רִבְקָה
Rivkah / Rebecca
“To bind/captivating”
Rebecca (רִבְקָה, Rivkah) is a Hebrew girl's name meaning “to bind/captivating,” pronounced “riv-KAH.” From the Hebrew root ר-ב-ק (resh-bet-qof) meaning 'to bind, to tie, to fasten,' or possibly 'to ensnare/captivate.' The name Rivkah suggests 'one who binds' or 'captivating one.' In agricultural Hebrew, 'rivkah' referred to a stall for fattening calves (a place of binding).
| Hebrew | רִבְקָה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Rivkah |
| English Name | Rebecca |
| Meaning | To bind/captivating |
| Pronunciation | riv-KAH |
| Gender | Girl |
| Category | Female Biblical Names |
| Variants | Rivkah, Rivka, Rebekah, Rebeca, Becky |
| Key Scripture | Genesis 24:58 |
Rebecca is the Bible's most decisive woman. When Abraham's servant arrived at her family's well seeking a bride for Isaac, Rebecca didn't hesitate — she drew water for him and his ten camels (an enormous undertaking), and when asked to travel to a distant land to marry a man she had never met, she said simply: 'I will go' (Genesis 24:58). That same boldness defined her later life: when she perceived that God's blessing rested on Jacob rather than Esau, she orchestrated the deception of Isaac to ensure the younger son received the covenant blessing. Her name, meaning 'to bind' or 'captivating,' captures both her magnetic personality and her role in binding the patriarchal covenant from one generation to the next.
Key Scripture: Genesis 24:58
“So they called Rebekah and asked her, 'Will you go with this man?' 'I will go,' she said.”
What Does Rebecca Mean in Hebrew?
From the root ר-ב-ק (resh-bet-qof) meaning 'to bind, to tie firmly.' The noun 'rivkah' in Mishnaic Hebrew means 'a stall for tying up animals.' Metaphorically, the name suggests 'captivating' or 'binding' beauty and personality. Some scholars also connect it to an Aramaic root meaning 'soft/tender.'
Rebecca in the Bible
Rebecca is the second matriarch of Israel, chosen by God through a series of remarkable signs at the well (Genesis 24). She received a direct oracle from God about her twins' destiny (Genesis 25:23), and she acted decisively — sometimes controversially — to ensure that the divine plan was fulfilled through Jacob rather than Esau.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
Rebecca is one of the four matriarchs invoked in the Shabbat blessing over daughters: 'May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.' In Jewish tradition, Rebecca is praised for her extraordinary hospitality — the massive effort of watering ten camels demonstrated generosity beyond obligation.
Rebecca has been a classic favorite for centuries, consistently ranking in the top 100-200 girls' names in the US. The novel 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier (1938) boosted its literary cachet. In Israel, Rivka is a traditional staple, especially in religious communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rebecca
What does Rebecca mean in Hebrew?
Rebecca (רִבְקָה, Rivkah) means “To bind/captivating” in Hebrew. From the Hebrew root ר-ב-ק (resh-bet-qof) meaning 'to bind, to tie, to fasten,' or possibly 'to ensnare/captivate.' The name Rivkah suggests 'one who binds' or 'captivating one.' In agricultural Hebrew, 'rivkah' referred to a stall for fattening calves (a place of binding).
How do you pronounce Rebecca in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Rebecca is “riv-KAH.” The name is written רִבְקָה in Hebrew script.
What does Rebecca mean in Hebrew?
Rebecca (רִבְקָה, Rivkah) means 'to bind' or 'captivating' in Hebrew, from the root ר-ב-ק (resh-bet-qof). The name suggests someone whose beauty and personality are 'binding' — capturing the hearts of those around her. This fits the biblical narrative perfectly: Abraham's servant was immediately captivated by her generosity and decisiveness at the well.
Why is Rebecca important in the Bible?
Rebecca is the second matriarch of Israel who received a direct oracle from God about her sons' destiny. She was divinely chosen as Isaac's wife through remarkable signs, and she ensured the covenant blessing passed to Jacob — the son God had designated before birth. Her decisive character shaped the future of the entire nation of Israel.
Was Rebecca right to deceive Isaac?
This is one of the most debated questions in biblical interpretation. God had told Rebecca before the twins' birth that 'the older will serve the younger' (Genesis 25:23). Some see her deception as faithfully ensuring God's stated plan; others view it as a failure to trust God's ability to fulfill His own promise without human manipulation. The text presents the complexity without simple moral judgment.
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
More Female Biblical Names
Explore other names in the Female Biblical Names collection
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