("And Yitzchak entreated") uses an unusual verb form to teach that Yitzchak prayed intensely and repeatedly before Hashem. The word עתר is related to the term for a pitchfork (עֲתַר), symbolizing how Yitzchak's prayers "overturned" the heavenly decree of barrenness, just as a pitchfork overturns grain.

Praying "לְנֹכַח אִשְׁתּוֹ" – Facing His Wife

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 63:5) notes that Yitzchak stood in one corner and prayed while Rivka stood in another corner, emphasizing their joint spiritual effort. Ramban (Bereshit 25:21) adds that this phrasing indicates Yitzchak directed his prayers specifically for Rivka's sake, showing his selfless concern for her distress over being childless.

Divine Response to Righteous Prayer

The Talmud (Yevamot 64a) states that Hashem desires the prayers of the righteous, using the same verb (וַיֵּעָתֶר) for both Yitzchak's prayer and Hashem's response. This teaches that when tzaddikim pray earnestly, their words create a reciprocal divine response. The Malbim explains that the conception occurred specifically through Yitzchak's prayers because he was an olah temimah (perfect sacrifice) during the Akeidah, making his prayers uniquely potent.

The Significance of Rivka's Barrenness

  • Rashi (Bereshit 25:21) notes that all three matriarchs (Sarah, Rivka, and Rachel) were initially barren to emphasize that children are a divine gift, not a natural entitlement.
  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 45:4) teaches that Hashem makes the righteous wait for offspring so their prayers will be more fervent and their children more cherished.
  • Kli Yakar observes that Rivka's barrenness served to demonstrate that Yitzchak and Rivka's union would produce a nation chosen through divine will, not mere biological continuity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 64a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the efficacy of prayer for barrenness, illustrating how Isaac's prayer for Rebecca was answered.
📖 Rosh Hashanah 17b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing God's responsiveness to the prayers of the righteous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yitzchak pray for Rivka to have children?
A: Yitzchak prayed for Rivka because she was barren (Genesis 25:21). The Torah teaches us the power of prayer, especially in difficult situations. Rashi explains that Yitzchak prayed 'opposite his wife,' meaning they stood together in prayer, showing unity in seeking Hashem's help.
Q: What can we learn from Yitzchak and Rivka's experience with infertility?
A: This verse teaches us that even righteous individuals like Yitzchak and Rivka faced challenges like infertility. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 63:5) notes that Hashem desires the prayers of the righteous. Their story shows that persistence in prayer and faith in Hashem is important, even when facing difficulties.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Rivka was barren?
A: The Torah mentions Rivka's barrenness to highlight that the birth of Yaakov and Esav was a miracle. Ramban explains that this emphasizes that these children were born through divine intervention, not just natural means, showing Hashem's direct involvement in continuing the covenant with Avraham's descendants.
Q: How long did Yitzchak and Rivka wait before having children?
A: According to Rashi (citing Bereishit Rabbah 63:5), Yitzchak and Rivka were married for 20 years before having children. This teaches patience and trust in Hashem's timing, even when prayers aren't immediately answered.
Q: What is the significance of Hashem answering Yitzchak's prayer?
A: The verse states 'Hashem allowed Himself to be entreated by him,' showing that sincere prayer can bring divine response. The Talmud (Yevamot 64a) learns from this that the prayer of a righteous person (even if childless) for children is more effective than others' prayers for them, emphasizing the power of personal prayer.