Genesis 24:30 kjv

And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister's hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus spake the man unto me; that he came unto the man; and, behold, he stood by the camels at the well.

Genesis 24:30 nkjv

So it came to pass, when he saw the nose ring, and the bracelets on his sister's wrists, and when he heard the words of his sister Rebekah, saying, "Thus the man spoke to me," that he went to the man. And there he stood by the camels at the well.

Genesis 24:30 niv

As soon as he had seen the nose ring, and the bracelets on his sister's arms, and had heard Rebekah tell what the man said to her, he went out to the man and found him standing by the camels near the spring.

Genesis 24:30 esv

As soon as he saw the ring and the bracelets on his sister's arms, and heard the words of Rebekah his sister, "Thus the man spoke to me," he went to the man. And behold, he was standing by the camels at the spring.

Genesis 24:30 nlt

He had seen the nose-ring and the bracelets on his sister's wrists, and had heard Rebekah tell what the man had said. So he rushed out to the spring, where the man was still standing beside his camels.

Genesis 24 verses

Genesis 24 30 Meaning

Genesis 24:30 describes Laban's immediate reaction upon seeing the valuable gifts on his sister Rebekah's person and hearing her account of the man who gave them to her. It marks a turning point where the servant's divinely guided mission is about to move forward with the necessary family approval, primarily driven by Laban's recognition of the visible wealth and the narrative supporting it. This verse highlights Laban's keen observation and swift action, motivated by the impressive display of wealth and the potential benefits of association with Abraham's prosperous household, rather than purely by spiritual discernment.

Genesis 24 30 Context

Genesis chapter 24 details Abraham's fervent desire for his son Isaac to marry a woman from his own kin, rather than from the Canaanites. He sends his most trusted servant on a long journey to Mesopotamia, making him swear an oath to find a bride. The entire chapter emphasizes God's providence in guiding the servant's steps, from the divine sign at the well to Rebekah's swift decision to return with the servant. Verse 30 is pivotal as it describes Laban's prompt reaction after his sister Rebekah, adorned with Abraham's gifts, tells him about the wealthy man at the well. Historically and culturally, wells were central meeting places, and marriage arrangements were often negotiated by the families, with visible displays of wealth serving as significant indicators of the suitor's standing. Laban's response reflects the importance of familial wealth and status in ancient Near Eastern matrimonial customs.

Genesis 24 30 Word analysis

• And it came to pass (וַיְהִי - wayehi): A common narrative connector in Hebrew scripture, signifying a temporal progression and often emphasizing that an event occurred as part of God's unfolding plan. It directs attention to the following significant action.
• when he saw (וַיַּרְא - vayyar): Simple verb, emphasizing direct visual observation. Laban's immediate motivation is sparked by what his eyes behold – tangible evidence.
• the earring (הַנֶּזֶם - hanezem): Could refer to a nose ring or an earring. In the context of ancient Near Eastern adornments, often a significant and valuable piece of jewelry, symbolizing wealth, status, and beauty. Its presence clearly signaled a substantial gift from an important individual.
• and bracelets (וְהַצְּמִדִים - wehaṣṣemīdīm): Heavy wrist or arm bands, typically made of precious metal. These gifts were not small trinkets but items of considerable material value, indicative of Abraham's great wealth.
• upon his sister's hands (עַל־יְדֵי אֲחֹתוֹ - ‘al-yedê ’aḥōṯô): The visible placement on her hands made them highly conspicuous, attracting immediate attention and communicating the benefactor's generosity and status.
• and when he heard (וּבְשָׁמְעוֹ - ûv'šāme‘ô): Laban's reaction is not just visual but also auditory. Rebekah's words provided context and authentication to the physical evidence of wealth.
• the words of Rebekah his sister (אֶת־דִּבְרֵי רִבְקָה אֲחֹתוֹ - ’eṯ-divrê Rivqāh ’aḥōṯô): Her direct report confirmed the encounter and the man's identity, giving credibility to the visible riches.
• saying (לֵאמֹר - lē’mōr): Introducing direct speech, highlighting the importance of Rebekah's testimony.
• Thus spake the man unto me (כֹּה דִּבֶּר הָאִישׁ אֵלַי - kōh dibber hā’îš ’ēlāy): Rebekah's concise summary of the servant's proposal or explanation. "The man" refers to Abraham's unnamed servant, yet his wealth made him noteworthy.
• that he came (וַיָּבֹא - wayyāvō’): Laban's swift, decisive action, showing eagerness.
• unto the man (אֶל־הָאִישׁ - ’el-hā’îš): Laban quickly sought out the servant. His motivation here is implicitly worldly, focused on the immediate, tangible gain.
• and, behold (וְהִנֵּה - w'hinnēh): An exclamation or interjection drawing attention to a surprising or notable detail, emphasizing the servant's steadfast presence.
• he stood by the camels at the well (עֹמֵד עַל־הַגְּמַלִּים עַל־הָעָיִן - ‘ōmēḏ ‘al-hag’mālîm ‘al-hā‘ayin): The servant's static posture indicates his patience and faithfulness in completing his mission, remaining at the place of divine guidance, surrounded by the clear signs of Abraham's prosperity (the camels) and by the life-giving well.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And it came to pass, when he saw the earring, and bracelets upon his sister's hands": This phrase details Laban's primary sensory input—visual confirmation of wealth. The prominence of the valuable jewelry on Rebekah serves as a potent display, triggering Laban's immediate interest. This highlights a worldly perspective responding to material gain.
• "and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus spake the man unto me": This adds the crucial auditory component. Rebekah's direct verbal testimony provides the necessary narrative and context for the gifts, validating their origin and intent. Her account further stimulates Laban's eagerness, demonstrating how both sight and hearing can drive human action.
• "that he came unto the man; and, behold, he stood by the camels at the well": This describes Laban's decisive response – a swift approach to the servant. The servant's unchanging posture "by the camels at the well" emphasizes his unwavering resolve, patience, and the powerful symbolism of his master's vast resources (camels) combined with the strategic location (well), confirming the veracity and gravity of the servant's mission and wealth.

Genesis 24 30 Bonus section

• The use of hanezem (earring/nose ring) and hatsmidim (bracelets) here perfectly matches other biblical instances where these items signify significant value and are associated with betrothal or bridal adornment (e.g., Ezek 16:12). This was standard, expensive attire.
• The servant's persistent stance at the well contrasts with Laban's eager rush. The well, throughout scripture, is a place of encounter, provision, and destiny; the servant’s choice to remain there symbolizes trust in the divine encounter that began there.
• Laban's character, initially presented here as decisive, foreshadows his later dealings with Jacob, where his material motivation and cunning are more explicitly revealed (Gen 29-31). This verse gives us an early glimpse into his dominant traits.

Genesis 24 30 Commentary

Genesis 24:30 provides a vivid snapshot of human motivation interacting with divine providence. Laban's reaction, driven by the immediate sight of opulent gifts and the confirming testimony of his sister, showcases a pragmatic, somewhat avaricious, response to an encounter meant to establish a sacred covenant. His speed in confronting Abraham's servant is notably faster than his brother Bethuel's, underscoring his keen interest in the material prospects this visitor brings. Yet, even Laban's worldly desires inadvertently serve God's greater plan. The servant, meanwhile, patiently stands "by the camels at the well," his continued presence a quiet testament to his faithfulness and God's sovereign hand orchestrating the union of Isaac and Rebekah. This verse demonstrates how God uses the seemingly mundane and even imperfect human motives to fulfill His perfect will.