What number verse is Genesis 24:17 in the Bible?

Genesis 24:17 is the 609th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Genesis 24:17 sits at position 609.

Translation

King James Version

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

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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.

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Complete Jewish Bible

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

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Berean Standard Bible

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

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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.

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World English Bible Messianic

The servant ran to meet her, and said, “Please give me a drink, a little water from your pitcher.”

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Then the seruant ranne to meete her, and said, Let me drinke, I pray thee, a litle water of thy pitcher.

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Young's Literal Translation

And the servant runneth to meet her, and saith, `Let me swallow, I pray thee, a little water from thy pitcher;'

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

This verse marks the crucial moment in Abraham's servant's mission to find a wife for Isaac. Having just offered a specific prayer for divine guidance at the well, the servant's immediate action of running to meet Rebekah and his polite request for water initiate the precise test he had sought from God. This seemingly simple interaction is pivotal, setting the stage for the unfolding of God's meticulous providential plan to secure a suitable partner for Isaac and demonstrating the immediate expectation of an answered prayer in a profound display of faith and divine orchestration.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is situated within the expansive and detailed narrative of Genesis 24, a chapter singularly devoted to the account of Isaac's marriage. It immediately follows the servant's earnest prayer for a divine sign at the well (Genesis 24:12-14), where he specifically requested that the chosen woman would not only offer him water but also generously volunteer to water his numerous camels. The servant's swift action in Genesis 24:17 directly indicates his recognition of Rebekah as a potential answer to his prayer, prompting him to initiate the first part of his pre-determined test. The subsequent verses (Genesis 24:18-20) detail Rebekah's immediate and generous response, confirming her as the divinely appointed woman.
Historical & Cultural Context: The setting is a public well, a vital gathering place in ancient Near Eastern societies, especially for women who would draw water for their households and livestock. Wells were often sites of significant social interaction, betrothal, and divine encounter, as seen in other biblical narratives like Jacob meeting Rachel at a well (Genesis 29:1-14). The cultural expectation of hospitality was paramount; offering water to a weary traveler was a fundamental act of kindness and a social obligation. The servant's request for "a little water" was modest, allowing Rebekah's character—her willingness to extend hospitality beyond the bare minimum—to be revealed through her subsequent actions. Marriage arrangements in this culture were typically negotiated by family elders or representatives, emphasizing the importance of a divinely guided selection rather than individual romantic choice.
Key Themes: Genesis 24 is rich with theological themes that Genesis 24:17 significantly contributes to. Divine Providence is central, as God actively orchestrates events to fulfill His covenant promises to Abraham, particularly concerning his lineage (Genesis 12:1-3). The servant's "running" and immediate request underscore the theme of Faith and Expectation, demonstrating a profound trust that God would answer his specific prayer. The narrative also highlights God's Faithfulness to His covenant, ensuring the continuation of the promised seed through Isaac. Furthermore, the interaction reveals the importance of Character and Hospitality, as Rebekah's generous response (Genesis 24:19-20) serves as the divine confirmation of her suitability.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Genesis 24:17 captures the servant's decisive and faith-filled initiation of the divine test. The verse reads: "And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher."

Key Word Analysis

Servant (Hebrew, ʻebed', H5650): From a root meaning "to serve," this word denotes a bondman, a slave, or a servant. In this context, Abraham's servant is not merely an employee but a trusted, dedicated agent (Genesis 24:2). His identity as "the servant" emphasizes his role as an instrument of God's will and Abraham's mission, highlighting his obedience and faithfulness in carrying out a divine task.
Ran (Hebrew, rûwts', H7323): A primitive root meaning "to run," often implying urgency, haste, or eager pursuit. The servant's act of "running" is highly significant. It conveys his immediate recognition of Rebekah as a potential answer to his prayer and his eager anticipation of God's providential leading. It is a physical manifestation of his faith and expectation, indicating that he perceived this encounter as divinely orchestrated, not coincidental.
Pitcher (Hebrew, kad', H3537): From an unused root meaning "to deepen," referring to a pail or generally an earthenware jar for domestic purposes. The "pitcher" is the specific object from which the water is to be drawn, making Rebekah's possession and use of it central to the test. It represents the means by which she can demonstrate hospitality and diligence, as she would need to pour from it for the servant and later for his camels.

Verse Breakdown

"And the servant ran to meet her": This opening clause immediately conveys the servant's urgency and proactive stance. His "running" signifies a profound sense of purpose and expectation, born out of his recent prayer. He is not passively waiting but actively engaging with what he believes to be God's unfolding plan. This swift action highlights his faith and keen observation, recognizing something in Rebekah's appearance or timing that indicated she might be the one.
"and said": This simple conjunction introduces the servant's verbal interaction, transitioning from his physical action to his direct address. It sets the stage for the crucial dialogue that will initiate the test and reveal Rebekah's character.
"Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher": This is the core of the servant's request. The phrase "I pray thee" (Hebrew: na) is a polite particle, softening the request and conveying humility and entreaty rather than demand. By asking for "a little water," the servant makes a modest request that is easy to fulfill, yet it serves as the initial trigger for the larger test. It allows him to observe Rebekah's immediate willingness to share and her general disposition towards a stranger, setting the stage for her subsequent, more generous offer.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several literary devices. Characterization is prominent, revealing the servant's faith, diligence, and respectful demeanor through his actions and words. His "running" immediately characterizes him as a man of conviction and eager expectation, while his polite request ("I pray thee") underscores his wisdom and humility in approaching a stranger. Foreshadowing is also present, as this seemingly simple request initiates the "test" that will reveal Rebekah's character and confirm her as Isaac's destined wife, thereby foreshadowing the divine confirmation that is about to unfold. The Setting of the well is symbolic, representing a place of life, provision, and often, divine encounter and betrothal in biblical narratives. The humble request for "a little water" also functions as a Plot Device, serving as the initial catalyst for the entire sequence of events that will lead to the fulfillment of Abraham's mission.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This pivotal verse powerfully illustrates God's active involvement in the lives of His people, demonstrating how divine providence works through human prayer and action. The servant's swift response to Rebekah's appearance, immediately after his specific prayer, underscores the principle that God often answers prayer not through miraculous intervention alone, but by orchestrating circumstances and prompting human agents to act in faith. This interaction initiates a test designed by the servant, yet divinely guided, to reveal the character necessary for the continuation of the covenant line. It highlights that God's plan unfolds through seemingly ordinary encounters, where human courtesy and generosity become the conduits for His extraordinary purposes.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Psalm 37:23 – "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way."
Philippians 4:6 – "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Genesis 24:17 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, encouraging us to cultivate a posture of expectant faith in God's guidance, particularly in significant life decisions. The servant's immediate action after prayer teaches us to be attentive to God's providential leading and to act decisively when we sense His direction, rather than remaining passive. His humble and polite request for water also serves as a model for our interactions, reminding us that courtesy and respect can open doors and reveal true character in others. In a world often characterized by self-interest, the servant's approach highlights the value of seeking to understand and observe genuinely, rather than demanding or assuming. This narrative encourages us to trust that God is meticulously at work, even in the seemingly small details of our lives, orchestrating encounters and revealing His will through the responses of others, ultimately guiding us toward His perfect plan.

Questions for Reflection

How does the servant's immediate "running" after his prayer challenge my own tendency to wait or hesitate after seeking God's guidance?
In what ways can I, like the servant, initiate interactions with humility and politeness to better discern character or facilitate God's purposes in my relationships?
How does this verse encourage me to trust God's providence in seemingly ordinary encounters, believing He can work through them to fulfill His greater plan?

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. This reflects his deep conviction that God was actively orchestrating the encounter, as detailed in Genesis 24:12-14.

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

Answer: Genesis 24:17 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 24:19-20. The modesty of the initial request allowed Rebekah's true, generous nature to shine through her unprompted, abundant hospitality.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The meticulous divine guidance in securing a bride for Isaac, the son of promise, beautifully foreshadows God's even greater work in preparing a Bride for His Son, Jesus Christ. Just as God providentially led Abraham's faithful servant to Rebekah, a suitable and chosen partner for Isaac, so too does the Holy Spirit—the "Servant" of the New Covenant—diligently call, convict, and gather the Church, the Bride of Christ, from every nation, tribe, and tongue (Revelation 7:9). 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 the indwelling grace of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:25-27). The Spirit's work in drawing believers to Christ and preparing them for eternal union with Him echoes the servant's mission, fulfilling God's eternal plan for His Son and His Kingdom (John 16:13-14).

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Commentary on Genesis 24 verses 10–28

10 ¶ And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.

11 And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.

12 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.

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

14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

15 And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

16 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.

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

18 And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.

19 And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.

20 And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.

21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.

22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;

23 And said, Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in?

24 And she said unto him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor.

25 She said moreover unto him, We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in.

26 And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.

27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.

28 And the damsel ran, and told them of her mother's house these things.

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

Abraham's servant now begins to make a figure in this story; and, though he is not named, yet much is here recorded to his honour, and for an example to all servants, who shall be honoured if, by faithfully serving God and their masters, they adorn the doctrine of Christ (compare Pro 27:18 with Tit 2:10); for there is no respect of persons with God, Col 3:24, Col 3:25. A good servant that makes conscience of the duty of his place, and does it in the fear of God, though he make not a figure in the world nor have praise of men, yet shall be owned and accepted of God and have praise of him. Observe here,

I. How faithful Abraham's servant approved himself to his master. Having received his charge, he with all expedition set out on his journey, with an equipage suitable to the object of his negotiation (Gen 24:10), and he had all the goods of his master, that is, a schedule or particular account of them, in his hand, to show to those with whom he was to treat; for, from first to last, he consulted his master's honour. Isaac being a type of Christ, some make this fetching of a wife for him to signify the espousing of the church by the agency of his servants the ministers. The church is the bride, the Lamb's wife, Rev 21:9. Christ is the bridegroom, and ministers are the friends of the bridegroom (Joh 3:29), whose work it is to persuade souls to consent to him, Co2 11:2. The spouse of Christ must not be of the Canaanites, but of his own kindred, born again from above. Ministers, like Abraham's servant, must lay out themselves with the utmost wisdom and care to serve their master's interest herein.

II. How devoutly he acknowledged God in this affair, like one of that happy household which Abraham had commanded to keep the way of the Lord, etc., Gen 18:19. He arrived early in the evening (after many days' journeying) at the place of his destination, and reposed himself by a well of water, to consider how he might manage his business for the best. And,

1.He acknowledges God by a particular prayer (Gen 24:12-14), wherein, (1.) He petitions for prosperity and good success in this affair: Send me good speed, this day. Note, We have leave to be particular in recommending our affairs to the conduct and care of the divine Providence. Those that would have good speed must pray for it. This day, in this affair; thus we must, in all our ways, acknowledge God, Pro 3:6. And, if we thus look up to God in every undertaking which we are in care about, we shall have the comfort of having done our duty, whatever the issue be. (2.) He pleads God's covenant with his master Abraham: O God of my master Abraham, show kindness to him. Note, As the children of good parents, so the servants of good masters, have peculiar encouragement in the prayers they offer to God for prosperity and success. (3.) He proposes a sign (Gen 24:14), not by it to limit God, nor with a design to proceed no further if he were not gratified in it; but it is a prayer, [1.] That God would provide a good wife for his young master, and this was a good prayer. He knew that a prudent wife is from the Lord (Pro 19:14), and therefore that for this he will be enquired of. He desires that his master's wife might be humble and industrious woman, bred up to care and labour, and willing to put her hand to any work that was to be done; and that she might be of a courteous disposition, and charitable to strangers. When he came to seek a wife for his master, he did not go to the playhouse or the park, and pray that he might meet one there, but to the well of water, expecting to find one there well employed. [2.] That he would please to make his way, in this matter, plain and clear before him, by the concurrence of minute circumstances in his favour. Note, First, It is the comfort, as well as the belief, of a good man, that God's providence extends itself to the smallest occurrences and admirably serves its own purposes by them. Our times are in God's hand; not only events themselves, but the times of them. Secondly, It is our wisdom, in all our affairs, to follow Providence, and folly to force it. Thirdly, It is very desirable, and that which we may lawfully pray for, while in the general we set God's will before us as our rule, that he will, by hints of providence, direct us in the way of our duty, and give us indications what his mind it. Thus he guides his people with his eye (Psa 32:8), and leads them in a plain path, Psa 27:11.

2.God owns him by a particular providence. He decreed the thing, and it was established to him, Job 22:28. According to his faith, so was it unto him. The answer to this prayer was, (1.) Speedy - before he had made an end of speaking (Gen 24:15), as it is written (Isa 65:24), While they are yet speaking, I will hear. Though we are backward to pray, God is forward to hear prayer. (2.) Satisfactory: the first that came to draw water was, and did, in every thing, according to his own heart. [1.] She was so well qualified that in all respects she answered the characters he wished for in the woman that was to be his master's wife, handsome and healthful, humble and industrious, very courteous and obliging to a stranger, and having all the marks of a good disposition. When she came to the well (Gen 24:16), she went down and filled her pitcher, and came up to go home with it. She did not stand to gaze upon the strange man and his camels, but minded her business, and would not have been diverted from it but by an opportunity of doing good. She did not curiously nor confidently enter into discourse with him, but modestly answered him, with all the decorum that became her sex. What a degenerate age do we live in, in which appear all the instances of pride, luxury, and laziness, the reverse of Rebekah's character, whose daughters few are! Those instances of goodness which were then in honour are now in contempt. [2.] Providence so ordered it that she did that which exactly answered to his sign, and was wonderfully the counterpart of his proposal: she not only gave him drink, but, which was more than could have been expected, she offered her services to give his camels drink, which was the very sign he proposed. Note, First, God, in his providence, does sometimes wonderfully own the prayer of faith, and gratify the innocent desires of his praying people, even in little things, that he may show the extent of his care, and may encourage them at all times to seek to him and trust in him; yet we must take heed of being over-bold in prescribing to God, lest the event should weaken our faith rather than strengthen it. Secondly, It is good to take all opportunities of showing a humble, courteous, charitable, disposition, because, some time or other, it may turn more to our honour and benefit than we think of; some hereby have entertained angels, and Rebekah hereby, quite beyond her expectation at this time, was brought into the line of Christ and the covenant. Thirdly, There may be a great deal of obliging kindness in that which costs but little: our Saviour has promised a reward for a cup of cold water, Mat 10:42. Fourthly, The concurrence of providences and their minute circumstances, for the furtherance of our success in any business, ought to be particularly observed, with wonder and thankfulness, to the glory of God: The man wondered, Gen 24:21. We have been wanting to ourselves, both in duty and in comfort, by neglecting to observe Providence. [3.] Upon enquiry he found, to his great satisfaction, that she was a near relation to his master, and that the family she was of was considerable, and able to give him entertainment, Gen 24:23-25. Note, Providence sometimes wonderfully directs those that by faith and prayer seek direction from heaven in the choice of suitable yoke-fellows: happy marriages those are likely to be that are made in the fear of God; and these, we are sure, are made in heaven.

3.He acknowledges God in a particular thanksgiving. He first paid his respects to Rebekah, in gratitude for her civility (Gen 24:22), obliging her with such ornaments and attire as a maid, especially a bride, cannot forget (Jer 2:32), which yet, we should think, ill suited the pitcher of water; but the ear-rings and bracelets she sometimes wore did not make her think herself above the labours of a virtuous woman (Pro 31:13), who works willingly with her hands; nor the services of a child, who, while under age, differs nothing from a servant, Gal 4:1. Having done this, he turns his wonder (Gen 24:21) into worshipping: Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, Gen 24:26, Gen 24:27. Observe here, (1.) He had prayed for good speed (Gen 24:12), and now that he had sped well he gives thanks. Note, What we win by prayer we must wear with praise; for mercies in answer to prayer lay us under particular obligations. (2.) He had as yet but a comfortable prospect of mercy, and was not certain what the issue might prove; yet he gives thanks. Note, When God's favours are coming towards us we must meet them with our praises. (3.) He blesses God for success when he was negotiating for his master. Note, We should be thankful for our friend's mercies as for our own. (4.) He gives thanks that, being in the way, at a loss what course to steer, the Lord had led him. Note, In doubtful cases, it is very comfortable to see God leading us, as he led Israel in the wilderness by the pillar of cloud and fire. (5.) He thinks himself very happy, and owns God in it, that he was led to the house of his master's brethren, those of them that had come out of Ur of the Chaldees, though they had not come to Canaan, but remained in Haran. They were not idolaters, but worshippers of the true God, and inclinable to the religion of Abraham's family. Note, God is to be acknowledged in providing suitable yoke-fellows, especially such as are agreeable in religion. (6.) He acknowledges that God, herein, had not left his master destitute of his mercy and truth. God had promised to build up Abraham's family, yet it seemed destitute of the benefit of that promise; but now Providence is working towards the accomplishing of it. Note, [1.] God's faithful ones, how destitute soever they may be of worldly comforts, shall never be left destitute of God's mercy and truth; for God's mercy is an inexhaustible fountain, and his truth an inviolable foundation. [2.] It adds much to the comfort of any blessing to see in it the continuance of God's mercy and truth.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–28. Public domain.

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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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Cross-References

John 4:7
There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
Genesis 26:1
¶ And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
Genesis 26:35
Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.
Isaiah 21:14
The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled.
1 Kings 17:10
So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.
Isaiah 49:10
They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
Isaiah 30:25
And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.