New International VersionSee, I am standing beside this spring. If a young woman comes out to draw water and I say to her, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar,”
New Living TranslationSee, I am standing here beside this spring. This is my request. When a young woman comes to draw water, I will say to her, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”
English Standard Versionbehold, I am standing by the spring of water. Let the virgin who comes out to draw water, to whom I shall say, “Please give me a little water from your jar to drink,”
Berean Standard BibleHere 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,’
King James BibleBehold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink;
New King James Versionbehold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass that when the virgin comes out to draw water, and I say to her, “Please give me a little water from your pitcher to drink,”
New American Standard Biblebehold, I am standing by the spring, and may it be that the young unmarried woman who comes out to draw water, and to whom I say, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar”;
NASB 1995behold, I am standing by the spring, and may it be that the maiden who comes out to draw, and to whom I say, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar";
NASB 1977behold, I am standing by the spring, and may it be that the maiden who comes out to draw, and to whom I say, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar”;
Legacy Standard Biblebehold, I am standing by the spring of water, and may it be that the maiden who comes out to draw, and to whom I say, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar”;
Amplified Bibleplease look, I am standing by the spring of water; now let it be that when the maiden [whom You have chosen for Isaac] comes out to draw [water], and to whom I say, “Please, give me a little water to drink from your jar”;
Christian Standard BibleI am standing here at a spring. Let the young woman who comes out to draw water, and I say to her, ‘Please let me drink a little water from your jug,’
Holman Christian Standard BibleI am standing here at a spring. Let the virgin who comes out to draw water, and I say to her: Please let me drink a little water from your jug,
American Standard Versionbehold, I am standing by the fountain of water; and let it come to pass, that the maiden that cometh forth to draw, to whom I shall say, Give me, I pray thee, a little water from thy pitcher to drink;
Contemporary English Versionwhile I am here at the well. When a young woman comes out to get water, I'll ask her to give me a drink.
English Revised Versionbehold, I stand by the fountain of water; and let it come to pass, that the maiden which cometh forth to draw, to whom I shall say, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI'm standing by the spring. I'll say to the young woman who comes out to draw water, "Please give me a drink of water."
Good News TranslationHere I am at the well. When a young woman comes out to get water, I will ask her to give me a drink of water from her jar.
International Standard Versionhere I am standing by the spring. May it be that the young woman who comes out to draw water, from whom I request a little water from her jug to drink,
NET BibleHere I am, standing by the spring. When the young woman goes out to draw water, I'll say, "Give me a little water to drink from your jug."
New Heart English Biblelook, I am standing by this spring of water, and may it happen that the young woman who comes out to draw, to whom I will say, "Please give me a little water from your pitcher to drink,"
Webster's Bible TranslationBehold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHere 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,’
World English Biblebehold, I am standing by this spring of water. Let it happen, that the maiden who comes out to draw, to whom I will say, “Please give me a little water from your pitcher to drink,” Literal Translations Literal Standard Version(behold, I am standing by the fountain of water), then the virgin is coming out to draw, and I have said to her, Please let me drink a little water from your pitcher,
Young's Literal Translation (lo, I am standing by the fountain of water), then the virgin who is coming out to draw, and I have said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee, a little water from thy pitcher,
Smith's Literal TranslationBehold, I stand by the fountain of waters, and the virgin coming forth to draw, and I said to her, Now give me to drink a little water from thy bucket. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBehold I stand by the well of water, and the virgin, that shall come out to draw water, who shall hear me say: Give me a little water to drink of thy pitcher:
Catholic Public Domain Versionbehold, I stand next to the well of water, and the virgin, who will go forth to draw water, will hear from me, “Give me a little water to drink from your pitcher.”
New American BibleWhile I stand here at the spring, if I say to a young woman who comes out to draw water, ‘Please give me a little water from your jug,’
New Revised Standard VersionI am standing here by the spring of water; let the young woman who comes out to draw, to whom I shall say, “Please give me a little water from your jar to drink,” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBehold, I am standing by the well of water, and it shall come to pass that when the damsel comes forth to draw water, and I say to her, Let me drink a little water from your pitcher,
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedBehold I am standing at a well of waters and a young woman goes out to fill up waters and I will say to her, ‘Let me drink a little water from your cruse’; OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917behold, I stand by the fountain of water; and let it come to pass, that the maiden that cometh forth to draw, to whom I shall say: Give me, I pray thee, a little water from thy pitcher to drink;
Brenton Septuagint Translationbehold, I stand by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city come forth to draw water, and it shall be that the damsel to whom I shall say, Give me a little water to drink out of thy pitcher,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Rebekah is Chosen… 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! 43HereI am,standingbesidethis spring.Now ifa maidencomes outto draw waterand I sayto her,‘Pleaselet me drinka littlewaterfrom your jar,’44and she replies, ‘Drink, and I will draw water for your camels as well,’ may she be the woman the LORD has appointed for my master’s son.…
Cross References Genesis 24:13-14Here I am, standing beside the spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. / Now may it happen that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.”
Genesis 29:9-10While he was still speaking with them, Rachel arrived with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess. / As soon as Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of his mother’s brother Laban, with Laban’s sheep, he went up and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s sheep.
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 2:2-3And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go into the fields and glean heads of grain after someone in whose sight I may find favor.” “Go ahead, my daughter,” Naomi replied. / So Ruth departed and went out into the field and gleaned after the harvesters. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.
1 Samuel 9:11-12And 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.
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.) ...
John 4:28-29Then the woman left her water jar, went back into the town, and said to the people, / “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”
Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.
Matthew 1:22-23All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: / “Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”).
Luke 1:26-27In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, / to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man named Joseph, who was of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary.
Luke 1:30-31So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. / Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus.
Luke 2:4-5So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. / He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.
John 1:45-46Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” / “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.
John 3:29The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.
2 Corinthians 11:2I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
Treasury of Scripture Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin comes forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray you, a little water of your pitcher to drink; Genesis 24:13,14 Behold, I standhere by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: … Jump to Previous DrawDrinkForthFountainJarLittleMaidenPitcherSpringStandStandingVesselVirginWaitingWaterYoungJump to Next DrawDrinkForthFountainJarLittleMaidenPitcherSpringStandStandingVesselVirginWaitingWaterYoungGenesis 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.Here I am, standing beside this spring.This phrase sets the scene for a significant moment in the narrative of Genesis 24, where Abraham's servant is on a mission to find a wife for Isaac. The spring, or well, is a common gathering place in ancient Near Eastern culture, serving as a vital source of water and a social hub. Wells are often sites of divine encounters and significant events in biblical narratives, such as Jacob meeting Rachel (Genesis 29) and Moses meeting Zipporah (Exodus 2). The servant's position by the spring symbolizes readiness and anticipation for God's guidance. Now if a maiden comes out to draw water
The term "maiden" indicates a young, unmarried woman, highlighting the servant's search for a suitable bride for Isaac. Drawing water was a typical task for women in ancient times, reflecting the daily life and responsibilities of women in that era. This cultural context underscores the servant's reliance on a common social practice to fulfill his mission. The act of drawing water also connects to themes of service and hospitality, which are significant in biblical narratives. and I say to her, ‘Please let me drink a little water from your jar,’
This request for water is a test of character, reflecting the servant's desire to find a woman of kindness and hospitality. In the ancient Near East, offering water to a stranger was a customary act of hospitality, and the servant's request is a subtle way to discern the maiden's nature. This moment foreshadows the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), where water symbolizes spiritual life and refreshment. The servant's approach also demonstrates humility and dependence on God's providence, as he seeks a sign to confirm God's choice for Isaac's wife. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Servant of AbrahamThe unnamed servant, likely Eliezer, is on a mission to find a wife for Isaac, Abraham's son. He is a faithful steward, demonstrating trust in God through prayer and action. 2. RebekahAlthough not mentioned directly in this verse, Rebekah is the woman who will fulfill the servant's prayer. She is a key figure in the continuation of Abraham's lineage. 3. The SpringA common gathering place for the community, the spring is symbolic of life and provision. It is where the servant seeks a sign from God. 4. The Daughters of the TownspeopleThese women represent the community and the potential candidates for Isaac's wife. Their daily task of drawing water sets the stage for the divine encounter. 5. Nahor's CityThe location where the servant has traveled, Nahor's city is significant as it is the place of Abraham's relatives, ensuring the bride for Isaac comes from his own kin. Teaching Points Faithful StewardshipThe servant exemplifies faithful stewardship by seeking God's guidance in fulfilling his master's mission. We are called to be faithful in our responsibilities, seeking God's will in all we do. Prayer and Dependence on GodThe servant's prayer highlights the importance of seeking God's direction in our decisions. We should cultivate a habit of prayer, trusting God to lead us. Divine AppointmentsJust as the servant experienced a divine appointment at the well, we should be open to God's orchestrations in our daily lives, recognizing that He often works through ordinary circumstances. Community and RelationshipsThe setting at the well underscores the importance of community and relationships. We should engage with our communities, being open to how God might use these interactions for His purposes. Obedience and ActionThe servant's actions demonstrate obedience to his master's instructions and faith in God's provision. We are encouraged to act in obedience to God's leading, trusting Him to fulfill His promises. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 24:43?
2.How does Genesis 24:43 demonstrate God's guidance in decision-making processes?
3.What role does prayer play in seeking God's will, as seen in Genesis 24:43?
4.How does Genesis 24:43 connect to trusting God's promises in Proverbs 3:5-6?
5.In what ways can we apply the servant's faithfulness in our daily lives?
6.How can Genesis 24:43 inspire us to seek God's signs in our journey?
7.How does Genesis 24:43 demonstrate God's guidance in choosing a spouse?
8.What cultural practices are reflected in Genesis 24:43?
9.How does Genesis 24:43 relate to the theme of divine providence?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 24?
11.Is she a virgin or a young woman?
12.Why does Isaiah 7:14’s prophecy about a virgin birth rely on a mistranslation of the Hebrew word almah (young woman)?
13.Is the Hebrew word in Isaiah 7:14 more accurately translated as “young woman” rather than “virgin,” and how does this affect the prophecy?
14.Who is Rebekah in the Bible?What Does Genesis 24:43 Mean Here I am- Abraham’s trusted servant has traveled hundreds of miles (Genesis 24:10) and now places himself consciously before the Lord. - By saying “Here I am,” he echoes Abraham inGenesis 22:1 and Samuel in1 Samuel 3:4; each time, the phrase marks a heart ready for obedience. - The servant is not merely reporting his location; he is declaring his availability for God’s answer, much like Isaiah’s “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).
standing beside this spring- The spring is a natural gathering place; women came daily to draw water (Genesis 24:11). - Positioning himself here is both practical and prayerful: practical because this is where eligible young women will arrive, prayerful because water imagery often accompanies divine provision (Psalm 23:2;John 4:6–14). - His stance underscores confidence that God guides in ordinary settings, turning a commonplace well into the stage for covenant fulfillment.
Now if a maiden comes out to draw water- He specifies “maiden,” indicating a young, unmarried woman suitable for Isaac. - This dependence on God to bring the right person parallels God’s earlier guidance of Moses inExodus 2:16–21, where a future wife is also met at a well. - The servant is not testing God presumptuously; he is seeking confirmation of God’s sovereign choice (Judges 6:36–40).
and I say to her- Faith does not cancel action. Like Peter stepping out of the boat (Matthew 14:28–29), the servant must speak. - His planned words are courteous, opening the door for the woman’s response. -Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that while “a man’s heart plans his course, the LORD determines his steps”; here the servant plans to speak, trusting God to direct what follows.
‘Please let me drink a little water from your jar,’- A simple, reasonable request becomes a divine indicator of character. - Offering water to a stranger—and, as verse 44 shows, to his camels—reveals generosity, diligence, and hospitality (Matthew 10:42;Hebrews 13:2). - The servant’s test is consistent with God’s pattern of valuing a servant heart; Jesus likewise asked a Samaritan woman for a drink to begin unveiling her need and His grace (John 4:7–10).
summaryGenesis 24:43 shows a faithful servant positioning himself physically and spiritually for God’s answer, framing a clear, humble request, and trusting the Lord to reveal a woman whose kindness proves her suitability for Isaac. Every phrase highlights readiness, prayerful dependence, and the expectation that God directs even the smallest details to accomplish His covenant purposes. (43) The virgin.--Not the word used in Genesis 24:16, nor that rendered damselthere and in Genesis 24:14, but almah,a young woman just ripening for marriage. It is applied to Miriam in Exodus 2:8, where it is rendered maid,and to the mother of the Immanuel in Isaiah 7:14.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Hereהִנֵּ֛ה(hin·nêh)Interjection
Strong's 2009:Lo! behold!I am,אָנֹכִ֥י(’ā·nō·ḵî)Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595:Istandingנִצָּ֖ב(niṣ·ṣāḇ)Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5324:To take one's stand, standbesideעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthis spring.עֵ֣ין(‘ên)Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainNow [if]וְהָיָ֤ה(wə·hā·yāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bea maidenהָֽעַלְמָה֙(hā·‘al·māh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5959:A young woman, a virgincomes outהַיֹּצֵ֣את(hay·yō·ṣêṯ)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximto draw waterלִשְׁאֹ֔ב(liš·’ōḇ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7579:To bale up waterand I sayוְאָמַרְתִּ֣י(wə·’ā·mar·tî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayto her,אֵלֶ֔יהָ(’ê·le·hā)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to“Pleaseנָ֥א(nā)Interjection
Strong's 4994:I pray', 'now', 'then'let me drinkהַשְׁקִֽינִי־(haš·qî·nî-)Verb - Hifil - Imperative - feminine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 8248:To quaff, to irrigate, furnish a, potion toa 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 24:43 NIVGenesis 24:43 NLTGenesis 24:43 ESVGenesis 24:43 NASBGenesis 24:43 KJV
Genesis 24:43 BibleApps.comGenesis 24:43 Biblia ParalelaGenesis 24:43 Chinese BibleGenesis 24:43 French BibleGenesis 24:43 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Genesis 24:43 Behold I am standing by this spring (Gen. Ge Gn) |
