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Genesis 24 · a question people ask

Did Rebekah have a say?

In the text

Genesis shows both. Abraham had allowed for her saying no: "If the woman isn’t willing to follow you, then you shall be clear from this oath" (24:8). Laban and Bethuel say, "Behold, Rebekah is before you. Take her, and go" (24:51). But when the question is whether she leaves at once, "They called Rebekah, and said to her, 'Will you go with this man?' She said, 'I will go'" (24:57-58).

The verses

“If the woman isn’t willing to follow you, then you shall be clear from this oath to me. Only you shall not bring my son there again.””
Genesis 24:8 · World English Bible
“Then Laban and Bethuel answered, “The thing proceeds from the LORD. We can’t speak to you bad or good. Behold, Rebekah is before you. Take her, and go, and let her be your master’s son’s wife, as the LORD has spoken.””
Genesis 24:50-51 · World English Bible
“Her brother and her mother said, “Let the young lady stay with us a few days, at least ten. After that she will go.” He said to them, “Don’t hinder me, since the LORD has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.” They said, “We will call the young lady, and ask her.” They called Rebekah, and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” She said, “I will go.””
Genesis 24:55-58 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Genesis 24

Genesis 24: A wife for Isaac

Abraham's servant prayed at a well for a sign, and Rebekah came before he had finished speaking. He praised the LORD for his loving kindness and truth, the Bible's first use of the word truth, and said, "the LORD has led me." Rebekah said, "I will go", Isaac loved her, and he was comforted after his mother's death.

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions