Genesis 24:39 kjv

And I said unto my master, Peradventure the woman will not follow me.

Genesis 24:39 nkjv

And I said to my master, 'Perhaps the woman will not follow me.'

Genesis 24:39 niv

"Then I asked my master, 'What if the woman will not come back with me?'

Genesis 24:39 esv

I said to my master, 'Perhaps the woman will not follow me.'

Genesis 24:39 nlt

"But I said to my master, 'What if I can't find a young woman who is willing to go back with me?'

Genesis 24 verses

Genesis 24 39 Meaning

Genesis 24:39 recounts Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, detailing to Laban and Bethuel a conversation he had with Abraham concerning a potential difficulty in his mission to find Isaac a wife. The servant raised the specific hypothetical situation: "Peradventure the woman will not follow me?" This verse expresses the servant’s prudent foresight, acknowledging a common challenge in arranged marriages—the willingness of the betrothed to leave her home and family. It establishes the context for Abraham’s subsequent assurance and the terms for the servant's release from his oath, revealing a dialogue focused on wise planning within divine guidance.

Genesis 24 39 Context

Genesis chapter 24 is a pivotal narrative detailing Abraham's concern for Isaac's marital future after Sarah's death. Abraham, now old and nearing the end of his life, takes a solemn oath from his chief servant (traditionally Eliezer) to find a wife for Isaac not from the Canaanites among whom they dwelt, but from his own kindred in Mesopotamia. The entire chapter focuses on the servant's prayerful journey and diligent execution of this sacred task, culminating in Rebekah's discovery and consent. Verse 39 specifically occurs within the servant’s retelling of his mission to Rebekah’s family (Laban and Bethuel). He recounts the foundational conversation with Abraham where he prudently anticipated an obstacle: the potential unwillingness of the chosen woman to leave her homeland. This interaction between master and servant highlights both Abraham's unwavering commitment to divine purity for his lineage and the servant's cautious wisdom in planning, setting the stage for Abraham's confident response about divine intervention (Gen 24:40).

Historically and culturally, this passage illustrates the practice of arranged marriages prevalent in the ancient Near East, often involving extensive negotiations and travel. The strong emphasis on not marrying Canaanites reflects Abraham’s covenantal awareness. Canaanites were known for polytheism, idolatry, and practices anathema to Yahweh worship (e.g., child sacrifice), posing a direct threat to the spiritual purity and distinctiveness of Abraham’s offspring who were to inherit the covenant promises. Abraham's directive in this narrative thus acts as an implicit polemic against the assimilation and spiritual compromise encouraged by surrounding cultures.

Genesis 24 39 Word analysis

• And I said (`wa’ōmar`): The speaker is Eliezer, Abraham’s servant. This phrase continues the direct address, recalling the prior dialogue with Abraham. It highlights the servant's personal engagement and his role as a faithful messenger accurately recounting events.
• unto my master (`’el-ʾădōnî`): Refers to Abraham. This emphasizes the hierarchical relationship and the servant's deep respect, obedience, and accountability to Abraham, his authority figure. It shows Eliezer's diligent report and underscores that his actions were derived directly from Abraham's command.
• Peradventure (`ʾûlay`): A key Hebrew particle indicating uncertainty, possibility, or perhaps, it might be so. It reflects Eliezer’s logical and practical consideration of a foreseeable obstacle—a common and realistic concern for a woman being asked to leave her home, family, and cultural environment to go to a far-off, unknown land with a stranger. This word reveals the servant's thoughtful planning, not a lack of faith, but a prudent assessment of potential human resistance.
• the woman (`ha’ishah`): Refers to the hypothetical woman chosen to be Isaac's wife. She is unnamed at this point, remaining an abstract possibility within the servant's mind. The indefinite nature signifies that the choice rests with God, not a pre-determined individual.
• will not follow me (`lōʾ tēlak ʾaḥărāy`): Literally "she will not walk after me" or "go behind me." This phrase encapsulates the core concern: her unwillingness or refusal to accompany him back to Canaan. It speaks to her personal agency, free will, and the profound social and emotional challenge of leaving her family for an unfamiliar destiny. It touches upon the cultural dynamics of travel and obedience in ancient near-eastern journeys, where following someone implied consent and trust.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And I said unto my master": This introductory clause positions the servant as a conscientious subordinate relaying an important discussion. It validates the instructions he received from Abraham as directly heard and thoughtfully considered, not merely assumptions. It sets a formal, trustworthy tone for the entire account given to Rebekah’s family.
• "Peradventure the woman will not follow me": This complete phrase demonstrates Eliezer’s comprehensive thought process. It illustrates his capacity to anticipate difficulties and seek clarification from his master before embarking on a complex mission. This prudent planning, acknowledging human will and potential reluctance, contrasts beautifully with Abraham's spiritual assurance in the subsequent verses, highlighting the interplay of human wisdom and divine providence in fulfilling God's purposes. The phrasing suggests a practical obstacle rooted in personal decision, demanding Abraham's direct guidance regarding the terms of his oath.

Genesis 24 39 Bonus section

This short verse is critical for understanding the parameters of Abraham’s oath and the servant’s accountability. Had Abraham not provided the "if the woman will not follow you" clause (Gen 24:8), the servant would have been under an impossible obligation if Rebekah had indeed refused. This illustrates a divine principle: God’s commands often come with provisions for human limitations or unforeseen circumstances, especially when they intersect with human freedom and the complexities of life. This conversation foreshadows the later theological principle that while humans have free will, God’s sovereign plan can gently guide or decisively intervene to achieve His ultimate purposes, especially concerning the lineage of the Messiah. It highlights that even in profound spiritual undertakings, common sense and realistic anticipation of challenges are valuable.

Genesis 24 39 Commentary

Genesis 24:39 is a concise yet insightful glimpse into the meticulous preparation and deep trust that characterized Abraham’s household and, specifically, Eliezer’s service. It showcases the servant’s practical wisdom, acknowledging potential human reluctance in such a life-altering decision as leaving home for marriage. Eliezer's "peradventure" isn't a sign of weak faith, but a sensible contingency planning. This pre-emptive query sets the stage for Abraham's faith-filled response in verse 40, where he assures Eliezer that God's angel would ensure the success of the mission, overriding any potential human resistance. The verse, therefore, implicitly teaches that while prudence in planning is essential, ultimately, divine guidance and intervention (especially for tasks related to God’s covenant promises) transcend human limitations or will. It underscores the sanctity and distinctiveness of the Abrahamic line, requiring marriage within the kindred, which then receives divine guarantee of success.