Genesis 24:33

KJV

And there was set [meat] before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there was set {H7760}{H3455} meat before him {H6440} to eat {H398}: but he said {H559}, I will not eat {H398}, until I have told {H1696} mine errand {H1697}. And he said {H559}, Speak on {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when a meal was set before him, he said, "I won't eat until I say what I have to say." Lavan said, "Speak."

Berean Standard Bible

Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak.”

American Standard Version

And there was set food before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:33 profoundly illustrates the unwavering dedication and singular focus of Abraham's servant upon his arrival at Laban's home, having completed a divinely guided journey to find a wife for Isaac. Despite the customary offer of hospitality and a prepared meal, the servant courteously but firmly declines to eat, prioritizing the immediate declaration of his crucial mission. This powerful act underscores his profound commitment to his master's command, demonstrating an exemplary sense of responsibility and urgency in fulfilling his sacred errand before attending to any personal comfort or social amenity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment within the larger narrative of [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Finding a Bride for Isaac"), a chapter dedicated entirely to the quest for Isaac's wife. Immediately preceding this, Abraham's servant has arrived in Nahor, encountered Rebekah at the well, and recognized her as the woman divinely appointed for Isaac. Following Rebekah's eager invitation and the subsequent arrival of the servant and his camels at her family's home, Laban, Rebekah's brother, extends the customary hospitality of the ancient Near East. He unloads the camels, provides straw and fodder, and prepares a meal for the weary traveler. Genesis 24:33 directly follows this setup, highlighting the servant's immediate and striking response to the offer of food, which sets the stage for the crucial negotiation that will follow. His refusal to eat until his "errand" is declared creates a dramatic tension and emphasizes the gravity of his purpose, propelling the narrative forward toward its resolution.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern hospitality was a sacred and deeply ingrained cultural norm. Travelers, especially those on long and arduous journeys, were readily welcomed into homes, offered water for washing, and provided with food and lodging. To refuse such hospitality, particularly a prepared meal, would typically be considered a grave insult or a sign of deep mistrust. However, the servant's action here is not a rejection of hospitality but a demonstration of an even higher cultural value: the unwavering commitment to one's sworn duty and the importance of an urgent, official mission. The host, Laban, understands this unspoken code of conduct, recognizing the servant's priority. This exchange showcases the nuanced social etiquette where the importance of a declared "errand" could momentarily supersede even the most fundamental acts of welcoming, provided it was handled with respect and clarity.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 24:33 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the chapter and the book of Genesis. Foremost among these is **Divine Providence and Guidance**, as the servant's entire journey has been marked by God's leading, from the initial prayer in [Genesis 24:12-14](/genesis/24-12-14 "The servant's prayer for guidance") to the specific encounter with Rebekah. The servant's urgency in declaring his mission stems from his profound awareness of this divine orchestration, as seen in his praise in [Genesis 24:27](/genesis/24-27 "The servant's praise for God's faithfulness"). Another key theme is **Faithfulness and Stewardship**, exemplified by the servant's unwavering commitment to Abraham's command, prioritizing his master's will above personal comfort. This mirrors Abraham's own faithfulness throughout his life, particularly in his obedience to God's call to leave his homeland in [Genesis 12:1-4](/genesis/12-1-4 "God's call to Abraham"). Finally, the verse subtly touches upon the theme of **Marriage as a Covenantal Act**, as the servant's mission is not merely a transaction but a divinely ordained union crucial for the continuation of God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, a theme foundational to the patriarchal narratives of [Genesis](/genesis "The Book of Genesis").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** This primitive root signifies "to eat" in both literal and figurative senses. In Genesis 24:33, it refers to the literal consumption of food. The servant's refusal to "eat" highlights his prioritization of his mission over immediate physical sustenance, emphasizing his single-minded dedication.
* **told (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to arrange," this word is used figuratively to mean "to speak," "to declare," or "to tell." The servant's insistence on "telling" his errand before eating underscores the importance and official nature of his communication, implying a formal declaration rather than casual conversation.
* **errand (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This noun, derived from the verb _dâbar_, means "a word," but by implication, it refers to "a matter," "a thing," "business," or "a message." In this context, "mine errand" signifies the weighty, official, and consequential nature of his mission—the specific business entrusted to him by Abraham—distinguishing it from any ordinary conversation or social engagement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was set [meat] before him to eat:"** This clause describes the immediate and customary act of hospitality extended to the weary traveler. "Meat" here, from the Hebrew _okhel_, refers broadly to food or provisions, indicating that a meal of any kind was prepared and presented. This detail establishes the cultural expectation and the servant's subsequent, significant departure from it.
* **"but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand."** This is the pivotal statement of the verse. The servant's declaration, "I will not eat," is a firm and polite refusal, not out of disrespect, but out of a profound sense of urgency. His condition, "until I have told mine errand," reveals his absolute prioritization of his master's business. The term "errand" (Hebrew _dâbâr_) conveys the weighty, official, and divinely significant nature of his mission, which he deems more important than personal comfort or social convention.
* **"And he said, Speak on."** Laban's brief but crucial response indicates his understanding and acceptance of the servant's unusual request. It shows that he recognizes the gravity of the servant's "errand" and grants him immediate permission to proceed, thereby facilitating the servant's urgent need to communicate. This simple phrase allows the narrative to move directly into the detailed recounting of the servant's mission.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Characterization** is prominent, as the servant's refusal to eat immediately vividly portrays his unwavering **faithfulness**, **diligence**, and **single-mindedness**. This action speaks volumes about his integrity and commitment to Abraham's trust. **Symbolism** is also at play; the act of refusing food, a basic human need and a symbol of rest and comfort, **symbolizes** the servant's prioritization of duty over personal gratification. It underscores the spiritual principle of placing a higher calling above worldly comforts. Furthermore, the **dialogue** is concise and direct, creating a sense of urgency and efficiency. Laban's "Speak on" is an immediate and understanding response, highlighting the cultural recognition of the importance of an "errand" that could even momentarily override the sacred custom of hospitality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The servant's resolute prioritization of his mission in Genesis 24:33 offers a profound theological lesson on the nature of divine calling and human response. It underscores the principle that God's work, when recognized as such, demands our utmost attention and dedication, even above personal needs or social conventions. This act of deferring immediate gratification for the sake of a higher purpose reflects a spiritual maturity and a deep understanding of stewardship, where one's life is viewed as an instrument for God's greater plan. The servant's urgency is born from his conviction that God has providentially guided his steps, compelling him to act swiftly and decisively to fulfill the divine will.

* [Luke 9:62](/luke/9-62 "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.")
* [John 4:34](/john/4-34 "Jesus' food is to do the will of Him who sent Him.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 24:33 presents a compelling challenge for contemporary believers, inviting us to critically examine our own priorities and the depth of our commitment to the spiritual "errands" God has entrusted to us. Like Abraham's servant, we are called to be faithful stewards of our time, talents, and resources, recognizing that our primary mission is to live in accordance with God's will and advance His Kingdom. This verse encourages us to cultivate a sense of urgency in spiritual matters, ensuring that the pursuit of personal comfort, worldly distractions, or even legitimate social engagements do not deter us from our God-given responsibilities. It prompts us to ask: What "errand" has God given me, and am I prioritizing its completion with the same single-minded devotion? By placing God's purposes above our immediate desires, we not only reflect the character of Christ but also position ourselves to witness God's powerful work through our obedience, trusting in [His strength to accomplish His purposes](/philippians/4-13 "Strength in Christ").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "errand" or divine calling do I believe God has entrusted to me in this season of life?**
* **What personal comforts or social expectations might be hindering my immediate and focused pursuit of that calling?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of urgency and dedication in fulfilling God's will, mirroring the servant's example?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abraham's servant refuse to eat immediately?**

Answer: Abraham's servant refused to eat immediately because his primary focus was on fulfilling the critical mission entrusted to him by Abraham. He felt a profound sense of urgency and responsibility to declare the purpose of his journey—to find a wife for Isaac—before attending to his personal needs or accepting hospitality. This demonstrated his unwavering dedication and commitment to his master's will, prioritizing duty over comfort. This is a powerful example of prioritizing God's will, as Jesus himself later stated, "[My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' priority of doing the Father's will")."

**What does the KJV word "meat" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Genesis 24:33, the King James Version word "meat" (Hebrew: _okhel_) refers broadly to `food` or `provisions` in general, not specifically to animal flesh. It indicates that a meal of any kind was set before him as a gesture of hospitality, underscoring the cultural norm of welcoming weary travelers with sustenance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's servant, driven by a singular purpose to secure a bride for Isaac, profoundly prefigures Christ's own unwavering devotion to His Father's will and His ultimate mission to secure a bride—the Church—for Himself. Just as the servant prioritized his "errand" above all personal comfort and social convention, so too did Christ consistently prioritize the Father's work, declaring, "[My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' priority of doing the Father's will")" and "[I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day](/john/9-4 "John 9:4 - Jesus' commitment to the Father's work")". The servant's journey, marked by divine guidance and an unyielding focus on his task, reflects the divine initiative in redemption, where God Himself, through Christ, actively seeks out and prepares a people for eternal union. Christ's faithfulness to His mission, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, demonstrates the unparalleled urgency and commitment of the Son to fulfill the Father's glorious purpose of gathering His beloved Church, His bride, for eternity, as described in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ's love for the Church, His bride").

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

Psalms 132:3

Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed;

Psalms 132:5

Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty [God] of Jacob.

Ephesians 6:5

Servants, be obedient to them that are [your] masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

Ephesians 6:8

Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether [he be] bond or free.

1 Timothy 6:2

And they that have believing masters, let them not despise [them], because they are brethren; but rather do [them] service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

John 4:31

In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.

John 4:34

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.