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Why Did Rebekah Cover Her Face with a Veil in Genesis 24:64–65, and What Does It Reveal About Ancient Marriage Customs?

The account of Rebekah’s first meeting with Isaac in Genesis 24 offers a rich portrayal of ancient Near Eastern marriage customs. A striking cultural detail appears in Genesis 24:64–65:

“When Rebekah raised her eyes and saw Isaac, she dismounted from the camel. Then she said to the servant, ‘Who is that man walking in the field to meet us?’ And the servant said, ‘He is my master.’ So she took her veil and covered herself.”

The act of covering her face with a veil is more than a gesture of modesty; it reflects the cultural, social, and symbolic practices surrounding marriage in the patriarchal period. Understanding the significance of the veil in this context provides insight into the customs, values, and expectations that shaped marital relationships in biblical times.

The Cultural Significance of the Veil in Ancient Near Eastern Society

The use of veils in the ancient Near East was a well-established cultural practice, often carrying specific social connotations. Archaeological discoveries and ancient texts from Mesopotamia, Assyria, and Canaan confirm that veiling was a custom associated with status, purity, and marital boundaries. In many ancient societies, the veil was not a mere accessory but a symbol that communicated a woman’s social identity and her relationship status.

In Mesopotamian law codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi (c. 1754 B.C.E.), veiling was legally regulated. Married women and betrothed women were required to wear veils, while slaves and prostitutes were prohibited from doing so. Veiling, therefore, was a sign of dignity, honor, and protection, marking a woman as belonging to a household.

Rebekah’s action of veiling herself upon meeting Isaac reflects this cultural understanding. It was a symbolic declaration that she was now under the covenant of marriage and that her identity was united with Isaac. Her veil communicated her status as a bride, not merely to Isaac but to all who witnessed the meeting.

The Symbolism of Modesty and Respect

The act of veiling in Genesis 24:65 also carries the theme of modesty and respect. In ancient Hebrew culture, modesty in both behavior and appearance was highly valued, especially in matters of marriage. By covering her face, Rebekah displayed respect for Isaac, recognizing him as her future husband. This act of covering was a visible acknowledgment of the sacred nature of their forthcoming union.

The Hebrew verb used for “cover” (כָּסָה, kasah) carries the meaning of concealing or hiding. This is not a concealment out of shame but rather one of reverence and propriety. In other biblical contexts, covering is associated with honor and protection, as seen in Isaiah 61:10, where garments are used as a metaphor for salvation and righteousness:

“I will rejoice greatly in Jehovah; my soul will be joyful in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation, he has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness.”

Thus, Rebekah’s veil was an outward expression of inward honor, signaling her willingness to enter into a covenant relationship with Isaac in purity and propriety.

The Veil as a Symbol of the Marital Covenant

Rebekah’s act of veiling herself immediately upon learning Isaac’s identity symbolizes her transition from one household to another. In ancient Near Eastern culture, marriage was not merely a personal relationship but a covenant that united families. The giving of a bride often involved elaborate rituals signifying the change in her social status. Veiling was one such ritual, marking the woman’s separation from her family and her consecration to her husband.

The concept of covering as a sign of a covenant relationship is echoed throughout Scripture. For example, in Ezekiel 16:8, Jehovah uses the imagery of covering to symbolize His covenant with Jerusalem:

“Then I passed by you and saw you, and behold, you were at the time for love; so I spread my garment over you and covered your nakedness. I also swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you so that you became mine,” declares Jehovah.”

In this passage, the covering is a gesture of protection, love, and covenantal commitment. Similarly, Rebekah’s veil can be seen as a symbol of the sacred covenant she was entering with Isaac, one that would continue the Abrahamic line through which Jehovah’s promises would be fulfilled.

Veiling as a Sign of Anticipation and Submission

Another dimension of Rebekah’s veiling is that it expresses submission, not in a modern distorted sense, but in the biblical sense of mutual roles within a covenant relationship. Rebekah’s covering her face was a gesture of her consent to the marriage and her acceptance of Isaac’s role as her husband. It was an acknowledgment of the structure of the marital relationship as designed by Jehovah, where both husband and wife fulfill complementary roles.

This act of submission was not oppressive but voluntary, arising from Rebekah’s trust in Jehovah’s providence. She had already shown faith by agreeing to leave her family and travel to a foreign land to marry Isaac, whom she had never met (Genesis 24:58). The veil became a symbol of that trust, representing her willingness to enter into the new relationship under Jehovah’s guidance.

The Removal of the Veil: From Anticipation to Fulfillment

While Genesis 24 does not explicitly describe the removal of Rebekah’s veil, ancient marriage customs indicate that the unveiling of the bride typically occurred during the wedding ceremony or immediately after the marriage was consummated. The removal of the veil was a moment of intimacy and revelation, symbolizing the fulfillment of the covenant.

This theme of veiling and unveiling carries throughout Scripture, especially in the relationship between Jehovah and His people. In 2 Corinthians 3:16, Paul uses the imagery of a veil to describe the removal of spiritual blindness when one turns to Christ:

“But whenever someone turns to Jehovah, the veil is taken away.”

Although Paul’s use of the veil is metaphorical, it resonates with the same themes of intimacy, revelation, and covenant relationship that are symbolized in Rebekah’s veil.

Veiling in Later Biblical Contexts

The practice of veiling continued in biblical times, though its meanings and uses varied. For example, in Genesis 38:14-15, Tamar uses a veil to disguise her identity, showing that veils could also be used for concealment. However, Rebekah’s use of the veil is entirely different—it is a positive symbol of honor, dignity, and covenant.

Additionally, in Song of Solomon 4:1, the beauty of the bride is described with reference to her veil:

“Behold, you are beautiful, my darling, behold, you are beautiful! Your eyes are like doves behind your veil.”

Here, the veil is part of the bride’s adornment, enhancing her beauty and expressing the mystery and sacredness of marital love.

Conclusion

Rebekah’s act of covering her face with a veil in Genesis 24:64–65 is far more than a cultural formality; it is a profound expression of modesty, honor, and covenant. It reflects the values of the patriarchal society where marriage was a sacred institution marked by visible signs of commitment and respect. The veil signified Rebekah’s transition into a new family, her consent to the marriage covenant, and her willingness to submit to Jehovah’s plan for her life. This ancient custom, rich with meaning, reminds readers that marriage is not merely a human contract but a sacred bond established by Jehovah. Through Rebekah’s veil, we glimpse the beauty of covenantal relationships, not only between husband and wife but also between Jehovah and His people.

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About the Author

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).