Genesis 24:35

KJV

And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} hath blessed {H1288} my master {H113} greatly {H3966}; and he is become great {H1431}: and he hath given {H5414} him flocks {H6629}, and herds {H1241}, and silver {H3701}, and gold {H2091}, and menservants {H5650}, and maidservants {H8198}, and camels {H1581}, and asses {H2543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI has greatly blessed my master, so that he has grown wealthy. He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female slaves, camels and donkeys.

Berean Standard Bible

“The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become rich. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, camels and donkeys.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks and herds, and silver and gold, and men-servants and maid-servants, and camels and asses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:35 is a pivotal declaration by Abraham's chief servant to Rebekah's family, meticulously detailing the immense prosperity and elevated status God has bestowed upon his master, Abraham. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the LORD's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises of blessing and greatness, thereby establishing Abraham's suitability as a patriarch whose son, Isaac, is worthy of a wife from his kin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the detailed narrative of Abraham's servant's mission to find a wife for Isaac, following Abraham's instruction in [Genesis 24:1-9](/genesis/24-1-9 "Abraham's charge to his servant"). Having arrived in Nahor and providentially met Rebekah, the servant is now explaining his purpose and Abraham's standing to Rebekah's family (Laban and Bethuel). The preceding verses describe the servant's prayer for divine guidance and Rebekah's immediate hospitality, confirming God's hand in the encounter (e.g., [Genesis 24:12-27](/genesis/24-12-27 "The servant's prayer and Rebekah's arrival")). Verse 35, along with the subsequent verses, forms the core of the servant's persuasive argument, demonstrating Abraham's wealth and God's favor, which would assure Rebekah's family of her future security and the prestige of the union.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a man's wealth, particularly in livestock, precious metals, and servants, was a direct indicator of his social standing, influence, and divine favor. Marriages were often strategic alliances, and the prosperity of the groom's family was a significant factor in negotiations. The servant's detailed inventory of Abraham's possessions was not mere boasting but a culturally appropriate and essential part of demonstrating Abraham's honor and the security he could provide. Camels, specifically mentioned, were valuable assets for long-distance travel and trade, signifying Abraham's extensive reach and power as a nomadic patriarch.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 24:35 powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent in the book of Genesis. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Blessing and Provision**, demonstrating God's active role in prospering Abraham as part of His covenant. This directly relates to God's promise in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's foundational promise to Abraham") to "make your name great." The verse also highlights **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, showing tangible evidence of the LORD's commitment to Abraham's prosperity and the establishment of his lineage. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Divine Guidance and Providence**, as the servant's entire journey, culminating in this declaration, is presented as a divinely orchestrated event to secure the future of the covenant line through Isaac, as seen in the servant's prayer and its answer in [Genesis 24:27](/genesis/24-27 "The servant's prayer and God's guidance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The KJV text states: "And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God (H3068), emphasizing His self-existence and eternal nature. Its use here highlights that Abraham's blessings are not from a generic deity or mere fortune, but from the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel, the one who has entered into a specific relationship with Abraham and is actively fulfilling His promises.
* **blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to kneel" (H1288), this word signifies an active imparting of divine favor, empowerment, and benefit. It is more than a wish; it denotes God's active bestowal of prosperity and fruitfulness. When applied to God blessing man, it means He bestows tangible and intangible benefits, making one prosperous and successful.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** This root (H1431) means "to be large" in various senses, including body, mind, estate, or honor. Here, it denotes Abraham's significant increase in wealth, influence, and social standing. It points to his elevated status and the fulfillment of God's promise to make his name great.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly;":** This opening clause immediately attributes Abraham's prosperity to the direct, active intervention and favor of YHWH, the covenant God. The adverb "greatly" (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd_) intensifies the blessing, indicating an exceeding and abundant provision that goes beyond mere sufficiency.
* **"and he is become great:":** This clause signifies the tangible outcome of God's blessing. Abraham's "greatness" is not just in reputation but in his actual standing and influence, a direct fulfillment of God's promise to make him a "great nation" and "make his name great" ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's foundational promise to Abraham")).
* **"and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.":** This comprehensive list serves as the concrete evidence of Abraham's greatness and God's abundant blessing. It enumerates every significant form of wealth in the ancient Near East: livestock (flocks of sheep/goats, herds of cattle), precious metals (silver and gold for trade and security), and human resources (menservants and maidservants for labor and household management), along with crucial transport animals (camels and asses). This meticulous enumeration underscores the vastness and completeness of Abraham's divinely granted prosperity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in this verse is **Enumeration**, where the servant provides a detailed and exhaustive list of Abraham's possessions. This serves to impress upon Rebekah's family the sheer scale of Abraham's wealth and, by extension, God's abundant favor upon him. The repetition of the concept of "greatness" through "blessed... greatly" and "become great" also functions as **Emphasis**, underscoring the central point that Abraham's prosperity is truly exceptional and divinely ordained. This detailed inventory also contributes to the **Verisimilitude** of the narrative, making Abraham's status and the servant's mission feel tangible and historically grounded within the cultural context.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 24:35 profoundly illustrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, particularly the promise to bless Abraham and make him great. Abraham's material prosperity was not an end in itself but a tangible sign of God's favor and a means by which the covenant lineage could be sustained and thrive. This verse teaches us that God's provision for His people is comprehensive and purposeful, enabling them to fulfill their role in His redemptive plan. It underscores the principle that divine blessing often manifests in practical, tangible ways, equipping God's chosen instruments for their assigned tasks.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's foundational promise to Abraham"): "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing."
* [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth"): "But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day."
* [Psalm 112:3](/psalm/112-3 "Wealth and riches are in his house"): "Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers timeless insights for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that all true blessing, whether material or spiritual, originates from the LORD. Abraham's wealth was not a result of mere human ingenuity or luck, but a direct outpouring of God's covenant faithfulness. This cultivates a posture of gratitude and dependence, recognizing God as the ultimate provider. Secondly, it challenges us to consider the purpose of our own resources and abilities. Abraham's prosperity was instrumental in advancing God's plan for the covenant lineage. Similarly, whatever gifts, talents, or material blessings we possess are ultimately entrusted to us by God to be stewarded for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. We are called to use our resources not merely for personal comfort but to be a blessing to others, to support the work of God, and to live in a manner that testifies to His abundant provision, knowing that [God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work](/2_corinthians/9-8 "God's abundant grace for every good work").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's material prosperity challenge or affirm your understanding of God's blessing in your own life?**
* **In what ways can you steward the resources and gifts God has given you to further His purposes, rather than solely for personal gain?**
* **How does recognizing God as the ultimate source of all blessings impact your sense of gratitude and dependence on Him?**

### FAQ
**Why is Abraham's material wealth presented as a sign of God's blessing?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, material prosperity, especially in livestock, precious metals, and servants, was widely understood as a tangible manifestation of divine favor and covenant faithfulness. For Abraham, his vast wealth was not merely personal accumulation but a visible sign that the LORD was indeed fulfilling His promises to make him "great" and to bless him, as articulated in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's foundational promise to Abraham"). This wealth also served a practical purpose: it enabled Abraham to sustain his large household, exercise significant influence, and provide for the continuity of the covenant lineage, ensuring the conditions were ripe for the next generation to inherit the promises. While New Covenant blessings are primarily spiritual, the underlying principle of God's provision for His purposes remains constant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The extensive blessings bestowed upon Abraham, as meticulously detailed in [Genesis 24:35](/genesis/24-35 "Genesis 24:35 - The LORD's Blessings on Abraham"), are far more than a mere account of a patriarch's prosperity; they are foundational to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, finding their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Abraham's material wealth ensured the stability and continuity of the lineage through which the promised "seed" would come, the very "seed" that would bring blessing to all nations ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "God's promise to Abraham about his seed")). While Abraham received earthly riches, these were but a shadow of the incomparable spiritual blessings that are ours in Christ. Through His atoning work, Jesus, the true Son of Abraham, became the source of eternal spiritual riches: redemption from sin ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Redemption through Christ's blood")), adoption into God's family ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Adoption as sons through Jesus Christ")), and the promise of eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God so loved the world")). Thus, the material blessings on Abraham prefigured the immeasurable spiritual inheritance available to all who believe in Christ, fulfilling God's ancient promise to Abraham that "in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed" ([Galatians 3:8-9](/galatians/3-8-9 "The gospel preached beforehand to Abraham")).

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 13:2

And Abram [was] very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.

Genesis 24:1

¶ And Abraham was old, [and] well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.

Psalms 107:38

He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.

Proverbs 10:22

¶ The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Genesis 25:11

¶ And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi.

Psalms 18:35

Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.