Genesis 24:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she hasted {H4116}, and emptied {H6168} her pitcher {H3537} into the trough {H8268}, and ran {H7323} again unto the well {H875} to draw {H7579} water, and drew {H7579} for all his camels {H1581}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She quickly emptied her jug into the trough, then ran again to the well to draw water, and kept on drawing water for all his camels.

Berean Standard Bible

And she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran back to the well to draw water, until she had drawn water for all his camels.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
masterfully depicts Rebekah's extraordinary promptness and profound generosity, as she not only offered water to Abraham's servant but also, without prompting, undertook the arduous task of drawing enough for all his camels. This remarkable act precisely fulfilled the specific sign for which the servant had prayed, serving as irrefutable confirmation of God's meticulous providential guidance in securing the divinely appointed wife for Isaac and ensuring the continuation of the covenant lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within the expansive and highly detailed narrative of [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Finding a Wife for Isaac"), a chapter dedicated entirely to the critical mission of securing a wife for Isaac, the son of promise. Following Abraham's solemn oath from his eldest servant (likely Eliezer) to find a bride from his own kindred in Mesopotamia, the servant embarks on this momentous journey. Upon arrival at Nahor, the servant, recognizing the gravity of his task, offers a specific and challenging prayer to God for a clear sign: the woman chosen by divine providence would not only offer him water but would also, unbidden, extend her hospitality to his ten camels. [Genesis 24:20](/genesis/24-20 "Rebekah's swift and generous act") serves as the climax of this test, immediately following Rebekah's initial offer of water to the servant and her subsequent, unprompted, and laborious act for the camels, thereby confirming her as the divinely appointed woman. The narrative emphasizes divine orchestration, with the servant's prayer being answered even before he finishes speaking, highlighting God's active involvement in the covenant's preservation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, water was a precious commodity, and wells were vital centers of community life, often serving as meeting places for travelers and locals. Hospitality was a paramount virtue, considered a sacred duty, especially towards strangers. Offering water to a weary traveler was customary, but extending that courtesy to his entire caravan of camels was an act of extraordinary generosity. A single camel, especially after a long journey, can drink 20-25 gallons of water, meaning ten camels could consume 200-250 gallons. Drawing such a vast quantity from a well, often using a pitcher and rope, was an immensely laborious and time-consuming task, typically performed by men or multiple individuals. For a young woman like Rebekah to undertake this alone, unbidden, speaks volumes about her exceptional character, diligence, and physical strength. Her actions went far beyond the expected social norms, demonstrating a rare and profound spirit of selflessness, which would have been immediately recognizable as an outstanding virtue in that cultural setting.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 24:20](/genesis/24-20 "Rebekah's swift and generous act") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [Genesis](/genesis/1 "The Book of Genesis") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Providence and Guidance**. God's active hand is evident in meticulously orchestrating the encounter between the servant and Rebekah, answering his specific prayer with precise detail, thereby demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises to Abraham regarding his descendants. Secondly, the verse highlights **Extraordinary Hospitality and Selfless Service**. Rebekah's unprompted and strenuous effort to water all the camels exemplifies a level of generosity that transcends mere courtesy, revealing a heart genuinely inclined to serve without reservation. This act foreshadows biblical principles of radical hospitality and love for one's neighbor, echoing the spirit of generosity found in passages like [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers"). Thirdly, the passage reveals the **Revelation of Character**. Rebekah's promptness ("she hasted") and sustained effort ("ran again... and drew for all his camels") demonstrate diligence, initiative, and a willing spirit—qualities divinely highlighted as essential for the matriarch of the promised lineage. Her actions serve as a concrete manifestation of her inner virtues, confirming her suitability for the sacred role she was to play in salvation history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **H4116 (Hebrew, _mâhar'_):** This Hebrew root, translated "hasted," signifies more than mere speed; it conveys a sense of urgency, promptness, and eager readiness. Rebekah's "hasting" indicates that her response was not reluctant or delayed but immediate and enthusiastic. It suggests a willing spirit, eager to serve and fulfill the need she perceived, reflecting an inner disposition of generosity and diligence. This "hasting" is a key indicator of her character, distinguishing her from a casual or begrudging helper.
* **H6168 (Hebrew, _ʻârâh'_):** Translated "emptied," this verb means "to make bare," "to pour out," or "to uncover." In this context, it describes Rebekah's decisive action of pouring the water from her pitcher into the trough. This was not a hesitant trickle but a full, unreserved emptying, demonstrating her commitment to providing refreshment. The act of emptying signifies a complete giving, a willingness to deplete her own resources for the benefit of the stranger and his animals.
* **H7579 (Hebrew, _shâʼab'_):** This primitive root, translated "draw" (water), specifically refers to the laborious act of bailing or pulling water from a well. It implies physical exertion and repeated effort. The repetition of "drew" ("to draw water, and drew for all his camels") emphasizes the sustained, arduous nature of her task. It highlights her perseverance and the significant physical investment she made, going far beyond a simple act of courtesy to fulfill a demanding need.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough,"**: This initial clause describes Rebekah's immediate and decisive action. Her "hasting" (mâhar) signifies her eager willingness and promptness. She doesn't hesitate but quickly pours out the water from her personal pitcher (kad) into the trough (shôqeth), demonstrating her initial act of hospitality towards the servant and his immediate need. This sets the stage for her subsequent, even greater, act of service.
* **"and ran again unto the well to draw [water],"**: This phrase highlights Rebekah's initiative and sustained effort. After providing for the servant, she doesn't stop. The word "ran" (rûwts) emphasizes her continued energy and eagerness. She returns to the well, not because she was asked, but out of her own generous spirit, anticipating the further need for water for the camels. This demonstrates her foresight and proactive kindness.
* **"and drew for all his camels."**: This culminating clause reveals the extraordinary extent of Rebekah's generosity and diligence. The phrase "for all his camels" is crucial, as it directly fulfills the specific, challenging sign the servant had prayed for. Watering ten thirsty camels was an immense task, requiring numerous trips and hundreds of gallons of water. Her willingness to undertake this unbidden, laborious effort, drawing (shâʼab) water repeatedly, speaks volumes about her selfless character, physical stamina, and profound hospitality, confirming her as the woman chosen by God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Repetition** and **Emphasis** to highlight Rebekah's extraordinary actions. The repeated mention of "draw" (shâʼab) underscores the sustained and laborious nature of her task, emphasizing the sheer volume of water she provided and the physical exertion involved. This repetition serves to impress upon the reader the depth of her commitment and the magnitude of her generosity. Furthermore, the phrase "for all his camels" functions as a powerful **Understatement** or **Synecdoche**, where a part (the camels) represents the immense and challenging task of watering them, thereby emphasizing the unparalleled extent of her hospitality. The narrative also uses **Action-Oriented Language** ("hasted," "emptied," "ran," "drew") to create a vivid and dynamic portrayal of Rebekah's character, showcasing her initiative and tireless service rather than merely stating her virtues.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Genesis 24:20](/genesis/24-20 "Rebekah's swift and generous act") stands as a profound testament to God's meticulous providence and His active involvement in the lives of His covenant people. Rebekah's spontaneous and arduous act of watering all the camels was not a mere coincidence but the precise answer to the servant's prayer, demonstrating God's sovereign orchestration of events to fulfill His promises to Abraham. This divine guidance, coupled with Rebekah's extraordinary character, underscores that God works through both miraculous intervention and the willing hearts of His servants to achieve His redemptive purposes. Her selfless hospitality serves as a model of biblical generosity, revealing a heart aligned with divine virtues, and confirming her suitability for the sacred role as matriarch in the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart") - This passage speaks to trusting in God's guidance, perfectly aligning with the servant's prayer for divine direction and God's subsequent, precise answer through Rebekah.
* [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "The Parable of the Sheep and Goats") - Jesus' teaching on serving "the least of these" directly echoes the spirit of selfless service and hospitality exemplified by Rebekah's unbidden generosity towards a stranger and his animals.
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Humility and Service") - Paul's exhortation to humility and looking out for the interests of others finds a powerful Old Testament illustration in Rebekah's willingness to go above and beyond, prioritizing the needs of others over her own convenience.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Rebekah's actions in [Genesis 24:20](/genesis/24-20 "Rebekah's swift and generous act") provide a rich tapestry for contemporary reflection and application. Her immediate and strenuous service exemplifies true generosity—a willingness to go beyond the expected, to serve with diligence, and to give of oneself without reservation. This challenges believers today to examine the depth of their own hospitality and service. Are we merely fulfilling obligations, or do we, like Rebekah, eagerly seek opportunities to meet needs, even when it requires significant effort and personal sacrifice? Her story also profoundly encourages us to trust in God's meticulous providence. Just as God orchestrated every detail to answer the servant's prayer, He continues to guide our steps and orchestrate circumstances in our lives, often through seemingly ordinary acts of obedience and kindness. Cultivating a spirit of eager service, trusting in God's guidance, and recognizing that our character is often revealed and refined through our actions, are timeless lessons drawn from Rebekah's exemplary response at the well.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to demonstrate "hasted" (eager and prompt) service, going beyond what is merely expected?**
* **How does Rebekah's willingness to undertake a difficult, unbidden task challenge your own understanding of hospitality and generosity?**
* **Can you recall a time when God's providence was clearly at work in your life through seemingly ordinary circumstances or the actions of others? How does this encourage your trust in Him?**
* **What does Rebekah's character, revealed through her actions, teach us about the qualities God values in His people?**

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

Answer: Watering ten thirsty camels was an immensely laborious and time-consuming task, requiring numerous trips to the well and drawing hundreds of gallons of water. A single camel can drink 20-25 gallons when dehydrated, meaning Rebekah likely drew 200-250 gallons. This went far beyond a simple act of courtesy, demanding significant physical exertion and a sustained commitment. This extraordinary effort demonstrated Rebekah's exceptional generosity, diligence, and willingness to serve others without reservation, making her character immediately evident and confirming her as the woman divinely chosen for Isaac, precisely fulfilling the servant's specific prayer for a sign, as detailed in [Genesis 24:14](/genesis/24-14 "The servant's prayer for a specific sign").

**Did Rebekah know she was fulfilling a specific sign?**

Answer: The biblical text does not indicate that Rebekah was aware of the servant's specific prayer or the sign he had requested from God. Her actions appear to stem from her innate generosity, hospitality, and willingness to serve, demonstrating her true character without any external prompting or knowledge of the servant's divine test. This lack of awareness on her part further highlights the divine providence at work, as God orchestrated the circumstances to fulfill the servant's prayer through Rebekah's natural, yet extraordinary, kindness, showcasing His sovereign hand in guiding the events of [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Finding a Wife for Isaac").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 24:20](/genesis/24-20 "Rebekah's swift and generous act") directly highlights Rebekah's exemplary character and God's providence in securing Isaac's bride, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Rebekah's selfless and abundant service, going above and beyond what was expected, serves as a beautiful foreshadowing of Christ's own sacrificial service, who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Jesus came to serve and give His life")). Just as Rebekah willingly poured out her effort for strangers, so Christ poured out His very life for humanity, demonstrating the ultimate act of self-giving love. Furthermore, God's meticulous orchestration of events to secure a bride for Isaac, the son of promise, powerfully prefigures His divine plan to secure a bride—the Church—for His Son, Jesus Christ. The Church, chosen and prepared by God's grace, is united with Christ, the true Seed of Abraham, through whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's promises are Yes in Christ")). This narrative also subtly points to the living water that Christ offers, a spiritual provision far exceeding physical water, satisfying the deepest thirst of the soul ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "Jesus offers living water to the Samaritan woman")).

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.