Genesis 24:4
Genesis 24:4 in Multiple Translations
but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.”
But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.
but thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac.
But that you will go into my country and to my relations and get a wife there for my son Isaac.
Instead, go to my homeland where my relatives live, and find a wife there for my son Isaac.”
But thou shalt go vnto my countrey, and to my kinred, and take a wife vnto my sone Izhak.
but unto my land and unto my kindred dost thou go, and hast taken a wife for my son, for Isaac.'
But you shall go to my country, and to my relatives, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”
But thou shalt go to my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac.
But that thou go to my own country and kindred, and take a wife from thence for my son Isaac.
Instead, go back to my country and to my relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac from among them.”
No, I want you to go back to my home country and get a wife for Isaac from my relatives.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 24:4
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 24:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֧י
אֶל
אַרְצִ֛/י
וְ/אֶל
מוֹלַדְתִּ֖/י
תֵּלֵ֑ךְ
וְ/לָקַחְתָּ֥
אִשָּׁ֖ה
לִ/בְנִ֥/י
לְ/יִצְחָֽק
כִּ֧י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַרְצִ֛/י
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs | Suff
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
מוֹלַדְתִּ֖/י
môwledeth
H4138
relatives
N-fs | Suff
תֵּלֵ֑ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וְ/לָקַחְתָּ֥
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2ms
אִשָּׁ֖ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
לִ/בְנִ֥/י
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לְ/יִצְחָֽק
Yitschâq
H3327
Isaac
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 24:4
כִּ֧י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
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.
אַרְצִ֛/י
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
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.
מוֹלַדְתִּ֖/י
môwledeth
H4138
"relatives"
N-fs | Suff
Relatives or birthplace is the meaning of this word. It refers to family, native country, or circumstances of birth, and is used to describe heritage. It appears in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) kindred, birth, offspring, relatives 1a) kindred 1b) birth, circumstances of birth 1c) one born, begotten, issue, offspring, female offspring
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: begotten, born, issue, kindred, native(-ity). See also: Genesis 11:28; Leviticus 18:11; Jeremiah 22:10.
תֵּלֵ֑ךְ
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/לָקַחְתָּ֥
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-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/בְנִ֥/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.
לְ/יִצְחָֽק
Yitschâq
H3327
"Isaac"
Prep | N-proper
Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah, means 'he laughs' and is the father of Esau and Israel. He is first mentioned in Genesis 17:19. Isaac is a key figure in the Bible, playing a role in the patriarchal stories.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.17.19; son of: Abraham (H0085) and Sarah (H8283); half-brother of: Ishmael (H3458), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); married to Rebekah (H7259); father of: Esau (H6215) and Israel (H3478) § Isaac = "he laughs" son of Abraham by Sarah his wife and father of Jacob and Esau
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Isaac. Compare H3446 (יִשְׂחָק). See also: Genesis 17:19; Genesis 27:30; 2 Chronicles 30:6.
Study Notes — Genesis 24:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 24:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 24:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 24:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 24:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 24:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 24:4
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 24:4
- Sermons on Genesis 24:4
Context — A Wife for Isaac
2So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh,
3and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling,
4but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.”
5The servant asked him, “What if the woman is unwilling to follow me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to the land from which you came?” 6Abraham replied, “Make sure that you do not take my son back there.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 28:2 | “Go at once to Paddan-aram, to the house of your mother’s father Bethuel, and take a wife from among the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother. |
| 2 | Genesis 22:20–23 | Some time later, Abraham was told, “Milcah has also borne sons to your brother Nahor: Uz the firstborn, his brother Buz, Kemuel (the father of Aram), Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel.” And Bethuel became the father of Rebekah. Milcah bore these eight sons to Abraham’s brother Nahor. |
| 3 | Genesis 12:7 | Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring. ” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. |
| 4 | Genesis 11:25–1 | — |
Genesis 24:4 Summary
[Abraham wanted to find a wife for his son Isaac who shared their faith and values, so he instructed his servant to go to his country and kindred to find a suitable wife, as stated in Genesis 24:4. This shows that Abraham was concerned about Isaac's spiritual well-being and the future of their family. Just like Abraham, we can trust God to guide us in our decision-making, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By prioritizing our spiritual well-being and seeking guidance from God, we can make wise decisions that honor Him, just as Abraham did in this verse.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abraham want the servant to go to his country and kindred to find a wife for Isaac?
Abraham wanted to ensure that his son Isaac married a woman who shared their faith and values, as seen in Genesis 24:4, and this is why he instructed the servant to go to his country and kindred, rather than choosing a wife from the Canaanites, as stated in Genesis 24:3.
What can we learn from Abraham's trust in God's providence in this verse?
Abraham's trust in God's providence is evident in his instructions to the servant, and we can learn from his example by trusting God to guide us in our decision-making, just as we see in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the concept of arranged marriages in biblical times?
In biblical times, arranged marriages were common, and this verse illustrates how Abraham, as the patriarch of his family, took an active role in finding a suitable wife for his son Isaac, as was the custom in their culture, similar to what we see in Genesis 21:21.
What does this verse reveal about Abraham's priorities for his son Isaac's life?
This verse reveals that Abraham's priority for Isaac was to find a wife who shared their faith and values, which suggests that Abraham was concerned about Isaac's spiritual well-being and the future of their family, as seen in Genesis 18:19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can trust God's providence in my own life, just as Abraham did in this verse?
- How can I prioritize my spiritual well-being and the well-being of my loved ones, just as Abraham did for Isaac?
- What can I learn from Abraham's example about the importance of seeking a spouse who shares my faith and values?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of this verse to my own decision-making and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 24:4
But thou shalt go unto my country,.... Not Canaan, which though his by promise, yet not in possession, but Mesopotamia, as appears from Genesis 24:10; which taken largely included the Chaldea, see
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 24:4
But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 24:4
My country, i.e. Mesopotomia, , which being largely taken for the country between those two famous rivers Euphrates and Tigris, from which situation it hath that name; so Chaldea, whence Abraham came, 12:1, was a part of it. My kindred, the family of Nahor, concerning the increase whereof he had received information, , &c., which he justly preferred before the Canaanites, partly because though they were idolaters, as appears from ,30,32,35 Joshua 24:2, yet they did worship the true God together with idols, as may be gathered from ,50, and from other places; and therefore there was more hopes of the conversion of one of that family; and partly because they lived at a great distance from the place where Abraham and his posterity did and should live, and therefore one of that stock would be more easily disentangled from her superstition and idolatry, because she was removed from the influences of the evil counsels and examples of her nearest relations, and partly because they were of the race of blessed Shem, and not of cursed Canaan.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 24:4
Genesis 24:4 But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.Ver. 4. But thou shalt go unto my country, &c.] Nahor’ s stock were neither pure in religion nor precise in life, yet far better in both than those cursed Canaanites. Some knowledge they retained of the true God, of whom they speak much in this chapter, and concerning whom they hear Eliezer here relating how he had answered his prayer, and prospered his journey. And for their manners, we find them hospitable, and their daughter, though fair, yet a pure virgin. Now, “ Lis est, cure forma, magna pudicitiae.” Like unto these are the Greek Church at this day, which is far greater than the Roman: and though in some points unsound, and in others very superstitious, yet holdeth sufficient for salvation. Cyril, their good patriarch of Constantinople, set forth the confession of the faith of those Eastern churches anno 1629, agreeable in all things for most part to the reformed Protestant religion, but diametrically opposite to that they call the Roman Catholic. He is also busy about a general reformation among them, and hath done much good. Brerewood’ s Enquiries, p. 139. - Bp. Ussher’ s Ser. at Wanstead. - D. Field, Of the Church. - Jac.
Revius, De Vit. Pontif., p. 320.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 24:4
Verse 4. My country] Mesopotamia, called here Abraham's country, because it was the place where the family of Haran, his brother, had settled; and where himself had remained a considerable time with his father Terah. In this family, as well as in that of Nahor, the true religion had been in some sort preserved, though afterwards considerably corrupted; see Genesis 31:19. And take a wife unto my son] A young man in Bengal is precisely in the same circumstances as Isaac; he has nothing to do in the choice of a wife; parents employ others to seek wives for their sons. Those who leave their homes in search of employment always marry their children in their own country, and among their acquaintance at home; never among the people with whom they reside. In Asiatic countries this custom has prevailed from the infancy of the human race. See Ward's Hindoo Customs.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 24:4
4. my country … kindred] Here, as in Genesis 28:2 (P), the country and kindred of Abraham are to be sought, not in Ur of the Chaldees, but in the land of Haran, or Paddan-aram; cf. Genesis 24:7. take a wife for my son Isaac] It was customary for the father to select a bride for his son; cf. Genesis 34:4; Judges 14:2. The same custom prevailed in Babylon, as appears from the Code of Hammurabi, § 155, “if a man betroth a maiden to his son,” &c. “Marriage between cousins has been and still is particularly common in the East (cp. Genesis 24:4; Genesis 29:19; 1 Kings 14:31; 1 Kings 15:2), and the tie between them is closer and more sacred than that between an ordinary couple” (Burckhardt, Ar. Prov., quoted in Stanley Cook, p. 99).
Sermons on Genesis 24:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(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 33:18-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the sad and sordid chapter in the life of Jacob, who is now known as Israel. Jacob's life reflects a growth and development in his relationshi |
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Hebrews 11 - Part 6 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and highlights key moments in his journey as described in the Bible. The preacher emphasizes the importance of followin |
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(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): It's Imperative to Get Out of the Rut Now! by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being wholehearted Christians and not settling for a half-hearted faith. He urges the congregation to take their faith ser |
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Quiet Time by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being filled with the word of God and maintaining a life of victory. He encourages the audience to avoid seeking other way |
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Living a Life of Double Portion Pt. 1 by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life in Christ and understanding the ways of God. He highlights the dichotomy between those who walk in faith and |