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◄ Genesis 24:42►

New International Version
“When I came to the spring today, I said, ‘LORD, God of my master Abraham, if you will, please grant success to the journey on which I have come.

New Living Translation
“So today when I came to the spring, I prayed this prayer: ‘O LORD, God of my master, Abraham, please give me success on this mission.

English Standard Version
“I came today to the spring and said, ‘O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, if now you are prospering the way that I go,

Berean Standard Bible
So when I came to the spring today, I prayed: O LORD, God of my master Abraham, if only You would make my journey a success!

King James Bible
And I came this day unto the well, and said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go:

New King James Version
“And this day I came to the well and said, ‘O LORD God of my master Abraham, if You will now prosper the way in which I go,

New American Standard Bible
“So I came today to the spring, and said, ‘LORD, God of my master Abraham, if now You will make my journey on which I have been going successful;

NASB 1995
“So I came today to the spring, and said, ‘O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, if now You will make my journey on which I go successful;

NASB 1977
“So I came today to the spring, and said, ‘O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, if now Thou wilt make my journey on which I go successful;

Legacy Standard Bible
“So I came today to the spring and said, ‘O Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, if now You will make my journey on which I go successful;

Amplified Bible
“I came today to the spring, and said, ‘O LORD, God of my master Abraham, if now You will make my journey on which I go successful;

Christian Standard Bible
“Today when I came to the spring, I prayed: LORD, God of my master Abraham, if only you will make my journey successful!

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Today when I came to the spring, I prayed: LORD, God of my master Abraham, if only You will make my journey successful!

American Standard Version
And I came this day unto the fountain, and said, O Jehovah, the God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go:

Contemporary English Version
When I came to the well today, I silently prayed, "You, LORD, are the God my master Abraham worships, so please lead me to a wife for his son

English Revised Version
And I came this day unto the fountain, and said, O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"When I came to the spring today, I prayed, 'LORD God of my master Abraham, please make my trip successful.

Good News Translation
"When I came to the well today, I prayed, 'LORD, God of my master Abraham, please give me success in what I am doing.

International Standard Version
"So today I arrived at the spring and prayed, 'LORD God of my master Abraham, if you wish to make the journey that I have traveled successful,

NET Bible
When I came to the spring today, I prayed, 'O LORD, God of my master Abraham, if you have decided to make my journey successful, may events unfold as follows:

New Heart English Bible
So today I came to the spring, and said, ‘God of my master Abraham, if now you will make my journey successful in which I go—

Webster's Bible Translation
And I came this day to the well, and said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, if now thou dost prosper my way which I go:

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
So when I came to the spring today, I prayed: O LORD, God of my master Abraham, if only You would make my journey a success!

World English Bible
I came today to the spring, and said, ‘Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, if now you do prosper my way which I go—

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And I come to the fountain today, and I say, YHWH, God of my lord Abraham, now if You are making prosperous my way in which I am going—

Young's Literal Translation
'And I come to-day unto the fountain, and I say, Jehovah, God of my lord Abraham, if Thou art, I pray Thee, making prosperous my way in which I am going --

Smith's Literal Translation
And I will come this day to the fountain, and say, Jehovah, God of lord Abraham, if thou wilt now incline thyself to prosper my way in which I go:

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And I came to day to the well of water, and said: O Lord God of my master Abraham, if thou hast prospered my way, wherein I now walk,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, today I arrived at the well of water, and I said: ‘O Lord, the God of my lord Abraham, if you have directed my way, in which I now walk,

New American Bible
“When I came to the spring today, I said: ‘LORD, God of my master Abraham, please make successful the journey I am on.

New Revised Standard Version
“I came today to the spring, and said, ‘O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, if now you will only make successful the way I am going!

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And I came today to the well, and said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my mission for which I came,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I have come today to the well and I said, “LORD JEHOVAH, God of my Master Abraham, if you have prepared my way upon which I have come:

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And I came this day unto the fountain, and said: O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, if now Thou do prosper my way which I go:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And having come this day to the well, I said, Lord God of my master Abraam, if thou prosperest my journey on which I am now going,

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Rebekah is Chosen
…41And when you go to my kindred, if they refuse to give her to you, then you will be released from my oath.’42So when I came to the spring today,I prayed:O LORD,God of my master Abraham,if only You would make my journey a success!43Here I am, standing beside this spring. Now if a maiden comes out to draw water and I say to her, ‘Please let me drink a little water from your jar,’…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Genesis 24:12
“O LORD, God of my master Abraham,” he prayed, “please grant me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.

Genesis 24:27
saying, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld His kindness and faithfulness from my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”

Genesis 24:48
Then I bowed down and worshiped the LORD; and I blessed the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who led me on the right road to take the granddaughter of my master’s brother for his son.

Genesis 25:21
Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived.

Genesis 28:20-22
Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear, / so that I may return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God. / And this stone I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give You a tenth.”

Exodus 3:6
Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

Exodus 33:13
Now if indeed I have found favor in Your sight, please let me know Your ways, that I may know You and find favor in Your sight. Remember that this nation is Your people.”

1 Samuel 1:27
I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him,

1 Samuel 9:6
“Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.”

1 Kings 8:28
Yet regard the prayer and plea of Your servant, O LORD my God, so that You may hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying before You today.

2 Chronicles 20:6
and said, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You.

Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.

Psalm 40:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry.

Psalm 66:19-20
But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer. / Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld from me His loving devotion!

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Treasury of Scripture

And I came this day to the well, and said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, if now you do prosper my way which I go:

O Lord.

Genesis 24:12-14
And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham…

Acts 10:7,8,22
And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; …

prosper.

Genesis 24:12,31
And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham…

Genesis 39:3
And his master saw that the LORDwas with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

Ezra 8:21
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

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Abraham Fountain Good Grant Journey Making Master Outcome Please Prosper Prosperous Purpose Spring Success Successful Today To-Day Way Wilt

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Genesis 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.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

So when I came to the spring today,
The setting of this verse is a well or spring, a common gathering place in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often located outside city walls. Wells were vital for survival, serving as places for social interaction and commerce. This particular spring is in the region of Nahor, in Mesopotamia, where Abraham's servant has traveled to find a wife for Isaac. The spring symbolizes life and provision, echoing themes of God's providence throughout Scripture.

I prayed:
Prayer is a central theme in the Bible, demonstrating reliance on God for guidance and provision. The servant's prayer reflects a deep trust in God, aligning with the biblical principle of seeking divine direction in important decisions. This act of prayer is a model of faith and dependence on God, similar to other biblical figures like Daniel and Nehemiah, who also sought God's guidance through prayer.

O LORD, God of my master Abraham,
The invocation of "LORD" (YHWH) signifies a personal relationship with the covenant-keeping God of Israel. By referring to God as the "God of my master Abraham," the servant acknowledges the covenant promises made to Abraham, which include blessings and guidance. This phrase highlights the continuity of God's faithfulness from Abraham to his descendants, a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament.

if only You would make my journey a success!
The servant's request for a successful journey underscores the biblical theme of divine providence and guidance. Success in this context is not merely personal achievement but fulfilling God's purposes. The servant's mission is to find a wife for Isaac, ensuring the continuation of God's covenant promises through Abraham's lineage. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereign plan unfolding through human history, ultimately leading to the coming of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God's promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, who sent his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac.

2.The Servant
Likely Eliezer, Abraham's trusted servant, tasked with finding a wife for Isaac.

3.Isaac
Abraham's son, for whom the servant is seeking a wife.

4.Rebekah
The woman who eventually becomes Isaac's wife, though not directly mentioned in this verse, she is central to the chapter's account.

5.The Spring
The location where the servant prays and meets Rebekah, a place of divine encounter and provision.

Teaching Points

Dependence on God
The servant's prayer highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance in our endeavors. We should approach our tasks with a heart of prayer, asking for His direction and success.

Faith in Action
The servant's journey and prayer demonstrate faith in action. He not only prays but also takes steps towards fulfilling his mission, trusting God to lead him.

God's Faithfulness
The account shows God's faithfulness in answering prayers and fulfilling His promises. We can trust that God hears and responds to our prayers according to His will.

Role of Prayer in Decision Making
The servant's example teaches us to incorporate prayer into our decision-making processes, seeking divine wisdom and clarity.

Obedience and Trust
The servant's obedience to Abraham and trust in God serve as a model for us to follow spiritual authority and trust in God's plan.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Genesis 24:42?

2.How does Genesis 24:42 demonstrate the importance of prayer in decision-making?

3.What role does faith play in seeking God's guidance, as seen in Genesis 24:42?

4.How can we apply the servant's example of prayer in our daily lives?

5.What scriptural connections exist between Genesis 24:42 and other prayers in the Bible?

6.How does Genesis 24:42 encourage reliance on God for life's important choices?

7.How does Genesis 24:42 demonstrate God's guidance in decision-making?

8.What role does prayer play in Genesis 24:42?

9.How does Genesis 24:42 reflect the theme of divine providence?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 24?

11.Who was Laban in the Bible?

12.How do we reconcile the swift betrothal (Genesis 24:49–58) with known cultural practices, and is there sufficient external corroboration for such an event?

13.Is there any archaeological or textual evidence supporting the existence of Nahor's city (Genesis 24:10) at the time described?

14.Genesis 26:18 mentions Isaac re-digging Abraham's wells. Why is there no clear archaeological record of these wells or any direct mention outside the biblical text?

What Does Genesis 24:42 Mean

So when I came to the spring today

The servant deliberately recounts the exact moment he arrived at the well outside Nahor’s town (Genesis 24:11). This is not a random stop but a providential appointment. Wells in Scripture often mark turning points—Hagar meets God by a spring (Genesis 16:7), Jacob first sees Rachel at a well (Genesis 29:2), and Jesus offers living water at Jacob’s well (John 4:6–14). Each scene underscores how God meets people in ordinary settings to advance His redemptive plan.

I prayed:

His first reflex is prayer, illustrating a life shaped by dependence on the Lord (Philippians 4:6;1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer here is no mere tradition; it is an active, faith-filled conversation, echoing an earlier petition recorded inGenesis 24:12. By repeating the story before Rebekah’s family, the servant testifies that God answers prayer in real time, encouraging listeners to adopt the same habit.

O LORD, God of my master Abraham,

The servant addresses “LORD” (YHWH), affirming covenant faithfulness, and links that name to Abraham, the man God called and blessed (Genesis 12:1–3; 15:6; 22:17). He doesn’t claim God as his personal deity in isolation but appeals to the established covenant relationship. This shows:

• God’s promises span generations (Exodus 3:6).

• Servants and family members benefit from the faith of their spiritual leaders (Psalm 103:17).

• Genuine faith seeks the honor of God’s chosen servants as well as personal need (James 2:18).

if only You would make my journey a success!

The request is specific: “make my journey a success” (literally, “cause it to prosper”; seeGenesis 24:12). Success here is defined by God’s will—finding the woman He appointed for Isaac—not by personal gain. Similar trust appears in Nehemiah’s plea for favor before the king (Nehemiah 1:11) and Paul’s request for open doors for the gospel (Colossians 4:3). Key observations:

• True success aligns with God’s covenant promises (Proverbs 3:5–6).

• Asking for success is legitimate when motives serve God’s plan (James 4:2–3).

• The servant models expectant faith; he prays before acting, then acts while watching for God’s answer (Genesis 24:17–21).

summary

Genesis 24:42 captures a servant who lives out covenant faith. Arriving at the well, he immediately prays, anchors his request in God’s relationship with Abraham, and asks for success defined by God’s purpose. The verse teaches that ordinary moments become holy ground when bathed in prayer, covenant promises guide every petition, and success is measured by the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So when I came
וָאָבֹ֥א(wā·’ā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, go

to
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to

the spring
הָעָ֑יִן(hā·‘ā·yin)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountain

today,
הַיּ֖וֹם(hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A day

I prayed,
וָאֹמַ֗ר(wā·’ō·mar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say

‘O LORD,
יְהוָה֙(Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

God
אֱלֹהֵי֙(’ĕ·lō·hê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

of my master
אֲדֹנִ֣י(’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113:Sovereign, controller

Abraham,
אַבְרָהָ֔ם(’aḇ·rā·hām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85:Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation

if only
אִם־(’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

You would
יֶשְׁךָ־(yeš·ḵā-)
Adverb | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3426:Being, substance, existence, is

make my journey
דַּרְכִּ֔י(dar·kî)
Noun - common singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of action

a success!
מַצְלִ֣יחַ(maṣ·lî·aḥ)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6743:To push forward

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OT Law: Genesis 24:42 I came this day to the spring (Gen. Ge Gn)