Genesis 24:37

KJV

And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell:

KJV (with Strong's)

And my master {H113} made me swear {H7650}, saying {H559}, Thou shalt not take {H3947} a wife {H802} to my son {H1121} of the daughters {H1323} of the Canaanites {H3669}, in whose land {H776} I dwell {H3427}:

Complete Jewish Bible

My master made me swear, saying, 'You are not to choose a wife for my son from among the women of the Kena'ani, among whom I am living;

Berean Standard Bible

My master made me swear an oath and said, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites in whose land I dwell,

American Standard Version

And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife for my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:37 records the solemn oath Abraham's chief servant recounts to Rebekah's family, detailing his master's imperative instruction: to secure a wife for Isaac not from the local Canaanite population, but from Abraham's own kindred. This directive underscores Abraham's profound commitment to the spiritual integrity of his lineage, ensuring the preservation of God's covenant promises and safeguarding Isaac's future spouse from the idolatrous practices prevalent in the land where they dwelt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial moment within the meticulously detailed narrative of [Genesis chapter 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Abraham Seeks a Wife for Isaac"), which chronicles Abraham's final, significant act to secure the future of the covenant line. Having buried Sarah and nearing the end of his own life, Abraham dispatches his most trusted servant (traditionally identified as Eliezer) on a vital mission back to his homeland in Mesopotamia. The entire chapter is a testament to Abraham's faith and meticulous planning for Isaac's future, emphasizing the importance of a divinely guided marriage that would uphold the spiritual integrity of their family. The servant's recounting of Abraham's oath in [Genesis 24:37](/genesis/24-37 "Abraham's Oath Regarding Isaac's Wife") serves to establish the gravity of his mission and the non-negotiable terms set by his master, providing the theological and practical framework for the subsequent events of the chapter, including the encounter with Rebekah and her family.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, marriage was rarely a private affair but a strategic alliance involving families, often with significant implications for lineage, inheritance, and social standing. Intermarriage between distinct cultural or religious groups was common, but for a patriarch like Abraham, the spiritual and covenantal implications were paramount. The Canaanites, the indigenous inhabitants of the land God had promised to Abraham, were known for their polytheistic worship, fertility cults, and various immoral practices, as later detailed in passages like [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Prohibited Sexual Relations") and [Deuteronomy 18:9-14](/deuteronomy/18-9-14 "Deuteronomy 18:9-14 - Abominable Practices of the Nations"). Abraham's insistence on a non-Canaanite wife for Isaac was a deliberate act of spiritual separation, reflecting a nascent understanding of the need for his descendants to remain distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures to preserve the purity of their faith and the integrity of the divine covenant. This decision was rooted in a theological conviction rather than mere ethnic prejudice.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 24:37](/genesis/24-37 "Abraham's Oath Regarding Isaac's Wife") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Preservation and Purity**, emphasizing Abraham's deep concern for maintaining the spiritual distinctiveness of the lineage through whom God's promises would be fulfilled. This foreshadows later divine commands against intermarriage with pagan nations, as seen in [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15-16 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Idolatry and Intermarriage") and [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Guidance and Providence**, as Abraham trusts God to orchestrate the finding of the right wife, demonstrating his unwavering faith even in the most personal of matters. The servant's journey and the miraculous encounter at the well are testaments to God's active involvement in the lives of His covenant people. Finally, the passage reinforces the theme of **Obedience and Trust**, as both Abraham's command and the servant's diligent execution of the task exemplify faithful adherence to God's implied will for the covenant line.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 24:37](/genesis/24-37 "Abraham's Oath Regarding Isaac's Wife") is spoken by Abraham's unnamed chief servant, traditionally identified as Eliezer of Damascus, as he articulates the solemn mission entrusted to him to Rebekah's family. The verse states: "And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell:"

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Master (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** This term (H113) signifies a "sovereign," "controller," "lord," or "owner." In this context, it emphasizes Abraham's authority and the servant's absolute submission to his command. The use of "master" highlights the hierarchical relationship and the binding nature of the oath, as a servant's duty was to obey his lord's solemn directives without question.
* **Swear (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** The root (H7650) literally means "to seven oneself," implying a complete or full declaration, often invoking a divine witness. An oath in ancient Near Eastern culture was an extremely serious and binding commitment, carrying severe consequences for violation. Abraham's act of making his servant "swear" underscores the profound gravity and non-negotiable importance of this particular instruction regarding Isaac's marriage.
* **Canaanites (Hebrew, _Kᵉnaʻanîy'_):** This patrial term (H3669) refers to an "inhabitant of Kenaan." While it broadly identifies the people of the land, in a theological context, it carries implications of their idolatrous and immoral practices, which stood in stark contrast to the nascent monotheistic faith of Abraham. The prohibition against marrying a Canaanite was not merely ethnic but primarily spiritual, aimed at preventing the introduction of corrupting influences into the covenant lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And my master made me swear":** This opening clause immediately establishes the gravity and binding nature of the command that follows. The servant is not merely relaying a suggestion but a solemn, divinely witnessed oath, indicating the absolute importance Abraham placed on this matter.
* **"saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son":** This is the direct command from Abraham, conveyed verbatim by the servant. It specifies the recipient of the wife (Isaac, "my son") and the negative injunction ("Thou shalt not take"), setting a clear boundary for the servant's mission. The focus is on securing a spouse for Isaac, the heir of the covenant.
* **"of the daughters of the Canaanites":** This phrase identifies the forbidden group. Abraham's concern was not merely racial, but deeply spiritual and theological. The "daughters of the Canaanites" represent those steeped in the pagan, polytheistic, and often immoral religious practices of the land, which were antithetical to the worship of the one true God.
* **"in whose land I dwell":** This final clause highlights the immediate context and practical challenge. Abraham and his household lived *among* the Canaanites, making it convenient but spiritually perilous to choose a wife from them. This emphasizes Abraham's deliberate and principled stand against cultural assimilation that would compromise the spiritual purity essential for the fulfillment of God's promises.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Emphasis** is achieved through the servant's recounting of the solemn **Oath** ("made me swear"), which elevates the importance of Abraham's command beyond a mere instruction to a divinely sanctioned directive. The direct **Prohibition** ("Thou shalt not take...") uses strong, declarative language to convey an absolute boundary. Furthermore, the phrase "in whose land I dwell" serves as a form of **Circumstantial Detail**, highlighting the immediate temptation and the deliberate nature of Abraham's choice to resist assimilation. This specific instruction also functions as **Foreshadowing**, prefiguring the later, more explicit divine laws in the Pentateuch that prohibit intermarriage with pagan nations, thereby establishing a foundational principle for the people of God to remain distinct and consecrated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abraham's unwavering insistence on a non-Canaanite wife for Isaac is a profound theological statement, demonstrating his primary concern for the spiritual purity and preservation of the covenant lineage. He understood that the fulfillment of God's promises, including the establishment of a great nation and the eventual coming of the Messiah, depended on maintaining a distinct and holy seed. Marrying a Canaanite would inevitably introduce idolatry and corrupting influences into this sacred line, jeopardizing the very foundation of God's redemptive plan. This early command establishes a foundational principle of divine separation for God's people, emphasizing their calling to be set apart from the surrounding nations and their corrupt practices to maintain true worship and a distinct identity as the people of God. It underscores that God's covenant is not merely about physical descendants but about a spiritual heritage that must be guarded diligently.

* [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15-16 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Idolatry and Intermarriage"): "Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice; And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods."
* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage"): "Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly."
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked"): "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, [Genesis 24:37](/genesis/24-37 "Abraham's Oath Regarding Isaac's Wife") offers timeless principles regarding intentionality in choosing a life partner and the broader implications of spiritual discernment in all significant life decisions. While the specific cultural context of intermarriage with Canaanites is not directly applicable, the underlying principle of seeking a spouse who shares core spiritual values and a commitment to God remains profoundly relevant. This passage encourages thoughtful consideration of how relationships impact one's spiritual journey, one's walk with God, and the spiritual legacy passed on to future generations. It underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance and trusting in God's provision and direction, much like Abraham trusted for Isaac's future and the continuation of the covenant line. It reminds us that our choices, especially in foundational relationships, have long-term spiritual consequences for ourselves and for those who come after us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does Abraham's concern for Isaac's spouse reflect a broader principle of spiritual separation for God's people?**
* **How does this passage inform our understanding of "unequally yoked" relationships in a modern context?**
* **What steps can we take to ensure that our significant life decisions are guided by spiritual principles and a commitment to God's will?**

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

Answer: Abraham's insistence stemmed from his deep commitment to the covenant God made with him, as detailed in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abraham"). The Canaanites were known for their idolatrous, polytheistic, and often immoral practices, which were fundamentally opposed to the worship of the one true God. Marrying a Canaanite woman would introduce these corrupting influences directly into the lineage through which God's promises—particularly that of a great nation, a land, and the ultimate blessing to all families of the earth through the Messiah—were to be fulfilled. Abraham sought to preserve the spiritual purity and distinct identity of his family, ensuring that Isaac's descendants would remain devoted to the Lord and not be led astray into pagan worship, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the divine covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's meticulous concern for Isaac's marriage, specifically the prohibition against a Canaanite wife, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance in Christ. This directive was not merely about ethnic purity but about preserving the spiritual lineage through which the promised Seed, the Messiah, would ultimately come. The separation from the idolatrous Canaanites foreshadows Christ's call for His followers to be "in the world but not of the world," as articulated in [John 17:14-16](/john/17-14-16 "John 17:14-16 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples"), set apart for God's holy purposes. Ultimately, Christ, as the perfect descendant of Abraham and Isaac (as seen in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), perfectly fulfills all the covenant promises, establishing a new spiritual lineage—the Church—that transcends ethnic and national boundaries, as described in [Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28-29 "Galatians 3:28-29 - All Are One in Christ Jesus"). This new covenant people, though diverse, is called to a radical spiritual separation from the world's idolatry and sin, reflecting the purity Abraham sought for his physical line, and embodying the holiness of Christ, who gave Himself for His church to make her holy and blameless ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and 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

Ezra 9:1

¶ Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, [doing] according to their abominations, [even] of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

Ezra 9:3

And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied.

Genesis 24:2

And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:

Genesis 24:9

And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and sware to him concerning that matter.

Genesis 27:46

And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these [which are] of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me?

Genesis 6:2

That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they [were] fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.