Genesis 24:33 kjv

And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.

Genesis 24:33 nkjv

Food was set before him to eat, but he said, "I will not eat until I have told about my errand." And he said, "Speak on."

Genesis 24:33 niv

Then food was set before him, but he said, "I will not eat until I have told you what I have to say." "Then tell us," Laban said.

Genesis 24:33 esv

Then food was set before him to eat. But he said, "I will not eat until I have said what I have to say." He said, "Speak on."

Genesis 24:33 nlt

Then food was served. But Abraham's servant said, "I don't want to eat until I have told you why I have come." "All right," Laban said, "tell us."

Genesis 24 verses

Genesis 24 33 Meaning

Genesis 24:33 describes the moment Abraham's servant, having been invited and served food by Laban and Bethuel, declines to eat until he has fully conveyed the purpose of his journey. This action demonstrates his singular focus and unwavering commitment to his mission, prioritizing his master's urgent business and God's leading above personal comfort or social convention. Laban's response, "Speak on," grants him permission, setting the stage for the crucial revelation of Abraham's request.

Genesis 24 33 Context

Genesis 24 details Abraham's critical mission to secure a wife for his son, Isaac, from among his own kindred in Mesopotamia, thereby avoiding marriage with Canaanite women. Abraham commissions his trusted senior servant (traditionally identified as Eliezer of Damascus, though not named here) and makes him swear an oath to fulfill this task. The servant embarks on the long journey with significant provisions. Upon arriving in Nahor's city, he seeks divine guidance and miraculously encounters Rebekah at the well, whose character and lineage confirm her as the intended bride. Having performed hospitality for his camels, Rebekah then invites the servant and his company to her family's house (Laban's, her brother, and Bethuel, her father). Verse 33 specifically occurs after they have arrived, are given straw, fodder, and water, and food has been prepared for them. The servant's refusal to eat before stating his "errand" immediately underscores the gravity and divinely appointed nature of his mission, demonstrating his unwavering focus amidst the welcoming customs of hospitality.

Genesis 24 33 Word analysis

• וַיֵּשֶׂם (vayyāsem) / And set: This is the hiphil imperfect consecutive form of the verb "to place" or "to put." It indicates a sequential action following the hospitality provided (unpacking, watering camels). The subject is Laban (or perhaps jointly Laban and Bethuel). This action demonstrates typical ancient Near Eastern hospitality: first, lodging and provisions, then food.
• לְפָנָיו (ləp̄ānāyw) / before him: Literally "to his face" or "in his presence." This phrase highlights the direct presentation of the food to the servant, emphasizing the immediate offering of hospitality.
• לֶאֱכֹל (le’ekhōl) / to eat: This is the infinitive construct with the preposition "ל" (l-), meaning "for eating" or "in order to eat." It explicitly states the purpose for which the food was placed before him.
• וַיֹּאמֶר (vayyō’mer) / but he said: This marks the servant's response. The repeated use of "וַיֹּאמֶר" throughout the narrative emphasizes the back-and-forth dialogue and the controlled unfolding of the story. Here, it indicates a direct, polite, yet firm refusal.
• לֹא אֹכַל (lō’ okhal) / I will not eat: "לֹא" (lo') is a strong negative particle. "אֹכַל" (okhal) is the common first person singular imperfect of "to eat." This is an emphatic declaration. The servant firmly denies the offer of immediate physical gratification.
• עַד אִם־דִּבַּרְתִּי (ʿaḏ ’im-dibartî) / until I have told: "עַד" (ad) means "until" and sets a temporal condition. "אִם" (im) functions here to introduce a condition or indeed (rather than a hypothetical "if"). "דִּבַּרְתִּי" (dibartî) is the Piel perfect 1st person singular of "דבר" (dabar), meaning "to speak, to declare emphatically." The Piel stem often conveys intensified action, implying a thorough or deliberate telling. He commits to speaking the full, weighty message.
• דְּבָרָי (dəvārāy) / my errand / my words: "דָּבָר" (dabar) is a highly versatile Hebrew noun, meaning "word, matter, thing, affair, business, errand, message." In this context, it encompasses the entirety of his mission, Abraham's instructions, and the providential events leading him there. The suffix "-י" (ay) makes it "my words" or "my business/errand." This highlights the personal weight and responsibility he feels for the mission entrusted to him.
• וַיֹּאמֶר (vayyō’mer) / And he said: This indicates Laban's (or Bethuel's, representing the host's) response to the servant's unexpected declaration, indicating that he permits the servant to proceed.
• דַּבֵּר (dabbēr) / Speak on!: This is the Piel imperative singular of "דבר" (dabar). It is a direct command, affirming the servant's request. Laban's willingness to listen before extending full hospitality shows an understanding of the gravity of the servant's unspoken matter, likely piquing his curiosity.

Words-group Analysis:

• "And set [food] before him to eat: but he said,": This establishes the typical social custom of hospitality, offering food and rest, immediately followed by the servant's notable deviation from that custom. This creates immediate narrative tension and curiosity.
• "I will not eat, until I have told my errand.": This is the heart of the verse. It reveals the servant's extraordinary focus, integrity, and prioritizing of his God-given mission above personal comfort or conventional social expectations. His commitment is resolute and conditional on the completion of his task.
• "And he said, Speak on.": This phrase completes the interaction, showing that the servant's principled stand is respected and honored. It paves the way for the servant to deliver his message, thus allowing the divinely guided plan to unfold.

Genesis 24 33 Bonus section

The servant's actions in this verse can be seen typologically as a shadow or foreshadowing of Christ's steadfast commitment to His Father's will, even to the point of foregoing personal comfort, as seen in the temptations in the wilderness or His resolve to go to the cross. Furthermore, some theologians interpret the servant's mission as a type of the Holy Spirit's role: sent by the Father (Abraham) to prepare a bride (the Church) for the Son (Isaac), testifying of Him, and ultimately bringing her to Him for eternal union. The servant's persistent declaration of his mission, emphasizing the glory and wealth of Abraham, directly parallels the Spirit's glorifying of Christ and revealing the riches of His inheritance. This commitment not to rest until the mission is accomplished serves as an enduring example of kingdom priorities for all who seek to serve God.

Genesis 24 33 Commentary

Genesis 24:33 provides a powerful illustration of dedication and priority in service. Abraham's servant embodies singular purpose, refusing even the customary act of refreshment until his master's urgent and sacred business is accomplished. His words, "I will not eat, until I have told my errand," speak volumes about his integrity and the seriousness with which he views his commission. He places the duty entrusted to him, which he understands to be God's will (v. 7, 27), above his own physical needs. This act immediately commands respect and attention from his hosts, setting the tone for the profound matters he is about to reveal. It demonstrates a life submitted to the will of another, akin to Christ's statement, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me" (Jn 4:34). For believers, this verse stands as a model for prioritizing the Lord's work, serving with diligence, and speaking the truth directly and timely, even when it means foregoing immediate gratification.