New International VersionSo she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels.
New Living TranslationSo she quickly emptied her jug into the watering trough and ran back to the well to draw water for all his camels.
English Standard VersionSo she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran again to the well to draw water, and she drew for all his camels.
Berean Standard BibleAnd 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.
King James BibleAnd she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.
New King James VersionThen she quickly emptied her pitcher into the trough, ran back to the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.
New American Standard BibleSo she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, and ran back to the well to draw, and she drew for all his camels.
NASB 1995So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, and ran back to the well to draw, and she drew for all his camels.
NASB 1977So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, and ran back to the well to draw, and she drew for all his camels.
Legacy Standard BibleSo she hurried and emptied her jar into the watering channel and ran again to the well to draw, and she drew for all his camels.
Amplified BibleSo she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, and ran again to the well and drew water for all his camels.
Christian Standard BibleShe quickly emptied her jug into the trough and hurried to the well again to draw water. She drew water for all his camels
Holman Christian Standard BibleShe quickly emptied her jug into the trough and hurried to the well again to draw water. She drew water for all his camels
American Standard VersionAnd she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw, and drew for all his camels.
English Revised VersionAnd she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw, and drew for all his camels.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSo she quickly emptied her jar into the water trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels.
Good News TranslationShe quickly emptied her jar into the animals' drinking trough and ran to the well to get more water, until she had watered all his camels.
International Standard VersionShe quickly emptied her jug into the trough and ran to the well to draw again until she had drawn enough water for all ten of the servant's camels.
NET BibleShe quickly emptied her jug into the watering trough and ran back to the well to draw more water until she had drawn enough for all his camels.
New Heart English BibleSo she hurried and emptied her jug into the trough and ran again to the well to draw, and drew for all his camels.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again to the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd 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.
World English BibleShe hurried, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again to the well to draw, and drew for all his camels. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand she hurries, and empties her pitcher into the drinking-trough, and runs again to the well to draw, and draws for all his camels.
Young's Literal Translation and she hasteth, and emptieth her pitcher into the drinking-trough, and runneth again unto the well to draw, and draweth for all his camels.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd she will hasten and empty her bucket into the watering trough, and will run again to the well to draw, and will draw for all his camels. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd pouring out the pitcher into the troughs, she ran back to the well to draw water: and having drawn she gave to all the camels.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd pouring out the pitcher into the troughs, she ran back to the well to draw water; and having drawn, she gave it to all the camels.
New American BibleWith that, she quickly emptied her jug into the drinking trough and ran back to the well to draw more water, until she had drawn enough for all the camels.
New Revised Standard VersionSo she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran again to the well to draw, and she drew for all his camels. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo she hastened and emptied her pitcher into the trough and ran again to the well to draw water, and she drew water for all his camels.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd she hurried and emptied her cruse in the trough, and she ran again to the well to fill up, and she filled all his camels. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And she hastened, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw, and drew for all his camels.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd she hasted, and emptied the water-pot into the trough, and ran to the well to draw again, and drew water for all the camels.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
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 quicklyemptiedher jarintothe troughand ranbacktothe wellto draw water,until she had drawn waterfor allhis camels.21Meanwhile, the man watched her silently to see whether or not the LORD had made his journey a success.…
Cross References John 4:7-15When 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.) ...
Exodus 2:16-21Now 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. / When the daughters returned to their father Reuel, he asked them, “Why have you returned so early today?” ...
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.”
1 Samuel 9:11-13And 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?” / “Yes, he is ahead of you,” they answered. “Hurry now, for today he has come to the city because the people have a sacrifice on the high place. / As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.”
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.”
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.”
Mark 9:41Indeed, if anyone gives you even a cup of water because you bear the name of Christ, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.
Luke 10:33-34But a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, and when he saw him, he had compassion. / He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
John 13:4-5So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. / After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him.
Acts 9:36-39In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity. / At that time, however, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room. / Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to urge him, “Come to us without delay.” ...
Romans 12:13Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Hebrews 13:2Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
James 2:15-17Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? / So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.
1 Peter 4:9Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
2 Corinthians 9:7Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.
Treasury of Scripture And she hurried, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again to the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels. Jump to Previous AnimalsCamelsDrawDrawethDrewEmptiedEnoughHastedHastenedHastethHurriedJarPitcherPuttingQuicklyRanRunnethSpringTroughVesselWaterJump to Next AnimalsCamelsDrawDrawethDrewEmptiedEnoughHastedHastenedHastethHurriedJarPitcherPuttingQuicklyRanRunnethSpringTroughVesselWaterGenesis 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.And she quickly emptied her jar into the troughThis phrase highlights Rebekah's eagerness and diligence. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, hospitality was a highly valued virtue. Rebekah's actions demonstrate her willingness to serve and her industrious nature. The trough was a common feature in ancient wells, designed to hold water for animals. This act of emptying her jar quickly suggests her efficiency and readiness to help, reflecting the qualities that would make her a suitable wife for Isaac. and ran back to the well to draw water
Rebekah's running indicates her enthusiasm and commitment to the task. Wells were central to community life in ancient times, often located outside the city gates. Drawing water was typically a woman's task, and it required physical strength and endurance. Her repeated trips to the well show her dedication and strength, qualities that are commendable and align with theProverbs 31 description of a virtuous woman. until she had drawn water for all his camels
Camels are known to drink large quantities of water, especially after a long journey. A single camel can drink up to 20-30 gallons of water. Abraham's servant had ten camels, indicating that Rebekah's task was not only labor-intensive but also time-consuming. This detail underscores her generosity and willingness to go above and beyond what was expected. Her actions can be seen as a foreshadowing of the abundant blessings that would come through her lineage, ultimately leading to the birth of Jesus Christ, who offers living water to all (John 4:10-14). Persons / Places / Events 1. RebekahA young woman of great character and hospitality, Rebekah is the daughter of Bethuel and becomes the wife of Isaac. Her actions in this passage demonstrate her willingness to serve and her industrious nature. 2. Eliezer (Abraham's Servant)Although not named in this chapter, he is traditionally understood to be Eliezer of Damascus, Abraham's trusted servant, tasked with finding a wife for Isaac. 3. The WellA central place in the account, the well is where Rebekah meets Abraham's servant. It symbolizes provision and sustenance, both physically and spiritually. 4. CamelsThe camels represent the wealth and status of Abraham's household. Rebekah's willingness to water them shows her generosity and diligence. 5. NahorThe city where Abraham's relatives live, and where Rebekah is found. It is significant as the place where God's providence unfolds in the account. Teaching Points The Virtue of DiligenceRebekah's quick and thorough response to the needs of the servant and his camels demonstrates the importance of diligence in our daily tasks. We are called to work heartily as unto the Lord. The Heart of HospitalityRebekah's actions show a heart of hospitality, serving others without expecting anything in return. This is a model for Christian living, where we are encouraged to serve others selflessly. Divine AppointmentsThe meeting at the well was not by chance but a divine appointment orchestrated by God. We should be attentive to the opportunities God places in our paths to fulfill His purposes. Faith in ActionRebekah's willingness to serve is an example of faith in action. Our faith should be evident in our deeds, reflecting the love and character of Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 24:20?
2.How does Rebekah's action in Genesis 24:20 demonstrate servant-heartedness?
3.What can we learn from Rebekah's diligence in Genesis 24:20?
4.How does Rebekah's generosity in Genesis 24:20 reflect Proverbs 31:20?
5.How can we apply Rebekah's willingness to serve in our daily lives?
6.What does Rebekah's behavior in Genesis 24:20 teach about hospitality and kindness?
7.How does Genesis 24:20 illustrate the importance of hospitality in biblical times?
8.What does Genesis 24:20 reveal about Rebekah's character and its significance in biblical narratives?
9.How does Genesis 24:20 reflect the cultural practices of ancient Near Eastern societies?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 24?
11.How realistic is it for Rebekah to singlehandedly draw enough water for ten camels (Genesis 24:14-20), given the demands of daily chores?
12.Why is a sign-based approach (Genesis 24:14) seemingly approved here, when similar methods are discouraged in other biblical passages?
13.How historically plausible is it that Abraham's servant traveled such a long distance (Genesis 24:10) with little mention of logistical challenges or hardships?
14.Who is Rebekah in the Bible?What Does Genesis 24:20 Mean And she quickly emptied her jar into the trough“And she quickly emptied her jar into the trough” (Genesis 24:20) shows Rebekah’s immediate, energetic response to the servant’s need. • Speed and eagerness reveal a willing heart (Proverbs 3:27–28;Romans 12:11). • She acts before being asked for more, embodying love “in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). • Her self-initiated service signals to Abraham’s servant that God is answering his prayer (Genesis 24:12–14).
and ran back to the well to draw water“She … ran back to the well to draw water” underscores persistence. • Running implies continued zeal, not a one-time burst (Ecclesiastes 9:10;Hebrews 6:10-11). • She returns to the source, picturing how believers repeatedly draw strength from the Lord (Psalm 46:1;John 4:14). • Her servant-hearted haste mirrors Christ, who “came not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45;Philippians 2:5-7).
until she had drawn water for all his camels“Until she had drawn water for all his camels” highlights thoroughness. Ten thirsty camels could drink hundreds of gallons; Rebekah keeps going until the job is complete. • Faithfulness is measured by finishing the task (Galatians 6:9;2 Timothy 4:7). • Small acts done fully can become pivotal in God’s plan—as here, leading to her becoming Isaac’s wife (Genesis 24:67). • Her diligence illustrates the principle, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
summaryRebekah’s rapid, repeated, and relentless service displays the marks of genuine godliness—willingness, zeal, and perseverance.Genesis 24:20 teaches that everyday faithfulness can align us with God’s larger purposes, encouraging believers to serve promptly, passionately, and to completion. Verse 20. - And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough (or gutter made of stone, with which wells were usually provided, and which were filled with water when animals required to drink), and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels. "At one point we came upon a large village of nomad Bedouins dwelling in their black tents. For the first time we encountered a shepherd playing on his reeden pipe, and followed by his flock. He was leading them to a fountain, from which a maiden was meanwhile drawing water with a rope, and pouring it into a large stone trough. She was not so beautiful as Rebekah" ('In the Holy Land,' by Rev. A. Thomson, D.D. p. 198).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew And she quicklyוַתְּמַהֵ֗ר(wat·tə·ma·hêr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 4116:To be liquid, flow easily, to hurry, promptlyemptiedוַתְּעַ֤ר(wat·tə·‘ar)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6168:To be, bare, to empty, pour out, demolishher jarכַּדָּהּ֙(kad·dāh)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3537:A pail, earthenware, a jarintoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe troughהַשֹּׁ֔קֶת(haš·šō·qeṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8268:Watering troughand ranוַתָּ֥רָץ(wat·tā·rāṣ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7323:To runbackע֛וֹד(‘ō·wḏ)Adverb
Strong's 5750:Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, moretoאֶֽל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe wellהַבְּאֵ֖ר(hab·bə·’êr)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 875:A pit, a wellto draw water,לִשְׁאֹ֑ב(liš·’ōḇ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7579:To bale up wateruntil she had drawn waterוַתִּשְׁאַ֖ב(wat·tiš·’aḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7579:To bale up waterfor allלְכָל־(lə·ḵāl)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyhis camels.גְּמַלָּֽיו׃(gə·mal·lāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1581:A camel
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OT Law: Genesis 24:20 She hurried and emptied her pitcher into (Gen. Ge Gn) |
