Genesis 24:53 kjv

And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.

Genesis 24:53 nkjv

Then the servant brought out jewelry of silver, jewelry of gold, and clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious things to her brother and to her mother.

Genesis 24:53 niv

Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave costly gifts to her brother and to her mother.

Genesis 24:53 esv

And the servant brought out jewelry of silver and of gold, and garments, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave to her brother and to her mother costly ornaments.

Genesis 24:53 nlt

Then he brought out silver and gold jewelry and clothing and presented them to Rebekah. He also gave expensive presents to her brother and mother.

Genesis 24 verses

Genesis 24 53 Meaning

Genesis 24:53 describes Abraham's servant bestowing substantial and valuable gifts upon Rebekah, specifically "jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment." These gifts signify her designation as Isaac's bride and convey Abraham's immense wealth and honor. Furthermore, the servant extended "precious things" to Rebekah's brother and mother, honoring her family and solidifying the agreement for Rebekah's departure to become Isaac's wife. This act underscores the solemnity and divine sanction of the marital union, providing material security and indicating Rebekah's elevated status within her new household.

Genesis 24 53 Context

Genesis chapter 24 details the meticulously planned and divinely guided mission of Abraham's eldest servant to find a wife for Isaac. Abraham, wanting Isaac to marry within his family lineage and not among the idolatrous Canaanites, sends his servant to Haran. The servant prays for a clear sign, which God provides through Rebekah. The negotiations then begin with Rebekah's family (Laban, her mother, and her father Bethuel), who acknowledge the divine hand in the matter (Gen 24:50). Verse 53 follows the servant's detailed account of his journey and Abraham's prosperity, further impressing Rebekah's family. The giving of gifts is a critical part of sealing the marital agreement in ancient Near Eastern culture, solidifying the commitment and ensuring the bride's security and value in her new family. This exchange occurs before Rebekah gives her final consent to leave.

Genesis 24 53 Word analysis

• And the servant brought forth:
  • Highlights the faithful execution of Abraham's specific instructions (Gen 24:3-4).
  • Emphasizes the tangible display of Abraham's immense wealth, demonstrating his status and ability to provide.
  • This servant, often traditionally identified as Eliezer, acts as a pivotal figure, a bridge between the old family and the new, executing Abraham's will.
• jewels of silver, and jewels of gold:
  • Hebrew: kĕlî-keṣeph wə-kĕlî zāhāḇ (כלי-כסף וכלי זהב). Keli means "vessel," "utensil," "instrument," or "article." In this context, it refers to precious articles or ornaments, not raw metal.
  • Silver (Keṣeph): Often associated with redemption (e.g., Ex 30:13-16) or currency. Here, it denotes wealth and value.
  • Gold (Zāhāḇ): The most precious metal, symbolizing purity, royalty, divine presence (e.g., Tabernacle furnishings). Signifies Abraham's (and by extension, God's) exceeding riches.
  • These gifts are personal and valuable, directly intended to adorn and enrich Rebekah.
  • They signify a form of mohar (bridal gifts given by the groom's family) or nathan (gifts from the bridegroom to the bride's family), establishing her value and the wealth of her future husband's family.
• and raiment:
  • Hebrew: ûḇəgāḏîm (ובגדים), meaning "garments" or "clothing."
  • New garments were signs of honor, status, and new beginnings (e.g., Gen 45:22). These were likely fine clothing befitting a bride of Isaac's standing.
  • Practical but also highly valuable in a society where clothing represented status and wealth.
• and gave them to Rebekah:
  • Direct bestowal, establishing her status as the intended bride.
  • These gifts signify the transfer of economic security and honor from her paternal family to her future husband's household.
• he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things:
  • Her brother (Laban): He had a significant role in family decisions, as seen in his active involvement (Gen 24:29-30, 50). Giving gifts to him acknowledges his authority and role in the negotiation. His eager response after seeing the gifts is noted (Gen 24:30).
  • Her mother: Acknowledging her nurturing role and seeking her full consent and blessing for Rebekah's departure.
  • Precious things (migdānōṯ): Hebrew: (ומגדנת), meaning "costly gifts," "valuable presents," or "pleasant things."
  • These were distinct from Rebekah's direct adornments, yet still significant in value, symbolizing goodwill, appreciation, and securing family approval for the marriage arrangement. These might have included household items, foodstuffs, or other valuable commodities.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment": These three categories represent the bride's adornment and future provision, underscoring both her beauty and economic security. They speak of Abraham's generous and rich provision, reflecting God's abundant blessing upon Abraham.
  • "gave them to Rebekah" vs. "gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things": This distinction highlights the specific allocation of wealth. Rebekah receives personal items signifying her status as a bride, while her immediate family receives valuable tokens of respect and gratitude for facilitating the union. This demonstrates cultural protocol and the transactional aspect of sealing a significant family bond.

Genesis 24 53 Bonus section

The choice of gifts – silver, gold, and raiment – holds symbolic weight beyond their material value. Silver can represent redemption or purity, gold represents divine presence, honor, and enduring value, and raiment represents covering, righteousness, and status. These precious materials are later heavily featured in the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple, symbolizing the sacred and consecrated. The generous nature of Abraham's gifts through his servant not only assured Rebekah's family but also prefigures the superabundant grace and spiritual adornment that God bestows upon His people through covenant. The sequence of the servant first receiving Rebekah's hospitality, then praying for a sign, receiving the sign, verifying her family connection, sharing Abraham's story, and then offering gifts, underscores the spiritual foundation of the union first, with material provision as confirmation and cultural necessity second.

Genesis 24 53 Commentary

Genesis 24:53 marks a pivotal moment in the covenant narrative. The bestowal of lavish gifts by Abraham's servant upon Rebekah, her brother, and her mother served multiple crucial functions. Culturally, these gifts were more than mere presents; they constituted an integral part of the ancient Near Eastern betrothal process. They represented the mohar or bridal price, not just compensating the family for the loss of their daughter, but also establishing the bride's high value and confirming the social standing and immense wealth of the groom's family, namely Abraham's (as per Gen 24:35). The very substance of "jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment" points to the opulence and divine blessing that rested upon Abraham, and which would now extend to Isaac and Rebekah.

The act of giving distinct "precious things" to Laban and the mother highlights the acknowledgment of their familial authority and consent, a necessary step in securing Rebekah's willing departure. This meticulous protocol reflects Abraham's, and by extension God's, desire for a righteous and honorable union for Isaac. The servant, having already witnessed God's clear providential leading, confirms this divine approval with tangible, valuable tokens. Spiritually, this passage foreshadows the abundant provision God offers to those within His covenant. Just as Rebekah was adorned for her espousal to Isaac, the Church, as the Bride of Christ, is prepared and adorned, not with physical jewels, but with the spiritual riches of grace, righteousness, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, all bestowed generously by her Divine Groom (Rev 19:7-8). The giving of gifts solidifies a sacred covenant.