Genesis 24:16

KJV

And the damsel [was] very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the damsel {H5291} was very {H3966} fair {H2896} to look upon {H4758}, a virgin {H1330}, neither had any man {H376} known {H3045} her: and she went down {H3381} to the well {H5869}, and filled {H4390} her pitcher {H3537}, and came up {H5927}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The girl was very beautiful, a virgin, never having had sexual relations with any man. She went down to the spring, filled her jug and came up.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the girl was very beautiful, a virgin who had not had relations with any man. She went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came up again.

American Standard Version

And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the fountain, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:16 introduces Rebekah, a pivotal figure in the unfolding patriarchal narrative, with a detailed description of her exceptional beauty and, crucially, her absolute purity as a virgin. Her subsequent actions at the well—diligently filling her pitcher—are presented not merely as routine, but as the precise, divinely orchestrated fulfillment of Abraham's servant's prayer, signaling God's active hand in providentially selecting Isaac's future wife and ensuring the continuation of the sacred covenant lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 24 stands as a significant narrative interlude between the death of Sarah in [Genesis 23](/genesis/23 "Genesis 23 - Sarah's Death and Burial") and the eventual death of Abraham in [Genesis 25](/genesis/25 "Genesis 25 - Abraham's Descendants and Death"). This chapter focuses entirely on the crucial mission of finding a suitable wife for Isaac, the son of promise. Abraham, now old and well-blessed, takes the initiative to ensure his lineage continues according to God's covenant promises, specifically by preventing Isaac from marrying a Canaanite woman. The preceding verses detail Abraham's solemn oath to his eldest servant and the servant's journey to Nahor's city. [Genesis 24:16](/genesis/24-16 "Rebekah at the Well") immediately follows the servant's heartfelt prayer for a clear divine sign at the well (see [Genesis 24:12-14](/genesis/24-12-14 "Abraham's Servant's Prayer")), positioning Rebekah's appearance and actions as the direct, miraculous answer to his petition, thereby establishing her as the chosen one before any human interaction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, marriage was not merely a personal affair but a communal and familial arrangement, often with significant economic and social implications. Lineage purity was paramount, especially for prominent families like Abraham's, as it ensured the legitimacy of heirs and the continuation of tribal identity. The emphasis on Rebekah's virginity in [Genesis 24:16](/genesis/24-16 "Rebekah's Purity") reflects the high cultural value placed on a bride's purity as a sign of her honor, integrity, and suitability for marriage. Wells were vital communal gathering places, particularly for women who performed the daily task of drawing water. The scene at the well is thus a culturally authentic setting for a significant encounter, where a woman's character, diligence, and hospitality could be observed. The servant's specific request for the woman to water his camels (a laborious task) was a test of extraordinary generosity, going beyond typical social expectations.
* **Key Themes:** This chapter, and [Genesis 24:16](/genesis/24-16 "Rebekah's Introduction"), powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Providence and Guidance**. God's active hand is evident in orchestrating the seemingly coincidental arrival of Rebekah at the well at the precise moment of the servant's prayer, and in her immediate and generous response. This highlights God's faithfulness to His **Covenant Promises** (e.g., [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call and Promise to Abraham")), ensuring the continuation of the promised seed through Isaac. The verse also introduces the theme of **Character and Virtue**, showcasing Rebekah's physical beauty alongside her inner qualities of purity, diligence, and later, hospitality, as essential attributes for her significant role in redemptive history. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **Preparation for Service**, as Rebekah's daily routine at the well prepares her for the extraordinary call to become the matriarch of a nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 24:16 provides a concise yet profound introduction to Rebekah, highlighting key attributes that mark her as divinely chosen for Isaac.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **damsel (Hebrew, _naʻărâh'_):** (H5291) This term refers to a young girl or maiden, typically from infancy to adolescence. Its use here indicates Rebekah's youthfulness and eligibility for marriage, setting the stage for her role as a future matriarch.
* **fair (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** (H2896) From the root meaning "good," this word describes Rebekah's physical appearance as "good" or "beautiful." While not the sole or primary qualification, her attractiveness is noted as a desirable characteristic, signifying a fitting and pleasant partner. This "goodness" extends beyond mere aesthetics, often implying a holistic quality of excellence.
* **virgin (Hebrew, _bᵉthûwlâh'_):** (H1330) This term specifically denotes a virgin, emphasizing her untouched status. It is crucial in ancient Near Eastern culture, signifying her purity, integrity, and honor, making her a suitable bride. This status ensures the purity and legitimacy of the lineage through which God's promises would continue.
* **known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) This primitive root means "to know" in a wide variety of senses, including intimate, sexual knowledge. The phrase "neither had any man known her" explicitly reinforces Rebekah's virginity, leaving no ambiguity about her untouched status and underscoring the importance of her purity for the covenant line.
* **went down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** (H3381) This verb signifies descent, literally "to go downwards." It describes Rebekah's action of going down to the well, a common daily task. This seemingly mundane detail is significant as it places her precisely where Abraham's servant was praying, highlighting the divine orchestration of events.
* **pitcher (Hebrew, _kad'_):** (H3537) This noun refers to a jar or pail, typically made of earthenware, used for carrying water. It signifies Rebekah's engagement in a practical, daily chore, indicating her diligence and readiness for domestic duties, which aligns with the servant's test of hospitality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the damsel [was] very fair to look upon,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes Rebekah's physical attractiveness. The Hebrew phrase *tovath mareh me'od* (טוֹבַת מַרְאֶה מְאֹד) literally translates to "good of appearance exceedingly," emphasizing her striking beauty. While not the primary qualification for her role in God's plan, it is presented as a notable and desirable attribute, making her an outwardly fitting candidate.
* **"a virgin, neither had any man known her:"**: This crucial clause provides a double emphasis on Rebekah's purity. The term *bethulah* (בְּתוּלָה) directly states she is a virgin, and this is powerfully reinforced by the explicit negative statement *ish lo yedaha* (אִישׁ לֹא יְדָעָהּ), meaning "no man had known her." This absolute purity was paramount in ancient Near Eastern culture for a prospective bride, especially for a lineage as significant as Abraham's, ensuring the integrity and legitimacy of the future generations through whom the covenant promises would be fulfilled.
* **"and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up."**: These seemingly simple actions reveal Rebekah's diligence, her engagement in daily domestic tasks, and her immediate availability. Her presence at the well at the precise moment of the servant's prayer, coupled with her subsequent display of extraordinary hospitality, is presented as the divinely orchestrated answer to the servant's petition. These actions are not random but are the very steps that lead to her providential selection.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Characterization** is immediately evident, as Rebekah is introduced not just by name, but by a concise yet rich description of her physical appearance and moral purity, setting her apart. The **Repetition** of her virginity ("a virgin, neither had any man known her") serves to underscore the absolute nature of her purity, highlighting its critical importance for her role in the covenant lineage. The setting of the well functions as **Symbolism**, representing a place of encounter, provision, and divine revelation, where life-altering decisions are often made in biblical narratives. Furthermore, the precise timing of her arrival and her actions at the well serve as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the divine hand at work and preparing the reader for the immediate fulfillment of the servant's prayer in the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 24:16 is a profound illustration of God's meticulous and active involvement in the details of human lives, demonstrating His sovereign control over seemingly ordinary circumstances to accomplish His divine purposes. Rebekah's opportune arrival and her character traits directly answer Abraham's servant's prayer, showcasing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His providential guidance in selecting the right individuals for His redemptive plan. Her purity and diligence are highlighted as virtues, emphasizing that God values not only outward appearance but also inner character and a readiness to serve.

* [Proverbs 19:14](/proverbs/19-14 "A Prudent Wife is from the Lord")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "The Steps of a Good Man are Ordered by the Lord")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 24:16 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that God is intimately involved in guiding our paths, even in significant life decisions such as marriage, vocation, or major life transitions. Rebekah's story encourages us to cultivate qualities of integrity, purity, and diligence, recognizing that inner character and a willingness to serve are paramount in God's eyes. Her immediate and practical actions at the well, coupled with her virtuous character, made her the ideal candidate for God's divine plan. For us, this narrative encourages seeking God's guidance through prayer, trusting His providence in seemingly ordinary circumstances, and being prepared through our character and readiness to serve for the roles He has appointed for us. It reassures us that He orchestrates events for His glory and our good, often working through the mundane to achieve the miraculous. We are called to be faithful in our daily tasks, knowing that God can use our ordinary obedience for extraordinary purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Rebekah's character, as described in this verse, challenge or affirm your understanding of what God values in an individual?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking God's guidance, and how does Rebekah's story encourage you to trust in His providence?**
* **How can you cultivate diligence and a spirit of service in your daily life, recognizing that God might use these qualities for His purposes?**
* **What does the emphasis on Rebekah's purity teach us about the importance of integrity and moral character in our own lives today?**

### FAQ
**Why is Rebekah's virginity so strongly emphasized in this verse?**

Answer: Rebekah's virginity, described by both the term *bethulah* (virgin) and the explicit statement "neither had any man known her," is given strong emphasis for several crucial reasons. In ancient Near Eastern society, a prospective bride's virginity was paramount; it signified her purity, integrity, and honor, making her suitable for marriage. For Abraham's lineage, which carried the divine covenant promises (see [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Covenant with Abraham")), ensuring the purity and legitimacy of the line was of utmost importance. This double emphasis on Rebekah's untouched status guaranteed that the future generations, through whom the promised seed (ultimately the Messiah) would come, would be undeniably legitimate and pure, thereby securing the continuation of God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divinely guided selection of Rebekah for Isaac in [Genesis 24:16](/genesis/24-16 "Rebekah at the Well") is a critical link in the messianic lineage, ensuring the continuation of the covenant through which Christ would eventually come. Rebekah's purity and God-ordained role in this narrative foreshadow the pure and spotless bride of Christ, the Church, chosen by God's sovereign providence and grace. Just as God meticulously provided a suitable bride for Isaac, the son of promise, He has, in His greater wisdom and love, provided His Son, Jesus Christ, as the ultimate Bridegroom for His people, the Church (see [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ's Love for the Church")). The Church, through faith in Christ, is called to present herself as a "pure virgin" to Christ (as seen in [2 Corinthians 11:2](/2_corinthians/11-2 "Paul's Concern for the Corinthians")), reflecting the spiritual purity and devotion symbolized by Rebekah. This narrative ultimately points to the ultimate covenant promise of redemption and eternal union with Christ, the true Son of Promise, who "loved the church and gave himself up for her" ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Christ's Sacrificial Love")).

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 26:7

And the men of the place asked [him] of his wife; and he said, She [is] my sister: for he feared to say, [She is] my wife; lest, [said he], the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she [was] fair to look upon.

Numbers 31:17

Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him.

Numbers 31:18

But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.

Genesis 39:6

And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was [a] goodly [person], and well favoured.

Genesis 4:1

¶ And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.

Song Of Solomon 5:2

¶ I sleep, but my heart waketh: [it is] the voice of my beloved that knocketh, [saying], Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, [and] my locks with the drops of the night.