Genesis 24:33
Genesis 24:33 in Multiple Translations
Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak.”
And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.
And there was set food before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.
And meat was put before him, but he said, I will not take food till I have made my business clear to you. And they said, Do so.
Then Laban had food brought in. But the man told him, “I'm not going to eat until I've explained why I'm here.” “Please explain,” Laban replied.
Afterward the meate was set before him: but he saide, I will not eate, vntill I haue saide my message: And he said, Speake on.
and setteth before him to eat; but he saith, 'I do not eat till I have spoken my word;' and he saith, 'Speak.'
Food was set before him to eat, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told my message.” Laban said, “Speak on.”
And there was set food before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told my errand. And he said, Speak on.
And bread was set before him. But he said: I will not eat, till I tell my message. He answered him: Speak.
They set food in front of him for him to eat, but he said, “I will not eat until I tell you ◄what I need to tell you/why I have come►.” So Laban said, “Tell us!”
After that, he got Abraham’s worker and his men some food. But Abraham’s worker said, “I will not eat yet. First I have to tell you why I came here.” Laban said to him, “Yes, tell us.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 24:33
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 24:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ו/יישם
וַ/יּוּשַׂ֤ם
לְ/פָנָי/ו֙
לֶ/אֱכֹ֔ל
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
לֹ֣א
אֹכַ֔ל
עַ֥ד
אִם
דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי
דְּבָרָ֑/י
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
דַּבֵּֽר
ו/יישם
yâsam
H3455
to put
Conj | V-Q-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יּוּשַׂ֤ם
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Hophal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/פָנָי/ו֙
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
לֶ/אֱכֹ֔ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֹכַ֔ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
עַ֥ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
דְּבָרָ֑/י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דַּבֵּֽר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 24:33
ו/יישם
yâsam
H3455
"to put"
Conj | V-Q-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to put or place something, like setting a table or appointing a leader, as seen in Exodus 21:6. It can also mean to be placed or set, describing something being positioned or established. The term is used in various contexts.
Definition: 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) to put, place
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: be put (set). See also: Genesis 24:33; Genesis 50:26.
וַ/יּוּשַׂ֤ם
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Hophal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
לְ/פָנָי/ו֙
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
לֶ/אֱכֹ֔ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֹכַ֔ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
עַ֥ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
דְּבָרָ֑/י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
דַּבֵּֽר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
Study Notes — Genesis 24:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 24:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 24:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 24:33
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 24:33
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 24:33
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 24:33
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 24:33
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 24:33
- Sermons on Genesis 24:33
Context — Rebekah Is Chosen
31“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.”
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.
33Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak.”
34“I am Abraham’s servant,” he replied. 35“The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become rich. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, camels and donkeys.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 132:3–5 | “I will not enter my house or get into my bed, I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob. ” |
| 2 | 1 Timothy 6:2 | Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles. |
| 3 | Ephesians 6:5–8 | Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. |
| 4 | Job 23:12 | I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread. |
| 5 | John 4:31–34 | Meanwhile the disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But He told them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” So the disciples asked one another, “Could someone have brought Him food?” Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work. |
| 6 | Proverbs 22:29 | Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men. |
| 7 | John 4:14 | But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.” |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 9:10 | Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. |
Genesis 24:33 Summary
In Genesis 24:33, the servant of Abraham is offered a meal by Laban, but he chooses not to eat until he has shared his message. This shows that the servant is focused on his task and wants to make sure it is accomplished before he enjoys any comforts. This is a good reminder for us to prioritize our relationship with God and not let worldly things distract us (as seen in Matthew 6:33). By staying focused on our goals and being mindful of our priorities, we can be more effective in our service to God and others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the servant refuse to eat before speaking?
The servant refused to eat because he was eager to share the purpose of his visit, which was to find a wife for his master's son, as seen in Genesis 24:4, and he wanted to ensure that his message was conveyed before enjoying the hospitality of Laban's household.
What can we learn from the servant's prioritization of his task?
The servant's actions demonstrate the importance of staying focused on one's goals and priorities, as encouraged in Luke 9:62, and not allowing distractions, such as food and comfort, to hinder one's progress.
How does Laban's response to the servant's request reflect his character?
Laban's willingness to listen to the servant, as seen in his response 'Please speak', suggests that he is a hospitable and respectful person, as also evident in Genesis 24:31, where he welcomes the servant into his home.
What role does hospitality play in this verse?
Hospitality is a significant theme in this verse, as Laban provides a meal for the servant, and the servant is grateful for the provision, but also mindful of his priorities, highlighting the importance of balancing kindness and generosity with purpose and focus, as seen in Acts 16:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that I prioritize over my relationship with God, and how can I rearrange my priorities to put Him first?
- How can I, like the servant, stay focused on my goals and not be distracted by worldly comforts and pleasures?
- What are some ways I can show hospitality to others, while also being mindful of my own priorities and responsibilities?
- How can I, like Laban, create a welcoming and respectful environment for others to share their thoughts and ideas?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 24:33
And there was set [meat] before them to eat,.... By the order of Bethuel or Laban, or both; or, "afterwards was set" (l); that is after care had been taken the camels, then food being provided was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 24:33
And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 24:33
Genesis 24:33 And there was set [meat] before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.Ver. 33. I will not eat, till I have told mine errand.] He preferred his work before his food. So did our Saviour at the well of Samaria. And another time, when he thought to have slaked his hunger at the barren fig tree, and found nothing but leaves, he went on to Jerusalem; and forgetting his hunger, as he had before forgot his breakfast, he turned not into a victualling house, but went to the temple and taught the people; and confuted the elders all that day long till the evening. Job "esteemed God’ s word more than his necessary food"; not only more than his dainties or superfluities.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 24:33
(33) I will not eat, until I have told mine errand.—Two points in Oriental manners are here brought into view: the first, that hospitality, so necessary in a country where there are no inns, was, and still is, a religion to the Bedouin; the second, that consequently he will concede anything rather than have his hospitality refused. Aware of this feeling, Abraham’s servant will not partake of Laban’s bread and salt until he has told his request. After he had become Laban’s guest, Laban would have been free to do as he liked; but he must now grant what is asked, or the stranger would decline to enter his dwelling. Mr. Fraser (Historical Description of Afghanistan Genesis 11 p. 424: Edinburgh, 1834) and Ferrier (L’Af ghanistan, Genesis 11, p. 119: ed. 1842) mention a remarkable custom connected with Afghan hospitality which admirably illustrates the behaviour of Abraham’s servant. It is called menawâti, from two words signifying I am come in. Any one who has a favour to ask goes to the tent or house of the person from whom he expects it, but refuses to sit on his carpet or partake of his food until he has granted the required boon. And custom makes it a point of honour to concede it, if it be in the power of the person thus appealed to.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 24:33
Verse 33. I will not eat until I have told] In Hindoostan it is not unusual for a Brahmin to enter a house and sit down, and when meat is offered, refuse to eat till he has obtained the object of his errand. Here is a servant who had his master's interest more at heart than his own. He refuses to take even necessary refreshment till he knows whether he is likely to accomplish the object of his journey. Did not our blessed Lord allude to the conduct of Abraham's servant, John 4:34: My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work?
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 24:33
33. meat] i.e. “food.” See note on Genesis 1:29. I will not eat] The courtesies of the East would prohibit an enquiry into the stranger’s name before he had partaken of food. The name might possibly reveal relations, e.g. those of blood-feud, which would exclude hospitality.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 24:33
33. I will not eat — Too important is his errand to be delayed until after the ceremonies of hospitality are over. Genesis 24:34. And he said — This address of Abraham’s servant (Genesis 24:34-39) is a masterpiece of its kind.
Sermons on Genesis 24:33
| Sermon | Description | |
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(The Ark of the Covenant) 5. Entering Jerusalem by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how often Christians rely on worldly methods and strategies to promote their faith and achieve success. He emphasizes that these methods are o |
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The True Life and the False Life by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the distinction between true life, which is eternal life found in Jesus Christ, and false life, which is a deceptive imitation offered by Satan. He expl |
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Through the Bible - Colossians by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses masters and encourages them to treat their slaves fairly and provide them with good wages. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and advises |
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(1 Timothy) Godliness With Contentment by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a king who sought outside help instead of trusting in God. The prophet reminds the king of God's faithfulness and warns against |
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Unto You Who Once Knew the Truth. by John Banks | The preacher delves into the significance of being faithful, emphasizing the importance of trustworthiness and reliability in fulfilling duties and responsibilities. The sermon exp |
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The Fear of God - Part 2 by Jerry Bridges | In this sermon, the preacher begins by telling a parable about a young man in basic training who is in awe of his commanding general. The preacher then explains that he is laying t |
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Living by Christian Values at Work by Sanjay Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living out biblical principles in the workplace, focusing on being a witness for the Lord, standing for values, and being a servant leader. |