Genesis 24:62 kjv

And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country.

Genesis 24:62 nkjv

Now Isaac came from the way of Beer Lahai Roi, for he dwelt in the South.

Genesis 24:62 niv

Now Isaac had come from Beer Lahai Roi, for he was living in the Negev.

Genesis 24:62 esv

Now Isaac had returned from Beer-lahai-roi and was dwelling in the Negeb.

Genesis 24:62 nlt

Meanwhile, Isaac, whose home was in the Negev, had returned from Beer-lahai-roi.

Genesis 24 verses

Genesis 24 62 Meaning

This verse states the geographical location of Isaac just prior to his first encounter with Rebekah. It specifies that Isaac had come from Beer-lahai-roi and was residing in the Negeb. This detail sets the stage for the climactic meeting, highlighting God's providential arrangement by having Isaac precisely where he needed to be for Rebekah's arrival. The significance lies in Isaac's previous actions and his state, potentially meditating or seeking solace after his mother's passing, at a place linked to God's watchful eye.

Genesis 24 62 Context

Genesis chapter 24 details the meticulously guided journey of Abraham’s chief servant to find a wife for Isaac among Abraham’s relatives in Haran, as Abraham desired Isaac not to marry a Canaanite woman. The servant’s prayer for divine guidance at the well, the miraculous encounter with Rebekah, and her willing departure with the servant demonstrate God’s active involvement in orchestrating this union. Verse 62 precisely positions Isaac geographically just as the servant and Rebekah are returning. It describes Isaac's whereabouts in the semi-arid region of the Negeb, specifically mentioning his return from Beer-lahai-roi. This verse acts as a narrative hinge, completing the picture of the immediate circumstances for the imminent and crucial meeting of Isaac and Rebekah, essential for the continuation of God’s covenantal lineage. Historically, the Negeb was a region traversed and settled by the patriarchs, indicating its significance in their migratory patterns within the Promised Land. Isaac’s presence at Beer-lahai-roi connects to earlier divine encounters, notably with Hagar (Gen 16), suggesting a spiritual resonance or contemplative state for Isaac, particularly after the recent death of his mother, Sarah.

Genesis 24 62 Word analysis

• Now Isaac (וְיִצְחָק, v'Yitschak): "Isaac" means "he laughs" or "laughter." He is the promised son and the heir of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 17:19; 21:3). The conjunction "Now" (waw) links his action to the ongoing narrative, specifically the arrival of the servant with Rebekah. His location is crucial for the fulfillment of the narrative's purpose.
• had returned (בָּא, ba - lit. "came" or "had come"): The verb is a Qal perfect, often translated as a past completed action. It implies a definite move from Beer-lahai-roi to the area where he was "living" (dwelling). The precise nuance might suggest a return from a particular retreat or sojourn.
• from (מֵאֵת, me'et): A preposition indicating separation or origin.
• Beer-lahai-roi (בְּאֵר לַחַי רֹאִי, Be'er Lachay Ro'i): "Well of the Living One Who Sees Me." This place is significant in Gen 16 where Hagar encountered the angel of the LORD after fleeing from Sarah. Its name denotes God's watchful care. Isaac's presence there, especially after his mother Sarah's death (Gen 23), is often interpreted by scholars as a period of mourning, introspection, or seeking divine solace. It signifies a place of spiritual reflection for him. His subsequent "meditation in the field" (Gen 24:63) reinforces this.
• and was living (וְהוּא יֹשֵׁב, v'hu yoshev - lit. "and he sitting" or "and he dwelling"): The use of the independent pronoun hu ("he") followed by the Qal active participle yoshev ("sitting, dwelling") indicates a continuous state of residence. This confirms that Beer-lahai-roi was a temporary stop, and he had established his primary dwelling in the Negeb. This specific grammatical construction highlights his stable presence.
• in the Negeb (בַּנֶּגֶב, ba-Negev): "The Southland" or "The Dry Land." This is a semi-arid desert region south of Judah, frequently inhabited by Abraham and his descendants (e.g., Gen 12:9; 20:1). It represented part of the promised land, yet also a frontier region requiring dependence on God for sustenance (wells). The fact that the patriarchs moved around within it demonstrated their faith as sojourners in a foreign land. His stable presence here ensures the imminent meeting with Rebekah.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "returned from Beer-lahai-roi and was living in the Negeb": This phrase precisely defines Isaac's movement and current residency. It establishes the exact narrative location just before the climax of the chapter. The transition from the significant spiritual site of Beer-lahai-roi to his established dwelling in the Negeb suggests a shift from private reflection to the prepared location for the next major event in his life – meeting Rebekah. It's not a casual mention; it's a careful stage-setting detail of divine timing and arrangement.

Genesis 24 62 Bonus section

The precision of this verse in naming Isaac's location is a characteristic feature of biblical narrative that highlights God's sovereignty over every detail of life. While many narratives omit such minute geographic movements, their inclusion here underscores that Isaac's current state and whereabouts are not random, but perfectly aligned with the unfolding of God’s plan for his future. This serves to build anticipation for Rebekah's arrival and the providential meeting that follows. Isaac's contemplative character, reinforced by his location at Beer-lahai-roi and subsequent meditation, contrasts with the dynamic journeys of Abraham and Jacob, portraying him as a figure of patient faith and dependence on divine leading.

Genesis 24 62 Commentary

Genesis 24:62 provides a seemingly simple geographical detail that is rich in theological significance. Isaac's return from Beer-lahai-roi suggests a period of quiet reflection or mourning, possibly after the death of his mother Sarah (Gen 23). Beer-lahai-roi, "The Well of the Living One Who Sees Me," a site of Hagar’s divine encounter (Gen 16), makes Isaac's presence there meaningful, hinting at his own seeking of God or comfort in grief. His subsequent "meditation in the field" (Gen 24:63) upon Rebekah's approach further strengthens the perception of Isaac as a meditative and sensitive patriarch. His dwelling in the Negeb, a traditional patriarchal domain, grounds him physically within the land promised to his ancestors. This verse is an exquisite display of divine orchestration: as Abraham's servant diligently works to secure a bride for Isaac according to God's will, Isaac himself is providentially guided to the very place and disposition required for this predestined encounter. It showcases God's sovereignty over location, timing, and personal disposition to bring about His perfect plan for the covenant lineage.