Genesis 24:17 kjv

And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.

Genesis 24:17 nkjv

And the servant ran to meet her and said, "Please let me drink a little water from your pitcher."

Genesis 24:17 niv

The servant hurried to meet her and said, "Please give me a little water from your jar."

Genesis 24:17 esv

Then the servant ran to meet her and said, "Please give me a little water to drink from your jar."

Genesis 24:17 nlt

Running over to her, the servant said, "Please give me a little drink of water from your jug."

Genesis 24 verses

Genesis 24 17 Meaning

Genesis 24:17 describes the pivotal moment when Abraham's servant, guided by divine providence, actively approaches Rebekah at the well. Upon seeing her with a pitcher, he quickly runs to her and initiates the "test" he had prayed for, humbly requesting a small amount of water from her personal vessel. This verse marks the precise beginning of the fulfillment of the servant's prayer for a specific sign to identify Isaac's intended bride.

Genesis 24 17 Context

Genesis 24 forms a pivotal narrative in the Abrahamic covenant, focusing on securing Isaac's lineage. Abraham, aged and committed to God's promise, entrusts his most trusted servant (likely Eliezer of Damascus, though unnamed in this chapter) with the critical task of finding a wife for Isaac from among Abraham's own people in Mesopotamia, specifically avoiding a Canaanite wife. The servant, understanding the immense spiritual and covenantal importance of this mission, sets out with a caravan of camels. Upon reaching the desired city, he stops at a well, a vital meeting place in the ancient Near East and a frequent setting for betrothals. Recognizing the daunting nature of his task, the servant fervently prays for divine guidance, asking God for a specific sign: the chosen woman would not only offer him water but also generously offer to water all his camels. Verse 17 depicts the servant's immediate and active step after prayer, identifying Rebekah as the first potential candidate as she appears with a water pitcher. His swift approach and request initiate the precise test he laid before the Lord. The scene underscores reliance on God's sovereignty combined with faithful, purposeful action. Culturally, hospitality was paramount, and offering water, especially to strangers and their animals, was a highly commendable virtue. The choice of a spouse from among their own kin served to maintain the distinct identity of Abraham's descendants and prevent assimilation into pagan practices.

Genesis 24 17 Word analysis

• And (וַיָּרָץ - wa-yā-rāts): The Hebrew waw connective ("and") introduces the servant's immediate action, showing a direct consequence or continuation of the previous events (Rebekah's arrival, the servant's prayer). It suggests a promptness or eagerness in response.
• the servant (הָעֶבֶד - hā-’e-ḇeḏ): Refers specifically to Abraham's chief servant, unnamed in this chapter, highlighting his role as an agent of Abraham's will and a man of great trust. His status as "the" servant emphasizes his distinct and important mission. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a chief servant of such a powerful patriarch held significant authority.
• ran (וַיָּרָץ - wa-yā-rāts, from the root רוץ ruts, "to run"): This verb implies swiftness, eagerness, and purpose, not just casual walking. The servant's action demonstrates his readiness to discern God's hand and execute his task with diligence and faith. It conveys an immediacy following Rebekah's appearance and perhaps also a sense of urgency given his prior prayer.
• to meet her (לִקְרָאתָהּ - liq-rā-ṯāh): Lit. "towards her" or "for her meeting." This indicates intentional, direct approach and engagement, rather than passive observation. He is moving directly to initiate interaction, key for testing his prayer.
• and said (וַיֹּאמֶר - wa-yō-mer): Introduces his direct communication. The simplicity of this phrase underscores the servant's direct and unambiguous action to carry out the first part of his prayerful request.
• Let me, I pray thee, (הַשְׁקִינִי־נָא - haš-qî-nî-nā): This phrase is an imperative ("give me to drink") combined with the polite, emphatic particle nā (rendered as "I pray thee" or "please"). It's a humble yet direct and precise request, which is exactly what he asked God to enable him to say (Gen 24:14). It sets the stage for Rebekah's response and the potential fulfillment of the sign.
• drink a little water (מְעַט־מַיִם - mə-‘aṭ-ma-yim): "A little water." The quantity requested is modest, signaling courtesy and not making an unreasonable demand, despite the larger need for the camels' water to fulfill the full sign. "Water" (mayim) is plural in Hebrew but is understood as a collective singular.
• of thy pitcher (מִכַּדֵּךְ - mik-kaḏ-dêḵ): Lit. "from your jar/pitcher." This detail is crucial. He doesn't ask to draw water from the well himself but from her personal pitcher. This highlights the specific nature of the interaction required: for her to personally provide it, an act of immediate generosity and hospitality from her own resource.

Words-group analysis:

• "And the servant ran to meet her, and said": This sequence vividly portrays the servant's prompt, decisive, and faith-filled initiative. His immediate movement and direct communication show he is actively engaging with the situation according to his prayer and faith in divine guidance. This isn't passive waiting; it's active pursuit following observation.
• "Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher": This precise phrase embodies the initial condition of the specific sign he had asked for in his prayer. It's a test of the potential bride's willingness to be hospitable, even with her own effort and provision, and her graciousness towards a stranger. The humility in requesting "a little" water from "her pitcher" prepares for Rebekah's display of even greater generosity.

Genesis 24 17 Bonus section

• The practice of "testing" or seeking signs from God, while seen in Scripture (e.g., Gideon's fleece, though sometimes used cautiously), is here initiated by the servant's direct, God-honoring prayer, not a manipulative demand. His prayer set out specific criteria that pointed towards a character suitable for the mother of a covenant people: one who would be generous and hardworking.
• The phrase "a little water" implies the servant’s humility, knowing he will then see if she offers more than what he asks. This careful setup for the test is a testament to his wisdom and prayerful consideration.
• Encounters at wells often symbolize life-changing events and new beginnings in the Bible (e.g., Moses meeting Zipporah in Ex 2, Jacob meeting Rachel in Gen 29, Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman in John 4). This scene fits into this established biblical pattern of significant introductions.
• This act demonstrates the servant's total dependence on God to providentially guide him to the right woman, as human assessment alone would be insufficient for such a pivotal choice for the future of the covenant lineage.

Genesis 24 17 Commentary

Genesis 24:17 captures the essence of divine guidance meeting human action. The servant, having earnestly prayed for a specific sign to identify Isaac's wife, does not remain idle. The moment he sees Rebekah—who matches key demographic criteria and demonstrates diligence in her work—he runs to her. This action speaks volumes about his faith, zeal, and promptness in responding to what he perceives as a divine leading. His request for "a little water from her pitcher" is not arbitrary; it is the first, precise articulation of the test he laid before the Lord (Gen 24:14). It requires Rebekah to exhibit personal hospitality and kindness, using her own resources, setting the stage for her magnificent, unprompted offer to water all ten camels (Gen 24:19). The modesty of his request further highlights the generosity of her anticipated response. This verse beautifully illustrates how God orchestrates events, answers specific prayers, and uses individuals who act faithfully and proactively upon perceived divine signals. It's a powerful lesson in combining fervent prayer with diligent action.