Genesis 24:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And when she had done {H3615} giving him drink {H8248}, she said {H559}, I will draw {H7579} water for thy camels {H1581} also, until they have done {H3615} drinking {H8354}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When she was through letting him drink, she said, "I will also draw water for your camels until they have drunk their fill."

Berean Standard Bible

After she had given him a drink, she said, “I will also draw water for your camels, until they have had enough to drink.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:19 records Rebekah's remarkable and unsolicited offer to draw water for Abraham's servant's ten camels, immediately after providing him drink. This pivotal moment precisely fulfills the servant's specific prayer for a divine sign, unequivocally identifying Rebekah as the divinely appointed bride for Isaac and showcasing her extraordinary character of generosity, diligence, and selfless hospitality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 24 is a lengthy and meticulously detailed narrative focusing on Abraham's final, crucial mission: securing a wife for his son, Isaac, from among his own kin in Mesopotamia, rather than from the idolatrous Canaanites. Abraham dispatches his most trusted chief servant on this solemn journey, binding him with a sacred oath. Upon arriving at the city of Nahor, near a well, the servant, recognizing the gravity of his task, prays for a specific, unambiguous sign from God: that the woman divinely chosen for Isaac would not only offer him water but also voluntarily extend her hospitality to water his ten camels. This verse, Genesis 24:19, marks the immediate, precise, and astonishing fulfillment of that prayer, serving as the narrative's climax in identifying Rebekah as God's chosen instrument for the continuation of the covenant line. The narrative then proceeds to detail the servant's interaction with Rebekah's family and her willing departure.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wells were vital centers of community life, often serving as gathering places where daily needs were met and social interactions occurred. Hospitality was not merely a courtesy but a sacred duty, especially towards travelers. However, Rebekah's offer went far beyond customary hospitality. Camels, particularly after a long journey, can drink an astonishing amount of water—up to 20-30 gallons each when dehydrated. For ten camels, this meant drawing and carrying 200-300 gallons, an arduous task requiring immense physical effort, time, and a strong work ethic, especially for a young woman. The act of drawing water involved lowering a heavy bucket into a deep well and hauling it up repeatedly. Her willingness to undertake such a demanding and unsolicited task would have been a clear indicator of exceptional character, diligence, and a selfless spirit, qualities highly valued in a potential wife and matriarch in that culture.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 24:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Providence and Guidance**, demonstrating God's meticulous involvement in the lives of His covenant people, even orchestrating seemingly mundane events to fulfill His grand plan for Abraham's lineage and the promised seed. The servant's specific prayer and its immediate answer highlight the theme of **Fulfillment of Prayer** and God's faithfulness in responding to those who seek His will. Secondly, Rebekah's actions exemplify **Exceptional Hospitality and Selfless Service**, going "above and beyond" societal expectations, revealing a character of remarkable generosity and diligence. This act serves as a character assessment, aligning with the biblical emphasis on inner virtue over outward appearance, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 31:10-31](/proverbs/31-10-31 "The Virtuous Wife"). Finally, the narrative reinforces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as Abraham's desire for Isaac to marry within his kin, and God's provision of Rebekah, ensures the continuation of the divinely chosen line through which the promises to Abraham would be realized, ultimately leading to the Messiah, as detailed in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Covenant with Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **camels (Hebrew, _gâmâl'_):** From H1581, this word refers to the burden-bearing animal, the camel. In this context, the mention of "thy camels" is crucial, as their presence and thirst represent the immense scope of the task Rebekah volunteered for. The sheer number (ten, as per [Genesis 24:10](/genesis/24-10 "The Servant's Journey")) signifies the extraordinary effort required, making her offer a profound demonstration of her character, far beyond what would be expected for a single individual.
* **done (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** From H3615, meaning "to end, cease, be finished, complete, consume." This word appears twice in the verse, marking the completion of two stages: "when she had done giving him drink" and "until they have done drinking." Its repetition emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of Rebekah's actions. She didn't just start the task; she committed to finishing it entirely, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to the needs of the traveler and his animals. This commitment to completion underscores her diligence and reliability.
* **draw (Hebrew, _shâʼab'_):** From H7579, meaning "to bale up water." This verb specifically denotes the physical act of drawing water from a well, typically involving lowering a bucket and hauling it up. It implies strenuous, repetitive labor. Rebekah's offer to "draw water" for ten camels was not a light suggestion but a commitment to a physically demanding and time-consuming undertaking, highlighting her robust work ethic and selfless spirit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when she had done giving him drink":** This opening clause establishes that Rebekah had already fulfilled the initial act of hospitality—providing water to the weary traveler. Her subsequent offer is therefore not a mere continuation of an existing task but an *additional*, unprompted act of generosity, demonstrating her proactive and willing spirit beyond the immediate request.
* **"she said, I will draw [water] for thy camels also":** This is the pivotal declaration. Rebekah's statement is spontaneous and self-initiated, directly addressing the servant's unvoiced need for his camels. The inclusion of "also" underscores her going above and beyond the expected. This specific offer, made without prompting, precisely matches the sign the servant had prayed for, unequivocally identifying her as the woman chosen by God.
* **"until they have done drinking":** This phrase emphasizes the completeness and commitment of Rebekah's offer. She did not merely propose to draw some water; she committed to continuing the laborious task until all ten camels were fully satisfied. This detail highlights her exceptional diligence, perseverance, and genuine desire to serve, revealing a character of remarkable virtue and tireless service.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Genesis 24:19 employs several effective literary devices. There is clear **Foreshadowing**, as Rebekah's diligent and selfless character, revealed through this arduous act, foreshadows her future role as a matriarch of the covenant line, a woman capable of great strength and devotion. The **Symbolism** of water is also prominent; it represents life, provision, and refreshment, and Rebekah's willingness to laboriously provide it symbolizes her life-giving and nurturing spirit, essential for the continuation of Abraham's seed. Furthermore, the scene is imbued with **Dramatic Irony**: the servant knows the significance of Rebekah's actions as a divine sign, while Rebekah herself is unaware that her simple act of hospitality is fulfilling a specific, divinely orchestrated prayer. This irony heightens the sense of God's unseen hand guiding the events. Finally, the entire encounter is a powerful example of **Divine Orchestration**, where seemingly natural human actions are precisely aligned with God's sovereign plan, demonstrating His active involvement in the details of human lives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Rebekah's spontaneous and strenuous offer in Genesis 24:19 stands as a profound testament to God's active involvement in guiding the steps of His people and orchestrating events to fulfill His divine plan. Her actions were not coincidental but a direct, precise answer to a specific prayer, underscoring God's meticulous care in leading His people in significant life decisions, particularly those pertaining to the covenant lineage. This narrative highlights that God often works through the willing and generous hearts of individuals, revealing His perfect timing and sovereign control over all circumstances. It teaches us about the nature of true hospitality, which goes beyond mere obligation to embrace sacrificial service, reflecting a heart aligned with divine purposes.

* [Genesis 24:14](/genesis/24-14 "The Servant's Prayer for a Sign") - This verse records the servant's specific prayer, which Rebekah's actions in Genesis 24:19 precisely fulfill, demonstrating God's direct response to faithful petition.
* [Proverbs 31:10](/proverbs/31-10 "A Wife of Noble Character") - This verse, and the subsequent description of the virtuous wife, echoes the diligence, generosity, and strong character displayed by Rebekah in her willingness to undertake such a demanding task.
* [Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Reward for Giving a Cup of Cold Water") - Jesus' teaching on giving a cup of cold water to one of the least of these, with the promise of reward, resonates with Rebekah's act of providing sustenance, highlighting the value God places on simple acts of selfless service.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Rebekah's actions in Genesis 24:19 provide a timeless and compelling example of genuine hospitality, selfless service, and a truly diligent heart. For believers today, her conduct serves as a powerful encouragement to trust implicitly in God's sovereign guidance in all significant life decisions, especially those as weighty as marriage or vocational calling, knowing that He can orchestrate even the smallest details to accomplish His perfect will. Furthermore, it challenges us to cultivate a spirit of proactive service, going the extra mile in meeting the needs of others, not just fulfilling basic requirements but anticipating needs and exceeding expectations with joyful generosity. This pivotal moment also reinforces the profound power of specific and expectant prayer, reminding us that God hears and answers according to His perfect will and timing, often through the willing hearts and hands of His people, calling us to be instruments of His providence in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking God's specific guidance, and how might Rebekah's story encourage you to pray with greater specificity and expectation?**
* **Beyond fulfilling basic obligations, how can you cultivate a spirit of "going the extra mile" in your service to others, reflecting Rebekah's proactive generosity?**
* **What does Rebekah's willingness to undertake a demanding task teach you about the value of diligence and a strong work ethic in demonstrating your character?**
* **How does understanding God's divine orchestration in this narrative impact your trust in His sovereignty over the seemingly small details of your own life?**

### FAQ
**Why was watering ten camels such a significant act?**

Answer: Watering ten camels was a monumental task due to the sheer volume of water required and the strenuous physical effort involved. A single camel, especially after a long journey in a desert climate, can drink 20-30 gallons of water when severely dehydrated. Therefore, Rebekah committed to drawing and carrying an estimated 200-300 gallons of water. The Hebrew verb "sha'av" (to draw, H7579) implies laborious work, often involving lowering a heavy bucket into a deep well, which could be 100 feet or more deep, and repeatedly hauling it up. This act, therefore, demonstrated extraordinary generosity, considerable physical strength, and a tireless work ethic, going far beyond typical hospitality and serving as a clear and undeniable sign of her exceptional character, precisely fulfilling the servant's prayer for a specific divine indicator, as detailed in [Genesis 24:14](/genesis/24-14 "The Servant's Prayer for a Sign").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of finding a bride for Isaac, culminating in Rebekah's selfless and arduous act of drawing water, subtly yet powerfully foreshadows the ultimate divine provision of a Bride for Christ, the Church. Just as Rebekah willingly and laboriously served to join Isaac, the Church, as the Bride of Christ, is called to a life of selfless service and devotion, reflecting the character of her Groom. Christ Himself is the ultimate example of self-sacrificial love, having "drawn" the living water of salvation for humanity through His arduous work on the cross, freely offering it to all who thirst, as He declared in [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman"). Rebekah's initiative and diligence, orchestrated by divine providence, point to the Holy Spirit's ongoing work in preparing and sanctifying the Church, making her ready as a pure and devoted bride for her heavenly Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, who "loved the church and gave himself up for her" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ's Love for the Church")). Her act of providing physical refreshment anticipates Christ's provision of eternal spiritual refreshment, a fountain of living water that never runs dry for all who believe ([Revelation 21:6](/revelation/21-6 "I am the Alpha and the Omega")).

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 24:14

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.

Genesis 24:45

And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well, and drew [water]: and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee.

Genesis 24:46

And she made haste, and let down her pitcher from her [shoulder], and said, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: so I drank, and she made the camels drink also.

1 Peter 4:9

Use hospitality one to another without grudging.