Genesis 24:25

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

She said {H559} moreover unto him, We have both {H1571} straw {H8401} and provender {H4554} enough {H7227}, and {H1571} room {H4725} to lodge in {H3885}.

Complete Jewish Bible

adding, "We have plenty of straw and fodder, and room for staying overnight."

Berean Standard Bible

Then she added, “We have plenty of straw and feed, as well as a place for you to spend the night.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:25 captures Rebekah's immediate and generous response to Abraham's servant, offering not only ample provisions for his camels but also comfortable lodging for him and his entourage. This pivotal moment, following her diligent act of drawing water, profoundly demonstrated her character and the hospitality of her household, serving as a clear divine affirmation of her suitability as Isaac's wife and a crucial step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for Abraham's lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial turning point within [Genesis chapter 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - The Search for Isaac's Wife"), a meticulously detailed narrative of Abraham's quest to secure a wife for Isaac from his own kin in Mesopotamia, thereby preserving the purity of the promised lineage. The preceding verses establish the servant's solemn oath to Abraham, his arduous journey, and his fervent prayer at the well for a specific divine sign: the chosen woman would offer water not only to him but also to his ten camels. Rebekah's appearance and her extraordinary diligence in fulfilling this precise sign ([Genesis 24:15-20](/genesis/24-15-20 "Rebekah's diligent service at the well")) immediately precede the servant's inquiry about her family and the possibility of lodging. Her generous reply in [Genesis 24:25](/genesis/24-25 "Rebekah's offer of hospitality") confirms her family's welcoming nature and directly propels the narrative toward the successful completion of the servant's mission, leading to the revelation of her identity as Abraham's kinswoman.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hospitality was a paramount virtue in the ancient Near East, not merely a social nicety but a sacred obligation. Travelers faced significant dangers—bandits, wild animals, and the harsh elements of the desert—making the provision of shelter, food, and water for both person and animal absolutely essential for survival. To refuse hospitality, especially to a stranger, was a grave offense, while offering it generously was a mark of honor and righteousness. The mention of "straw" and "provender" specifically for the camels highlights the practical demands of such journeys; camels were invaluable assets, and their well-being was directly tied to the traveler's ability to proceed. Rebekah's offer, therefore, was not a casual invitation but a profound act of cultural and moral significance, reflecting a deep-seated tradition of care for the weary and vulnerable.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 24:25 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Providence**, as God actively orchestrates the meeting between the servant and Rebekah, guiding every step of the process in response to prayer ([Genesis 24:12-14](/genesis/24-12-14 "The servant's prayer for divine guidance")). Rebekah's character, marked by **Generosity and Diligence**, is a central theme, portraying her as a woman of exceptional virtue, perfectly suited to become the matriarch of the covenant line. Her actions and words exemplify the ancient Near Eastern value of **Hospitality**, which is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, often linked to God's own welcoming nature. Finally, the narrative underscores the **Continuity of the Covenant Promise**, as the securing of a wife for Isaac ensures the continuation of Abraham's lineage through whom the promised seed will come, fulfilling God's oath to bless all nations through Abraham's descendants ([Genesis 22:17-18](/genesis/22-17-18 "God's covenant promise to Abraham")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Following Rebekah's remarkable diligence in watering all the servant's camels, her words in Genesis 24:25 serve as a profound testament to her character and the hospitality of her household. The servant's inquiry about lodging was a critical test of the family's willingness to host, and Rebekah's reply was not merely an affirmative but an assurance of abundant provision, extending beyond the immediate needs of the man to the substantial needs of his animals. This level of thorough care for travelers and their beasts was a hallmark of true ancient Near Eastern hospitality, signifying a generous spirit and a well-resourced home. Her proactive offer, without hesitation or calculation, underscores her suitability as a future matriarch, aligning perfectly with the divine orchestration of this encounter.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **straw (Hebrew, _teben'_):** From H8401, this refers to the dried stalks of grain, primarily used as bedding for livestock. Its mention signifies comfort and rest for the animals, not just sustenance, highlighting a comprehensive provision for the weary caravan.
* **provender (Hebrew, _miçpôwʼ'_):** From H4554, this denotes fodder or mixed feed specifically prepared for animals. This was crucial for the camels after their long journey, ensuring they would be well-nourished and able to continue their travels, demonstrating a practical and thoughtful generosity.
* **enough (Hebrew, _rab'_):** From H7227, this word signifies abundance in quantity. Rebekah's use of "enough" assures the servant that there is not merely sufficient but ample provision, indicating a household capable of extending lavish hospitality without strain, reflecting a spirit of overflowing generosity.
* **room (Hebrew, _mâqôwm'_):** From H4725, this means "a place" or "spot," often referring to a locality or space. In this context, it emphasizes that physical space is available, signifying not just a willingness but the actual capacity to extend shelter and comfort to the weary travelers, including their large caravan.
* **lodge (Hebrew, _lûwn'_):** From H3885, this primitive root means "to stop (usually over night)" or "to stay permanently." Here, it specifically refers to the act of spending the night, emphasizing the provision of overnight shelter and rest, a critical component of ancient hospitality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She said moreover unto him,"**: This opening clause establishes the speaker as Rebekah, indicating her direct and immediate response to the servant's inquiry. The term "moreover" suggests an addition to her previous actions (watering the camels), signaling a continued demonstration of her character and willingness to engage.
* **"We have both straw and provender enough,"**: Rebekah's statement directly addresses the practical needs of the servant's large caravan. By specifying "straw" (bedding) and "provender" (feed) and emphasizing "enough," she assures him of abundant provisions for his ten camels, demonstrating a thorough understanding of a traveler's needs and a generous capacity to meet them.
* **"and room to lodge in."**: This final clause extends the offer of hospitality to the servant and his men, confirming that physical space is available for them to spend the night. The combination of provisions for animals and lodging for people signifies a complete and unreserved welcome, underscoring the family's open-hearted and generous nature.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Dialogue** to reveal character and advance the plot. Rebekah's direct speech is concise yet rich, immediately conveying her generous spirit. The **Repetition** of the theme of provision (water for camels, then straw, provender, and room) emphasizes the abundance and thoroughness of her hospitality. There is also a strong element of **Symbolism** at play; Rebekah's actions and words are not merely practical but symbolize her suitability as Isaac's bride, embodying the virtues of diligence, generosity, and a welcoming spirit essential for the matriarch of the covenant line. The entire scene is imbued with **Divine Irony** or **Providence**, as Rebekah, unknowingly, is responding perfectly to the specific prayer of Abraham's servant, demonstrating God's hidden hand guiding seemingly ordinary human interactions toward His extraordinary purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Rebekah's immediate and abundant offer in Genesis 24:25 is a powerful demonstration of God's meticulous providence, showing how He orchestrates human actions and circumstances to fulfill His divine promises. Her generosity is not merely a personal virtue but a divinely inspired response, perfectly aligning with the servant's prayer and confirming her as the chosen one for Isaac. This narrative powerfully illustrates how God prepares both the path and the people for His purposes, ensuring that His covenant with Abraham will be faithfully carried forward through a woman of exceptional character.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.")
* [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.")
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Rebekah’s example in Genesis 24:25 offers timeless lessons for believers today, primarily encouraging us to cultivate a spirit of radical hospitality and generosity, mirroring God's own character of overflowing grace. Just as Rebekah unknowingly played a crucial role in God’s unfolding plan for Abraham’s lineage, we are called to be open and responsive to opportunities to serve others, recognizing that even seemingly small acts of kindness can carry profound divine implications. Her willingness to provide abundantly, not just adequately, challenges us to reflect God's own character of overflowing grace and provision in our interactions, extending comfort and care to those in need, whether they are strangers or familiar faces. This passage reminds us that true faith often manifests in practical, self-giving love that anticipates needs and offers more than is required, trusting that God will use our acts of service for His greater purposes, often beyond our immediate comprehension.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I cultivate a spirit of generous hospitality in my own life, even when it feels inconvenient or costly?**
* **How does Rebekah's proactive generosity challenge my own tendency to wait for requests rather than anticipating needs?**
* **What "straw and provender" (resources, time, comfort) do I possess that God might be calling me to share abundantly with others?**
* **How does recognizing God's providence in this story encourage me to trust Him with the details of my own life and service?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of 'straw and provender' in ancient hospitality?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, providing "straw" (bedding) and "provender" (feed) for a traveler's animals was a crucial and often expected part of hospitality, especially for those undertaking long journeys with pack animals like camels. These animals were essential for travel and commerce, and their well-being directly impacted the traveler's ability to continue their journey. Rebekah's specific mention of having "enough" of these provisions, in addition to "room to lodge in," signaled a complete and unreserved welcome. It demonstrated a host's thoroughness, generosity, and genuine care, ensuring that the servant and his large caravan would be fully accommodated and refreshed, a hallmark of exemplary hospitality in that culture. This level of care went beyond mere obligation, indicating a truly benevolent spirit, as seen in [Genesis 18:4-5](/genesis/18-4-5 "Abraham's hospitality to the three visitors").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Abraham's servant seeking a bride for Isaac, culminating in Rebekah’s generous welcome, profoundly foreshadows Christ’s redemptive work. Isaac, the son of promise through whom the covenant lineage continues, prefigures Christ, the ultimate Son through whom all nations are blessed and the divine promises are fulfilled. The servant, sent by the father to secure a bride, serves as a beautiful type of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends into the world to gather and prepare His Church—His bride. Rebekah’s immediate and abundant provision of "room to lodge in" and "provender" for the journey's end mirrors Christ's ultimate invitation and provision for humanity. He offers not merely temporary shelter but eternal dwelling in His Father's house ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "Jesus promises many rooms in His Father's house")), not just physical sustenance but Himself as the Bread of Life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus declares Himself the Bread of Life")) and Living Water ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "Jesus offers living water")). Through His sacrifice and the indwelling Spirit, Christ ensures that all who come to Him find rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Jesus offers rest to the weary")) and abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Jesus came that they may have life, and have it abundantly")), preparing them for their eternal union with Him as His cherished bride.

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

1 Peter 4:9

Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

Isaiah 32:8

But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.

Judges 19:19

Yet there is both straw and provender for our asses; and there is bread and wine also for me, and for thy handmaid, and for the young man [which is] with thy servants: [there is] no want of any thing.

Judges 19:21

So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.

Genesis 18:4

Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:

Genesis 18:8

And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set [it] before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.