Genesis 24:20 kjv

And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.

Genesis 24:20 nkjv

Then she quickly emptied her pitcher into the trough, ran back to the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.

Genesis 24:20 niv

So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels.

Genesis 24:20 esv

So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran again to the well to draw water, and she drew for all his camels.

Genesis 24:20 nlt

So she quickly emptied her jug into the watering trough and ran back to the well to draw water for all his camels.

Genesis 24 verses

Genesis 24 20 Meaning

Genesis 24:20 depicts Rebekah's immediate, tireless, and thorough commitment to draw water, not only for Abraham's servant Eliezer but also for all his ten camels. This spontaneous and extraordinary act of labor and hospitality directly fulfilled the precise sign Eliezer had requested from God, confirming Rebekah's God-ordained selection as Isaac's wife, characterized by profound diligence, generosity, and an unreserved spirit of service.

Genesis 24 20 Context

Genesis chapter 24 details the meticulously guided mission of Abraham's eldest servant, Eliezer, to secure a suitable wife for Isaac from Abraham's relatives in Paddan-aram. Driven by Abraham's solemn command to avoid Canaanite women, Eliezer prayed for a specific sign to identify God's chosen woman at the well, where women traditionally gathered to draw water. The prayer in Genesis 24:14 outlined a dual condition: she must offer him water, and without prompting, offer to water his ten camels as well. Verse 20 describes Rebekah's active fulfillment of this second, highly demanding part of the sign.

Historically and culturally, drawing water was a strenuous and essential daily task primarily for women in ancient societies, involving lowering a jar into a well and carrying heavy loads. Providing water for ten thirsty camels (each drinking up to 20-30 gallons after travel) represented an extraordinary physical feat and an exceptionally generous act of hospitality. Rebekah's eager and tireless response showcased a remarkable character—selfless, diligent, and physically capable—qualities highly valued and indeed necessary for a future matriarch. Her actions went far beyond social obligation, confirming she possessed the exceptional virtues sought by Eliezer under divine direction.

Genesis 24 20 Word analysis

• And she quickly (וַתְּמַהֵר wattəmaher): The Hebrew verb mahar implies haste, speed, and eagerness. It denotes not just efficient movement, but an enthusiastic, unhesitating readiness to act. This highlights Rebekah's willingness and proactivity rather than mere compliance.
• emptied her jar (וַתְּקַל כַּדָּהּ wattəqal kaddah): "Emptied" (qalal) suggests making light or nimble, reinforcing the swiftness of her action. "Jar" (kadh) refers to her water pot, emphasizing that she immediately provided from her personal supply.
• into the trough (אֶל-הַשֹּׁקֶת ’el-haššōqeṯ): A "trough" is a watering basin, indicating a practical and complete act designed to accommodate large animals efficiently. This was not a perfunctory pour, but a targeted emptying for convenience.
• and ran again (וַתָּרוּץ עוֹד wattarūṣ ‘ôḏ): "Ran" (rûts) suggests physical exertion and energy. "Again" (‘ôḏ) signifies repeated action, stressing the numerous trips she undertook, underscoring her persistence and endurance until the monumental task was finished.
• to the well to draw water (אֶל-הַבְּאֵר לִשְׁאֹב ’el-habē’er liš’ōv): "Well" (be’er) is the water source, indicating a significant distance and the depth from which water must be lifted. "To draw" (sha’av) implies the strenuous effort of pulling up full vessels of water.
• and she drew for all his camels (וַתִּמְשֹׁךְ לְכָל-גְּמַלָּיו wattimšaḵ ləḵol-gəmallāv): "Drew" (mašak) means to pull out, extend, or drag, again emphasizing the physical labor involved. The phrase "for all his camels" is the crucial component. Eliezer had ten camels, and providing water for all of them was an immense, self-imposed task demonstrating extraordinary, boundless generosity and commitment, a true mark of divine provision.

Genesis 24 20 Bonus section

• The detail of Rebekah "running" highlights her vigor and youth, underscoring her suitable age for marriage and childbearing.
• The entire encounter at the well, culminating in Rebekah's act in Gen 24:20, provides a timeless model for seeking divine guidance and recognizing God's hand in life's significant decisions, particularly concerning marriage.
• Rebekah’s actions also prefigure the abundant hospitality that would later be a hallmark of Abraham’s descendants.
• Her drawing for "all" the camels speaks to a commitment to thoroughness and completion, not just partial effort. This contrasts with a minimum-effort mentality, demonstrating maximal dedication.

Genesis 24 20 Commentary

Genesis 24:20 stands as a vivid depiction of true biblical service and hospitality, manifesting in Rebekah's extraordinary character. Her swift and unprompted labor for ten camels was the ultimate test of Eliezer’s prayer, and she exceeded all expectations. This verse highlights that genuine generosity goes beyond superficial acts; it demands strenuous effort, perseverance, and a cheerful willingness to give of oneself without reservation or expectation of reward. Rebekah's physical strength and eagerness mirrored a deeper spiritual readiness, proving her to be God's chosen for Isaac. Her act underscored divine faithfulness in answering prayer through human obedience and virtue, setting a pattern for the qualities sought in covenant partnership. It exemplifies that one’s character is often best revealed through diligent, unobserved service, performed heartily "as for the Lord."