Genesis 24 14

Genesis 24:14 kjv

And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast showed kindness unto my master.

Genesis 24:14 nkjv

Now let it be that the young woman to whom I say, 'Please let down your pitcher that I may drink,' and she says, 'Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink'?let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. And by this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master."

Genesis 24:14 niv

May it be that when I say to a young woman, 'Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, 'Drink, and I'll water your camels too'?let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master."

Genesis 24:14 esv

Let the young woman to whom I shall say, 'Please let down your jar that I may drink,' and who shall say, 'Drink, and I will water your camels' ? let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master."

Genesis 24:14 nlt

This is my request. I will ask one of them, 'Please give me a drink from your jug.' If she says, 'Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!' ? let her be the one you have selected as Isaac's wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master."

Genesis 24 verses

Genesis 24 14 meaning

Genesis 24:14 presents the specific and demanding sign Abraham's servant, Eliezer, requests from God to identify the chosen wife for Isaac. The sign reveals a woman of exceptional character: one who not only offers him water when asked but, without prompting, extends her hospitality to include his ten thirsty camels. This profound act of selfless service would signify God's divine appointment and His covenant faithfulness ("kindness") towards Abraham, confirming the Lord's hand in this crucial decision.

Genesis 24 14 Context

This verse is pivotal within the larger narrative of Genesis 24, a chapter solely dedicated to Isaac's marriage. Abraham, advanced in years and desiring a wife for his son from his own kindred rather than the idolatrous Canaanites, makes his trusted servant (traditionally identified as Eliezer of Damascus, Gen 15:2) swear a solemn oath. The servant is sent to Mesopotamia to find Isaac's bride. Upon reaching his destination, the servant pauses by a well—a common gathering place—and, recognizing the gravity of his mission, humbly prays for divine guidance. The request in verse 14 forms the precise, character-revealing test by which he seeks to discern God's chosen woman, thus aligning his actions with God's overarching plan for Abraham's lineage and the fulfillment of the covenant promises. The cultural context highlights the importance of arranged marriages, marrying within one's community, and the supreme virtue of hospitality in ancient Near Eastern society.

Word Analysis

• And let it come to pass: This phrase indicates an expectation of a specific, divinely orchestrated event, confirming God's preordained plan. It speaks to a faith that looks for divine confirmation in specific actions.
• damsel (נַעֲרָה - na'arah): Refers to a young, unmarried woman of marriageable age. This indicates she is an eligible candidate.
• to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink: This is the servant's direct, polite request. It’s an immediate, necessary act of hospitality.
  • pitcher (כַּד - kad): An earthenware jar commonly used for drawing and carrying water, likely substantial in size to carry water from the well.
  • I pray thee: A respectful, humble expression, showing deference.
• and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: This is the crucial, self-initiating, and highly demanding part of the requested sign. It moves beyond basic politeness to extraordinary generosity.
  • camels (גְּמַלִּים - gemallim): There were ten of them (Gen 24:10). Camels, especially after a long journey in the desert, drink vast amounts of water quickly—up to 25 gallons each. Watering ten such animals would require immense effort, drawing and carrying many heavy pitchers of water, signifying diligence, exceptional stamina, and a remarkably compassionate spirit beyond what was asked. The addition "also" is key; it's proactive generosity.
• let the same be she that thou hast appointed (יָכַחְתָּ - yakachta, from yākhaḥ) for thy servant Isaac: This declares the intended purpose of the sign—to identify the one supernaturally chosen or "indicated" by God. It affirms God's sovereign selection for Isaac's future bride, linking the human action to divine appointment.
• and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness (חֶסֶד - chesed) unto my master: The outcome of the sign serves as undeniable confirmation of God's "hesed."
  • kindness (חֶסֶד - chesed): More than simple kindness, hesed denotes covenant loyalty, steadfast love, unfailing grace, and faithful mercy. It's an attribute of God reflecting His enduring commitment to His promises and people. Here, it confirms God’s fidelity to Abraham’s lineage and the covenant promises associated with it.

Genesis 24 14 Commentary

Genesis 24:14 captures Eliezer’s profound wisdom and faith in seeking a sign for Isaac's bride. He did not ask for a trivial or supernatural display, but for one that would reveal deep character traits: active selflessness, boundless hospitality, and industriousness. Watering ten thirsty camels would be an arduous task, revealing not just a momentary kindness but an inner disposition fit for building the covenant family of Abraham. This verse beautifully illustrates how God hears and responds to the sincere, specific prayers of His servants, working providentially through seemingly ordinary human interactions to fulfill His divine purposes and demonstrate His unwavering covenant faithfulness. It underscores that God cares even for the intricate details of our lives, especially those that align with His redemptive plan.

Bonus SectionThe prayer and sign in Genesis 24:14 emphasize several key biblical principles. It serves as an example of discerning God's will not through arbitrary divination, but through specific prayer, humble seeking, and observation of character aligning with Godly virtues. Eliezer's methodology was not presumptuous but reflective of genuine faith, seeking confirmation for a matter critical to the lineage through which the Savior would come. This episode also highlights the concept of divine guidance in relationships, suggesting that a providentially provided partner often embodies virtues of service and selflessness. Furthermore, Rebekah's immediate and extensive act of hospitality foreshadows her fitness to be a matriarch of the Abrahamic covenant line, displaying generosity that echoes God's own abundant grace.