Genesis 24:37
Genesis 24:37 in Multiple Translations
My master made me swear an oath and said, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites in whose land I dwell,
And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell:
And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife for my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell:
And my master made me take an oath, saying, Do not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am living;
My master made me swear an oath, saying, ‘You must not arrange for my son to marry any daughter of the Canaanite people in whose land I'm living.
Now my master made me sweare, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my sonne of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell:
'And my lord causeth me to swear, saying, Thou dost not take a wife to my son from the daughters of the Canaanite, in whose land I am dwelling.
My master made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live,
And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife for my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell:
And my master made me swear, saying: Thou shalt not take a wife for my son of the Chanaanites, in whose land I dwell:
My master made me solemnly promise, saying, ‘Do not get a wife for my son from the women here in Canaan.
Then Abraham’s worker said, “My boss Abraham got me to make him a strong promise. He said, ‘Promise me that you will not get a wife for my son from this country that we are living in. Don’t get him a wife from the Canaan people that live here.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 24:37
BAB
Word Study
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Genesis 24:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּשְׁבִּעֵ֥/נִי
אֲדֹנִ֖/י
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
לֹא
תִקַּ֤ח
אִשָּׁה֙
לִ/בְנִ֔/י
מִ/בְּנוֹת֙
הַֽ/כְּנַעֲנִ֔י
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
אָנֹכִ֖י
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
בְּ/אַרְצֽ/וֹ
וַ/יַּשְׁבִּעֵ֥/נִי
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
אֲדֹנִ֖/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִקַּ֤ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אִשָּׁה֙
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
לִ/בְנִ֔/י
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-ms | Suff
מִ/בְּנוֹת֙
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
Prep | N-fp
הַֽ/כְּנַעֲנִ֔י
Kᵉnaʻanîy
H3669
Canaanitess
Art | Ngmsa
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אָנֹכִ֖י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
בְּ/אַרְצֽ/וֹ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 24:37
וַ/יַּשְׁבִּעֵ֥/נִי
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
אֲדֹנִ֖/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לֹא
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.
תִקַּ֤ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אִשָּׁה֙
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
לִ/בְנִ֔/י
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
מִ/בְּנוֹת֙
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
Prep | N-fp
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
הַֽ/כְּנַעֲנִ֔י
Kᵉnaʻanîy
H3669
"Canaanitess"
Art | Ngmsa
A Canaanitess was a woman from the land of Canaan, known for being merchants and traders. The term is used in the Bible to describe a woman who was a mother of one of the tribe of Benjamin, as seen in Genesis and other books.
Definition: Describing a woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.46.10; mother of: Shaul (H7586H) § a merchant, trader
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: Canaanite, merchant, trafficker. See also: Genesis 10:18; Joshua 11:3; Proverbs 31:24.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָנֹכִ֖י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בְּ/אַרְצֽ/וֹ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Genesis 24:37
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Rebekah Is Chosen
35“The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become rich. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, camels and donkeys.
36My master’s wife Sarah has borne him a son in her old age, and my master has given him everything he owns.
37My master made me swear an oath and said, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites in whose land I dwell,
38but you shall go to my father’s house and to my kindred to take a wife for my son.’ 39Then I asked my master, ‘What if the woman will not come back with me?’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 27:46 | Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am weary of my life because of these Hittite women. If Jacob takes a Hittite wife from among them, what good is my life?” |
| 2 | Ezra 9:1–3 | After these things had been accomplished, the leaders approached me and said, “The people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the surrounding peoples whose abominations are like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites. Indeed, the Israelites have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed has been mixed with the people of the land. And the leaders and officials have taken the lead in this unfaithfulness!” When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled out some hair from my head and beard, and sat down in horror. |
| 3 | Genesis 24:2–9 | So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh, and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.” The servant asked him, “What if the woman is unwilling to follow me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to the land from which you came?” Abraham replied, “Make sure that you do not take my son back there. The LORD, the God of heaven, who brought me from my father’s house and my native land, who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give this land’—He will send His angel before you so that you can take a wife for my son from there. And if the woman is unwilling to follow you, then you are released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there.” So the servant placed his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter. |
| 4 | Genesis 6:2 | the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took as wives whomever they chose. |
Genesis 24:37 Summary
[In Genesis 24:37, Abraham is making sure that his son will marry a woman who follows the same God that he does, because he wants his son to have a strong faith. This is similar to what the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:14, where it warns against being unevenly yoked with unbelievers. Abraham is trusting that God will provide the right woman for his son, just like God provided for him in the past, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 17:1-14. By doing this, Abraham is showing that he values his relationship with God above all else, and he wants his son to do the same.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abraham not want his son to marry a Canaanite woman?
Abraham did not want his son to marry a Canaanite woman because he wanted to maintain the spiritual purity of his family, as seen in Genesis 24:37, and to ensure that his son would follow the ways of the Lord, as commanded in Deuteronomy 7:3-4.
What was the significance of Abraham making his servant swear an oath?
The oath signified the importance and seriousness of the task, and it bound the servant to fulfill Abraham's wishes, as stated in Genesis 24:37, similar to the oath sworn by the Israelites in Exodus 24:7-8.
How did Abraham's decision reflect his faith in God?
Abraham's decision to have his son marry a woman from his own kindred demonstrated his trust in God's providence and sovereignty, as seen in Genesis 24:37, and his desire to obey God's commands, as expressed in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 17:1-14.
What can we learn from Abraham's example in this verse?
We can learn the importance of seeking God's will in our decisions, especially in matters of marriage and family, as seen in Genesis 24:37, and trusting in His sovereignty, as proclaimed in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can prioritize spiritual purity in my own life, just as Abraham did in Genesis 24:37?
- How can I demonstrate my trust in God's providence and sovereignty in my daily decisions, as Abraham did in this verse?
- What are some potential consequences of not following God's will in our decisions, as Abraham was careful to do in Genesis 24:37?
- How can I seek God's guidance and wisdom in my own life, as Abraham did in this passage, and what role does prayer play in this process?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 24:37
And my master made me swear,.... [See comments on Genesis 24:3]. In Genesis 24:37, the servant relates the oath his master made him take, and the charge he gave him, much in the same language as in Genesis 24:3.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 24:37
And Sarah my master's wife bare a son to my master when she was old: and unto him hath he given all that he hath. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 24:37
Genesis 24:37 And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell: Ver. 37.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 24:37
37. And my master made me swear] This and the four following verses recapitulate the substance of Gen 24:3-8. The dénouement of the story is thus retarded. Similarly in the following vv. (42–48) the suspense caused by the repetition tends to heighten the interest.
Sermons on Genesis 24:37
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 33:18-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the sad and sordid chapter in the life of Jacob, who is now known as Israel. Jacob's life reflects a growth and development in his relationshi |
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Through the Bible - 1&2 Chronicles, Ezra by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Chronicles, specifically the first nine chapters. The speaker mentions that these chapters provide a list of people who were take |
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(Rebuilding the House of the Lord) 4. a New Phase as Ezra Appears by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites from Babylon to Jerusalem, which took them four months on foot. Despite the risks of being robbed or ambushed, t |
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(Through the Bible) 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra by Zac Poonen | The sermon covers the journey of the children of Israel from Babylon back to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity, focusing on the building of the temple and the challenges faced. |
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Our Daily Homily - Ezra by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the divine stirring of Cyrus as a fulfillment of prophecy, highlighting the importance of prayer and obedience in responding to God's call. He reflects on the |
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The People Have Not Separated Themselves. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer addresses the issue of the Israelites' failure to separate themselves from surrounding nations, highlighting the consequences of intermarriage and the dilution of their |
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Bible Survey - Malachi by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Malachi, the last Book of the Old Testament, which serves as a bridge to the New Testament. Malachi, God's messenger, delivers the last Word o |