Genesis 24:32 kjv

And the man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that were with him.

Genesis 24:32 nkjv

Then the man came to the house. And he unloaded the camels, and provided straw and feed for the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him.

Genesis 24:32 niv

So the man went to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and fodder were brought for the camels, and water for him and his men to wash their feet.

Genesis 24:32 esv

So the man came to the house and unharnessed the camels, and gave straw and fodder to the camels, and there was water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him.

Genesis 24:32 nlt

So the man went home with Laban, and Laban unloaded the camels, gave him straw for their bedding, fed them, and provided water for the man and the camel drivers to wash their feet.

Genesis 24 verses

Genesis 24 32 Meaning

Genesis chapter 24 verse 32 describes the immediate acts of hospitality extended to Abraham's servant and his company upon their arrival at Rebekah's home. Laban, Rebekah's brother, personally oversees the unburdening of their camels and provides the necessary provisions: straw and fodder for the animals, and water for the travelers to wash their weary feet. This verse illustrates the immediate and practical outworking of ancient Near Eastern hospitality, crucial for visitors after a long journey, setting the stage for the important negotiations to follow.

Genesis 24 32 Context

Genesis 24 recounts Abraham's mission to find a wife for his son Isaac, a wife from his own people in Mesopotamia, specifically his extended family in Nahor. Abraham sends his trusted chief servant (traditionally Eliezer) on this pivotal journey, making him swear an oath to fulfill this task. The servant travels with a substantial retinue and ten camels, carrying gifts. Upon reaching Nahor's city, he prays for divine guidance, asking for a sign involving the woman who would offer water to him and his camels. Rebekah appears and fulfills this precise sign, demonstrating not only kindness but extraordinary industriousness and generosity by watering all ten camels. Intrigued, the servant presents her with a golden nose ring and two bracelets. Rebekah then invites him to her home, informing him of available lodging and provisions. This verse (Gen 24:32) directly follows Laban, Rebekah's brother, running out to meet the servant after seeing his sister's gifts and hearing her story. It details Laban's immediate, tangible acts of hospitality, fulfilling Rebekah's initial invitation and setting the stage for the crucial dialogue regarding Isaac's marriage. Historically, extensive hospitality was not just polite but a societal obligation in the ancient Near East, reflecting the host's honor and the guest's dependence, especially for long-distance travelers facing harsh desert conditions. This meticulous provision also implies a preliminary assessment by Laban of the wealth and standing of the guest through the servant's caravan and gifts.

Genesis 24 32 Word analysis

Word-by-word analysis

• And the man: Hebrew: hā'îsh (הָאִישׁ), "the man." Refers specifically to Abraham's servant. The definite article emphasizes his known identity within the narrative, being the key figure from Abraham.
• came: Hebrew: yāvō'(יָבֹא), from bo' (בּוֹא), "to come, enter." Implies physical entry, movement into the domestic space, signifying acceptance of the invitation.
• into the house: Hebrew: habayitāh (הַבַּיְתָה), "into the house." This is a definitive act of being welcomed and ushered inside, moving from public space to private dwelling, foundational to ancient hospitality.
• And he ungirded: Hebrew: wayəfatteaḥ (וַיְפַתַּח), from pātaḥ (פָּתַח), "to open, unbind, ungird." This is a precise action of removing the packs, saddles, or harnesses from the camels. It is a laborious but essential first step after travel, signifying rest and readiness for care.
• his camels: Hebrew: gəmallāyw (גְּמַלָּיו), "his camels." The camels were invaluable assets for desert travel, representing wealth and the means of transportation for long distances. Their care was paramount for the journey's continuation.
• and gave: Hebrew: wayyitēn (וַיִּתֵּן), from nātan (נָתַן), "to give." Indicates direct provision, a deliberate act of hospitality and service by Laban.
• straw: Hebrew: teven (תֶּבֶן), "straw." A basic and necessary roughage for animal feed, typically leftover stalks from grain.
• and fodder: Hebrew: wəmispō'(וּמִסְפּוֹא), "and fodder, provender." This refers to mixed feed, possibly cut greens or other prepared food for animals, a step beyond mere straw, indicating more comprehensive care.
• for the camels: Hebrew: laggəmallīm (לַגְּמַלִּים), "for the camels." Reinforces that the animal's needs were addressed immediately and specifically.
• and water: Hebrew: wəmayim (וּמַיִם), "and water." An absolute necessity in a arid region for both human and animal survival. Its provision demonstrates crucial care.
• to wash his feet: Hebrew: ləraḥōts raglāyw (לְרָחֹץ רַגְלָיו), "to wash his feet." A universal sign of hospitality in dusty lands. Feet become extremely dirty on journeys; washing them was refreshing and symbolic of cleansing from the travel's toil.
• and the feet: Hebrew: wəraglē (וְרַגְלֵי), "and the feet of." Extends the service.
• of the men that were with him: Hebrew: hā'ăniāshīm 'ăšer 'ittō (הָאֲנָשִׁים אֲשֶׁר אִתּוֹ), "the men who were with him." This demonstrates comprehensive hospitality, not just for the lead servant, but for his entire retinue, acknowledging the full needs of the travelling party.

Words-group analysis

• And the man came into the house: This phrase establishes the servant's official reception and acceptance into Laban's family dwelling, a crucial prerequisite for any significant dialogue or transaction in that culture. It highlights a respectful transition from outside to inside.
• And he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and fodder for the camels: This sequence emphasizes the immediate and practical attention to the caravan's most pressing needs. The laborious task of ungirding (removing burdens) followed by providing food shows a host prioritizing the well-being of the valuable travel beasts, a customary first act of kindness to long-distance travelers. This reflects both good stewardship and proper hospitality.
• and water to wash his feet, and the feet of the men that were with him: This segment highlights personal, human-centric hospitality. Offering water for feet washing was not just refreshment but a sign of honor, comfort, and purification after dusty journeys. Extending it to "the men that were with him" underscores a broad and generous welcome, not confined just to the chief visitor. It creates a comfortable and respectful atmosphere, preparing the individuals for interaction.

Genesis 24 32 Bonus section

The active role Laban takes in this hospitality (ungirding and giving) indicates a level of respect and urgency beyond mere delegation. It underscores the importance of the arrival. In a society where appearance and physical readiness were highly valued, the washing of feet prepared the travelers not only physically but also symbolically for the discussions and feasting that would follow. The generosity shown through "straw and fodder" indicates more than a perfunctory offering; it signifies a comprehensive provisioning, especially crucial for animals that have just traversed long desert miles. The sight of Laban personally assisting likely communicated a high regard for Abraham and his emissary, serving as a social gesture that could foster mutual trust before the real purpose of the visit was unveiled.

Genesis 24 32 Commentary

Genesis 24:32 offers a vivid portrayal of the core principles of ancient Near Eastern hospitality. Laban's actions, though he may be remembered for his later shrewd dealings with Jacob, demonstrate here an admirable and proper reception for the esteemed visitor from Abraham's household. The sequence is vital: first, the animals, critical to survival and status in that arid environment, are cared for by unburdening them and providing feed; then, the travelers, their feet dusty and weary from the long journey, are provided with water for cleansing and refreshment. This attention to both the beasts of burden and the human travelers immediately after arrival sets a tone of welcome and respect. Such diligent provision created an environment where trust could begin to be established, making the way for serious negotiations. This passage implicitly celebrates the cultural values of welcoming strangers, provision for those in need, and the preparation required for significant human interactions, themes that resonate throughout biblical narratives.