Genesis 24:11 kjv

And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.

Genesis 24:11 nkjv

And he made his camels kneel down outside the city by a well of water at evening time, the time when women go out to draw water.

Genesis 24:11 niv

He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water.

Genesis 24:11 esv

And he made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at the time of evening, the time when women go out to draw water.

Genesis 24:11 nlt

He made the camels kneel beside a well just outside the town. It was evening, and the women were coming out to draw water.

Genesis 24 verses

Genesis 24 11 Meaning

Genesis 24:11 describes the strategic arrival of Abraham's chief servant in Mesopotamia, where he makes his camels rest by a well just outside a city during the late afternoon. This timing was deliberate, as it was when women customarily came out to draw water, setting the scene for a divinely orchestrated encounter to find a wife for Isaac.

Genesis 24 11 Context

Genesis chapter 24 details Abraham's critical mission for his eldest servant: to secure a wife for Isaac from among Abraham's relatives in Paddan Aram, rather than from the Canaanites. This mission was paramount for the continuation of God's covenantal promises. The servant departs with great resources (ten camels laden with gifts) and a deep sense of responsibility. Verse 11 sets the immediate scene upon his arrival at Nahor (the city of Abraham's relatives, Gen 24:10). Having traveled hundreds of miles, the servant wisely chooses his resting place and time to align with local customs and increase the likelihood of success. This demonstrates his prudence and faith, as he positions himself for the providential encounter he will soon pray for.

Genesis 24 11 Word analysis

• And he made his camels kneel down:
  • Hebrew: vayyavrēḵ haggəmālīm (וַיַּבְרֵךְ הַגְּמַלִּים).
  • Vayyavrēḵ is the Hiphil imperfect of the verb barak (ברך), meaning "to kneel," "to cause to kneel." The Hiphil intensive implies causing them to bend their knees in order to rest or be unloaded.
  • This action signifies the servant's arrival and the completion of a long journey, preparing the camels for rest and future activity, likely offloading them. It indicates an intention to stay.
  • Camels were invaluable for desert travel, representing significant wealth and the capacity for the journey Abraham commanded. Ten camels were a considerable caravan, signaling the importance and gravity of the mission.
• outside the city:
  • Hebrew: miḵḥūs lāʿīr (מִחוּץ לָעִיר).
  • This positioning is typical for travelers approaching a city, providing an accessible public space that avoids entering the bustling inner parts of the town with animals immediately. It also points to a strategic location, at the fringe, where communal activities like water drawing often occurred.
• by the well of water:
  • Hebrew: ‘al-haʿayin hammayim (עַל-הָעַיִן הַמַּיִם).
  • ‘Ayin (עין) literally means "eye" or "spring/fountain." Here, it refers to a natural spring or well.
  • Wells were crucial lifelines in arid regions, acting as central gathering places, social hubs, and points of contact for communities. Many pivotal biblical encounters occur at wells (e.g., Jacob meeting Rachel, Moses meeting Zipporah, Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman). The well serves as a symbol of life, provision, and divine meeting places.
• at the time of evening:
  • Hebrew: lāʿēṯ ʿerev (לְעֵת עֶרֶב).
  • "Evening" (ערב) typically refers to late afternoon, around sunset. This timing was ideal; the intense heat of the day would have subsided, making physical activity more comfortable.
  • It indicates a specific, observable daily rhythm of life in the ancient Near East, which the servant leveraged for his mission.
• the time when women go out to draw water:
  • Hebrew: lāʿēṯ tsē’ṯ haššō’vōṯ (לְעֵת צֵאת הַשֹּׁאֲבֹת).
  • "Women" (הַשֹּׁאֲבֹת – hasho'vot, lit. "the drawers of water") signifies a common daily chore primarily performed by women.
  • This detail reveals the servant's astuteness. He was observant of local customs and timings, recognizing the prime opportunity to meet eligible women in a public, appropriate setting. His actions show deliberate planning combined with reliance on God's guidance.
  • Words-group by words-group analysis:
    • "And he made his camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water": This phrase precisely establishes the physical setting, marking the end of the servant's journey and his intentional positioning at a public, life-giving hub, ready for interaction. The scene is one of weary travel concluding, and strategic planning commencing.
    • "at the time of evening, the time when women go out to draw water": This phrase pinpoints the precise social timing. It indicates the servant's cultural awareness and methodical approach, demonstrating he was not merely arriving, but actively seeking the right opportunity in accordance with local customs, trusting in a providentially timed encounter.

Genesis 24 11 Bonus section

The seemingly simple details of Genesis 24:11 subtly highlight themes central to the Abrahamic narrative. The use of camels (a significant sign of wealth and capability for long journeys) emphasizes the scope and importance of the mission. The chosen location, a well, serves not only as a practical necessity but also as a traditional biblical site for divine appointments and the beginning of new covenantal relationships. The specificity of the "evening time" and "women drawing water" reflects a common daily rhythm that ancient societies followed, underscoring the providential nature of God's guidance often working through natural and ordinary circumstances. This strategic foresight of the servant is an echo of Abraham's faith and trust in God's leading, even in the details of everyday life.

Genesis 24 11 Commentary

Genesis 24:11 marks the intersection of human diligence and divine providence. Abraham's servant, demonstrating exceptional commitment to his master's charge and Abraham's God, did not arrive haphazardly. His careful selection of the stopping point—outside the city by the main water source—and the specific timing—evening when women would be out—reveals his astute understanding of cultural customs and his strategic preparation. This precise positioning by the servant, before he even utters his heartfelt prayer in the subsequent verses, showcases a blending of responsible human action with an expectant faith that God would guide his efforts. The setting is carefully curated to maximize the chance of meeting a potential bride for Isaac, underscoring the servant's initiative and reliance on the very God who promises to direct the steps of those who trust in Him. It sets the stage for God's remarkable intervention.