Genesis 24:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And said {H559}, Whose {H4310} daughter {H1323} art thou {H859}? tell {H5046} me, I pray thee: is there {H3426} room {H4725} in thy father's {H1} house {H1004} for us to lodge in {H3885}?

Complete Jewish Bible

and asked, "Whose daughter are you? Tell me, please. Is there room in your father's house for us to spend the night?"

Berean Standard Bible

“Whose daughter are you?” he asked. “Please tell me, is there room in your father’s house for us to spend the night?”

American Standard Version

and said, Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee. Is there room in thy father’s house for us to lodge in?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
After Rebekah's demonstration of divine favor and generous hospitality, Abraham's servant strategically poses two critical questions to her: "Whose daughter art thou?" to precisely ascertain her family lineage and suitability within Abraham's kin, and "is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in?" to secure essential accommodation for himself and his large retinue, thereby facilitating the necessary next steps in his divinely orchestrated mission to find a wife for Isaac.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The verse immediately follows Rebekah's remarkable demonstration of hospitality, fulfilling the servant's specific prayer for a sign from God. Having observed her actions and presented her with valuable gifts (a gold nose ring and two gold bracelets in [Genesis 24:22](/genesis/24-22 "Rebekah receives gifts")), the servant's questions in [Genesis 24:23](/genesis/24-23 "Abraham's servant questions Rebekah") mark a crucial transition from observation and testing to direct inquiry and engagement. This shift is essential for moving the narrative forward from a divinely confirmed encounter to the practicalities of familial negotiation and the fulfillment of Abraham's mission to secure a bride for Isaac from his own people. The questions are designed to confirm her identity and secure a base for further discussions with her family.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, lineage, hospitality, and family honor were paramount. Marriage was not merely a union of individuals but a strategic alliance between families, often involving extensive negotiations and a bride price. Abraham's directive to his servant to find a wife for Isaac from his own kindred, rather than the Canaanites ([Genesis 24:3-4](/genesis/24-3-4 "Abraham's charge to his servant")), highlights the importance of preserving ethnic and religious purity within the covenant line. Hospitality, as demonstrated by Rebekah, was a sacred duty, a matter of survival for travelers, and a deeply ingrained cultural norm reflecting a community's values. The servant's large entourage, including ten camels, necessitated significant lodging, making his inquiry about "room" both practical and customary for initiating formal contact with a household.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Isaac and Rebekah") is rich with themes of **divine providence** and **guidance**, as God orchestrates the servant's journey and brings him directly to Rebekah. The servant's persistent prayer and God's clear answer through Rebekah's actions underscore the theme of **answered prayer** and the active involvement of God in the lives of His people. The narrative also emphasizes the critical importance of **lineage and covenant preservation**, as Abraham seeks a bride for Isaac from his own family to maintain the distinct identity of the promised seed. Finally, the chapter powerfully illustrates the ancient Near Eastern value of **hospitality**, which serves as a test of character and a foundation for social interaction, as seen in Rebekah's immediate and generous response to the weary traveler and his camels, preparing the way for the servant's direct inquiries in [Genesis 24:23](/genesis/24-23 "Abraham's servant questions Rebekah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **daughter (Hebrew, _bath'_):** From H1323. This term, while literally meaning "daughter," is used broadly in Hebrew to denote a female descendant, a member of a family or group, or even an inhabitant of a place. In this context, the servant's inquiry "Whose daughter art thou?" is a direct request for her paternal lineage, crucial for establishing her family identity and determining if she belongs to Abraham's extended kin. It's not just about her being a female child, but her specific familial connection.
* **father (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** From H1. This fundamental Hebrew word signifies a male parent, but it extends to include an ancestor, a patriarch, or even a chief or founder of a family or nation. The servant's question about "thy father's house" (H1004, _bayith_) directly references the patriarchal head of Rebekah's household, indicating the authority figure responsible for hospitality and any potential marriage negotiations. It underscores the patriarchal structure of ancient society where the father's identity defined the family unit.
* **room (Hebrew, _mâqôwm'_):** From H4725. This word primarily means "place" or "space," but its application is very broad, encompassing a specific locality, a condition, or, as here, a suitable "lodging place" or "accommodation." The servant's question "is there room?" is not merely about physical space but about the availability and willingness of the household to provide shelter and sustenance, a vital aspect of ancient hospitality for a large traveling party.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said, Whose daughter art thou?"**: This initial question from Abraham's servant is paramount. Having just given Rebekah valuable gifts, a gesture that often preceded formal inquiry, the servant now seeks to establish her identity and, more specifically, her lineage. In ancient Near Eastern society, a person's identity was inextricably linked to their family and clan. For the servant, this was not idle curiosity but a critical step to determine if Rebekah belonged to Abraham's extended family, as per Abraham's explicit instruction to find a wife for Isaac from his own people ([Genesis 24:3-4](/genesis/24-3-4 "Abraham's charge to his servant")). Her answer would confirm or deny her suitability for the mission.
* **"tell me, I pray thee:"**: This polite phrase, translating the Hebrew *na'*, functions as an earnest and respectful request. It softens the directness of the servant's questions, demonstrating proper etiquette and deference, which was crucial when addressing a young woman in a public setting. It signifies the servant's earnestness and the importance he places on her response, highlighting the formal nature of the interaction and his desire to proceed respectfully.
* **"is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in?"**: This second question is a practical and strategic inquiry. The servant has a large entourage, including ten camels, and securing appropriate lodging was essential for their immediate needs and for facilitating further discussions with Rebekah's family. The phrase "thy father's house" refers to the entire household, including its resources and capacity for hospitality. This question tests the family's willingness to extend hospitality, which was a deeply ingrained cultural and moral obligation in the ancient Near East, and also serves as a polite way to gain access to the family for the purpose of formalizing the marriage proposal.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Dialogue** and **Interrogation**. The servant's direct questions to Rebekah drive the narrative forward, providing crucial information and initiating the next phase of his mission. The use of **Interrogation** is strategic; the questions are not merely informational but serve as a means of verification and access. The servant's questions also subtly demonstrate **Foreshadowing**, as Rebekah's answers will directly lead to the revelation of her lineage and the subsequent invitation to her family's home, setting the stage for the successful completion of the servant's task. The phrase "I pray thee" also exemplifies **Politeness Formula**, indicating the cultural norms of respectful address.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 24:23 beautifully illustrates the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The servant, having witnessed God's clear sign through Rebekah's actions, does not passively wait but actively engages through discerning questions. His inquiries about lineage and lodging are not a lack of faith, but rather a demonstration of wise and diligent stewardship in fulfilling a divinely appointed task. This approach highlights that God's guidance often comes through practical steps and human interaction, requiring both spiritual perception and practical wisdom. The servant's actions underscore that while God orchestrates events, He expects His people to act with prudence and respect for cultural norms, discerning His will through both miraculous signs and ordinary means.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart") - This passage encourages trust in the Lord and acknowledging Him in all our ways, promising that He will make our paths straight, mirroring the servant's reliance on God's guidance.
* [Luke 10:5-7](/luke/10-5-7 "Instructions for the seventy-two") - Jesus instructs His disciples to seek out worthy households for lodging, emphasizing the importance of hospitality and the provision for those sent on God's mission, reflecting the servant's need for lodging.
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers") - This New Testament exhortation to show hospitality to strangers, "for thereby some have entertained angels unawares," resonates with the ancient Near Eastern value of hospitality that the servant seeks and Rebekah's family provides.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The servant's interaction with Rebekah in [Genesis 24:23](/genesis/24-23 "Abraham's servant questions Rebekah") offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. His blend of spiritual discernment and practical inquiry serves as a model for navigating life's significant decisions. We are called to pray earnestly for God's guidance, trusting in His providence, yet also to exercise wisdom, ask discerning questions, and take practical steps. Just as the servant sought "room" for his mission, we are reminded of the ongoing need for hospitality in the Christian life—opening our homes, hearts, and resources to others, especially those on a journey of faith or in need. This act of welcoming not only blesses the recipient but often creates opportunities for God's purposes to unfold, fostering community and demonstrating the love of Christ. Furthermore, the emphasis on lineage reminds us of our spiritual heritage in Christ and the importance of understanding our identity as children of God, called to live in a manner worthy of our divine adoption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I better integrate prayerful discernment with practical wisdom in my daily decision-making, particularly in significant life choices?**
* **In what ways can I extend hospitality to others, both within and outside my immediate community, as a reflection of God's welcoming nature?**
* **How does understanding my spiritual lineage as a child of God influence my identity and actions in the world today?**
* **What "room" might God be calling me to make in my life—whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually—to accommodate His purposes or serve others?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for the servant to know Rebekah's lineage?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern society, a person's lineage was foundational to their identity, social standing, inheritance rights, and suitability for marriage. For Abraham's servant, it was absolutely crucial to confirm that Rebekah was indeed related to Abraham's family, specifically from his brother Nahor's line. This was in direct obedience to Abraham's solemn command to find a wife for Isaac from among his own people, rather than the Canaanites ([Genesis 24:3-4](/genesis/24-3-4 "Abraham's charge to his servant")), ensuring the preservation of the covenant line and its distinct spiritual and ethnic identity. This question was the key to unlocking the next phase of his divinely guided mission.

**What is the significance of the servant asking "is there room" for lodging?**

Answer: The question "is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in?" underscores the vital role of hospitality in the ancient world. Travelers, especially those with large entourages like Abraham's servant and his ten camels, were entirely reliant on the generosity of householders for shelter, food, and water. For the servant, securing lodging was a practical necessity for his weary party, but it also served as a polite and customary way to gain access to Rebekah's family. This access was essential for formally presenting his master's proposal for Isaac's marriage, allowing for proper negotiations and the fulfillment of his mission within the established cultural protocols of the time.

**Does the phrase "I pray thee" have a special meaning in the KJV?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "I pray thee" (or "I pray you") is an archaic but common expression used to soften a request or command, making it more polite, earnest, or deferential. It translates the Hebrew particle *na'* (נָא), which serves to add emphasis or a plea to a verb. In [Genesis 24:23](/genesis/24-23 "Abraham's servant questions Rebekah"), its use indicates the servant's respectful and earnest tone in addressing Rebekah, reflecting the proper demeanor and etiquette expected in formal interactions during that period, rather than a demanding or casual inquiry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Abraham's servant seeking a bride for Isaac, divinely guided and culminating in the securing of Rebekah, profoundly foreshadows Christ's relationship with His Church. Just as the unnamed servant was sent by the father (Abraham) to find a bride for the son (Isaac), the Holy Spirit, often understood as the "Spirit of Christ" and the "Helper" ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "The Holy Spirit, the Helper")), is sent by the Father to gather a "bride" for His Son, Jesus Christ—the Church. The servant's diligent inquiry and the request for "room" in the father's house can be seen as an echo of Christ, who, having prepared a place for His own, will ultimately bring His Church to the Father's house, where there is "room" and abundant provision for all who believe ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "Jesus promises a place in His Father's house")). Furthermore, Rebekah's immediate and bountiful hospitality, a sign of her character and God's favor, mirrors the generous welcome and spiritual provision Christ offers to all who come to Him, and the radical hospitality believers are called to extend in His name as members of His body, eagerly awaiting His return to claim His bride ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "The New Jerusalem, the bride of the Lamb")).

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.