New International VersionThe servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.”
New Living TranslationRunning over to her, the servant said, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”
English Standard VersionThen the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water to drink from your jar.”
Berean Standard BibleSo the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me have a little water from your jar.”
King James BibleAnd the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.
New King James VersionAnd the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me drink a little water from your pitcher.”
New American Standard BibleThen the servant ran to meet her, and said, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar.”
NASB 1995Then the servant ran to meet her, and said, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar.”
NASB 1977Then the servant ran to meet her, and said, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar.”
Legacy Standard BibleThen the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water to drink from your jar.”
Amplified BibleThen the servant ran to meet her, and said, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar.”
Christian Standard BibleThen the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me have a little water from your jug.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me have a little water from your jug.”
American Standard VersionAnd the servant ran to meet her, and said, Give me to drink, I pray thee, a little water from thy pitcher.
Contemporary English VersionAbraham's servant ran to her and said, "Please let me have a drink of water."
English Revised VersionAnd the servant ran to meet her, and said, Give me to drink, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe servant ran to meet her and said, "Please give me a drink of water."
Good News TranslationThe servant ran to meet her and said, "Please give me a drink of water from your jar."
International Standard VersionThen Abraham's servant ran to meet her and asked her, "Please, let me have a sip of water from your jug."
NET BibleAbraham's servant ran to meet her and said, "Please give me a sip of water from your jug."
New Heart English BibleThen the servant ran to meet her, and said, ?Please give me a little water to drink from your jug."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water from thy pitcher. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me have a little water from your jar.”
World English BibleThe servant ran to meet her, and said, “Please give me a drink, a little water from your pitcher.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the servant runs to meet her and says, “Please let me swallow a little water from your pitcher”;
Young's Literal Translation And the servant runneth to meet her, and saith, 'Let me swallow, I pray thee, a little water from thy pitcher;'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the servant will run to meet her, and he will say, Give me to drink now a little water from thy bucket. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the servant ran to meet her, and said: Give me a little water to drink of thy pitcher.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd the servant ran to meet her, and he said, “Provide me with a little water to drink from your pitcher.”
New American Biblethe servant ran toward her and said, “Please give me a sip of water from your jug.”
New Revised Standard VersionThen the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me sip a little water from your jar.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the servant ran to meet her and said, Let me drink a little water from your pitcher.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd the Servant ran to meet her and he said to her, “Let me drink a little water from your cruse.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the servant ran to meet her, and said: 'Give me to drink, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd the servant ran up to meet her, and said, Give me a little water to drink out of thy pitcher;
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Rebekah is Chosen… 16Now the girl was very beautiful, a virgin who had not had relations with any man. She went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came up again. 17So the servantranto meet herand said,“Pleaselet me havea littlewaterfrom your jar.”18“Drink, my lord,” she replied, and she quickly lowered her jar to her hands and gave him a drink.…
Cross References John 4:7-10When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” / (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) / “You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) ...
1 Kings 17:10-11So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” / And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.”
Exodus 2:16-17Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. / And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock.
Ruth 2:9Let your eyes be on the field they are harvesting, and follow along after these girls. Indeed, I have ordered the young men not to touch you. And when you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled.”
John 4:13-14Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. / But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.”
Judges 4:19Sisera said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.” So she opened a container of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him again.
Matthew 10:42And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”
Isaiah 12:3With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation,
Proverbs 25:21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
1 Samuel 9:11And as they were climbing the hill to the city, they met some young women coming out to draw water and asked, “Is the seer here?”
John 7:37-38On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. / Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’”
Numbers 20:17-19Please let us pass through your land. We will not go through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King’s Highway; we will not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory.” / But Edom answered, “You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.” / “We will stay on the main road,” the Israelites replied, “and if we or our herds drink your water, we will pay for it. There will be no problem; only let us pass through on foot.”
2 Kings 3:9So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out, and after they had traveled a roundabout route for seven days, they had no water for their army or for their animals.
Revelation 22:17The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely.
Deuteronomy 10:19So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
Treasury of Scripture And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray you, drink a little water of your pitcher. Let. 1 Kings 17:10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow womanwas there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. John 4:7,9 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink… water of. Genesis 26:1-35 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar… Isaiah 21:14 The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled. Isaiah 30:25 And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, riversand streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. Jump to Previous DrinkHurriedJarLittleMeetPitcherPleaseRanRunnethRunningServantSwallowVesselWaterJump to Next DrinkHurriedJarLittleMeetPitcherPleaseRanRunnethRunningServantSwallowVesselWaterGenesis 24 1.Abraham swears his servant.10.The servant's journey.12.His prayer.14.His sign.15.Rebekah meets him;18.fulfils his sign;22.receives jewels;23.shows her kindred;25.and invites him home.26.The servant blesses God.29.Laban entertains him.34.The servant shows his message.50.Laban and Bethuel approve it.58.Rebekah consents to go, and departs.62.Isaac meets and marries her.So the servant ran to meet herThe servant's action of running indicates urgency and eagerness, reflecting his commitment to fulfilling Abraham's charge to find a wife for Isaac. This act of running can be seen as a demonstration of faith and obedience, reminiscent of the diligence expected of believers in their spiritual walk. The servant's initiative parallels the proactive nature of God's servants throughout Scripture, such as Elijah running before Ahab's chariot ( 1 Kings 18:46). It also foreshadows the New Testament parable of the prodigal son, where the father runs to meet his returning son ( Luke 15:20), symbolizing God's eagerness to welcome those who seek Him. and said, “Please let me have a little water from your jar.”
The request for water is significant in the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, where hospitality was a highly valued virtue. Water, a precious resource in the arid regions, symbolizes life and sustenance. The servant's polite request demonstrates humility and respect, qualities that are esteemed in biblical teachings. This encounter at the well is reminiscent of other significant biblical meetings, such as Jacob meeting Rachel (Genesis 29:10) and Moses meeting Zipporah (Exodus 2:16-21). Wells often serve as settings for divine appointments and covenantal relationships. The servant's request can also be seen as a test of Rebekah's character, revealing her kindness and willingness to serve, qualities that align with the biblical ideal of a virtuous woman (Proverbs 31:10-31). This moment foreshadows Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26), where He offers the living water of eternal life, drawing a parallel between physical and spiritual sustenance. Persons / Places / Events 1. The ServantThis is Abraham's servant, traditionally understood to be Eliezer of Damascus, tasked with finding a wife for Isaac. His role is crucial as he represents Abraham's interests and God's providence in the account. 2. RebekahThe young woman approached by the servant. She is later revealed to be the granddaughter of Nahor, Abraham's brother, making her a suitable match for Isaac. 3. The WellA common meeting place in ancient times, wells were vital for survival and often served as social gathering spots. This well is located in the city of Nahor, in Mesopotamia. 4. The JourneyThe servant's journey from Canaan to Mesopotamia is significant as it underscores the obedience and faithfulness required to fulfill Abraham's command. 5. The Request for WaterThis simple request sets the stage for the unfolding of God's plan, as it leads to the revelation of Rebekah's character and suitability as Isaac's wife. Teaching Points Faithful ServiceThe servant exemplifies faithfulness and obedience. We are called to serve God and others with the same dedication, trusting in His guidance. Divine ProvidenceThe encounter at the well illustrates God's providence. We should remain attentive to how God orchestrates events in our lives for His purposes. Character Revealed in Small ActsRebekah's willingness to offer water demonstrates her kindness and hospitality. Our character is often revealed in how we respond to small, everyday requests. Prayer and ActionThe servant's prayerful approach combined with his immediate action teaches us the importance of coupling prayer with proactive steps in our faith journey. God's TimingThe timing of the servant's arrival and Rebekah's appearance shows God's perfect timing. We should trust that God is working in His time, even when we cannot see it. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 24
Who is Rebekah in the Bible?
How realistic is it for Rebekah to singlehandedly draw enough water for ten camels (Genesis 24:14-20), given the demands of daily chores?
Why is a sign-based approach (Genesis 24:14) seemingly approved here, when similar methods are discouraged in other biblical passages?
What key events define Isaac's life in the Bible?Verses 17-19. - And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher (a request which was at once complied with). And she said, Drink (and with the utmost politeness), my lord (and with cheerful animation): and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink. "Rebekah's address to the servant will be given you in the exact idiom by the first gentle Rebekah you ask water from; but I have never found any young lady so generous as this fair daughter of Bethuel" ('Thomson, Land and Book,' p. 592). And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking - thus proving that the kindly disposition within her bosom was "not simply the reflex of national customs, but the invisible sun beaming through her mind, and freely bringing forward the blossoms of sterling goodness" (Kalisch).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew So the servantהָעֶ֖בֶד(hā·‘e·ḇeḏ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantranוַיָּ֥רָץ(way·yā·rāṣ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7323:To runto meet herלִקְרָאתָ֑הּ(liq·rā·ṯāh)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7125:Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the wayand said,וַיֹּ֕אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Pleaseנָ֛א(nā)Interjection
Strong's 4994:I pray', 'now', 'then'let me haveהַגְמִיאִ֥ינִי(haḡ·mî·’î·nî)Verb - Hifil - Imperative - feminine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 1572:To swallow (liquids)a littleמְעַט־(mə·‘aṭ-)Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4592:A little, fewness, a fewwaterמַ֖יִם(ma·yim)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325:Water, juice, urine, semenfrom your jar.”מִכַּדֵּֽךְ׃(mik·kad·dêḵ)Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 3537:A pail, earthenware, a jar
Links Genesis 24:17 NIVGenesis 24:17 NLTGenesis 24:17 ESVGenesis 24:17 NASBGenesis 24:17 KJV
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OT Law: Genesis 24:17 The servant ran to meet her (Gen. Ge Gn) |
