Genesis 24:21
Genesis 24:21 in Multiple Translations
Meanwhile, the man watched her silently to see whether or not the LORD had made his journey a success.
And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.
And the man looked stedfastly on her, holding his peace, to know whether Jehovah had made his journey prosperous or not.
And the man, looking at her, said nothing, waiting to see if the Lord had given his journey a good outcome.
The man observed her in silence to see if the Lord had made his journey successful or not.
So the man wondred at her, and helde his peace, to knowe whether the Lord had made his iourney prosperous or not.
And the man, wondering at her, remaineth silent, to know whether Jehovah hath made his way prosperous or not.
The man looked steadfastly at her, remaining silent, to know whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.
And the man, wondering at her, held his peace, to know whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous, or not.
But he musing beheld her with silence, desirous to know whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not.
The servant just watched her, without saying anything. He wanted to know if Yahweh had caused his trip to be successful or not.
While Rebekah was getting the water, Abraham’s worker kept on looking at her, but he didn’t say anything. He waited to see if she was the woman that God picked to be Isaac’s wife.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 24:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 24:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָ/אִ֥ישׁ
מִשְׁתָּאֵ֖ה
לָ֑/הּ
מַחֲרִ֕ישׁ
לָ/דַ֗עַת
הַֽ/הִצְלִ֧יחַ
יְהוָ֛ה
דַּרְכּ֖/וֹ
אִם
לֹֽא
וְ/הָ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | Art | N-ms
מִשְׁתָּאֵ֖ה
shâʼâh
H7583
to gaze
V-Hithpael
לָ֑/הּ
Prep | Suff
מַחֲרִ֕ישׁ
chârash
H2790
to plow/plot
V-Hiphil
לָ/דַ֗עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַֽ/הִצְלִ֧יחַ
tsâlach
H6743
to rush
Part | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
דַּרְכּ֖/וֹ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 24:21
וְ/הָ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מִשְׁתָּאֵ֖ה
shâʼâh
H7583
"to gaze"
V-Hithpael
This word means to gaze in wonder or be astonished, often at something amazing or terrifying. In the Bible, it is used to describe the reaction of people to God's power or miracles, like in Isaiah 29:9. The word conveys a sense of being stunned or amazed.
Definition: 1) (Hithpael) 1a) to gaze 1b) gazing (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: wonder. See also: Genesis 24:21.
לָ֑/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
מַחֲרִ֕ישׁ
chârash
H2790
"to plow/plot"
V-Hiphil
This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.
Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.
לָ/דַ֗עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
הַֽ/הִצְלִ֧יחַ
tsâlach
H6743
"to rush"
Part | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To prosper or succeed, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis, who rose to power in Egypt. This Hebrew word means to push forward and make progress. It is used to describe success and prosperity.
Definition: (Qal) to rush
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously). See also: Genesis 24:21; 2 Chronicles 26:5; Psalms 1:3.
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
דַּרְכּ֖/וֹ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
Study Notes — Genesis 24:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 24:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 24:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 24:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 24:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 24:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 24:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 24:21
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 24:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 24:21
- Sermons on Genesis 24:21
Context — Rebekah Is Chosen
19After she had given him a drink, she said, “I will also draw water for your camels, until they have had enough to drink.”
20And she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran back to the well to draw water, until she had drawn water for all his camels.
21Meanwhile, the man watched her silently to see whether or not the LORD had made his journey a success.
22And after the camels had finished drinking, he took out a gold ring weighing a beka, and two gold bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels. 23“Whose daughter are you?” he asked. “Please tell me, is there room in your father’s house for us to spend the night?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 107:43 | Let him who is wise pay heed to these things and consider the loving devotion of the LORD. |
| 2 | Genesis 24:12 | “O LORD, God of my master Abraham,” he prayed, “please grant me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 7:18–20 | Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And as if this was a small thing in Your eyes, O Lord GOD, You have also spoken about the future of the house of Your servant. Is this Your custom with man, O Lord GOD? What more can David say to You? For You know Your servant, O Lord GOD. |
| 4 | Luke 2:19 | But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. |
| 5 | Luke 2:51 | Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart. |
| 6 | Psalms 116:1–7 | I love the LORD, for He has heard my voice— my appeal for mercy. Because He has inclined His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. The ropes of death entangled me; the anguish of Sheol overcame me; I was confronted by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, deliver my soul!” The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD preserves the simplehearted; I was helpless, and He saved me. Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. |
| 7 | Psalms 107:1 | Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. |
| 8 | Psalms 107:15 | Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men. |
| 9 | Psalms 107:8 | Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men. |
| 10 | Genesis 24:56 | But he replied, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has made my journey a success. Send me on my way so that I may go to my master.” |
Genesis 24:21 Summary
[This verse shows a man watching a woman to see if God had answered his prayer for a wife for Isaac. He wanted to know if God had brought him to the right person, and he was waiting to see how things would work out (Genesis 24:12-14). The man's silence and patience teach us to trust God and wait for His timing, even when we don't know what's going to happen (Psalm 27:14). Just like the man, we can learn to trust God and wait on Him, knowing that He is always working for our good, even when we can't see what's happening (Romans 8:28).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the man in Genesis 24:21 watching for?
The man was watching to see if the LORD had made his journey a success, which would be indicated by the woman's actions and character, as guided by God's providence (Genesis 24:12-14, Psalm 37:23).
Why is it important that the man watched her silently?
The man's silence allowed him to observe the woman's actions without influencing them, giving him a genuine insight into her character and whether she was the one God had chosen for Isaac (Genesis 24:14, Proverbs 10:9).
How does this verse relate to faith and trust in God?
This verse illustrates the man's faith and trust in God, as he waits to see if God will provide a wife for Isaac, demonstrating that true faith is not just about asking, but also about waiting and observing how God works (Psalm 37:7, Isaiah 40:31).
What can we learn from the man's patience in this verse?
The man's patience teaches us the importance of waiting on God and not rushing ahead of Him, trusting that He will provide and guide us in His perfect timing (Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 64:4).
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's providence and wait on His timing?
- How can I, like the man in this verse, learn to observe and listen to God's guidance in my decisions and actions?
- In what ways can I demonstrate faith and trust in God, even when the outcome is uncertain?
- What character qualities can I learn from the woman in this passage, and how can I apply them to my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 24:21
And the man wondering at her,.... At her affability and courteousness to a stranger; at her humility and condescension to take upon her such a service; at her readiness, diligence, and laboriousness
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 24:21
And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 24:21
The man wondered at her, i.e. at the wonderful providence of God, and the eminent answer of his prayer.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 24:21
Genesis 24:21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.Ver. 21. Wondering at her.] At her courtesy; but more at God’ s good providence, and so sweet a return of his prayers. The Greek hath it, He considered her, and held his peace.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 24:21
(21) And the man wondering at her . . . —The verb is rare, and the LXX., Syr., and Vulg., followed by Gesenius and Fürst, translate, “And the man gazed attentively at her, keeping silence, that he might know,” &c. The servant, we may well believe, was astonished at the exactness and quickness with which his prayer was being answered, but this is not the point to which the rest of the verse refers; rather, it sets him before us as keenly observing all she said and did, and carefully coming to the conclusion that the comely and generous maiden was the destined bride of the son of his lord.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 24:21
Verse 21. The man, wondering at her] And he was so lost in wonder and astonishment at her simplicity, innocence, and benevolence, that he permitted this delicate female to draw water for ten camels, without ever attempting to afford her any kind of assistance! I know not which to admire most, the benevolence and condescension of Rebekah, or the cold and apparently stupid indifference of the servant of Abraham. Surely they are both of an uncommon cast.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 24:21
21. looked stedfastly … his peace] Lat. contemplabatur eam tacitus. The servant was astonished to find that the sign for which he had prayed had been given in the case of the first girl that had come to draw water; hence his look of eagerness, questioning, and silent thought.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 24:21
21. Wondering — Literally, and the man [stood] gazing at her and keeping silence to know whether Jehovah had prospered his journey or not.
Sermons on Genesis 24:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 24:21-29 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham's servant finding a wife for Isaac. The servant acknowledges God's guidance and blessing in his journey to find a suita |
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Watching Quietly, Praying Silently by Elisabeth Elliot | Elisabeth Elliot emphasizes the importance of trust, obedience, prayer, and quiet observation in discerning God's guidance, drawing from the story of the servant sent by Abraham to |
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God's Track Record of Lovingkindness by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes God's unwavering lovingkindness amidst the warnings of judgment found in Isaiah's prophecies. He highlights how, despite Israel's rebellion, Isaiah recal |
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Luke 1:18-23. the Unbelief of Zacharias. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the story of Zacharias and the importance of faith over unbelief. Zacharias doubted the angel's message and desired a sign, which was considered |
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(Genesis) Genesis 24:10-14 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Abraham's servant who was sent to find a bride for Isaac. The servant prays to God for guidance and asks for a sign to help him |
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(Genesis) Genesis 24:2-9 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Genesis 24, where Abraham instructs his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac. The preacher highlights the cultural context of oath-takin |
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(Genesis) Genesis 24:1 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Genesis chapter 24, which tells the story of Abraham sending his servant to find a bride for his son Isaac. The preacher emphasizes the lead |