Genesis 24:31

KJV

And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Come in {H935}, thou blessed {H1288} of the LORD {H3068}; wherefore standest {H5975} thou without {H2351}? for I have prepared {H6437} the house {H1004}, and room {H4725} for the camels {H1581}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Come on in," he said, "you whom ADONAI has blessed! Why are you standing outside when I have made room in the house and prepared a place for the camels?"

Berean Standard Bible

“Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”

American Standard Version

And he said, Come in, thou blessed of Jehovah; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:31 records Laban's immediate and warm invitation to Abraham's servant, recognizing him as one "blessed of the LORD" and offering comprehensive hospitality for both the servant and his camels. This pivotal moment signifies a divinely orchestrated welcome, crucial for the servant's mission to secure Rebekah as Isaac's bride.

### CONTEXT
This verse unfolds directly after Abraham’s servant's miraculous encounter with Rebekah at the well, a meeting divinely confirmed through a specific sign from God, as detailed in [Genesis 24:14](/genesis/24-14 "The servant's prayer for a sign concerning Isaac's bride"). Upon hearing Rebekah's account and seeing the valuable gifts the servant had bestowed upon his sister, Laban swiftly came out to meet the stranger. His words in [Genesis 24:31](/genesis/24-31 "Laban's invitation to Abraham's servant") mark the formal welcome into their home, a critical step in the servant's mission to secure Rebekah as Isaac's bride, thereby continuing the lineage of Abraham and the [covenant promises of God](/genesis/12-2 "God's covenant promises to Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Laban's invitation in [Genesis 24:31](/genesis/24-31 "Laban welcomes Abraham's servant") is rich with meaning, revealing aspects of ancient Near Eastern culture, divine providence, and the narrative's progression:

* **"And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD"**: Laban's opening words immediately acknowledge the servant's divine favor. The Hebrew phrase *bārûḵ Yahweh* ("blessed of the LORD") is not merely a polite greeting but a profound recognition that the servant's prosperity and success are directly attributed to God's hand. Laban discerns that the divine presence sanctions this man's journey and purpose, likely influenced by Rebekah's report of the servant's prayer and the lavish gifts.
* **"wherefore standest thou without?"**: This rhetorical question highlights the urgency and sincerity of Laban's hospitality. It expresses a concern for the traveler's comfort and well-being, emphasizing the cultural imperative to offer immediate shelter and rest to a weary guest. Standing outside was not merely inconvenient; it was a sign of disrespect to the host's duty.
* **"for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels"**: Laban's proactive statement demonstrates a readiness to accommodate. The mention of preparing the house indicates that he had already begun making arrangements for the servant's comfort, while the specific provision for the camels underscores the thoroughness of his hospitality. Camels were vital for travel and trade, and their care was essential for the journey's continuation. This comprehensive welcome paves the way for the crucial discussions regarding Rebekah's future.
This warm reception is a critical juncture in the servant's successful completion of [Abraham's instructions](/genesis/24-4 "Abraham's instructions to his servant for finding Isaac a wife") to find a wife for Isaac from among his own kindred. Without this welcome, the mission could not proceed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Providence and Guidance**: Laban's recognition of the servant as "blessed of the LORD" underscores the pervasive theme of God's active involvement and guidance throughout the entire narrative of finding a wife for Isaac, confirming that the journey's success is not by chance but by divine design.
* **Covenant Faithfulness**: God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to Abraham is evident as He orchestrates every detail, from the servant's prayer at the well to Laban's welcoming response, ensuring the continuation of the promised lineage through Isaac.
* **The Virtue of Hospitality**: This verse powerfully illustrates the profound importance of hospitality in biblical culture. Offering shelter, food, and security to travelers was a sacred duty, reflecting a core value of care for the stranger and the vulnerable, a theme later echoed in commands to [practice hospitality](/romans/12-13 "Practicing hospitality among believers") and to [entertain strangers](/hebrews/13-2 "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers").
* **Discernment of God's Hand**: Laban's ability to discern the "blessed of the LORD" challenges believers to recognize and acknowledge God's activity and favor in the circumstances of their own lives and in the lives of others.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Laban's immediate and generous welcome in [Genesis 24:31](/genesis/24-31 "Laban's invitation") offers timeless lessons for believers. We are called to cultivate a spirit of hospitality, not just as a social courtesy but as a reflection of God's welcoming nature, opening our homes and hearts to those in need, especially strangers. Furthermore, this passage encourages us to develop spiritual discernment, recognizing God's active hand and blessing in the unfolding events of our lives and in the lives of those around us, just as Laban perceived the divine favor upon Abraham's servant. Such recognition should prompt us to respond with readiness to serve and accommodate, trusting in God's overarching plan.

### FAQ
**Why did Laban act so quickly and welcome the servant so warmly?**

Answer: Laban's swift and warm welcome was likely driven by a combination of factors. Firstly, ancient Near Eastern culture placed a very high value on hospitality, considering it a sacred duty to offer shelter and care to travelers. Secondly, Rebekah's excited report of her encounter at the well, coupled with the servant's valuable gifts (the gold ring and bracelets), would have strongly indicated that this was no ordinary traveler but one of significant wealth and, more importantly, divine blessing. Laban, upon hearing Rebekah's account and seeing the gifts, would have quickly discerned the potential for a significant alliance and recognized the clear evidence of the LORD's favor upon the servant, making his presence divinely sanctioned and worthy of immediate welcome.

**What is the significance of Laban calling the servant "blessed of the LORD"?**

Answer: The phrase "blessed of the LORD" (Hebrew: *bārûḵ Yahweh*) is highly significant. It is more than a polite greeting; it is an affirmation and acknowledgment that the servant's prosperity, success, and even his very presence, are directly attributed to God's favor and divine intervention. Laban recognizes that the miraculous encounter at the well and the servant's evident wealth are not coincidences but clear signs of God's blessing. This recognition underscores the theme of divine providence throughout the narrative and indicates that Laban, at this point, is receptive to God's leading in the matter of Rebekah's future.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Abraham's servant securing a bride for Isaac, culminating in Laban's welcoming hospitality, subtly foreshadows Christ's redemptive work. Just as the servant, sent by the father, sought and prepared a bride for the son, so too does the Holy Spirit, sent by the Father, prepare and gather the Church as the [Bride of Christ](/revelation/21-2 "The New Jerusalem, the bride of the Lamb"). Laban's eager welcome and the provision of a dwelling place for the servant echo Christ's promise to [prepare a place for His followers](/john/14-2 "In my Father's house are many mansions"), inviting them into eternal fellowship. Ultimately, the meticulous divine orchestration to secure Isaac's bride points to God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing about His ultimate plan of redemption through Christ, the true Seed of Abraham, who provides the ultimate welcome and eternal home for all who are called.

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.