Genesis 24:17

KJV

And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the servant {H5650} ran {H7323} to meet her {H7125}, and said {H559}, Let me, I pray thee, drink {H1572} a little {H4592} water {H4325} of thy pitcher {H3537}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The servant ran to meet her and said, "Please give me a sip of water from your jug to drink."

Berean Standard Bible

So the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me have a little water from your jar.”

American Standard Version

And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Give me to drink, I pray thee, a little water from thy pitcher.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 24:17](/genesis/24-17 "The servant's request to Rebekah") captures the pivotal moment when Abraham's servant, having just prayed for divine guidance, approaches Rebekah at the well with a polite request for water. This seemingly simple interaction initiates the specific test the servant had sought from God, setting the stage for the unfolding of God's providential plan to secure a wife for Isaac and demonstrating the immediate expectation of an answered prayer.

### CONTEXT
This verse is embedded within the detailed narrative of [Genesis 24](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/24 "The entire chapter detailing Isaac's marriage"), which recounts Abraham's mission to find a suitable wife for his son Isaac from his own people in Mesopotamia, rather than the Canaanites. Having journeyed to Nahor's city, the servant had previously prayed for a specific sign at the well, asking that the woman divinely chosen would not only offer him water but also generously volunteer to water his numerous camels, as recorded in [Genesis 24:12-14](/genesis/24-12 "The servant's prayer for a sign"). Upon seeing Rebekah, a young woman approaching the well, the servant's immediate action of "running to meet her" reflects his eager anticipation and faith that God was already answering his petition, prompting him to initiate the very first step of his divinely inspired test.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 24:17](/genesis/24-17 "The servant's request to Rebekah") presents the servant's decisive first move in the unfolding divine drama. The text states, "And the servant ran to meet her." This detail highlights his urgency and expectation, indicating that he recognized something significant in Rebekah's appearance or timing, prompting him to act swiftly upon his recent prayer. His running suggests a deep conviction that this encounter was no mere coincidence but a direct answer from God.

Following his quick approach, the servant "said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher." This polite and humble request is strategically significant for several reasons:

* **Initiation of the Test:** This simple request is the initial phase of the servant's specific test. It is designed to elicit a response from Rebekah that will reveal her character, specifically her hospitality and generosity. The full test, where she offers to water the camels, is yet to come, as detailed in [Genesis 24:19](/genesis/24-19 "Rebekah's generous response to the servant").
* **Linguistic Nuance:** The phrase "I pray thee" translates the Hebrew particle *na* (נָא), which serves to soften a command or request, conveying politeness, entreaty, or even urgency. This choice of language underscores the servant's respectful demeanor, which was crucial for observing Rebekah's true nature without demanding anything. It sets a tone of courteous interaction rather than an authoritative one, allowing Rebekah's genuine character to shine through her response.
* **Observing Character:** By making a modest request for "a little water," the servant creates an opportunity to observe Rebekah's immediate reaction. Her willingness to share even a small amount would indicate a basic level of kindness, but her subsequent actions would reveal a far deeper generosity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Guidance and Providence:** The servant's swift action immediately after his prayer underscores God's active involvement in human affairs, orchestrating circumstances to fulfill His purposes and answer specific prayers.
* **Faith and Expectation:** The servant's "running" demonstrates his profound faith and expectation that God would indeed provide the promised sign, acting promptly on his conviction.
* **Humility and Politeness:** The servant's respectful approach, using "I pray thee," models the importance of courteous communication, even when representing a powerful figure like Abraham.
* **Character Revelation:** The verse initiates a scenario designed to reveal Rebekah's inner qualities of hospitality, generosity, and diligence, which were essential for her future role.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** This event is a crucial step in God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, ensuring the continuation of his lineage through Isaac with a suitable, God-chosen partner.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 24:17](/genesis/24-17 "The servant's request to Rebekah") offers valuable lessons for believers today, encouraging us to seek God's specific guidance in significant life decisions and to act in faith, expecting His response. The servant's method reminds us to look beyond superficial qualities and observe genuine character, such as kindness, generosity, and humility, in those we interact with, especially when making important relational choices. Furthermore, the narrative highlights the profound impact of simple acts of courtesy and respectful communication, which can open doors and reveal significant insights into others, fostering positive interactions and paving the way for God's purposes to unfold. This echoes the truth that God is faithful to lead and provide for those who seek His will, even through seemingly ordinary encounters, as affirmed in [Proverbs 3:6](/proverbs/3-6 "Acknowledge God in all your ways"), "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

### FAQ
**Why did the servant 'run' to meet Rebekah?**

Answer: The servant's action of "running" to meet Rebekah signifies his immediate recognition and eager expectation that God was answering his prayer. Having just prayed for a specific sign to identify Isaac's future wife, his swift movement indicates a profound sense of urgency and faith that this young woman might be the one God had chosen, prompting him to initiate the test without delay.

**How does this verse initiate the 'test' for Rebekah?**

Answer: [Genesis 24:17](/genesis/24-17 "The servant's request to Rebekah") initiates the test by presenting a simple, polite request for water. This initial request is the first step in the servant's divinely inspired test, designed to observe Rebekah's character. While offering water to a stranger was a basic courtesy, the true test, and a sign of extraordinary generosity, would come when she volunteered to water his numerous camels as well, as she does in [Genesis 24:19](/genesis/24-19 "Rebekah's generous response to the servant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous divine guidance in securing a bride for Isaac, the son of promise, foreshadows God's even greater work in preparing a Bride for His Son, Jesus Christ. Just as God providentially led Abraham's servant to Rebekah, a suitable and chosen partner, so too does the Holy Spirit, the "Servant" of the New Covenant, call and gather the Church, the Bride of Christ, from all nations. This narrative of God's active provision for a covenant marriage ultimately points to the ultimate spiritual union between Christ and His redeemed people, a union secured not by human effort or specific tests, but by His perfect sacrifice and grace, fulfilling God's eternal plan for His Son and His Kingdom.

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.