Genesis 24:5

Genesis 24:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The 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?”

King James Version KJV

And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?

American Standard Version ASV

And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the servant said, If by chance the woman will not come with me into this land, am I to take your son back again to the land from which you came?

Free Bible Version FBV

“What if the woman refuses to come back with me to this country?” the servant asked. “Should I take your son back to the country you came from?”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the seruant saide to him, What if the woman will not come with me to this land? shall I bring thy sonne againe vnto the lande from whence thou camest?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the servant saith unto him, 'It may be the woman is not willing to come after me unto this land; do I at all cause thy son to turn back unto the land from whence thou camest out?'

World English Bible WEB

The servant said to him, “What if the woman isn’t willing to follow me to this land? Must I bring your son again to the land you came from?”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the servant said to him, It may be the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land: must I needs bring thy son again to the land from whence thou camest?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The servant answered: If the woman will not come with me into this land, must I bring thy son back again to the place, from whence thou camest out?

Translation for Translators T4T

The servant asked him, “If I find a woman among your relatives, what if she is not willing to come back with me to this land? Shall I take your son back there to the country you came from, so he can find a wife and live there?”

Plain English Version PEV

Then Abraham’s worker said, “Yes, I will do that. But think about this. Maybe I will pick a woman to be Isaac’s wife, and that woman will not want to leave her home country and come with me here, to Canaan country. Then what do you want me to do? Maybe I can come back here and get Isaac, and then I can take him to your home country to get married?”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 24:5

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 24:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָי/ו֙ הָ/עֶ֔בֶד אוּלַי֙ לֹא תֹאבֶ֣ה הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֔ה לָ/לֶ֥כֶת אַחֲרַ֖/י אֶל הָ/אָ֣רֶץ הַ/זֹּ֑את הֶֽ/הָשֵׁ֤ב אָשִׁיב֙ אֶת בִּנְ/ךָ֔ אֶל הָ/אָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁר יָצָ֥אתָ מִ/שָּֽׁם

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֵלָי/ו֙ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

הָ/עֶ֔בֶד ʻebed H5650 servant/slave Art | N-ms

אוּלַי֙ ʼûwlay H194 perhaps Adv

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

תֹאבֶ֣ה ʼâbâh H14 be willing V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֔ה ʼishshâh H802 woman Art | N-fs

לָ/לֶ֥כֶת yâlak H3212 to walk Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אַחֲרַ֖/י ʼachar H310 after Prep | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הָ/אָ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

הַ/זֹּ֑את zôʼth H2063 this Art | Pron

הֶֽ/הָשֵׁ֤ב shûwb H7725 to return Part | V-Hiphil-Ptc

אָשִׁיב֙ shûwb H7725 to return V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

בִּנְ/ךָ֔ bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הָ/אָ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יָצָ֥אתָ yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Qal-Perf-2ms

מִ/שָּֽׁם shâm H8033 there Prep | Adv

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 24:5

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר 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.

אֵלָי/ו֙ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

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.

הָ/עֶ֔בֶד ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

אוּלַי֙ ʼûwlay H194 "perhaps" Adv

Ulay means perhaps or if not, used to express uncertainty or doubt. It appears in various forms, such as peradventure or unless. It helps to convey tentative ideas.

Definition: 1) perhaps, peradventure 2) if peradventure 3) unless 4) suppose

Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: if so be, may be, peradventure, unless. See also: Genesis 16:2; 1 Samuel 14:6; Isaiah 37:4.

לֹא 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.

תֹאבֶ֣ה ʼâbâh H14 "be willing" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

To be willing or consent is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which involves being acquiescent or accepting. It is used in various contexts, including being willing to obey or follow.

Definition: 1) to be willing, consent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be willing 1a2) to consent, yield to, accept 1a3) to desire

Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: consent, rest content will, be willing. See also: Genesis 24:5; 2 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 81:12.

הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֔ה ʼishshâh H802 "woman" Art | 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.

לָ/לֶ֥כֶת yâlak H3212 "to walk" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

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.

אַחֲרַ֖/י ʼachar H310 "after" Prep | Suff

Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.

Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after

Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

הָ/אָ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

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.

הַ/זֹּ֑את zôʼth H2063 "this" Art | Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

הֶֽ/הָשֵׁ֤ב shûwb H7725 "to return" Part | V-Hiphil-Ptc

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

אָשִׁיב֙ shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

בִּנְ/ךָ֔ bên H1121 "son" 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.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

הָ/אָ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

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.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יָצָ֥אתָ yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

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.

מִ/שָּֽׁם shâm H8033 "there" Prep | Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

Study Notes — Genesis 24:5

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Context
Cross References
Genesis 24:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 24:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 24:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 24:5
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 24:5
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 24:5
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 24:5
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 24:5
Sermons on Genesis 24:5

Context — A Wife for Isaac

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. 7The LORD, the God of heaven, who brought me from my father’s house and my native land, who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give this land’—He will send His angel before you so that you can take a wife for my son from there.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 4:2	and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.”
2	Exodus 9:2	But if you continue to restrain them and refuse to let them go,
3	Exodus 20:7	You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain.
4	Genesis 24:58	They called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?” “I will go,” she replied.
5	Proverbs 13:16	Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.

Genesis 24:5 Summary

[In Genesis 24:5, the servant is asking Abraham what to do if the woman he finds for Isaac doesn't want to come back with him to their land. This shows that the servant is thinking carefully about his task and wants to make sure he does what Abraham wants. It's like when we have a big decision to make and we're not sure what to do - we can ask for guidance and trust that God will help us, just like Abraham trusted God to provide a wife for Isaac, as seen in Genesis 24:7. By seeking clarification and trusting in God's sovereignty, we can navigate uncertain situations with faith and confidence, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the servant ask Abraham about the possibility of the woman being unwilling to follow him?

The servant asked this question because he wanted to clarify Abraham's instructions and ensure he understood his master's wishes, as seen in Genesis 24:5, and this shows the servant's diligence in fulfilling his task.

What was Abraham's primary concern in giving instructions to the servant?

Abraham's primary concern was to ensure that his son Isaac married a woman from his own kindred and not from the daughters of the Canaanites, as stated in Genesis 24:3-4, and this highlights Abraham's commitment to obeying God's will.

How did the servant's question relate to Abraham's faith in God's promises?

The servant's question indirectly related to Abraham's faith in God's promises, as Abraham had been promised that his offspring would inherit the land, and he trusted that God would provide a wife for Isaac from his own kindred, as mentioned in Genesis 24:7, and this demonstrates Abraham's trust in God's sovereignty.

What can we learn from the servant's cautious approach to his task?

We can learn from the servant's example the importance of careful planning, seeking clarification when needed, and being mindful of potential obstacles, as seen in Genesis 24:5, and this reminds us to approach our own tasks with diligence and prayerfulness, as encouraged in Proverbs 24:3-4.

Reflection Questions

What are some potential obstacles that may arise when following God's will, and how can we prepare for them?
How can we balance faith and planning in our decision-making, as seen in the interaction between Abraham and the servant?
What role does trust in God's sovereignty play in our ability to follow His will, even when faced with uncertainty?
In what ways can we demonstrate diligence and careful planning in our own lives, as modeled by the servant in Genesis 24:5?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 24:5

And the servant said unto him,.... Before he would take the oath, being cautious of it, and desirous of knowing how far it reached, and what it would or would not oblige him to, which was prudently

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 24:5

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 24:5

Note here the prudence and piety of this good man, who, before he would take an oath, doth diligently inquire into the nature and conditions of it, and expressly mentioneth that exception which might seem to be of course supposed in it.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 24:5

Genesis 24:5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?Ver. 5. Peradventure the woman, &c.] He swears cautiously, he doth not rashly rush upon his oath; he swears not in jest, but in judgment. So must we, duly considering the conditions and circumstances; as the nature of an oath, the matter whereabout, the person by whom, and before whom, the time, the place, our calling, and warrant thereunto. "Be not rash"; the best that can come of that is repentance, that fair and happy daughter of an ugly and odious mother. Swear not in heat and choler, as David did when he was going against Nabal; but soon after blessed Abigail for better counsel. Swear not in jest, lest you go to hell in earnest. Swear not petty oaths, those civilised compliments, and interjections of common talk, Faith and truth, &c. Thou must not swear by thy hairs, thou canst not make one of them white or black; much less by faith and truth, that is more worth than hairs. Remember that large roll, ten yards long, and five yards broad, full of curses against the swearer. And it rests upon his house, where he thinks himself most secure. When we are called to take a lawful oath, we must be reverently affected (as this good servant in the text), according to the excellency of the duty, and greatness of the person, whom we attest and invocate. The ancient form of taking and imposing an oath was, "Give glory to God". And he that took the oath was said to "confess to God". Therefore also St Paul, in swearing, useth a word of attention, and saith "Behold," I speak it "before God". Louis the French king was taken prisoner by Meletisaka the Sultan; and conditions of peace being concluded between them, for more assurance thereof, the Sultan offered to swear, if he failed in performance of anything, to renounce his Mohammed; requiring likewise of the king to swear, if he failed in anything that he had promised, to deny his Christ to be God: which profane oath the king detesting, and wishing rather to die than to give the same, the Sultan wondering at his constancy, took his word without any oath at all, and so published the league. As on the other side, King John of England, being overcome in his barons’ wars, when he sent ambassadors to the monarch of Morocco for aid, offering to swear fidelity to him, and to receive the law of Mohammed, he grew into such a dislike of our king, that ever after he abhorred the mention of him. εχθρουπατροςφιλτατοντεκνον; as the Romans, in Plutarch, said of Pompey. Turk. Hist. Heyl., Geog., p. 714.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 24:5

Verse 5. Peradventure the woman will not be willing] We may see, says Calmet, by this and other passages of Scripture, Joshua 9:18, what the sentiments of the ancients were relative to an oath. They believed they were bound precisely by what was spoken, and had no liberty to interpret the intentions of those to whom the oath was made.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 24:5

5. bring … again] Here and in Genesis 24:6; Genesis 24:8 and Genesis 22:5 the word “again” is used for “back.” Abraham’s tone is that of a man who is on his death-bed.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 24:5

5. The servant said — He was cautious and far-sighted, and before taking on himself so solemn an oath he will have an understanding about all contingencies.

Sermons on Genesis 24:5

	Sermon	Description
	America's Greatest Need by B.R. Lakin	Dr. B. R. Lakin delivers a powerful sermon titled 'America’s Greatest Need,' emphasizing the importance of patriotism, gratitude, responsibility, and faith in God for the nation's
	Humble Thyself by Gbile Akanni	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and avoiding pride in our actions and achievements. He warns against seeking personal glory and attention instead
	Jacob by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the life of Jacob and his journey from a man who began well but ended up in a state of spiritual degeneration. The preacher emphasizes that t
	Kirk Cameron Testimony by Kirk Cameron	The video begins with the speaker introducing a gospel track that serves as an icebreaker and a tool for sharing the gospel message. He explains how the track uses an optical illus
	Change Our Heart's - Part 3 by Richard Owen Roberts	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining God's glory before the people. He warns that neglecting to do so will result in God bringing judgment upon thos
	(Through the Bible) Exodus 19-20 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a right relationship with God in order to have a right relationship with others. He explains that the first law is
	Houston Colonial Hills Conference 1995-05 Joshua 24:14 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making decisions in life, particularly decisions that align with God's will. He encourages listeners to be people of prayer