New International Version“Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” he said. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”
New Living TranslationLaban said to him, “Come and stay with us, you who are blessed by the LORD! Why are you standing here outside the town when I have a room all ready for you and a place prepared for the camels?”
English Standard VersionHe said, “Come in, O blessed of the LORD. Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”
Berean Standard Bible“Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”
King James BibleAnd he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.
New King James VersionAnd he said, “Come in, O blessed of the LORD! Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels.”
New American Standard BibleAnd he said, “Come in, blessed of the LORD! Why do you stand outside, since I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels?”
NASB 1995And he said, “Come in, blessed of the LORD! Why do you stand outside since I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels?”
NASB 1977And he said, “Come in, blessed of the LORD! Why do you stand outside since I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels?”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd he said, “Come in, blessed of Yahweh! Why do you stand outside since I have prepared the house and a place for the camels?”
Amplified BibleAnd Laban said, “Come in, blessed of the LORD! Why do you stand outside since I have made the house ready and have prepared a place for the camels?”
Christian Standard BibleLaban said, “Come, you who are blessed by the LORD. Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleLaban said, “Come, you who are blessed by the LORD. Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”
American Standard VersionAnd he said, Come in, thou blessed of Jehovah; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.
Contemporary English VersionThen Laban said, "The LORD has brought you safely here. Come home with me. There's no need for you to keep on standing outside. I have a room ready for you in our house, and there's also a place for your camels."
English Revised VersionAnd he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe said, "Come in, you whom the LORD has blessed. Why are you standing out here? I have straightened up the house and made a place for the camels."
Good News Translationand said, "Come home with me. You are a man whom the LORD has blessed. Why are you standing out here? I have a room ready for you in my house, and there is a place for your camels."
International Standard Version"Come on," Laban said. "The LORD has blessed you! So why are you standing out here when I've prepared some space in the house and a place for the camels?"
NET BibleLaban said to him, "Come, you who are blessed by the LORD! Why are you standing out here when I have prepared the house and a place for the camels?"
New Heart English BibleAnd he said, "Come in, you blessed of God. Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house and room for the camels."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; why standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”
World English BibleHe said, “Come in, you blessed of Yahweh. Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he says, “Come in, O blessed one of YHWH! Why do you stand outside—and I have prepared the house and place for the camels?”
Young's Literal Translation And he saith, 'Come in, O blessed one of Jehovah, why standest thou without, and I -- I have prepared the house and place for the camels!'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he will say, Come thou blessed of Jehovah, why wilt thou stand without? and I prepared the house, and a place for the camels. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd said to him: Come in, thou blessed of the Lord: why standest thou without? I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels.
Catholic Public Domain Versionand he said to him: “Enter, O blessed of the Lord. Why do you stand outside? I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels.”
New American BibleHe said: “Come, blessed of the LORD! Why are you standing outside when I have made the house ready, as well as a place for the camels?”
New Revised Standard VersionHe said, “Come in, O blessed of the LORD. Why do you stand outside when I have prepared the house and a place for the camels?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said to him, Come in, you blessed of the LORD; why do you stand in the street? For I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedHe said to him, “Come in, he who is blessed of LORD JEHOVAH. Why do you stand in the street and I have prepared the house and a place for the camels?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he said: 'Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have cleared the house, and made room for the camels.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd he said to him, Come in hither, thou blessed of the Lord, why standest thou without, whereas I have prepared the house and a place for the camels?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Rebekah is Chosen… 30As soon as he saw the ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and heard Rebekah’s words, “The man said this to me,” he went and found the man standing by the camels near the spring. 31“Come,you who are blessedby the LORD,”said Laban.“Whyare you standingout here?Ihave preparedthe houseand a placefor the camels.”32So the man came to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and feed were brought to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of his companions.…
Cross References Genesis 19:2and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”
Genesis 18:3-5“My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. / Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. / And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.”
Judges 19:20-21“Peace to you,” said the old man. “Let me supply everything you need. Only do not spend the night in the square.” / So he brought him to his house and fed his donkeys. And they washed their feet and ate and drank.
Exodus 2:20“So where is he?” their father asked. “Why did you leave the man behind? Invite him to have something to eat.”
2 Kings 4:8One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat.
1 Samuel 25:6and say to him, ‘Long life to you, and peace to you and to your house and to all that belongs to you.
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.”
2 Samuel 9:7“Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”
Hebrews 13:2Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
Matthew 10:40He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me.
Luke 10:5-7Whatever house you enter, begin by saying, ‘Peace to this house.’ / If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. / Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.
Romans 12:13Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.
1 Peter 4:9Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
Matthew 25:35For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in,
Acts 16:15And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
Treasury of Scripture And he said, Come in, you blessed of the LORD; why stand you without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels. thou. Genesis 26:29 That thou wilt do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee, and as we have done unto thee nothing but good, and have sent thee away in peace: thouart now the blessed of the LORD. Judges 17:2 And he said unto his mother, The eleven hundredshekels of silver that were taken from thee, about which thou cursedst, and spakest of also in mine ears, behold, the silveris with me; I took it. And his mother said, Blessedbe thou of the LORD, my son. Ruth 3:10 And he said, Blessedbe thou of the LORD, my daughter:for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. for I. Genesis 24:25 She said moreover unto him, We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in. Jump to Previous BlessedBlessingCamelsClearedHouseOutsidePreparedReadyRoomStandStandestStandingWhereforeJump to Next BlessedBlessingCamelsClearedHouseOutsidePreparedReadyRoomStandStandestStandingWhereforeGenesis 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.Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,Laban's greeting acknowledges the divine favor upon Abraham's servant, reflecting the cultural importance of hospitality and recognizing God's hand in the affairs of men. This phrase echoes the Abrahamic covenant where God promises to bless those who bless Abraham and his descendants ( Genesis 12:3). It also foreshadows the blessing of the nations through Abraham's lineage, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. said Laban.
Laban, Rebekah's brother, plays a significant role in the narrative. His character is later developed in Genesis, particularly in his interactions with Jacob. Here, Laban's words and actions are initially hospitable, but his future dealings reveal a more complex character. This introduction sets the stage for understanding his later behavior. Why are you standing out here?
This question underscores the cultural expectation of hospitality in the ancient Near East. It was customary to invite travelers into one's home, especially those who were perceived to be under divine favor. The question also implies urgency and a desire to extend immediate hospitality, reflecting the values of the time. I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.
Laban's preparation indicates readiness and willingness to accommodate both the servant and his animals, highlighting the importance of hospitality. The mention of camels is significant; camels were valuable assets, suggesting Abraham's wealth and the servant's importance. This preparation also symbolizes the provision and care God extends to His people, paralleling how Christ prepares a place for believers (John 14:2-3). Persons / Places / Events 1. LabanBrother of Rebekah, son of Bethuel. He plays a significant role in the account of Isaac and Rebekah by welcoming Abraham's servant into his home. 2. RebekahDaughter of Bethuel, sister of Laban, and future wife of Isaac. Her actions at the well set the stage for this encounter. 3. Abraham's ServantLikely Eliezer, tasked with finding a wife for Isaac. His journey and prayerful approach highlight his faithfulness to Abraham and God. 4. Bethuel's HouseThe home of Rebekah and Laban, where Abraham's servant is welcomed. It represents hospitality and the fulfillment of God's promise. 5. The CamelsSymbolize the wealth and provision of Abraham, and the preparation for Rebekah's journey to become Isaac's wife. Teaching Points Hospitality as a Reflection of God's BlessingLaban's invitation to Abraham's servant demonstrates the importance of hospitality. As Christians, we are called to welcome others, reflecting God's love and provision. Recognizing God's Hand in Our LivesLaban acknowledges the servant as "blessed by the LORD." We should be attentive to God's work in our lives and the lives of others, giving Him glory. Preparation and ReadinessLaban's preparation of the house and place for the camels shows the value of being ready to serve and meet the needs of others. Christians should be prepared to act in service and love. Faithfulness in ServiceAbraham's servant exemplifies faithfulness and trust in God's guidance. Believers are encouraged to serve faithfully, trusting in God's plan and timing. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 24:31?
2.How does Genesis 24:31 demonstrate hospitality as a Christian virtue?
3.What can we learn about God's provision from Genesis 24:31?
4.How does Genesis 24:31 connect to Hebrews 13:2 on entertaining strangers?
5.How can we apply Laban's welcoming attitude in our daily interactions?
6.What does "come, you who are blessed by the LORD" teach about blessings?
7.What is the significance of Genesis 24:31 in the context of hospitality in biblical times?
8.How does Genesis 24:31 reflect the cultural practices of the ancient Near East?
9.Why is Laban's invitation in Genesis 24:31 important for understanding biblical themes of welcome and acceptance?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 24?
11.What is the historical significance of the Arameans?
12.In Genesis 31:24, why would God communicate with Laban if Laban worshipped other gods, and how does this align with other biblical passages about idolatry?
13.In Genesis 31:41, Jacob claims Laban changed his wages ten times, yet no detailed account shows each change; does this raise questions of consistency or exaggeration?
14.How realistic is it for Rebekah to singlehandedly draw enough water for ten camels (Genesis 24:14-20), given the demands of daily chores?What Does Genesis 24:31 Mean Come• Laban’s first word mirrors the warm, open-door hospitality that marks God’s people throughout Scripture (Genesis 18:3–5;Acts 16:15). • “Come” echoes the Lord’s own invitations—“Come to Me, all you who are weary” (Matthew 11:28) and “let the one who is thirsty come” (Revelation 22:17). • In the flow ofGenesis 24, the servant has prayed for guidance (v. 12) and seen God answer (v. 21); Laban’s “Come” confirms that the journey is still under the Lord’s direction.
you who are blessed by the LORD• Laban acknowledges God’s hand on Abraham’s servant, affirming the blessing promised to Abraham’s line (Genesis 12:2–3; 24:27). • Blessing language in Genesis often signals divine approval and covenant favor (Genesis 26:24; 28:3). • By recognizing the servant as “blessed,” Laban aligns himself—at least outwardly—with God’s purposes, paving the way for Rebekah’s role in the covenant plan (24:60).
Why are you standing out here?• In the Ancient Near East, leaving travelers outside violated cultural norms of hospitality (cf.Job 31:32;Hebrews 13:2). • Laban’s question underscores urgency: those favored by God should not be left in uncertainty or exposure. • Spiritually, it reminds us not to delay when God presents an opportunity to serve (James 2:15–16;Galatians 6:10).
I have prepared the house• Preparation shows intentionality—Laban anticipated guests and arranged accommodations (similar foresight inLuke 22:12;John 14:2). • A ready home reflects a ready heart, illustrating the link between inward faith and outward action (1 Peter 4:9–10). • This readiness also signals respect for Abraham’s household, acknowledging their honored status (Genesis 23:6).
and a place for the camels• True hospitality cares for every need, even animals (Proverbs 12:10;Deuteronomy 25:4). • The servant’s ten camels (Genesis 24:10) were essential for the mission; providing for them showed Laban’s generosity was more than words (cf.1 John 3:18). • The detail underlines God’s thorough provision—nothing is overlooked when He orchestrates events (Psalm 23:1).
summaryGenesis 24:31 captures Laban’s wholehearted welcome of Abraham’s servant. Each phrase reveals layers of godly hospitality: an eager invitation, recognition of divine blessing, urgency to meet the need, prepared space, and comprehensive care. Together they affirm that when God is at work, His people are called to respond promptly and generously, confident that every detail—human or animal, physical or spiritual—is under His providential care. (31) Come in, thou blessed of the Lord.--This hospitality was in the East almost a matter of course, though Laban's earnestness may have been increased by the sight of his sister's golden ornaments. More remarkable is it that Laban addresses the servant as "blessed of Jehovah;" for we learn in Joshua 24:2 that the monotheism of Nahor and his family was by no means pure. Still, neither were they idolaters, and the "other gods" whom they served were probably teraphim, as certainly were the gods of Laban mentioned in Genesis 31:30. Even to the last these household gods seem to have retained a hold upon the affections of the nation ( Hosea 3:4); and probably most uneducated minds, even when their religion is in the main. true, have nevertheless a tendency to add on to it some superstitions, especially in the way of fashioning for themselves some lower mediator. Verse 31. - And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the Lord. בְּרוּך יהוָה (cf. Genesis 26:29; Numbers 24:9); the usual form being לַיַהוָה ( videGenesis 14:19; Ruth 2:20; 1 Samuel 15:13). Though Laban was an idolater ( Genesis 31:30), it seems more satisfactory to regard him as belonging to a family in which the worship of Jehovah had originated, and by which it was still retained (Murphy, Wordsworth), than to suppose that he first learnt the name Jehovah from the servant's address (Keil, Lange, Hengstenberg). Wherefore standest thou without? (as if his not accepting Rebekah's invitation were almost a reflection on, the hospitality of the house of Abraham s kinsmen) for (literally, arid, in expectation of thine arrival) I have prepared the house, - or, put the house in order, by clearing it from things in confusion (cf. Leviticus 14:36) - and room ( i. e. place) for the camels.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew “Come,בּ֖וֹא(bō·w)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goyou who are blessedבְּר֣וּךְ(bə·rūḵ)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1288:To kneel, to bless God, man, to curseby the LORD,”יְהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelsaid Laban.וַיֹּ֕אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Whyלָ֤מָּה(lām·māh)Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely whatare you standingתַעֲמֹד֙(ṯa·‘ă·mōḏ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsout here?בַּח֔וּץ(ba·ḥūṣ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2351:Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoorsIוְאָנֹכִי֙(wə·’ā·nō·ḵî)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595:Ihave preparedפִּנִּ֣יתִי(pin·nî·ṯî)Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6437:To turn, to face, appear, lookthe houseהַבַּ֔יִת(hab·ba·yiṯ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004:A houseand a placeוּמָק֖וֹם(ū·mā·qō·wm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725:A standing, a spot, a conditionfor the camels.”לַגְּמַלִּֽים׃(lag·gə·mal·lîm)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1581:A camel
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OT Law: Genesis 24:31 He said Come in you blessed (Gen. Ge Gn) |
