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
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](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Isaac and Rebekah"), 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 (cf. [Genesis 24:12-14](/genesis/24-12-14 "The servant's prayer for a sign")), 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](/genesis/24-17 "The servant's request to Rebekah") 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](/genesis/24-18-20 "Rebekah's immediate and generous response")) 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 (cf. [Genesis 29:1-14](/genesis/29-1-14 "Jacob meets Rachel at the well")). 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](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Isaac and Rebekah") is rich with theological themes that [Genesis 24:17](/genesis/24-17 "The servant's request to Rebekah") significantly contributes to. **Divine Providence** is central, as God actively orchestrates events to fulfill His covenant promises to Abraham, particularly concerning his lineage (cf. [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's covenant with Abraham")). 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 (cf. [Genesis 24:19-20](/genesis/24-19-20 "Rebekah waters the camels")) serves as the divine confirmation of her suitability.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 24:17](/genesis/24-17 "The servant's request to Rebekah") 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 (cf. [Genesis 24:2](/genesis/24-2 "Abraham makes his servant swear")). 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](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart") – "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](/psalm/37-23 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord") – "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way."
* [Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.") – "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](/genesis/24-17 "The servant's request to Rebekah") 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](/genesis/24-12-14 "The servant's prayer for a sign").

**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 24:19-20](/genesis/24-19-20 "Rebekah's generous response to the servant"). 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 (cf. [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "A great multitude from every nation")). 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 (cf. [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her")). 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 (cf. [John 16:13-14](/john/16-13-14 "The Spirit will guide you into all truth")).

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

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.