Genesis 24:11
Genesis 24:11 in Multiple Translations
As evening approached, he made the camels kneel down near the well outside the town at the time when the women went out to draw water.
And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.
And he made the camels to kneel down without the city by the well of water at the time of evening, the time that women go out to draw water.
And he made the camels take their rest outside the town by the water-spring in the evening, at the time when the women came to get water.
Arriving in the evening, he had the camels kneel down by the spring that was outside the town. This was the time when women went out to fetch water.
And he made his camels to lye downe without the citie by a well of water, at euentide about the time that the women come out to draw water.
and he causeth the camels to kneel at the outside of the city, at the well of water, at even-time, at the time of the coming out of the women who draw water.
He made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at the time of evening, the time that women go out to draw water.
And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water, at the time of the evening, the time when women go out to draw water:
And when he had made the camels lie down without the town near a well of water in the evening, at the time when women are wont to come out to draw water, he said:
It was late in the afternoon, at the time when the women go to the well to get water, when he arrived there. He made the camels kneel down near the well, which was outside the city.
Abraham’s worker stopped near that town, next to a water-hole, and he let the camels lie down there to rest. It was nearly night time, and the young women that lived in that town, they were going to the water-hole to get water. They used to do that at the same time every day.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 24:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 24:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּבְרֵ֧ךְ
הַ/גְּמַלִּ֛ים
מִ/ח֥וּץ
לָ/עִ֖יר
אֶל
בְּאֵ֣ר
הַ/מָּ֑יִם
לְ/עֵ֣ת
עֶ֔רֶב
לְ/עֵ֖ת
צֵ֥את
הַ/שֹּׁאֲבֹֽת
וַ/יַּבְרֵ֧ךְ
bârak
H1288
to bless
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/גְּמַלִּ֛ים
gâmâl
H1581
camel
Art | N-mp
מִ/ח֥וּץ
chûwts
H2351
outside
Prep | N-ms
לָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בְּאֵ֣ר
bᵉʼêr
H875
well
N-fs
הַ/מָּ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
לְ/עֵ֣ת
ʻêth
H6256
time
Prep | N-cs
עֶ֔רֶב
ʻereb
H6153
evening
N-ms
לְ/עֵ֖ת
ʻêth
H6256
time
Prep | N-cs
צֵ֥את
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/שֹּׁאֲבֹֽת
shâʼab
H7579
to draw
Art | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 24:11
וַ/יַּבְרֵ֧ךְ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
הַ/גְּמַלִּ֛ים
gâmâl
H1581
"camel"
Art | N-mp
A camel, used for riding or carrying loads, is mentioned in the Bible as a valuable animal. In the KJV, it is translated simply as 'camel'.
Definition: 1) camel 1a) as property, as beast of burden, for riding, forbidden for food
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: camel. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:5; Isaiah 21:7.
מִ/ח֥וּץ
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Prep | N-ms
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
לָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בְּאֵ֣ר
bᵉʼêr
H875
"well"
N-fs
A well or pit, like a water source, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a spring, and is often translated as a well or pit in the Bible.
Definition: well, pit, spring
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: pit, well. See also: Genesis 14:10; Genesis 29:3; Psalms 55:24.
הַ/מָּ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
לְ/עֵ֣ת
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
Prep | N-cs
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
עֶ֔רֶב
ʻereb
H6153
"evening"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means evening or sunset, like when God created daylight and darkness in Genesis. It refers to the time of day, often marking the end of a workday. This word is used in many verses, including Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) evening, night, sunset 1a) evening, sunset 1b) night
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] day, even(-ing, tide), night. See also: Genesis 1:5; Numbers 19:19; Psalms 30:6.
לְ/עֵ֖ת
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
Prep | N-cs
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
צֵ֥את
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
הַ/שֹּׁאֲבֹֽת
shâʼab
H7579
"to draw"
Art | V-Qal
To draw water from a well is what this Hebrew word means, and it is often used to describe the daily task of women in the Bible. In the book of Genesis, it describes the women of the town gathering at the well to draw water and socialize.
Definition: 1) to draw (water) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw (water) 1a2) water-drawing women (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (woman to) draw(-er, water). See also: Genesis 24:11; Joshua 9:23; Isaiah 12:3.
Study Notes — Genesis 24:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 24:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 24:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 24:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 24:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 24:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 24:11
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 24:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 24:11
- Sermons on Genesis 24:11
Context — A Wife for Isaac
9So the servant placed his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter.
10Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed with all manner of good things from his master in hand. And he set out for Nahor’s hometown in Aram-naharaim.
11As evening approached, he made the camels kneel down near the well outside the town at the time when the women went out to draw water.
12“O LORD, God of my master Abraham,” he prayed, “please grant me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13Here I am, standing beside the spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 9:11 | And 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?” |
| 2 | Exodus 2:16 | Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. |
| 3 | John 4:7 | When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” |
| 4 | Genesis 24:13–20 | Here 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.” Before the servant had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. Now 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. So the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me have a little water from your jar.” “Drink, my lord,” she replied, and she quickly lowered her jar to her hands and gave him a drink. After she had given him a drink, she said, “I will also draw water for your camels, until they have had enough to drink.” And 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. |
| 5 | Proverbs 12:10 | A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty. |
| 6 | Genesis 33:13–14 | But Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard for even a day, all the animals will die. Please let my lord go ahead of his servant. I will continue on slowly, at a comfortable pace for the livestock and children, until I come to my lord at Seir.” |
Genesis 24:11 Summary
[This verse describes a scene where the servant of Abraham stops near a well outside a town, where women are gathering to draw water, as was the custom in those days. The servant is on a mission to find a wife for Isaac, and this well is a strategic place to meet the local women. By stopping here, the servant is creating an opportunity to meet someone special, just like Jesus would later meet the Samaritan woman at a well in John 4:6-7. This verse reminds us that God is always working, even in the ordinary moments of our lives, and we can trust in His sovereignty and provision, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the servant stop near the well outside the town?
The servant stopped near the well because it was a common gathering place, especially at the time when women went out to draw water, as seen in Genesis 24:11, allowing him to meet the local women and potentially find a wife for Isaac, as instructed by Abraham in Genesis 24:3-4.
What is the significance of the time of day in this verse?
The evening approach in Genesis 24:11 is significant because it was a time when people would normally be going about their daily routines, such as drawing water, and it also provided a natural setting for the servant to meet the women, much like Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:6-7.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Abraham's life?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Abraham's faith and obedience, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3, where God promises to make him a great nation, and now his servant is seeking a wife for Isaac, a crucial step in fulfilling that promise, as Abraham trusts in God's provision and guidance, as expressed in Genesis 24:12-14.
What can we learn from the servant's actions in this verse?
The servant's actions demonstrate his trust and obedience to Abraham, as well as his dependence on God, as he prays for success and guidance in Genesis 24:12-13, providing an example for believers to trust in God's sovereignty and provision in their own lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate trust and obedience in my own life, just like the servant in this verse?
- How can I, like the servant, create opportunities to meet new people and potentially form meaningful relationships, while also being mindful of God's sovereignty?
- What are some 'wells' in my life where I can meet others and share the love of God, and how can I be intentional about using those opportunities to spread the Gospel?
- In what ways can I, like Abraham and his servant, trust in God's promise and provision, even when the outcome is uncertain, and how can I apply that trust to my own life and circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 24:11
And he made his camels to kneel down,.... Which these creatures are used to do when they are loaded and unloaded, and also when they take rest, and it was for the sake of the latter they were now made to kneel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 24:11
And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 24:11
Genesis 24:11 And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, [even] the time that women go out to draw [water].Ver. 11. And he made his camels to kneel down.] Or, rest themselves, as the Greek interprets it. A good man is merciful to his beast; but the poor "creature groaneth and travaileth in pain" under our abuses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 24:11
(11) He made his camels to kneel down.—Camels rest kneeling, but the servant did not unlade them till he knew that God had heard his prayer. (See Genesis 24:32.) By a well of water.—The well was the property of the whole city, and might be used only at a fixed hour; and the servant therefore waits till the women came to draw. This duty of fetching water is not peculiar to Oriental women, but to this day in most parts of Europe, wherever the supply comes from a public source, women may be seen thus occupied. Rebekah carried her pitcher upon her shoulder; in the south of France the Basque women, like the ancient Egyptians, carry it on their heads, and the habit of thus balancing it gives them a peculiarly erect and graceful carriage.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 24:11
Verse 11. He made his camels to kneel down] To rest themselves, or lie down, as the Septuagint has very properly expressed it, καιεκοιμισεταςκαμηλουσ. The time that women go out to draw water.] In Bengal it is the universal practice for the women to go to pools and rivers to fetch water. Companies of four, six, ten, or more, may be seen in every town daily going to fetch water, with the pitchers resting upon their sides; and, on their return from bathing, women frequently bring water home. - WARD.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 24:11
11. he made the camels to kneel down] Throughout this chapter the camels are made to play a very prominent part. The camels being made to kneel, in order to wait and rest until they are given water, is a common scene in the East. the time that … to draw water] We have here a familiar scene from Oriental life. The well is outside the gate of the town. It is the women’s duty to draw water: cf. 1 Samuel 9:11; John 4:7. They come when the heat of the day is past.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 24:11
11. He made his camels to kneel — “A mode of expression taken from actual life. The action is literally kneeling, and this the camel is taught to do from its youth.
Sermons on Genesis 24:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 2:16-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. He highlights how the Israelites had turned away from God and |
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Desert Survival Series Pt 6- Moses the Man of God by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Moses and his 40 years in the desert. The speaker emphasizes the lessons that God wanted to teach Moses during this time. One l |
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Dealing With the Pressure of Time by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making a choice regarding one's eternal existence. He warns against delaying the decision to accept Jesus Christ as person |
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(Following the Footsteps of Christ) With Nicodemus at Night by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher describes a wicked and cruel man who imprisoned God's servants and put them in darkness. However, an earthquake later occurred, freeing the prisoners. |
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(John) the Appointment of Christ by Willie Mullan | In this sermon on John chapter 4, the preacher focuses on four main points. Firstly, he emphasizes that the meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan woman was not a coincidence, but |
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Come, See a Man by Norman Meeten | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the invitation to "come and see" Jesus. He describes Jesus as the Word made flesh, the fulfillment of God's promises and plans for humanity. |
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The Well of Sychar by Norman Meeten | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of doing the will of God and finishing His work. He references John chapter 4, where Jesus tells his disciples that his meat |