Genesis 24:21 kjv

And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.

Genesis 24:21 nkjv

And the man, wondering at her, remained silent so as to know whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.

Genesis 24:21 niv

Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the LORD had made his journey successful.

Genesis 24:21 esv

The man gazed at her in silence to learn whether the LORD had prospered his journey or not.

Genesis 24:21 nlt

The servant watched her in silence, wondering whether or not the LORD had given him success in his mission.

Genesis 24 verses

Genesis 24 21 Meaning

Genesis 24:21 describes the pivotal moment where Abraham's servant, having prayed for divine guidance, silently and intently observes Rebekah. He is in a state of profound contemplation and quiet astonishment, discerning whether the remarkable sequence of events—Rebekah's spontaneous and abundant offer of water for him and all his camels—is a direct and definite sign from the LORD that his crucial mission to find a wife for Isaac has been divinely prospered and fulfilled, or if it is merely a coincidence. His silence reflects a deep reverence and a disciplined waiting for God's clear affirmation.

Genesis 24 21 Context

The events of Genesis 24 revolve around Abraham's pressing need to secure a wife for his son Isaac, a crucial step for the fulfillment of God's covenant promises concerning a great nation and land. Abraham, advanced in years, sends his most trusted servant on a journey to his homeland, Mesopotamia, specifically to his kinsmen, rather than allowing Isaac to marry a woman from the idolatrous Canaanites.

The servant embarks on this momentous journey with specific instructions and a deep awareness of God's covenant with Abraham. Upon arriving near the city of Nahor, he pauses at a well, a common gathering place, and fervently prays for a very specific sign: that the chosen woman would not only offer him water but also spontaneously offer to water all ten of his thirsty camels, a demanding act of generous hospitality. Verse 21 occurs immediately after Rebekah performs this precise sign. The servant's "wondering" and "holding his peace" signify a moment of intense suspense, spiritual assessment, and reverent waiting to confirm whether the rapid unfolding of events truly reflects God's miraculous intervention, a definitive answer to his earnest prayer, or if it is merely an improbable coincidence. This context underscores the servant's profound faith and his commitment to discerning God's providential hand in the minutiae of his mission.

Genesis 24 21 Word analysis

• And the man (וְהָאִישׁ - v'ha'ish): Refers to Abraham's servant, an unnamed but pivotal figure in the narrative. The definite article "the" highlights his significant role in this particular moment, underscoring that this action pertains specifically to him and his discerning process.
• wondered (מִשְׁתָּאֵה - mishta'eh): This Hebrew word (Piel participle of sha'ah) means to gaze intently, to be astonished, amazed, or to stand in wonder. It denotes more than casual observation; it implies a state of being utterly engrossed and internally reflective, deeply pondering the significance of what is unfolding before him. It carries a sense of awe at the possibility of divine intervention.
• at her (עָלֶיהָ - 'aleyha): Directed specifically at Rebekah. The servant's focus is entirely on her actions and demeanor, as he discerns if she embodies the qualities he prayed for.
• holding his peace (מַחֲרִישׁ - macharish): This Hebrew term (Hiphil participle of charash) means to be silent, to keep quiet, to hush. It's not a passive silence but an active, deliberate act of refraining from speaking. This chosen silence allows for deep concentration, reflection, and spiritual reception, preventing any premature judgment or interruption of a potentially divine moment.
• to know (לָדַעַת - lada'at): The purpose of his silent observation is active discernment and understanding. He is seeking certain knowledge, not just idle curiosity. He wants to know with certainty.
• whether (הַהִצְלִיחַ - ha'hitzliach): An interrogative prefix "ha-" with the Hiphil perfect of tzalach, meaning "to prosper" or "to make successful." This signifies the question being weighed: Did God truly make this journey successful? It implies a direct inquiry into divine efficacy.
• the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): The personal, covenant God of Israel. The servant attributes the potential success not to chance or his own skill, but directly to God's intervention, underscoring his deep monotheistic faith.
• had made his journey prosperous (דַּרְכּוֹ הִצְלִיחַ - darko hitzliach): Literally, "His way had prospered." This phrase speaks of divine providence, God supernaturally clearing obstacles and guiding the path to a favorable outcome. It specifically references the successful completion of the entire mission to find a wife.
• or not (אִם לֹא - im lo): A simple "yes or no" question, emphasizing the need for clarity and certainty. The moment is pregnant with the tension of waiting for God's unambiguous answer.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And the man wondered at her, holding his peace": This group of words describes the servant's internal and external posture. His "wondering" (intense, contemplative observation) combined with "holding his peace" (deliberate, reverent silence) paints a picture of spiritual discernment. He isn't reacting emotionally but processing rationally and spiritually, creating space for divine affirmation without interference.
• "to know whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not": This phrase reveals the servant's driving motivation. His ultimate goal is to ascertain if God Himself, the LORD, had indeed directly orchestrated these events to ensure the success of his mission. This underscores the theological weight of his task and his reliance on divine providence over mere coincidence or human effort. He seeks a clear answer regarding God's hand in the matter of Abraham's covenantal future.

Genesis 24 21 Bonus section

The suspense in this single verse is palpable. It represents a pivotal "wait-and-see" moment where the fate of Abraham's lineage, and indeed the promised Messiah through Isaac, hangs in the balance of the servant's discernment. Rebekah's offer to water ten camels (which can drink up to 20-25 gallons each after a journey) was a colossal undertaking, requiring immense physical effort and selfless hospitality. It went far beyond what was socially expected and what the servant initially asked for himself, providing a specific and unmistakable mark of generous character as requested in his prayer (Gen 24:14). This extraordinary effort from Rebekah validated the specific, detailed nature of the servant's prayer and gave him overwhelming evidence of divine orchestration. The servant's quiet, discerning wonder speaks volumes about the awe of experiencing God's specific answers to prayer.

Genesis 24 21 Commentary

Genesis 24:21 encapsulates a profound lesson in seeking and discerning divine guidance. Abraham's servant, entrusted with a mission of immense covenantal significance, did not merely rely on a specific sign but engaged in a deeply spiritual process of verification. After his earnest prayer, Rebekah's unexpected and extravagant kindness provided the precise criterion. Yet, the servant's immediate reaction was not triumphant shouting or declaration, but "wondering" and "holding his peace." This disciplined silence indicates a vital step in discerning God's will: a pause for reflection, awe, and cautious assessment before acting. He was not presuming God's answer but attentively waiting for confirmation, seeking to distinguish true divine leading from fortunate circumstance.

This verse exemplifies mature faith. It shows a believer who, having made his request known to God, patiently observes the unfolding of events, not imposing his will, but diligently looking for the undeniable hand of the Almighty. The servant's focus on "whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous" highlights his recognition that genuine success flows from divine blessing, not human ingenuity alone. It serves as a timeless model for those grappling with significant decisions, encouraging fervent prayer, active and patient observation, and a posture of reverent silence while seeking clarity on God's providential path.