Who Was the Nurse in Genesis 24:59, and What Does Her Role Reveal About Family and Servitude in the Patriarchal Era?
Genesis 24:59 records a seemingly minor detail within the larger account of Rebekah’s journey to become Isaac’s wife:
“So they sent away their sister Rebekah and her nurse, along with Abraham’s servant and his men.”
While this mention may appear incidental, the inclusion of Rebekah’s nurse is deeply significant in understanding family structures, servitude, and the roles of women in the patriarchal period. The identity, role, and relationship of the nurse with Rebekah provide valuable insights into ancient Near Eastern customs and the familial bonds that existed within the household structure.
The Identity of the Nurse: Was She Deborah?
Although Genesis 24:59 does not name the nurse, Genesis 35:8 later provides her identity:
“Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried below Bethel under the oak; and it was named Allon-bacuth (oak of weeping).”
The mention of Deborah in Genesis 35:8 strongly implies that the nurse accompanying Rebekah in Genesis 24:59 is the same woman. If so, Deborah remained a close and trusted member of Rebekah’s household for many years, even long after Rebekah’s marriage to Isaac. Her death was significant enough to be recorded in Scripture and marked with a special place of mourning. This shows the deep bond she shared with Rebekah and the importance of her role in the household.
The Role of a Nurse in Ancient Near Eastern Society
In the patriarchal era, a nurse (מֵינֶקֶת, mēneqet), often a wet nurse or caregiver, played a vital role in raising children, especially within wealthy or noble households. Nurses were typically women of trust and loyalty who cared for children from infancy through adolescence. Their responsibilities extended beyond the physical needs of the child; they were often involved in moral and cultural instruction, becoming secondary maternal figures.
The position of a nurse in a household was one of both service and affection. A nurse’s close relationship with her charge frequently continued into adulthood, as seen in Deborah’s lifelong connection to Rebekah. The trustworthiness of a nurse was so valued that they were often regarded as part of the family rather than as ordinary servants.
The Symbolism of the Nurse Accompanying Rebekah
The fact that Rebekah’s family sent her nurse along with her to Canaan indicates several important cultural and familial values. First, it highlights the honor and care given to Rebekah. By ensuring that she was accompanied by a trusted companion, her family demonstrated their concern for her well-being in a foreign land.
Second, the nurse served as a symbol of continuity. Rebekah was leaving her homeland and her immediate family, but the presence of her nurse represented a link to her past and her family’s heritage. This would have been particularly significant in an arranged marriage where Rebekah’s transition into a new household might have been emotionally challenging.
Third, the nurse’s presence signified that Rebekah retained her status as a woman of importance. In ancient Near Eastern societies, servants were often sent with brides as part of their dowry to ensure they maintained their social standing in their new homes. This custom is seen again in Genesis 29 when Laban sends servants with his daughters, Leah and Rachel, when they marry Jacob.
The Longstanding Loyalty of Deborah
The enduring presence of Deborah, from Rebekah’s departure from Paddan-Aram to her death many years later in Canaan, testifies to the deep bonds that could form between a nurse and her charge. Genesis 35:8 describes how her death prompted such sorrow that the place of her burial was named Allon-bacuth, meaning “oak of weeping.” Such public mourning demonstrates how beloved and respected she was within the household.
It is also notable that her death is recorded in Scripture—a rare honor for a servant. This suggests that her loyalty and service left a lasting impact not only on Rebekah but also on the wider family. Her life stands as a testimony to the faithfulness and devotion that characterized those who served in godly households during the patriarchal period.
The Spiritual Significance of Deborah’s Presence
While the account of Rebekah’s nurse does not involve direct spiritual acts, it reflects the principles of faithfulness, loyalty, and service that are highly valued in Scripture. Deborah’s lifelong devotion to Rebekah and her household mirrors the broader biblical theme of servanthood as a form of honor. Jesus Himself would later teach that the greatest in the kingdom of heaven is the servant of all (Matthew 23:11).
Additionally, Deborah’s presence with Rebekah throughout her life parallels the enduring nature of covenant relationships in Scripture. Just as Abraham’s servant demonstrated faithfulness in finding a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:12-14), Deborah demonstrated faithfulness by remaining a constant support to Rebekah. Such relationships, marked by loyalty and love, are foundational to the biblical view of family and community.
Conclusion
The mention of Rebekah’s nurse in Genesis 24:59, while brief, offers profound insights into the family structures, customs, and values of the patriarchal era. The identification of this nurse as Deborah, whose death is later recorded in Genesis 35:8, highlights her lifelong bond with Rebekah and her significant place within the household. Her role reflects the ancient practice of sending trusted attendants with brides to ensure their care, honor, and continuity of social status. Additionally, Deborah’s life exemplifies faithfulness and loyalty—qualities that resonate deeply within the broader biblical narrative. Through these cultural and historical insights, we gain a richer understanding of the relationships that shaped the lives of the patriarchs and their families.
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
Online Guided Bible Study Courses
SCROLL THROUGH THE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES BELOW
BIBLE TRANSLATION AND TEXTUAL CRITICISM
BIBLICAL STUDIES / BIBLE BACKGROUND / HISTORY OF THE BIBLE/ INTERPRETATION
