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 fervent invitation to Abraham's servant, recognizing him as one profoundly "blessed of the LORD" and extending comprehensive hospitality for both the servant and his vital camels. This pivotal moment signifies a divinely orchestrated welcome, essential for the servant's mission to secure Rebekah as Isaac's bride and thus ensure the continuation of God's covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial turning point within the broader narrative of Abraham's servant's mission to find a wife for Isaac. It follows directly after Rebekah's enthusiastic account to her family about her encounter at the well with the servant, including the miraculous sign of God's provision and the lavish gifts she received ([Genesis 24:28-30](/genesis/24-28-30 "Rebekah's report to her family")). Laban, Rebekah's brother, responds swiftly and decisively, running out to meet the servant at the well. His words in [Genesis 24:31](/genesis/24-31 "Laban's invitation to Abraham's servant") mark the formal, hospitable welcome into their home, setting the stage for the detailed negotiations concerning Rebekah's future and the fulfillment of Abraham's charge.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hospitality was an indispensable virtue and a sacred duty in the ancient Near East, especially for travelers in arid regions where resources were scarce and dangers ever-present. To deny hospitality was a grave offense, while offering it generously was a mark of honor and piety. The mention of preparing "room for the camels" is particularly significant, as camels were invaluable assets for long-distance travel and trade, and their well-being was paramount. The immediate provision for both man and beast demonstrates Laban's understanding of the traveler's needs and his adherence to the cultural imperative of comprehensive welcome.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of **Divine Providence** is profoundly evident throughout [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - The Search for Isaac's Wife"), and Laban's recognition of the servant as "blessed of the LORD" directly highlights this. God's active guidance and orchestration of events, from the servant's prayer at the well ([Genesis 24:12-14](/genesis/24-12-14 "The servant's prayer for a sign")) to Rebekah's eager cooperation and Laban's welcoming response, underscores His faithfulness to His **Covenant Promises** to Abraham, particularly concerning the continuation of his lineage through Isaac. The theme of **Hospitality** is also central, portrayed not merely as a social custom but as a spiritual act, reflecting a recognition of God's hand in the arrival of the stranger.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Laban's invitation in Genesis 24:31 is rich with meaning, revealing aspects of ancient Near Eastern culture, divine providence, and the narrative's progression.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to kneel," this word implies both adoration (blessing God) and benefit (God blessing man). Here, Laban's declaration "blessed of the LORD" signifies a profound recognition that Abraham's servant is not merely fortunate, but that his prosperity, success, and even his very presence, are directly attributed to divine favor and intervention. It acknowledges God's active hand in the servant's journey.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** More than just a physical dwelling (H1004), _bayith_ often encompasses the broader concept of family, household, or even a lineage. Laban's preparation of the "house" implies not just a room, but a full integration into the family's hospitality, offering security, rest, and a place for the crucial discussions that will follow. It signifies a complete and welcoming embrace into their domestic sphere.
* **room (Hebrew, _mâqôwm'_):** This word (H4725) literally means "a standing place" or "a spot," but is used widely for any locality or space. In this context, it refers to specific, adequate space for the camels, which were essential for the journey. The explicit mention of providing "room for the camels" underscores the thoroughness and practical nature of Laban's hospitality, recognizing the vital role these animals played for the traveler.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD;":** Laban's immediate and direct invitation, coupled with a powerful theological affirmation. His recognition of the servant as "blessed of the LORD" (Yahweh) indicates that he perceives divine favor on this stranger, likely influenced by Rebekah's account of the servant's prayer and the evident wealth displayed in the gifts. This phrase is a profound acknowledgment of God's active presence.
* **"wherefore standest thou without?":** This rhetorical question is not a demand for an answer but an expression of urgency, concern, and genuine hospitality. It conveys Laban's eagerness to bring the weary traveler and his animals into the safety and comfort of his home, emphasizing the cultural imperative to offer immediate shelter.
* **"for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.":** This statement reveals Laban's proactive and comprehensive approach to hospitality. He has already begun making arrangements for the servant's comfort within the family dwelling ("the house") and has made specific provision for the valuable and tired camels. This thoroughness paves the way for the critical discussions regarding Rebekah's future as Isaac's bride.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Direct Address** and a **Rhetorical Question** to convey Laban's immediate and earnest welcome. The direct address, "thou blessed of the LORD," serves not only as a greeting but as an immediate theological pronouncement, highlighting Laban's discernment (or at least his recognition of outward signs of divine favor). The rhetorical question, "wherefore standest thou without?", functions as an emphatic invitation, underscoring the urgency and completeness of the hospitality offered, rather than seeking an actual answer. Furthermore, the detailed mention of preparing both "the house" and "room for the camels" uses **Specific Detail** to emphasize the thoroughness and practical nature of the welcome, reinforcing the cultural importance of hospitality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Laban's recognition of Abraham's servant as "blessed of the LORD" and his subsequent comprehensive hospitality powerfully underscore the theme of divine providence and God's active involvement in the lives of His people. This encounter is not accidental but divinely orchestrated, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to Abraham by ensuring the continuation of his lineage through Isaac. The narrative emphasizes that God prepares the way, opens doors, and even influences human hearts to accomplish His sovereign will, making the impossible possible.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord directs our steps")
* [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
Laban's immediate and generous welcome in Genesis 24:31 offers timeless lessons for believers today. We are called to cultivate a spirit of hospitality, not merely as a social courtesy but as a tangible reflection of God's welcoming nature and His boundless grace towards us. This passage challenges us to open our homes and our hearts to those in need, especially strangers or those on a significant journey, recognizing that in doing so, we may be participating in God's larger plan. Furthermore, Laban's discernment of the "blessed of the LORD" encourages us to develop spiritual sensitivity, recognizing God's active hand and blessing in the unfolding events of our lives and in the lives of those around us. Such recognition should prompt us to respond with readiness to serve, accommodate, and bless others, trusting in God's overarching and sovereign plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Laban's immediate hospitality challenge my own willingness to welcome strangers or those in need into my life or home?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a greater sense of spiritual discernment to recognize God's hand and blessing in the circumstances of my daily life and in others?**
* **How does the comprehensive nature of Laban's welcome (for both man and beast) inform my understanding of truly sacrificial and thoughtful hospitality?**

### 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 an exceptionally high value on hospitality, considering it a sacred duty to offer shelter and care to travelers, especially those who appeared to be on an important mission. Secondly, Rebekah's excited report of her encounter at the well, coupled with the servant's lavish 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. This immediate welcome was a strategic move to ensure the family's honor and to explore the potential benefits of such a divinely-blessed visitor.

**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 far more than a polite greeting; it is a profound 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 pervasive theme of divine providence throughout the narrative of [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "God's Providence in Finding Isaac's Wife") and indicates that Laban, at this point, is receptive to God's leading in the matter of Rebekah's future. It sets a theological tone for the subsequent negotiations, implying that the mission has divine backing.

### 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 and the gathering of His Church. Just as the unnamed servant, sent by the father, diligently 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/14-2-3 "Jesus promises to prepare a place for His disciples"), inviting them into eternal fellowship. The servant's mission, divinely guided and successful, points to the ultimate divine orchestration of salvation through Christ, the true Seed of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring")), who provides the ultimate welcome and eternal home for all who are called into His glorious kingdom ([Revelation 22:17](/revelation/22-17 "The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come!'")).

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

Ruth 3:10

And he said, Blessed [be] thou of the LORD, my daughter: [for] thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.

Genesis 26:29

That thou wilt do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee, and as we have done unto thee nothing but good, and have sent thee away in peace: thou [art] now the blessed of the LORD.

Psalms 115:15

Ye [are] blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.

Judges 17:2

And he said unto his mother, The eleven hundred [shekels] of silver that were taken from thee, about which thou cursedst, and spakest of also in mine ears, behold, the silver [is] with me; I took it. And his mother said, Blessed [be thou] of the LORD, my son.

Proverbs 18:16

¶ A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

Proverbs 17:8

¶ A gift [is as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.