Genesis 24:3

KJV

And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will make thee swear {H7650} by the LORD {H3068}, the God {H430} of heaven {H8064}, and the God {H430} of the earth {H776}, that thou shalt not take {H3947} a wife {H802} unto my son {H1121} of the daughters {H1323} of the Canaanites {H3669}, among {H7130} whom I dwell {H3427}:

Complete Jewish Bible

because I want you to swear by ADONAI, God of heaven and God of the earth, that you will not choose a wife for my son from among the women of the Kena'ani, among whom I am living;

Berean Standard Bible

and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling,

American Standard Version

and I will make thee swear by Jehovah, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that thou wilt not take a wife for my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:3 records Abraham's profound and solemn charge to his chief servant, binding him by a divinely invoked oath. This critical instruction prohibits the servant from choosing a wife for Isaac, the son of promise, from among the daughters of the Canaanites, the local inhabitants. This command underscores Abraham's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the spiritual integrity and covenantal purity of his lineage, ensuring the fulfillment of God's promises for his descendants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is foundational to the pivotal narrative of Isaac's marriage in [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Isaac's Marriage"). Following the death of Sarah and Abraham's advanced age, as noted in [Genesis 24:1-2](/genesis/24-1-2 "Abraham's prosperity and charge to his servant"), the patriarch's primary concern shifts to securing a suitable wife for Isaac, the divinely appointed heir through whom the Abrahamic covenant would continue. The preceding chapters have established Isaac as the child of promise, miraculously born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age ([Genesis 21:1-7](/genesis/21-1-7 "The Birth of Isaac")). Abraham's meticulous instruction and the subsequent journey of the servant highlight the immense significance of this marital union for the future of God's redemptive plan, ensuring the purity of the covenant line.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, marriage was not merely a personal affair but a strategic alliance, often involving families, tribes, and even nations. Endogamy (marriage within one's own group) was common, especially for preserving cultural, religious, and economic distinctives. The Canaanites, among whom Abraham sojourned, were known for their polytheistic worship, idolatrous practices (including Baal and Asherah worship), and morally corrupt customs, such as ritual prostitution and child sacrifice. Abraham's explicit prohibition against a Canaanite wife for Isaac reflects a deep awareness of the spiritual dangers posed by assimilation with these pagan cultures. His concern was not merely ethnic, but primarily theological, aiming to protect his family from the spiritual defilement and apostasy that intermarriage could bring, as would later be explicitly forbidden in Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Prohibition against intermarriage and its consequences")).
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 24:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **Covenant Fidelity**, demonstrating Abraham's commitment to the promises God made to him and his descendants, ensuring the purity of the lineage through which the covenant would be fulfilled. It highlights **Divine Providence**, as Abraham trusts God to guide his servant in finding the right wife for Isaac, rather than relying on human wisdom or convenience. The verse also introduces the critical theme of **Spiritual Separation**, emphasizing the necessity for God's chosen people to remain distinct from the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations, a principle that echoes throughout Israel's history and finds its ultimate expression in the call for believers to be "in the world but not of the world" ([John 17:14-16](/john/17-14-16 "Jesus prays for His disciples to be in the world but not of the world")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **swear (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** From H7650, meaning "to seven oneself, i.e. swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)." This emphasizes the solemnity and binding nature of the oath, invoking divine witness and accountability. It highlights the absolute commitment required of the servant, as if his promise were sealed by a perfect, complete number.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, referring to "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This is the personal, covenantal name of God, YHWH, revealing His eternal, unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His promises. By swearing by "the LORD," Abraham invokes the ultimate divine authority and covenant-keeping God.
* **Canaanites (Hebrew, _Kᵉnaʻanîy'_):** From H3669, a "patrial from Kenaan; a Kenaanite or inhabitant of Kenaan; by implication, a pedlar." This term identifies the specific people group inhabiting the land promised to Abraham's descendants. Their inclusion here underscores the spiritual danger they posed due to their idolatry and immoral practices, making them unsuitable for the covenant line.
* **dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, a primitive root meaning "to sit down... by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry." This word highlights Abraham's current living situation "among" the Canaanites, emphasizing the pervasive nature of their influence and the deliberate choice required to remain distinct and avoid assimilation through marriage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth":** Abraham initiates a binding oath, not merely a promise. The invocation of "the LORD" (YHWH), the covenant God of Israel, immediately elevates the command to a sacred level. The subsequent titles, "the God of heaven, and the God of the earth," emphasize God's universal sovereignty and omnipotence. This declaration asserts that the God Abraham serves is not a localized deity but the supreme ruler over all creation, making the oath supremely binding and ensuring divine oversight and judgment for its fulfillment or breach.
* **"that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son":** This clause states the core prohibition. Abraham's primary concern is for his son, Isaac, the heir of the covenant promises. The act of "taking a wife" (Hebrew _lâqach_ H3947) implies not just selection but also the formal arrangement and acquisition of a spouse. This directive highlights the critical importance of Isaac's marriage in the continuation of the divinely chosen lineage.
* **"of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell":** This specifies the forbidden group and the context of Abraham's concern. The "daughters of the Canaanites" are explicitly excluded due to their religious and moral incompatibility with the covenant people. The phrase "among whom I dwell" underscores Abraham's awareness of the immediate and pervasive spiritual dangers of his environment, emphasizing his proactive measure to protect his family from corrupting influences and ensure the spiritual purity of the line.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Solemn Oath-taking** is central, highlighting the gravity of Abraham's command and the binding nature of the servant's commitment, reinforced by the invocation of God's universal authority. The **Repetition** of "the God of heaven, and the God of the earth" serves as a powerful emphasis on God's absolute sovereignty and the cosmic scope of His dominion, lending ultimate weight to the oath. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this prohibition anticipates the later Mosaic Law's strictures against intermarriage with pagan nations, designed to preserve Israel's covenantal distinctiveness and prevent idolatry. Finally, the **Contrast** between Abraham's dwelling "among" the Canaanites and his strict command against intermarriage underscores the theme of spiritual separation and the need for God's people to maintain their unique identity in a pagan world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 24:3 profoundly illustrates the critical importance of preserving the spiritual integrity of God's covenant people. Abraham's insistence on a non-Canaanite wife for Isaac was not merely a cultural preference but a theological imperative, safeguarding the purity of the lineage through which God's redemptive plan would unfold. This act underscores God's meticulous providence in guiding the path of His promises and highlights the responsibility of believers to make choices that honor His covenant, especially in foundational relationships like marriage. It sets an early precedent for the principle of spiritual compatibility, recognizing that shared faith and commitment to God are paramount for a union that can truly further His purposes.

* [Genesis 17:7](/genesis/17-7 "God's Everlasting Covenant with Abraham and his Descendants")
* [Exodus 34:16](/exodus/34-16 "Prohibition against Intermarriage and Idolatry")
* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Command Not to Intermarry with Other Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abraham's charge in Genesis 24:3 offers timeless wisdom for believers navigating significant life decisions, particularly the choice of a spouse. It powerfully demonstrates that spiritual compatibility is not merely a preference but a foundational requirement for a marriage that honors God and contributes to His kingdom purposes. Just as Abraham sought to protect Isaac from the spiritual corruption of the Canaanites, we are called to seek partners who share our faith, values, and commitment to Christ, ensuring our union strengthens rather than compromises our walk with God. This passage also serves as a poignant reminder of the solemnity of oaths and promises. Abraham's demand for a binding oath underscores the importance of integrity, faithfulness, and accountability in our commitments, especially those made before God. Our words should be trustworthy, reflecting a character that aligns with the God of heaven and earth whom we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's concern for Isaac's marriage reflect his understanding of God's covenant promises?**
* **In what ways does this passage inform our understanding of spiritual compatibility in marriage today?**
* **What does Abraham's requirement of a solemn oath teach us about the importance of integrity and faithfulness in our own commitments?**
* **How can believers today maintain spiritual distinctiveness while living "among" a world that holds different values?**

### FAQ
**Why was Abraham so insistent that Isaac not marry a Canaanite woman?**

Answer: Abraham's insistence was primarily driven by his profound commitment to God's covenant and the preservation of the spiritual purity of his lineage. The Canaanites were deeply entrenched in idolatrous practices, polytheism, and morally corrupt customs that were antithetical to the worship of the one true God. Abraham understood that intermarriage with them would inevitably lead his descendants away from God and jeopardize the fulfillment of the divine promises made to him, which included a great nation and a blessing for all families of the earth through his seed. His concern was not ethnocentricity, but the spiritual integrity of the covenant line, ensuring that the heir of the promise would not be corrupted by pagan influences, a principle later codified in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous preservation of Isaac's lineage, as mandated by Abraham in [Genesis 24:3](/genesis/24-3 "Abraham's charge to his servant concerning Isaac's wife"), is profoundly significant in the grand narrative of redemption, pointing directly to Christ. Isaac was the son of promise, miraculously born and through whom the covenant line would continue, ultimately leading to the birth of Jesus Christ. Christ is the ultimate "seed" of Abraham, through whom all the families of the earth are indeed blessed, fulfilling the covenant promises in their fullest spiritual sense, as highlighted in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ"). Just as Abraham sought a pure bride for Isaac, Christ, the true Bridegroom, calls His Church to be a pure and holy bride, separated from the idolatry and corruption of the world ([2 Corinthians 11:2](/2_corinthians/11-2 "2 Corinthians 11:2 - Paul's Jealousy for the Church's Purity")), prepared for His return. This foreshadows the spiritual union of Christ and His Church, a relationship characterized by purity and devotion, as described in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church").

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

2 Corinthians 6:14

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

Genesis 26:34

¶ And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite:

Genesis 26:35

Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.

Genesis 28:8

And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father;

1 Corinthians 7:39

¶ The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

Nehemiah 13:25

And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, [saying], Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.