Genesis 24:26

KJV

And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the man {H376} bowed down his head {H6915}, and worshipped {H7812} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The man bowed his head and prostrated himself before ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD,

American Standard Version

And the man bowed his head, and worshipped Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:26 captures a moment of profound spiritual significance as Abraham's unnamed servant spontaneously bows in worship before the LORD. This pivotal act of reverence immediately follows Rebekah's fulfillment of the servant's specific prayer for a sign, underscoring God's meticulous providence in guiding the mission to secure a wife for Isaac and highlighting the servant's deep gratitude for the Lord's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture within the larger narrative of Abraham's family and the unfolding of God's covenant promises. Abraham, now old, dispatches his most trusted servant to his homeland in Mesopotamia to find a wife for his son Isaac, specifically instructing him not to take a Canaanite wife [Genesis 24:3-4](/genesis/24-3-4 "Abraham's charge to his servant"). Upon reaching Nahor's city, the servant, recognizing the immense importance and divine nature of his mission, humbly prays for a specific, unmistakable sign: that the woman divinely appointed for Isaac would not only offer him water but also generously draw water for his ten camels [Genesis 24:12-14](/genesis/24-12-14 "The servant's prayer for divine guidance"). Rebekah's immediate appearance and her extraordinary hospitality, fulfilling the precise conditions of his prayer, serve as an undeniable confirmation of God's direct intervention. It is this miraculous, immediate answer that prompts the servant's profound act of worship in Genesis 24:26, a direct response to the evident hand of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, marriage was typically arranged, often within the extended family, to preserve lineage, inheritance, and cultural identity. Abraham's insistence on a non-Canaanite wife was crucial for maintaining the distinctiveness of the covenant people and avoiding assimilation into idolatrous practices. The role of a trusted household servant, like the one depicted, was highly significant; such individuals often held considerable responsibility and authority within the master's affairs. Hospitality, particularly offering water to weary travelers and their animals, was a deeply ingrained cultural norm and a sign of virtue and generosity. The act of bowing down or prostrating oneself was a universal gesture of profound respect, humility, and submission, whether to a king or to a deity. The servant's spontaneous worship reflects a cultural understanding of divine signs and the appropriate human response to perceived divine favor.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 24:26 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence**, showcasing God's active and meticulous involvement in the details of human lives to fulfill His overarching purposes, particularly His covenant promises to Abraham regarding his descendants [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "God's promises to Abraham"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Faithful Obedience**, as both Abraham and his servant diligently follow God's implied will, trusting in His guidance. Thirdly, the servant's prayer and its immediate answer emphasize the **Power and Efficacy of Prayer**, demonstrating God's responsiveness to the earnest petitions of His people [Jeremiah 33:3](/jeremiah/33-3 "Call to me and I will answer you"). Finally, the act of worship itself underscores the theme of **Responsive Gratitude and Reverence**, modeling a profound and immediate acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and goodness when His hand is clearly seen at work. The entire chapter, culminating in this worship, reinforces God's unwavering **Covenant Faithfulness** in preserving Abraham's lineage and ensuring the continuation of the promised seed, a theme central to [Genesis](/genesis/1 "The Book of Genesis").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 24:26 depicts a deeply significant act of worship, demonstrating the servant's immediate and heartfelt response to God's clear guidance. The verse states, "And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD." This is not a casual gesture but a profound expression of reverence and thanksgiving.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** From H376, this term refers to an individual male person. In this context, it emphasizes the specific human agent, Abraham's unnamed servant, whose personal experience of divine intervention prompts this act of worship. It highlights that even an ordinary individual, when witnessing God's extraordinary work, is moved to profound reverence.
* **bowed down (Hebrew, _qâdad'_):** From H6915, this primitive root means "to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference." This specific verb describes the physical posture of lowering the head or bending the body, signifying deep respect, humility, and submission. It is an outward, visible manifestation of an inward attitude of awe and recognition of a superior authority, preceding and accompanying the act of worship.
* **worshipped (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** From H7812, this primitive root means "to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or God)." This verb encompasses both the physical act of prostrating oneself or bowing deeply and the inner attitude of adoration, reverence, and homage. It denotes a comprehensive act of submission and veneration, acknowledging God's supreme authority and worthiness of praise.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the proper name of God, _Yahweh_, often translated as "the LORD" (in all caps in English Bibles). It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal One" and is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal, relational, and faithful character. The servant's worship is directed specifically to the covenant-keeping God of Abraham, who has just demonstrated His active involvement in fulfilling His promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the man bowed down his head,"**: This clause describes the servant's immediate physical response to the undeniable evidence of God's providential hand. The act of "bowing down his head" (Hebrew: _qâdad_) is a gesture of profound humility, deference, and submission. It signifies his recognition of a higher power at work, acknowledging God's sovereignty over the seemingly random circumstances of his journey. This posture is not merely a cultural formality but an outward expression of an inward posture of awe and reverence.
* **"and worshipped the LORD."**: This second clause reveals the spiritual core of the servant's action. The word "worshipped" (Hebrew: _shâchâh_) implies a full prostration or deep bow, signifying complete adoration and homage. This was not a perfunctory act but a genuine outpouring of a grateful heart, acknowledging God's direct and favorable intervention. The object of his worship is explicitly "the LORD" (Yahweh), emphasizing that his gratitude and adoration were directed to the personal, faithful, and covenant-keeping God of Abraham, who had just demonstrated His active involvement in the servant's mission, thereby confirming His faithfulness to His promises.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Symbolism** through the physical act of bowing down, which profoundly symbolizes humility, submission, and reverence before a divine power. This posture is an outward manifestation of an inner spiritual state of awe and gratitude. The servant's immediate and spontaneous response highlights **Dramatic Irony** in a subtle way, as this unnamed servant demonstrates a profound spiritual sensitivity and faith, perhaps surpassing that of some named characters in the broader narrative, by instantly recognizing and responding to God's hand. Furthermore, the entire narrative leading up to this verse functions as a form of **Divine Confirmation**, where God's direct intervention through Rebekah's actions serves as an undeniable sign, solidifying the servant's faith and prompting this act of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully encapsulates the themes of divine providence, the efficacy of prayer, and the appropriate human response to God's faithfulness. The servant's immediate worship is a testament to his spiritual discernment, recognizing that the successful encounter with Rebekah was not mere chance but a direct answer from the covenant God of Abraham. This spontaneous act of reverence models for believers the importance of acknowledging God's active hand in their lives, fostering a deep sense of gratitude and reinforcing faith in His sovereign care. It underscores that God is intimately involved in the details of His people's lives, orchestrating events to fulfill His promises and purposes.

* [Psalm 103:1-2](/psalm/103-1-2 "Praise the Lord, O my soul")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 24:26 serves as a profound reminder for believers today to cultivate a heightened awareness of God's active presence and benevolent activity in their daily lives. Just as Abraham's servant discerned divine direction in a seemingly simple request for water, we are prompted to recognize God's guiding hand in our own circumstances, acknowledging His providence in both significant life decisions and the mundane details. When we perceive God's intervention or answered prayer, our natural and immediate response should be one of humble thanksgiving and worship, fostering a deeper relationship with Him and strengthening our faith in His sovereign care. This narrative reinforces the truth that God is sovereign over all things, inviting us to confidently commit our ways to Him, knowing He directs our steps and is faithful to His promises. It challenges us to move beyond intellectual assent to God's sovereignty and into a posture of heartfelt, responsive worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you recently seen God's providential hand at work, perhaps in unexpected ways?**
* **How does the servant's spontaneous and immediate worship challenge your own typical responses to answered prayer or evident divine guidance?**
* **What specific steps can you take to cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence and activity in your daily life, leading to more frequent and heartfelt worship?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the servant's immediate and specific act of worship?**

Answer: The servant's immediate and specific act of worship in [Genesis 24:26](/genesis/24-26 "The servant's worship") signifies a profound and unhesitating recognition of God's direct intervention and faithfulness. It was not a general act of piety but a targeted response to a clearly answered prayer, demonstrating his deep understanding that the success of his mission was entirely due to divine providence, not his own skill or luck. This spontaneous worship highlights the servant's spiritual sensitivity and serves as an exemplary model of how believers should respond when they discern God's hand at work in their lives, fostering genuine gratitude, humility, and reinforcing faith in His active involvement. It underscores that true worship is often a direct, heartfelt response to experiencing God's goodness and faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 24:26 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment through several interconnected themes, serving as a rich foreshadowing of God's redemptive plan. The faithful servant, dispatched by Abraham (who typifies God the Father) to secure a bride for Isaac (the son of promise), powerfully prefigures the work of the Holy Spirit, who is sent by the Father to prepare and gather a bride—the Church—for Jesus Christ, the true Son of Promise and the ultimate Seed of Abraham [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring"). The servant's diligent search, guided by divine providence, and God's orchestration of the union between Isaac and Rebekah, beautifully illustrate the divine initiative and meticulous care in the salvation of humanity, whereby God calls and unites His elect to Christ [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her"). Furthermore, the servant's spontaneous and heartfelt worship in response to God's faithfulness models the perfect worship offered by Christ to the Father throughout His earthly life [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth"), and the worship that the Church, as Christ's beloved bride, is called to offer in response to God's magnificent redemptive work accomplished through Jesus [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "You are worthy to take the scroll"). In Christ, all of God's promises are fully realized, and all true worship finds its ultimate object, perfect expression, and eternal purpose.

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 24:48

And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way to take my master's brother's daughter unto his son.

Genesis 24:52

And it came to pass, that, when Abraham's servant heard their words, he worshipped the LORD, [bowing himself] to the earth.

Exodus 4:31

And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

Exodus 12:27

That ye shall say, It [is] the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.

Psalms 72:9

They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.

2 Chronicles 20:18

And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with [his] face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD.

2 Chronicles 29:30

Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the LORD with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.