TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.
Complete Jewish Bible
By now Avraham was old, advanced in years; and ADONAI had blessed Avraham in everything.
Berean Standard Bible
By now Abraham was old and well along in years, and the LORD had blessed him in every way.
American Standard Version
And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and Jehovah had blessed Abraham in all things.
World English Bible Messianic
Abraham was old, and well stricken in age. The LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Nowe Abraham was olde, and striken in yeeres, and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things.
Young's Literal Translation
And Abraham is old, he hath entered into days, and Jehovah hath blessed Abraham in all things ;
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In the KJVVerse 593 of 31,102
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Commentary on Genesis 24 verses 1–9
1 ¶ And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.
2 And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:
3 And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:
4 But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.
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?
6 And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again.
7 The LORD God of heaven, which took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence.
8 And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.
9 And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and sware to him concerning that matter.
Three things we may observe here concerning Abraham: -
I. The care he took of a good son, to get him married, well married. It was high time to think of it now, for Isaac was about forty years old, and it had been customary with his ancestors to marry at thirty, or sooner, Gen 11:14, Gen 11:18, Gen 11:22, Gen 11:24. Abraham believed the promise of the building up of his family, and therefore did not make haste; not more haste than good speed. Two considerations moved him to think of it now (Gen 24:1): - 1. That he himself was likely to leave the world quickly, for he was old, and well-stricken in age, and it would be a satisfaction to him to see his son settled before he died; and, 2. That he had a good estate to leave behind him, for the Lord had blessed him in all things; and the blessing of the Lord makes rich. See how much religion and piety befriend outward prosperity. Now Abraham's pious care concerning his son was, (1.) That he should not marry a daughter of Canaan, but one of his kindred. He saw that the Canaanites were degenerating into great wickedness, and knew by revelation that they were designed for ruin, and therefore he would not marry his son among them, lest they should be either a snare to his soul, or at least a blot to his name. (2.) That yet he should not leave the land of Canaan, to go himself among his kindred, not even for the purpose of choosing a wife, lest he should be tempted to settle there. This caution is given Gen 24:6, and repeated, Gen 24:8. "Bring not my son thither again, whatever comes of it. Let him rather want a wife than expose himself to that temptation." Note, Parents in disposing of their children, should carefully consult the welfare of their souls, and their furtherance in the way to heaven. Those who through grace have escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, and have brought up their children accordingly, should take heed of doing any thing by which they may be again entangled therein and overcome, Pe2 2:20. Beware that you bring them not thither again, Heb 11:15.
II. The charge he gave to a good servant, probably Eliezer of Damascus, one of whose conduct, fidelity, and affection to him and his family, he had had long experience. He trusted him with this great affair, and not Isaac himself, because he would not have Isaac go at all into that country, but marry there by proxy; and no proxy so fit as this steward of his house. This matter is settled between the master and the servant with a great deal of care and solemnity. 1. The servant must be bound by an oath to do his utmost to get a wife for Isaac from among his relations, Gen 24:2-4. Abraham swears him to it, both for his own satisfaction and for the engagement of his servant to all possible care and diligence in this matter. Thus God swears his servants to their work, that, having sworn, they may perform it. Honour is here done to the eternal God; for he it is that is sworn by, to whom alone these appeals ought to be made. And some think honour is done to the covenant of circumcision by the ceremony here used of putting his hand under his thigh. Note, Swearing being an ordinance not peculiar to the church, but common to mankind, is to be performed by such signs as are the appointments and common usages of our country, for binding the person sworn. 2. He must be clear of this oath if, when he had done his utmost, he could not prevail. This proviso the servant prudently inserted (Gen 24:5), putting the case that the woman would not follow him; and Abraham allowed the exception, Gen 24:8. Note, Oaths are to be taken with great caution, and the matter sworn to should be rightly understood and limited, because it is a snare to devour that which is holy, and, after vows, to make the enquiry which should have been made before.
III. The confidence he put in a good God, who, he doubts not, will give his servant success in this undertaking, Gen 24:7. He remembers that God had wonderfully brought him out of the land of his nativity, by the effectual call of his grace; and therefore doubts not but he will succeed him in his care not to bring his son thither again. He remembers also the promise God had made and confirmed to him that he would give Canaan to his seed, and thence infers that God would own him in his endeavours to match his son, not among those devoted nations, but to one that was fit to be the mother of such a seed. "Fear not therefore; he shall send his angel before thee to make thy way prosperous." Note, 1. Those that carefully keep in the way of duty, and govern themselves by the principles of their religion in their designs and undertakings, have good reason to expect prosperity and success in them. God will cause that to issue in our comfort in which we sincerely aim at his glory. 2. God's promises, and our own experiences, are sufficient to encourage our dependence upon God, and our expectations from him, in all the affairs of this life. 3. God's angels are ministering spirits, sent forth, not only for the protection, but for the guidance, of the heirs of promise, Heb 1:14. "He shall send his angel before thee, and then thou wilt speed well."
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON GENESIS 11.2
But indeed, we should not fail to notice from these things that are reported by the literal meaning, what generations and of what sort they are, which are propagated from Keturah.For if we remember these things, we will be able to recognize more easily those things that are said about the diverse nations in the Scriptures. For example, as when it is said that Moses took as his wife the daughter of Jethro, priest of Midian, this Midian is found to be a son of Keturah and Abraham. We know therefore that Moses’ wife is from the seed of Abraham and was not a foreigner. But also when it is written, “the queen of Kedar,” it should be known no less that also Kedar descends from the very stock of Kedar and Abraham.
John ChrysostomAD 407
HOMILIES ON GENESIS 48.7
So let us listen to sacred Scripture’s account to us: “Abraham was old, advanced in years. The Lord had blessed Abraham in every respect.” Why did it mention this to us? Since he was about to give good care and attention to Isaac, to the point of bringing him a bride, accordingly it mentioned to us the patriarch’s age.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 24:1 serves as a pivotal introduction to the final, crucial phase of Abraham's life and God's unfolding covenant plan. This verse concisely encapsulates Abraham's advanced age and the comprehensive, holistic blessing he had received from the LORD, setting the stage for the narrative of securing a wife for Isaac. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in preparing for the continuation of the promised lineage, ensuring the fulfillment of His grand design through Abraham's descendants.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Genesis 24:1 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. The phrase "well stricken in age" is a powerful idiom (Hebrew: ba' bayyamim), meaning "come into days," which signifies a life that has reached its full measure, rich with experience and ripe for completion, rather than merely stating chronological age. This euphemism subtly prepares the reader for the patriarch's eventual death and the transition of leadership. The repetition of "Abraham" within the single verse emphasizes his centrality to the narrative and highlights the personal nature of God's dealings with him. Furthermore, the declaration that "the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things" utilizes hyperbole or merism to convey a comprehensive and holistic divine provision, implying that every facet of his life, from material wealth to spiritual favor, was touched by God's benevolence. This statement also serves as a form of foreshadowing, hinting at the divine orchestration of the events to follow, particularly the finding of a wife for Isaac, which is crucial for the continuation of the blessed lineage.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 24:1 profoundly articulates God's unwavering faithfulness and comprehensive provision for His covenant people. The declaration of Abraham's advanced age, coupled with the affirmation that the LORD had blessed him "in all things," serves as a powerful testament to God's commitment to His promises. This holistic blessing extends beyond mere material wealth, encompassing spiritual favor, family, peace, and the fulfillment of divine purpose, demonstrating that God meticulously cares for every aspect of His chosen ones' lives. The verse thus sets the stage for the crucial next step in the covenant's progression: securing the lineage through Isaac, highlighting the divine imperative for continuity and the transfer of blessing across generations. It underscores that God's plan is not left to chance but is carefully orchestrated, ensuring the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes through His faithful provision.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 24:1 offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers today, primarily affirming the steadfast faithfulness of God. Just as the LORD meticulously blessed Abraham "in all things" throughout his long and challenging life, we are reminded that God remains faithful to His promises to us, providing comprehensively for our needs—spiritual, material, and relational—in every season. Abraham's life, culminating in divine favor even in old age, encourages us to persevere in our walk with God, trusting that He will complete the good work He began in us, as Philippians 1:6 assures us. Furthermore, the verse prompts us to acknowledge God as the ultimate source of all our blessings, cultivating a posture of deep gratitude and responsible stewardship for all that He has graciously bestowed upon us. Recognizing that His plans for us are for good and for a future and a hope, as articulated in Jeremiah 29:11, empowers us to trust His sovereign provision and guidance in every stage of our lives, from youth to old age, knowing that He desires our holistic well-being.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "well stricken in age" mean in the KJV?
Answer: The phrase "well stricken in age" translates the Hebrew ba' bayyamim (בָּא בַּיָּמִים), which literally means "come into days" or "entered into his days." It is an ancient Near Eastern idiom signifying that a person has lived a full, complete, and ripe life, reaching a venerable old age with a sense of fulfillment and maturity, rather than merely a high chronological number. It implies a life rich with experience and purpose, lived to its appointed measure, as also seen in descriptions of other patriarchs like Joshua in Joshua 23:1.
How was Abraham "blessed in all things"?
Answer: The phrase "in all things" (Hebrew: bakkol) indicates a comprehensive blessing that encompassed every aspect of Abraham's life. This included not only immense material wealth (Genesis 13:2), but also the miraculous birth of his promised heir, Isaac (Genesis 21:1-3), divine protection (Genesis 12:17), spiritual favor, peace, and the unwavering assurance of God's covenant promises (Genesis 15:18). It signifies a holistic divine provision and favor that left no essential area of his life lacking, demonstrating God's complete faithfulness to His word.
Does this verse imply Abraham had no more challenges or trials after this point?
Answer: No, the verse emphasizes God's comprehensive blessing up to this point in Abraham's life and sets the immediate stage for the next significant event—finding a wife for Isaac. While Abraham had indeed lived a life marked by profound divine favor and provision, the narrative immediately following still presents a significant challenge: the critical and delicate task of securing Isaac's lineage in a way that preserved the covenantal purity. The blessing signifies God's faithfulness and provision through all past trials and His readiness to continue guiding Abraham in the future, not the absence of future responsibilities or potential difficulties, as seen in the careful instructions given to his servant in Genesis 24:2-9.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 24:1, with its declaration of Abraham's comprehensive blessing and advanced age, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true heir and culmination of Abraham's lineage. The "blessing in all things" bestowed upon Abraham foreshadows the spiritual blessings "in Christ" that are available to all who believe. While Abraham received temporal and physical blessings, Christ offers eternal life, spiritual adoption, and reconciliation with God, representing the ultimate and perfect "blessing in all things" for humanity (Ephesians 1:3). Furthermore, Abraham's concern for the continuation of his seed through Isaac, meticulously orchestrated by divine providence, points directly to God's even more meticulous plan to bring forth the Messiah through this very lineage. Jesus is the promised "seed" of Abraham (Galatians 3:16), the one in whom all of God's covenant promises find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). Through Christ, the spiritual descendants of Abraham, from every nation, are now able to partake in the blessings originally promised to the patriarch, fulfilling the grand scope of God's redemptive plan (Galatians 3:8-9). The comprehensive blessing upon Abraham therefore serves as a type and shadow of the infinitely greater and eternal blessings found in union with Christ.