Genesis 24:13

KJV

Behold, I stand [here] by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I stand {H5324} here by the well {H5869} of water {H4325}; and the daughters {H1323} of the men {H582} of the city {H5892} come out {H3318} to draw {H7579} water {H4325}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Here I am, standing by the spring, as the daughters of the townsfolk come out to draw water.

Berean Standard Bible

Here I am, standing beside the spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water.

American Standard Version

Behold, I am standing by the fountain of water; and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:13 captures the strategic and expectant posture of Abraham's servant as he positions himself by a well outside Nahor, observing the customary arrival of local women to draw water. This seemingly simple observation is a critical moment in the narrative, revealing the servant's profound trust in divine providence combined with his practical wisdom, as he awaits a specific sign from God to identify the woman chosen to be Isaac's wife, thereby setting the stage for one of the Bible's most detailed accounts of God's sovereign guidance in the Old Testament.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - The Search for Isaac's Wife"), a pivotal chapter dedicated entirely to Abraham's mission to secure a wife for his son Isaac from his own kin, specifically prohibiting a Canaanite bride (as explicitly stated in [Genesis 24:3-4](/genesis/24-3-4 "Abraham's oath and instructions")). Having journeyed to Nahor in Mesopotamia, the servant arrives at a well outside the city in the late afternoon, a common time for women to gather water. Immediately prior to this observation, he has poured out his heart in fervent prayer to the Lord, requesting a very specific sign to confirm God's chosen woman for Isaac ([Genesis 24:12](/genesis/24-12 "The servant's prayer for a sign")). His declaration in verse 13, therefore, is not a casual remark but a statement reflecting his understanding of local customs and his readiness to observe God's answer to his prayer, demonstrating a profound blend of spiritual reliance and practical wisdom. It is the immediate prelude to Rebekah's arrival and the unfolding of God's plan ([Genesis 24:15-16](/genesis/24-15-16 "Rebekah's arrival and hospitality")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wells were far more than mere sources of water; they were vital social and economic hubs. As primary sources of life-sustaining water for both people and livestock, they naturally became central gathering places for communities. Women, particularly those of marriageable age, typically performed the daily chore of drawing water, often in the late afternoon or early evening, making the well a common site for social interaction, news exchange, and even romantic encounters (as seen in other biblical narratives like [Jacob meeting Rachel](/genesis/29-2-10 "Jacob meets Rachel at the well") or [Moses meeting Zipporah](/exodus/2-15-21 "Moses meets Zipporah at the well")). The servant's choice of location and timing in Genesis 24:13 reflects his astute awareness of these cultural norms, strategically placing himself where God's providence could naturally unfold through human custom.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 24:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader book of Genesis. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Providence and Guidance**, illustrating God's active involvement in the minute details of human life, especially in critical matters like marriage and the continuation of the covenant line. The servant's actions exemplify **Faith and Prudence in Action**, showcasing how fervent prayer should be coupled with practical wisdom and diligent effort. He doesn't merely pray but positions himself strategically and observes keenly, demonstrating that faith is not passive but an active engagement with circumstances. This narrative also highlights **God Working Through Ordinary Means**, as the divine plan unfolds not through dramatic miracles but through the everyday activities and customs of life at a common well. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as Abraham's insistence on a non-Canaanite wife for Isaac underscores the importance of maintaining the purity of the covenant lineage and preserving the distinct identity of God's chosen people, a theme crucial to the entire Abrahamic narrative found throughout [Genesis](/genesis/1 "The Book of Genesis").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stand (Hebrew, _nâtsab'_):** From H5324, meaning "to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively); appointed, deputy, erect, establish, set (over, up), settle, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright)." The use of this word here signifies a deliberate, purposeful positioning. The servant is not merely "standing" casually, but rather "stationing himself" with intention and expectation, ready for God to act. It conveys a sense of readiness and a fixed, observant posture.
* **well (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** From H5869, meaning "an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)." This word beautifully connects the physical "well" or "fountain" to the concept of an "eye," suggesting a place of clear vision, insight, and observation. It is the focal point, the "eye" of the community, where life-giving water flows and where significant encounters are "seen" and unfold. Its dual meaning underscores the servant's keen observation at this vital location.
* **draw water (Hebrew, _shâʼab mayim'_):** From H7579 ("to bale up water") and H4325 ("water"). This phrase describes the customary and essential daily activity of fetching water. It highlights the mundane, ordinary nature of the context in which God's extraordinary plan is about to unfold. The servant is observing a routine activity, yet he anticipates a divine intervention within this very routine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I stand [here] by the well of water;":** This opening clause serves as the servant's internal declaration of his strategic position and expectant posture. The word "Behold" (Hebrew: _hinnēh_) draws attention to the scene, emphasizing the servant's active observation and readiness. His deliberate choice to "stand" (as discussed in Key Word Analysis) by the "well of water" (a vital community hub) signifies his practical wisdom in placing himself where the daily rhythms of life would naturally bring forth the opportunity for God's will to be revealed. He is not passively waiting but actively engaging with his circumstances, aligning himself with the potential for divine encounter.
* **"and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:":** This second clause confirms the servant's astute observation of local custom and the unfolding of the daily routine. "The daughters of the men of the city" refers to the young women of marriageable age who would typically perform this essential chore. This detail is crucial because it sets the scene for the very interaction for which he has prayed. He is not seeking a miraculous appearance but an encounter within the ordinary course of life. This part of the verse highlights his keen awareness of daily patterns and his anticipation that God's answer will emerge from these natural interactions, specifically through the act of drawing water.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its significance. **Anticipation** is a dominant element, palpable in the servant's declaration "Behold, I stand," which immediately signals his readiness and expectation for a divine sign. This posture sets a tone of suspense for the reader. **Symbolism** is also present, as the "well of water" transcends its literal function to symbolize a place of life, encounter, and divine provision. It is a liminal space where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, and where the future of Abraham's lineage is about to be determined. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**, as the servant's observation of women coming out to draw water directly precedes the arrival of Rebekah, the very woman who will fulfill his prayer and God's plan. This careful staging builds narrative tension and highlights the meticulous unfolding of divine providence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 24:13, though brief, encapsulates profound theological truths about God's active involvement in human affairs and the nature of faithful living. The servant's actions underscore a deep reliance on God's active involvement in crucial life decisions, particularly in the formation of a family that is central to God's covenant promises. He trusts God to orchestrate events, even through seemingly ordinary means, demonstrating that divine guidance often unfolds within the rhythms of daily life rather than through dramatic, overt miracles. This narrative beautifully illustrates the biblical principle that genuine faith is not passive but actively engages with circumstances, combining fervent prayer with practical wisdom and diligent action. The servant didn't merely pray; he placed himself in the appropriate setting and observed carefully, embodying the truth that God often works through our responsible human efforts.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Working out your salvation with fear and trembling")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 24:13, though a simple observation, offers profound lessons for believers seeking God's direction today. The servant's example encourages us to bring our significant life choices—whether career paths, relationships, major life transitions, or daily decisions—before God in earnest prayer, trusting that He cares about the intricate details of our lives. Furthermore, it teaches us to combine our spiritual reliance with practical wisdom; we are called to pray faithfully, but also to act prudently and place ourselves in situations where God can work. Just as the servant went to the well at the right time, we should engage with our circumstances thoughtfully, recognizing that God often reveals His will and orchestrates events through the seemingly mundane aspects of daily life, allowing His divine plan to unfold through our ordinary interactions. This passage reminds us that God's providence is at work even when we are simply "standing by the well," observing the daily flow of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the servant's posture of "standing by the well" reflect a balance between active waiting and expectant faith in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking God's guidance, and how might you combine fervent prayer with practical wisdom and action, as the servant did?**
* **Can you identify instances where God has revealed His will or orchestrated events in your life through seemingly ordinary or mundane circumstances?**
* **How does understanding God's providence in this narrative encourage you to trust Him with the details of your future?**

### FAQ
**Why was the well such a significant location in ancient times?**

Answer: Wells were absolutely vital social and economic centers in the ancient Near East. They were the primary source of water for both people and livestock, making them natural gathering places. Beyond their practical utility, wells served as important hubs for social interaction, commerce, and even romantic encounters, as seen in numerous biblical narratives like [Jacob meeting Rachel at a well](/genesis/29-2 "Jacob meets Rachel at the well") and [Moses meeting Zipporah](/exodus/2-16 "Moses meets Zipporah at a well"). Their importance meant that significant events, like the servant's search for Isaac's wife, often unfolded there.

**Did the servant expect a supernatural sign, or something more natural?**

Answer: The servant's prayer in [Genesis 24:12](/genesis/24-12 "The servant's prayer for a sign") clearly indicates he was expecting a very specific, yet natural, sign. He asked that the chosen woman would not only offer him water but also water his camels—an act of extraordinary hospitality and generosity. This shows he was anticipating God to work through a human act of kindness and diligence, rather than a dramatic, overt miracle. His positioning at the well and observation of the women drawing water in verse 13 further confirm his expectation of God's guidance unfolding through ordinary human interaction and character.

**What does this narrative teach about God's providence?**

Answer: This narrative powerfully illustrates God's meticulous and sovereign providence. It teaches that God is actively involved in the details of our lives, even in seemingly ordinary circumstances. The servant's journey and his encounter at the well demonstrate that God orchestrates events, guides His people, and fulfills His promises through a combination of divine intervention and human faithfulness. It reassures believers that God is at work behind the scenes, aligning circumstances and leading individuals to accomplish His perfect will, as He did in securing a bride for Isaac to continue the covenant line ([Genesis 24:27](/genesis/24-27 "The servant praises God's faithfulness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 24:13, and the broader narrative of the servant seeking a bride for Isaac, serves as a rich Old Testament type pointing to the redemptive work of Christ and the ongoing ministry of the Holy Spirit. Isaac, the son of promise, the beloved heir, and one who would be offered as a sacrifice, can be seen as a profound type of Christ, the Son of God and ultimate heir of all things. The unnamed servant, sent by Abraham (who foreshadows God the Father) to secure a bride for his son from a distant land, beautifully prefigures the Holy Spirit, whom the Father sends into the world to gather and prepare a bride (the Church) for His Son, Jesus Christ. Just as the servant diligently sought out Rebekah at the well, a place of life and encounter, the Holy Spirit draws believers to Christ from the "city" of the world, revealing the Son's worthiness and inviting them into a covenant relationship. The well, a source of physical life, also symbolizes the living water that Christ offers ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "Jesus offers living water to the Samaritan woman")), and the place where His bride is found and called. The Holy Spirit, the Helper whom Jesus promised to send ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "The Holy Spirit, the Helper")), continues this mission today, preparing the Church to be presented as a pure and spotless bride to Christ ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ loves the Church as His bride")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 24:43

Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw [water], and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink;

Psalms 37:5

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass.

Genesis 29:9

¶ And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep: for she kept them.

Genesis 29:10

And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.

1 Samuel 9:11

¶ [And] as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?

Exodus 2:16

¶ Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew [water], and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.

John 4:7

There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.