Genesis 24:27

KJV

And he said, Blessed [be] the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I [being] in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Blessed {H1288} be the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of my master {H113} Abraham {H85}, who hath not left destitute {H5800}{H5973} my master {H113} of his mercy {H2617} and his truth {H571}: I being in the way {H1870}, the LORD {H3068} led me {H5148} to the house {H1004} of my master's {H113} brethren {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he said, "Blessed be ADONAI, God of my master Avraham, who has not abandoned his faithful love for my master; because ADONAI has guided me to the house of my master's kinsmen."

Berean Standard Bible

saying, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld His kindness and faithfulness from my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”

American Standard Version

And he said, Blessed be Jehovah, the God of my master Abraham, who hath not forsaken his lovingkindness and his truth toward my master: as for me, Jehovah hath led me in the way to the house of my master’s brethren.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:27 captures the profound gratitude and worship of Abraham's unnamed servant, whose mission to find a wife for Isaac was miraculously guided by divine providence. Having just encountered Rebekah, who perfectly fulfilled the specific conditions of his prayer, the servant spontaneously blesses the LORD, recognizing God's unwavering covenant faithfulness—His steadfast love (`chesed`) and truth (`emet`)—in leading him directly to Abraham's kindred, thereby ensuring the continuation of the promised lineage and the fulfillment of God's divine promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 24 stands as a pivotal narrative within the Abrahamic saga, immediately following the death of Sarah and preceding Abraham's own death. It focuses entirely on the crucial task of securing a wife for Isaac, the son of promise, ensuring the continuation of the covenant lineage. The chapter highlights Abraham's deep concern that Isaac not marry a Canaanite woman, which would compromise the purity of the covenant line and potentially lead to idolatry. The servant's journey, his prayer for a divine sign, and the immediate, perfect fulfillment of that prayer through Rebekah, all build to this moment of profound praise in [Genesis 24:27](/genesis/24-27 "The servant's praise for God's guidance"). This verse serves as the climax of the servant's initial encounter, confirming for him that God's hand is undeniably at work, validating his master's faith and his own diligent obedience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, marriage was not merely a personal affair but a strategic alliance, often arranged by families to preserve lineage, property, and cultural identity. Endogamy—marrying within one's kin group—was paramount, especially for a family with a divine covenant. Abraham's insistence that Isaac not marry a Canaanite woman reflects this cultural norm, but more importantly, it underscores the theological imperative to maintain separation from the idolatrous practices of the surrounding peoples. The role of the trusted servant (`ʼeved`), often a steward or chief of the household, was significant; he acted with the full authority of his master. The custom of offering water to strangers and their camels upon arrival was a profound act of hospitality, a measure of a person's character and generosity, making Rebekah's immediate and abundant provision a clear sign of divine favor and suitability.

* **Key Themes:** This chapter, and particularly this verse, powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Providence** is vividly displayed, showing God's active and meticulous involvement in the lives of His people, orchestrating seemingly coincidental events to fulfill His predetermined purposes, as seen in the servant's journey and Rebekah's timely appearance. Secondly, **Covenant Faithfulness** is underscored, as the servant recognizes God's unwavering commitment to His promises to Abraham, particularly concerning his descendants and the land. The servant's praise for God's "mercy" (`chesed`) and "truth" (`emet`) directly ties into this theme, affirming God's loyal and dependable character. Thirdly, the theme of **Obedience and Trust** is evident, as Abraham's faith in God's guidance (cf. [Genesis 24:7](/genesis/24-7 "Abraham's trust in God's angel")) is mirrored by the servant's diligent obedience and his subsequent recognition of God's hand. Finally, the narrative foreshadows the **Establishment of the Covenant Line**, emphasizing the critical importance of Isaac's marriage in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, a plan that ultimately leads to the nation of Israel and, eventually, to Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** This primitive root means "to kneel," and by implication, "to bless God (as an act of adoration)" or "man (as a benefit)." In this context, the servant is not conferring a blessing upon God, but rather acknowledging and declaring God's inherent blessedness, expressing profound adoration and praise for His character and actions. It is an act of worship, recognizing God's supreme goodness and power.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** Often translated as "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," or "loyal love," _chesed_ denotes a deep, enduring love that stems from a covenant relationship. It signifies God's persistent goodness, faithfulness, and unwavering commitment to His promises, especially within the context of His covenant with Abraham. It speaks to God's gracious commitment that extends beyond mere obligation, demonstrating His active benevolence towards His people.
* **Way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** From a root meaning "to tread," _derek_ refers literally to a "road" or "path." Figuratively, it denotes a "course of life" or "mode of action." Here, "I being in the way" signifies the servant's journey or path, emphasizing his diligent pursuit of his master's command. The subsequent clause, "the LORD led me to the house," highlights that while he was on his path, God actively guided his steps, transforming a mere journey into a divinely orchestrated pilgrimage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Blessed [be] the LORD God of my master Abraham":** This opening phrase reveals the servant's immediate and spontaneous response of worship. Upon realizing the providential connection between Rebekah and Abraham's family, his first impulse is to praise God. He acknowledges the "LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant God) and "God" (Elohim, the powerful Creator) as the one true God, specifically identifying Him as the God of Abraham, thereby linking this divine intervention directly to the covenant promises made to his master. This is an act of profound adoration and recognition of God's sovereignty.
* **"who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth":** This is the core of the servant's theological insight. He perceives God's unfailing guidance as a direct manifestation of God's unwavering commitment to Abraham. The phrase "not left destitute" emphasizes God's persistent presence and provision. The pairing of "mercy" (`chesed`) and "truth" (`emet`) highlights the two inseparable aspects of God's covenant faithfulness: His steadfast, loyal love and His absolute reliability and trustworthiness. The servant understands that God is not only gracious but also utterly dependable in fulfilling His word to Abraham.
* **"I [being] in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren":** This final clause underscores the servant's conviction that his journey was divinely directed. He acknowledges his own role ("I being in the way," implying his diligent obedience and effort in pursuing the mission), but attributes the ultimate success to God's active intervention. The "LORD led me" signifies a direct, personal, and intentional divine guidance, bringing him precisely to the correct destination—the household of Abraham's kin—thereby confirming the miraculous nature of the encounter and the fulfillment of Abraham's trust in God's provision.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Apostrophe** is evident as the servant directly addresses and praises the Lord, shifting from narrative description to direct worship. This immediate outburst highlights the depth of his conviction and the overwhelming nature of his experience. The concept of **Divine Providence** is central, though not a literary device in itself, the narrative structure emphasizes God's unseen hand guiding events, making His intervention the primary "character" in the servant's success. The phrase "I being in the way, the LORD led me" exemplifies a form of **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the interplay between human effort and divine sovereignty. The servant's diligence is acknowledged, but God's leading is given ultimate credit, emphasizing that God works through human agents but is not limited by them. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "my master" (Abraham) throughout the verse reinforces the servant's loyalty and the covenantal context of God's faithfulness, reminding the reader that God's actions are always tied to His promises to Abraham.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The servant's heartfelt praise in [Genesis 24:27](/genesis/24-27 "The servant's praise for God's guidance") serves as a profound theological statement on God's active providence and unwavering covenant faithfulness. It teaches us that God is not a distant deity but intimately involved in the details of His people's lives, meticulously orchestrating circumstances to fulfill His grand redemptive purposes. The emphasis on God's "mercy" (`chesed`) and "truth" (`emet`) reveals foundational aspects of His character—His loyal, steadfast love and His absolute reliability. This divine character ensures that His promises, once made, are certain to be fulfilled, providing a bedrock of trust for all who follow Him. The servant's immediate response of worship also models for believers the appropriate posture of gratitude and adoration when discerning God's hand in their journeys.

* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "God's faithfulness to His covenant and steadfast love")
* [Psalm 36:5](/psalm/36-5 "God's steadfast love and faithfulness reach to the heavens")
* [Psalm 100:5](/psalm/100-5 "The Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 24:27](/genesis/24-27 "The servant's praise for God's guidance") offers timeless lessons for believers today, encouraging a spiritual sensitivity that recognizes God's active presence and guidance in our lives, even in seemingly ordinary or challenging circumstances. Just as the servant discerned divine leading in his journey, we are called to cultivate an awareness of God's direction in our decisions and daily paths, trusting that He is intimately involved in the details of our lives, especially those pertaining to His overarching purposes for us. When we experience God's providence, our natural response should be one of profound gratitude and worship, taking time to pause, acknowledge, and praise Him for His faithfulness. This verse reminds us that God is true to His word; we can confidently trust in His `chesed` (steadfast love) and `emet` (truth), knowing that He will not abandon us and will fulfill His purposes, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or when facing significant life choices. Our task is to be "in the way," diligently obeying His commands and seeking His will, confident that He will lead us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I pause to acknowledge and praise God for His specific guidance and provision in my daily life, even in seemingly small details?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust more deeply in God's `chesed` (steadfast love) and `emet` (truth), especially when facing uncertainty or significant decisions?**
* **What does it mean for me to be "in the way" (diligently pursuing God's will) while simultaneously trusting that "the LORD led me"? How do effort and divine leading intersect in my experience?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart more attuned to recognizing God's active hand in my circumstances, similar to Abraham's servant?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the servant's emphasis on "mercy and truth" in Genesis 24:27?**

Answer: The servant's mention of God's "mercy" (`chesed`) and "truth" (`emet`) is profoundly significant because these two terms together describe the essence of God's covenant faithfulness. `Chesed` refers to God's steadfast, loyal love and kindness, particularly within the context of a covenant relationship. It denotes a love that is active, enduring, and bound by promise. `Emet` signifies His reliability, faithfulness, and trustworthiness—the unshakeable certainty of His word. By pairing them, the servant acknowledges that God's love for Abraham is not only gracious but also utterly dependable and certain to be fulfilled. This highlights God's unwavering character as the one who keeps His promises, ensuring the continuation of Abraham's lineage and the fulfillment of the covenant through Isaac, precisely as promised in passages like [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's covenant promise to Abraham").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine guidance and faithfulness displayed in [Genesis 24:27](/genesis/24-27 "The servant's praise for God's guidance") find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as the unnamed servant was led by God to secure a bride for Isaac, the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus called the "Helper" or "Advocate" ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "The Holy Spirit as the Helper")), actively works in the world to gather and prepare a bride (the Church) for Christ, the true Son of Abraham and heir of all promises ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Christ is the seed of Abraham")). God's `chesed` (steadfast love) and `emet` (truth/faithfulness) are perfectly embodied in Christ, who is "full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "Jesus is full of grace and truth")). Through His atoning work on the cross and His resurrection, God's covenant promises are not merely maintained but eternally secured for all who believe, demonstrating the ultimate expression of divine love and reliability. Christ is the ultimate "way," the truth, and the life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), whom the Father leads us to, and through Him, we experience the full measure of God's unfailing mercy and truth, leading us into an eternal covenant relationship with God as His redeemed people ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her")).

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 24:12

And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.

Genesis 32:10

I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.

Psalms 98:3

He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Exodus 18:10

And Jethro said, Blessed [be] the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.

Ruth 4:14

And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed [be] the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.

1 Samuel 25:32

¶ And David said to Abigail, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: