Genesis 24:63 kjv

And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.

Genesis 24:63 nkjv

And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming.

Genesis 24:63 niv

He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching.

Genesis 24:63 esv

And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. And he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, there were camels coming.

Genesis 24:63 nlt

One evening as he was walking and meditating in the fields, he looked up and saw the camels coming.

Genesis 24 verses

Genesis 24 63 Meaning

Genesis 24:63 depicts Isaac, a man of contemplation and prayer, engaging in a solitary practice of spiritual reflection in the open field as day gives way to evening. His custom of seeking quiet communion with God at this transitional time providentially aligns with the arrival of the caravan bringing Rebekah, his destined bride, to him. The verse underscores God's meticulous timing and provision in orchestrating key events in the lives of His covenant people.

Genesis 24 63 Context

Genesis chapter 24 is entirely devoted to Abraham's quest to find a wife for his son Isaac. Abraham, deeply committed to the divine covenant, instructs his most trusted servant (traditionally identified as Eliezer) to return to his homeland in Mesopotamia and secure a bride from his own kindred, thereby preventing Isaac from marrying a Canaanite woman and preserving the spiritual purity of his lineage. The chapter emphasizes divine guidance through the servant's earnest prayer for a sign, God's providential answering of that prayer in Rebekah, and the careful negotiations for her hand. Isaac, meanwhile, is at Beer-lahai-roi, where he had been living since his mother Sarah's death. This verse positions Isaac as he patiently awaits the outcome of the servant's mission, showcasing his personal spirituality in contrast to the servant's active quest, and marks the climactic moment of Rebekah's arrival. The cultural context underscores the importance of arranged marriages for lineage and faith preservation, as well as the patriarchal authority in such matters.

Genesis 24 63 Word analysis

• And Isaac: The name "Isaac" (יִצְחָק, Yitschak) means "he laughs" or "laughter," reflecting his miraculous birth. Here, he is presented as the covenant heir, the central figure in Abraham's family destiny.
• went out: (יֵצֵא, ye·tseh) Implies a deliberate and regular action, not merely a casual stroll. It suggests Isaac left his dwelling or encampment to seek solitude.
• to meditate: (לָשׂוּחַ, la·su·ach) This rare Hebrew word (śîaḥ) signifies deep contemplation, muse, converse, or prayer. It is not a passive action but an internal engagement, perhaps verbalizing thoughts to oneself or to God, often involving petition or deep reflection. It speaks of a heart seeking communion with the divine.
• in the field: (בַּשָּׂדֶה, bas·sa·deh) The open country, away from the distractions of the camp or the noise of daily life. A place conducive to solitude and quiet reflection, traditionally a space for private spiritual communion.
• at the eventide: (לִפְנוֹת עֶרֶב, lif·noth e·rev) Literally, "at the turning of evening" or "when evening approached." This specific time—dusk—is often associated with rest, tranquility, and prayer in ancient Near Eastern cultures (e.g., the evening sacrifice). It signifies a quiet transition from the activity of the day to the calm of the night, suitable for spiritual reflection.
• and he lifted up his eyes: (וַיִּשָּׂא עֵינָיו, vay·yiś·śā' ei·naw) A common Hebrew idiom signifying a deliberate act of looking up, noticing, or perceiving. It indicates a shift from inward contemplation to outward observation.
• and saw: (וַיַּרְא, vay·yar') A simple statement of perception.
• and, behold: (וְהִנֵּה, wə·hin·nêh) An interjection expressing surprise, attention, or emphasis, highlighting the significant and providential nature of what is about to be revealed. It signals a dramatic moment of divine orchestration.
• the camels were coming: (גְמַלִּים בָּאִים, gə·mal·lîm bā·'îm) The visible proof and fulfillment of the servant's mission and God's faithful guidance. The camels are the tangible sign that God has brought his long-awaited bride.

Words-group Analysis:

• Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: This phrase portrays Isaac's regular spiritual discipline and his preference for solitary prayer. It establishes his character as a contemplative man who habitually seeks God in quiet moments, away from distractions. This habit positions him for the providential encounter.
• and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming: This sequence dramatically shifts from Isaac's inner state to external observation. The triple "and" and the exclamatory "behold" intensify the sudden realization and highlight the precise timing of God's intervention, connecting Isaac's spiritual readiness with the immediate fulfillment of a divine promise.

Genesis 24 63 Bonus section

• Isaac's seemingly more passive and contemplative nature, compared to Abraham's active faith or Jacob's resourceful struggle, still holds deep spiritual significance. His patient, prayerful waiting models a different, yet equally vital, aspect of living by faith.
• The choice of "the field" (or "the open country") emphasizes removal from communal life, highlighting the personal and intimate nature of Isaac's relationship with God. This private spiritual practice precedes a monumental public event—his marriage and the continuation of the covenant line.
• The timing, "eventide," resonates symbolically. It's the end of one phase and the beginning of another, aligning with Isaac's transition from solitary life after his mother's death (Gen 24:62 mentions he lived in Beer-lahai-roi after Sarah's death) to married life with Rebekah. It's also the setting for quiet discernment before the significant next step of the Lord's plan for his family.

Genesis 24 63 Commentary

Genesis 24:63 provides a poignant glimpse into the spiritual life of Isaac, Abraham's son of promise. His practice of going out "to meditate in the field at the eventide" reveals him as a man given to introspection, prayer, and quiet communion with God. This meditative posture highlights Isaac's trusting nature and his readiness to receive God's provision in his life, particularly as he awaited the outcome of the significant journey to find him a wife. The unique Hebrew word for "meditate" (lasuach) suggests a deep, engaged form of reflection, perhaps an active intercession or outpouring of his heart to the Almighty, as the sun dipped below the horizon—a traditional time for prayer and offering.

It is in this precise state of spiritual attunement that God orchestrates the dramatic arrival of Rebekah. The simple act of Isaac "lifting up his eyes" transforms his quiet solitude into a divinely timed revelation, underscored by the interjection "behold!" The vision of "the camels coming" is not merely an incidental observation but the culminating answer to Abraham's commission, the servant's diligent prayer, and Isaac's own patient anticipation. This encounter showcases God's sovereign hand working in the mundane details of life to bring about His perfect will, linking Isaac's personal devotion directly to the fulfillment of the covenant lineage. This verse thus champions the discipline of private prayer and demonstrates how a life attuned to God's presence can uniquely perceive and embrace divine providence.