2865. 'And Bethuel begot Rebekah' means from good sprang their affection for truth. This becomes clear from the representation of Bethuel and of Rebekah, dealt with in Chapter 24 below.

3067. 'And let the girl to whom I say' means an affection that has innocence within it. This is clear from the meaning of 'the girl'. In the Word affections for good and truth are called young children, girls, young women, and daughters, but in every case the different usage has regard to state. When 'a daughter' is used affection in general is meant, but when 'a young woman' affection that has charity within it is meant. When however 'a girl' is used affection that has innocence within it is meant, the reason being that girlhood comes next after early childhood, which in the internal sense is innocence, as does 'a boy' or 'small child' by which is meant a state in which innocence is present, see 430.