Genesis 24:46 meaning summary explained with word-by-word analysis enriched with context, commentary and Cross References from KJV, NIV, ESV and NLT.
Genesis 24:46 kjv
And she made haste, and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: so I drank, and she made the camels drink also.
Genesis 24:46 nkjv
And she made haste and let her pitcher down from her shoulder, and said, 'Drink, and I will give your camels a drink also.' So I drank, and she gave the camels a drink also.
Genesis 24:46 niv
"She quickly lowered her jar from her shoulder and said, 'Drink, and I'll water your camels too.' So I drank, and she watered the camels also.
Genesis 24:46 esv
She quickly let down her jar from her shoulder and said, 'Drink, and I will give your camels drink also.' So I drank, and she gave the camels drink also.
Genesis 24:46 nlt
She quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and said, 'Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!' So I drank, and then she watered the camels.
Genesis 24 46 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 24:12-14 | ...grant me success this day... and if she says, ‘Drink...I will water...' | Eliezer's specific prayer answered. |
| Gen 24:19-20 | When she had finished...she emptied her jar...and ran again... | Highlights Rebekah's continuous effort. |
| Prov 31:20 | She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. | Character of a virtuous woman, readiness to give. |
| Matt 10:42 | And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water... | Blessing for offering even simple acts of kindness. |
| Matt 25:35 | For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink. | Jesus' teaching on serving the needy. |
| John 13:1-17 | Jesus ...began to wash the disciples' feet... | Example of humble service. |
| Heb 13:2 | Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby...angels. | Importance of hospitality. |
| Rom 12:13 | Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. | Command to practice hospitality. |
| 1 Pet 4:9 | Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. | Exhortation to cheerful hospitality. |
| Jas 2:17 | So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. | Faith demonstrated through action. |
| Ps 37:23 | The steps of a man are established by the Lord... | God's guidance in one's path. |
| Prov 3:5-6 | Trust in the Lord with all your heart...He will make straight your paths. | Guidance for those who trust God. |
| Jer 29:13 | You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. | God reveals Himself to those who seek Him. |
| Phil 4:6 | Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer... | All needs can be brought to God in prayer. |
| Luke 6:38 | Give, and it will be given to you...good measure, pressed down... | Principle of giving and receiving. |
| Isa 55:1 | Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters... | God's offer of spiritual satisfaction. |
| Rev 22:17 | Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take...water... | Invitation to the spiritual water of life. |
| 1 Thess 5:11 | Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as... | Actions that build up others. |
| Prov 21:1 | The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord... | God directs the hearts of individuals. |
| Deut 15:10 | You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging... | Giving with a willing spirit. |
| Luke 14:13-14 | When you give a feast, invite the poor...and you will be blessed. | Blessing for selflessly serving others. |
| John 4:10 | Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that says.. | The source of living water, foreshadowing Christ. |
Genesis 24 verses
Genesis 24 46 meaning
Genesis 24:46 describes Rebekah's immediate and gracious response to Abraham's servant. She quickly lowered her water jar from her shoulder, offered him a drink, and spontaneously offered to water all his camels. This act of hospitality, especially watering many camels, fulfilled the specific sign Eliezer had prayed for, demonstrating God's clear leading in finding Isaac's destined wife.
Genesis 24 46 Context
Genesis chapter 24 details Abraham's dispatch of his senior servant, Eliezer, to Mesopotamia to find a wife for his son Isaac from his own kin, rather than from the Canaanites. The servant prayed for a specific sign at the well – that the woman chosen by God would not only offer him water but also offer to water all his camels, demonstrating extraordinary hospitality and diligence. Verse 46 occurs within Eliezer's testimony to Rebekah's family, recounting precisely how her actions at the well confirmed her as the divine choice, thus directly fulfilling his prayer and showing God's faithful guidance. The historical context involves ancient Near Eastern travel, reliance on public wells, and the vital importance of hospitality and kinship ties in forming marriage alliances.
Genesis 24 46 Word analysis
And she made haste: (Vattemaher - וַתְּמַהֵר). This Hebrew verb signifies urgency and eagerness. It emphasizes Rebekah's prompt and unhesitating action, going beyond mere politeness to enthusiastic service. This characteristic later hints at her proactive, even impulsive, nature (cf. Gen 27).
and let down her pitcher: (Vattored kaddah - וַתֹּרֶד כַּדָּהּ). "Pitcher" (kad) refers to a large earthen jar used for carrying water. This phrase highlights the physical effort involved. It shows her readiness to utilize her resources and engage in manual labor.
from her shoulder: (Mishikhmah - מִשִּׁכְמָהּ). Women commonly carried water jars on their shoulders or heads. This detail indicates her preparedness and the immediate availability of the vessel, suggesting she was in the process of, or had just finished, drawing water.
and said, 'Drink,': She speaks directly to the servant, an act of direct invitation and hospitality. The primary request of the traveler is met immediately.
'and I will give your camels water also.': This crucial addition demonstrates her exceptional generosity and initiative, going far beyond the expected social custom. A caravan of ten camels (Gen 24:10) requires a tremendous amount of water (potentially hundreds of gallons after a long journey), indicating significant labor and time. This offer seals the sign Eliezer prayed for, marking her as divinely chosen.
So I drank,: Eliezer's acceptance of her offer for himself. This confirms his trust in her hospitality.
and she gave the camels water also.: This confirms the actual execution of her offer. It underscores her diligence, willingness to serve, and ability to follow through on her word, demonstrating character truly suited for the task Eliezer had.
Words-group analysis:
- "she made haste and let down her pitcher from her shoulder": This sequence reveals Rebekah's immediate and active response. Her promptness and preparedness are striking. It highlights her initiative, contrasting with potential hesitancy or calculation.
- "and said, 'Drink, and I will give your camels water also.'": This declaration encapsulates her generous spirit. It is not just about fulfilling a minimal duty of hospitality, but willingly taking on a significant, self-sacrificing task that validates the servant's prayer. This verbal commitment is crucial.
- "So I drank, and she gave the camels water also.": This pair of statements confirms the fulfillment of both parts of the verbal exchange. The servant received his drink, and Rebekah, without being asked, carried out the arduous task of watering all the camels. This acts as the tangible evidence of God's perfect answer to Eliezer's prayer.
Genesis 24 46 Bonus section
This verse offers a profound insight into how God often works through ordinary, yet exceptionally kind and diligent, human actions to bring about His divine will. It demonstrates the intersection of sincere prayer (Eliezer's) and spontaneous, selfless service (Rebekah's). Rebekah's generous act, unaware of its profound implications for God's redemptive plan, showcases a true servant's heart. This event provides a powerful lesson in trusting God for guidance, and being a person whose character is ready to be used by God even for great, unforeseen purposes. It's a foundational example of seeking God's will in critical life decisions, specifically marriage, and observing His direct answer through providential events.
Genesis 24 46 Commentary
Genesis 24:46 provides the pivotal moment confirming Rebekah as God's chosen bride for Isaac. Her immediate, unhesitating readiness to serve, going above and beyond simple courtesy to offer water for ten thirsty camels, unequivocally fulfills the specific, demanding sign Eliezer had prayed for. This act signifies more than hospitality; it showcases an inner character marked by diligence, selflessness, and generous spirit, all traits indicating God's providence in the covenant line. This divine confirmation ensures the purity of the lineage for the Messiah's coming, demonstrating God's meticulous care in guiding His people and fulfilling His promises. It also sets Rebekah apart as an extraordinary woman, truly 'prepared by the Lord.'