Genesis 24:31 kjv

And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.

Genesis 24:31 nkjv

And he said, "Come in, O blessed of the LORD! Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels."

Genesis 24:31 niv

"Come, you who are blessed by the LORD," he said. "Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels."

Genesis 24:31 esv

He said, "Come in, O blessed of the LORD. Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house and a place for the camels."

Genesis 24:31 nlt

Laban said to him, "Come and stay with us, you who are blessed by the LORD! Why are you standing here outside the town when I have a room all ready for you and a place prepared for the camels?"

Genesis 24 verses

Genesis 24 31 Meaning

Genesis 24:31 presents Laban's immediate, eager, and direct invitation to Abraham's servant, whom he identifies as "blessed of the Lord." Laban urges the servant not to remain outside, stating that he has prepared his household and provisions for the servant's camels. This verse highlights a swift, generous act of hospitality, driven by the perceived divine favor upon the guest and an understanding of the practical needs of weary travelers and their animals.

Genesis 24 31 Context

Genesis 24 describes Abraham's diligent quest for a wife for his son Isaac, specifically from his own kin in Mesopotamia, to avoid a Canaanite spouse. Abraham sends his trusted servant, who seeks divine guidance and confirmation. Upon reaching Nahor's city, the servant encounters Rebekah, whose actions perfectly fulfill the servant's prayerful sign of a compassionate spirit, extending water even to his many camels. Overwhelmed by this providential encounter and the family lineage confirmation, the servant gives Rebekah gifts of gold. She immediately runs to tell her household. Laban, her brother, hears her account and sees the lavish gifts, and promptly responds with this urgent invitation to the servant. Historically, ancient Near Eastern cultures placed a high value on hospitality as a moral and social imperative, especially towards travelers. To refuse shelter or neglect the needs of a guest was a grave offense, as seen later in Sodom's sin or the treatment of the Levite's concubine. The presence of numerous camels would indicate a significant, possibly wealthy, traveler, demanding a high level of respectful welcome.

Genesis 24 31 Word analysis

• And he said: The Hebrew wayyōʼmer (וַיֹּאמֶר), a common narrative opening for direct speech, indicating Laban's immediate verbal response upon seeing Abraham's servant and his sister's report.
• "Come in,": The Hebrew Bôʼāh (בֹּאָה) is an imperative, directly commanding and inviting the servant inside. It conveys urgency and genuine welcome, characteristic of ancient hospitality.
• "O blessed of the Lord;": The Hebrew bārûḵ YHWH (בְּרוּךְ יְהוָה). Barukh (blessed) indicates one favored or endowed with good by God. Laban acknowledges the source of this blessing as YHWH, the specific God of Abraham (who had been revealed to Abraham and known through his reputation), implying he discerns God's hand in the servant's arrival and the success of his mission thus far, particularly evidenced by the valuable gifts and the nature of the encounter. This demonstrates an outward recognition of the true God.
• "why do you stand outside?": The Hebrew Lāmāh taʿămōḏ baḥûṣ (לָמָּה תַעֲמֹד בַּחוּץ) is a rhetorical question expressing perplexity and urgency. It suggests that it is unfitting for someone so clearly divinely favored to remain unsheltered, underscoring the deep-seated cultural imperative for prompt and complete hospitality.
• "For I have prepared": The Hebrew kî hēḵīnōṯî (כִּי הֵכִינֹתִי). Ki (For) provides the reason for the invitation. Hēkhīnōṯî (I have prepared), from the root kun (to establish, set in order, prepare), signifies proactive arrangement and readiness. Laban has quickly organized provisions, reflecting diligence and anticipation of a guest's needs.
• "the house": The Hebrew habāyith (הַבַּיִת) refers to the household, not just the physical structure. It implies preparing accommodation, food, and security, encompassing the entirety of hospitable care within one's home.
• "and a place for the camels.": The Hebrew ūmāqôm lagmāllîm (וּמָקוֹם לַגְּמַלִּים). This highlights the practical side of ancient travel. Camels were crucial for long journeys and their care (watering, feeding, stable) was as vital as the travelers' needs. Recognizing this demonstrates thorough hospitality and an understanding of the demands of travel with such a retinue.

Words-group analysis:

• "O blessed of the Lord; why do you stand outside?": This pairing of a spiritual acknowledgment with a practical question conveys both a recognition of divine favor and a deep-seated cultural impulse for immediate hospitality. It expresses a combination of wonder and earnest invitation.
• "For I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.": This statement explains the basis of Laban's urgent invitation. It reveals a methodical and thorough approach to hospitality, encompassing both the human guest and his indispensable animal companions.

Genesis 24 31 Bonus section

• Laban's Complex Character: While this verse presents Laban as hospitable and recognizing God's hand, later narratives (Gen 29-31) reveal his manipulative and deceptive tendencies toward Jacob. This highlights that outward acts of piety or acknowledgment of God's blessing do not always equate to a consistently righteous character.
• Recognition of Wealth and Status: Laban's quick action is likely spurred not only by divine acknowledgment but also by the obvious wealth of Abraham's servant, indicated by the lavish gifts and numerous camels, signifying a valuable guest whose favor could bring benefits.
• Divine Timing and Human Response: The speed of Laban's response reflects the unfolding of God's perfect timing and preparedness. The servant had just come from prayer and seeing the sign, and Laban's house was ready without delay, showing seamless providential care.

Genesis 24 31 Commentary

Genesis 24:31 marks Laban's decisive intervention, demonstrating the powerful role of hospitality in the ancient world and reflecting the providence of God in Isaac's marriage. Laban, upon hearing Rebekah's story and seeing the tangible evidence of Abraham's wealth through the servant's gifts, promptly recognizes a divine blessing at work. His use of "blessed of the Lord" (YHWH) is significant, suggesting a familiarity with or acknowledgment of Abraham's God. His rhetorical question, "Why do you stand outside?", conveys urgency and cultural etiquette—a divinely favored guest should not remain on the street. Laban's quick preparation for both the servant and his numerous camels exemplifies thorough, practical care. This immediate, seemingly pious welcome sets the stage for a dramatic shift from the spiritual highs of God's guidance to the complex, often manipulative, family dynamics that will characterize future interactions with Laban. Practically, this verse teaches proactive hospitality, a recognition of God's blessing in others, and meeting practical needs without delay, mirroring how believers are called to receive those sent by God (Matt 25:35, Rom 12:13).