Genesis 24:38
Genesis 24:38 in Multiple Translations
but you shall go to my father’s house and to my kindred to take a wife for my son.’
But thou shalt go unto my father’s house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son.
but thou shalt go unto my father’s house, and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son.
But go to my father's house and to my relations for a wife for my son.
Instead, go to my family home where my relatives live, and find a wife there for my son Isaac.’
But thou shalt go vnto my fathers house and to my kinred, and take a wife vnto my sonne.
If not — unto the house of my father thou dost go, and unto my family, and thou hast taken a wife for my son.
but you shall go to my father’s house, and to my relatives, and take a wife for my son.’
But thou shalt go to my father's house, and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son.
But thou shalt go to my father’s house, and shalt take a wife of my own kindred for my son:
Instead, go back to my father’s family, to my own clan, and get from them a wife for my son.’
No, you have to go to my father’s family and my other relatives, and get a wife for my son.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 24:38
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 24:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
לֹ֧א
אֶל
בֵּית
אָבִ֛/י
תֵּלֵ֖ךְ
וְ/אֶל
מִשְׁפַּחְתִּ֑/י
וְ/לָקַחְתָּ֥
אִשָּׁ֖ה
לִ/בְנִֽ/י
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
לֹ֧א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בֵּית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אָבִ֛/י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
תֵּלֵ֖ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
מִשְׁפַּחְתִּ֑/י
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
N-fs | Suff
וְ/לָקַחְתָּ֥
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אִשָּׁ֖ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
לִ/בְנִֽ/י
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 24:38
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.
לֹ֧א
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.
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.
בֵּית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אָבִ֛/י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
תֵּלֵ֖ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | 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.
מִשְׁפַּחְתִּ֑/י
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
וְ/לָקַחְתָּ֥
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אִשָּׁ֖ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
לִ/בְנִֽ/י
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
Study Notes — Genesis 24:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Rebekah Is Chosen
36My master’s wife Sarah has borne him a son in her old age, and my master has given him everything he owns.
37My master made me swear an oath and said, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites in whose land I dwell,
38but you shall go to my father’s house and to my kindred to take a wife for my son.’
39Then I asked my master, ‘What if the woman will not come back with me?’ 40And he told me, ‘The LORD, before whom I have walked, will send His angel with you and make your journey a success, so that you may take a wife for my son from my kindred and from my father’s house.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 24:4 | but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.” |
| 2 | Genesis 31:19 | Now while Laban was out shearing his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols. |
| 3 | Genesis 12:1 | Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. |
Genesis 24:38 Summary
In Genesis 24:38, Abraham tells his servant to go to his father's house to find a wife for his son Isaac, trusting that God will guide the process. This shows Abraham's faith and trust in God's sovereignty, even in important decisions like finding a spouse. Just like Abraham, we can trust God to guide us in our own decisions, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, and have faith that He will work everything out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have confidence that He will lead us to make choices that align with His will.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abraham's servant have to go to Abraham's father's house to find a wife for Isaac?
Abraham wanted to ensure that his son Isaac married a woman from his own family and clan, rather than from the Canaanites, as stated in Genesis 24:37, in order to maintain their family's faith and heritage, as seen in Genesis 18:19.
What is the significance of Abraham's instruction to his servant in this verse?
Abraham's instruction to his servant in Genesis 24:38 highlights his trust in God's sovereignty and his desire to follow God's will, as expressed in Genesis 24:40, where he says that God will send His angel to make the journey successful.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
This verse demonstrates Abraham's faith and trust in God, as he instructs his servant to go to his father's house to find a wife for Isaac, trusting that God will guide and direct the process, as seen in Genesis 24:40 and Romans 8:28.
What can we learn from Abraham's example in this verse about making important decisions?
We can learn from Abraham's example the importance of seeking God's will and trusting in His sovereignty when making important decisions, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's sovereignty and guidance, just like Abraham did in this verse?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking God's will in my own decision-making, especially in important life choices?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my faith and trust in God, even when the outcome is uncertain, as Abraham did in Genesis 24:38?
- How can I balance my own desires and plans with a willingness to trust and follow God's leading, as seen in Abraham's instruction to his servant in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 24:38
But thou shalt go unto my father's house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son. [See comments on Genesis 24:4].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 24:38
And Sarah my master's wife bare a son to my master when she was old: and unto him hath he given all that he hath. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 24:38
Genesis 24:38 But thou shalt go unto my father’ s house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son. Ver. 38.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 24:38
(38) Kindred.—Not the word so translated in Genesis 24:4; Genesis 24:7, but that rendered family in Genesis 8:19, marg., 10:5, 12:3, &c. Strictly, it signifies a subdivision of a tribe (Numbers 1:18).
Sermons on Genesis 24:38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Mission and Ministry of the Holy Spirit) Walking in the Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience to invite the Holy Spirit into their lives and to be filled with His presence. He leads them in a prayer of repentance and surr |
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Do Not Fear to Take Mary by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his search for a wife. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in relationships and shares how God spoke to |
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(Genesis) Genesis 31:32-36 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and Laban from the book of Genesis. Jacob confronts Laban, questioning why he is pursuing him so aggressively. Jacob is c |
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(Costa Rica) Trusting God With All Your Tomorrows by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the Apostle Paul and how he was chained to circumstances he couldn't change. The preacher shares the story of a pastor whose ministry was a |
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Run the Race Like Abraham by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own journey of serving God for over 43 years and the caution and fear he feels about his own spiritual journey. He emphasizes the import |
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Abrahams' Journey by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not wasting one's life and youth by going back to worldly ways. He uses the example of Abraham and the prodigal son to illu |
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Easter Passion by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a man who was delivered from a life of addiction and despair by the power of Christ. The speaker emphasizes the simplicit |