Genesis 24:38

KJV

But thou shalt go unto my father's house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {H518} thou shalt go {H3212} unto my father's {H1} house {H1004}, and to my kindred {H4940}, and take {H3947} a wife {H802} unto my son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

rather, you are to go to my father's house, to my kinsmen, to choose a wife for my son.'

Berean Standard Bible

but you shall go to my father’s house and to my kindred to take a wife for my son.’

American Standard Version

but thou shalt go unto my father’s house, and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:38 records Abraham's precise directive to his most trusted servant, commissioning him to secure a wife for his son, Isaac. This instruction explicitly forbids choosing a bride from the local Canaanite population, instead mandating a return to Abraham's ancestral homeland and his extended family. This command underscores Abraham's profound dedication to preserving the purity of the covenant lineage and ensuring Isaac's marriage would align with God's divine promises, thereby setting the crucial narrative trajectory for the servant's consequential journey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 24:38 is a direct command from Abraham, delivered to his unnamed senior servant, traditionally identified as Eliezer of Damascus. This verse is situated within the longest chapter in Genesis, entirely dedicated to the search for Isaac's wife. It follows Abraham's solemn oath administered to his servant, prohibiting him from taking a wife for Isaac from the daughters of the Canaanites ([Genesis 24:2-4](/genesis/24-2-4 "Abraham's Oath Regarding Isaac's Wife")). Verse 38 reiterates and clarifies this negative injunction with a positive command, specifying the exact geographical and familial origin for Isaac's future bride. The meticulous detail of Abraham's instructions highlights the immense spiritual and familial importance of this marriage, as it is crucial for the continuation of God's covenant promises to Abraham, particularly regarding his numerous descendants and their inheritance of the promised land. The servant's subsequent journey and the divine guidance he experiences (as seen in [Genesis 24:7](/genesis/24-7 "Abraham's Confidence in God's Guidance for His Servant")) demonstrate the profound reliance on God's providence even amidst meticulous human planning.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, marriage was rarely a matter of individual romantic choice but rather a strategic alliance between families, often arranged by parents or patriarchs. Lineage, social status, and preservation of family heritage were paramount. Intermarriage with foreign peoples, especially those with different religious practices, was generally discouraged or forbidden, as it could compromise familial identity, introduce foreign deities, and dilute cultural distinctiveness. Abraham's concern about Isaac marrying a Canaanite woman reflects this cultural norm, but it is elevated to a theological imperative. The Canaanites were known for their idolatrous and morally corrupt practices, which would later be explicitly condemned by God in the Mosaic Law. Abraham's insistence on a bride from his "father's house" (Mesopotamia, specifically Haran, where Abraham's brother Nahor resided) ensured not only familial compatibility but also a shared heritage of monotheistic worship, or at least a family less steeped in the pervasive idolatry of Canaan.
* **Key Themes:** This chapter, and specifically this verse, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **covenant faithfulness and preservation**. Abraham's primary concern is to ensure the spiritual purity of the lineage through which God's promises will be fulfilled, preventing the introduction of idolatry into the covenant family. Secondly, it highlights **divine providence and guidance** in human affairs. Despite Abraham's detailed instructions and the servant's diligent efforts, the narrative consistently emphasizes God's active role in orchestrating the events, particularly in leading the servant to Rebekah ([Genesis 24:27](/genesis/24-27 "The Servant's Prayer of Thanks to God")). Thirdly, the passage emphasizes the **importance of heritage and family continuity**. The return to Abraham's "father's house" signifies the enduring bonds of kinship and the desire to maintain a connection to ancestral origins, ensuring the transmission of faith and values across generations. Finally, the entire endeavor is crucial for the fulfillment of the **"seed" promise** given to Abraham, as Isaac is the promised son through whom the lineage of blessing will continue, making the choice of his wife directly impactful on the integrity and continuity of this divinely ordained line.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 24:38 states, "But thou shalt go unto my father's house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son." This seemingly straightforward command from Abraham to his servant is laden with theological and historical significance, outlining the precise parameters for the continuation of the covenant line.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **go (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** This primitive root signifies not merely physical movement but often implies a purposeful, directed journey. In this context, it emphasizes the servant's active commission to embark on a significant expedition, not just to wander, but to proceed with a specific divine and familial objective. It highlights the intentionality and obedience required for the mission.
* **father's house (Hebrew, _ʼâb_ H1, _bayith_ H1004):** The combination of _ʼâb_ (father) and _bayith_ (house) refers not simply to a physical dwelling but encompasses the entire patriarchal family unit, including its traditions, values, and religious practices. It denotes the ancestral home and the extended family network, signifying the source of Abraham's own heritage and the desired spiritual and cultural environment for Isaac's future spouse. This phrase underscores the deep importance of familial and spiritual continuity.
* **kindred (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to smooth" or "to be well-arranged," _mishpâchâh_ denotes a family, a circle of relatives, or by extension, a tribe or people. Its inclusion alongside "father's house" reinforces the emphasis on finding a bride from Abraham's broader familial and tribal group, ensuring shared lineage, cultural norms, and religious understanding, which were paramount for maintaining the distinctiveness of the covenant family.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thou shalt go unto my father's house,"**: This clause establishes the primary destination and the nature of the mission. The "but" serves as a strong contrast to the preceding negative command (not taking a Canaanite wife), emphasizing the positive alternative. The servant is commanded to undertake a journey specifically to Abraham's ancestral home, highlighting the importance of heritage and familial connection in the selection of Isaac's bride. This was not a casual suggestion but a direct, binding imperative.
* **"and to my kindred,"**: This phrase further specifies the pool from which the wife is to be chosen, reinforcing the familial ties. It expands the scope beyond just the immediate "father's house" to include the broader network of relatives, ensuring a deeper connection to Abraham's origins and a shared cultural and perhaps spiritual background, which was crucial for the integrity of the covenant line.
* **"and take a wife unto my son."**: This final clause states the ultimate objective of the journey: to procure a wife for Isaac. The verb "take" (Hebrew: _lâqach_) implies an active selection and acquisition, not merely a passive discovery. This highlights the deliberate and purposeful nature of the mission, emphasizing that the choice of Isaac's spouse was a matter of profound significance for the future of God's promises.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, as Abraham issues a direct, non-negotiable command ("thou shalt go... and take"). This highlights his authority and the critical importance he places on this mission. There is also a subtle use of **Repetition and Emphasis** through the pairing of "my father's house" and "my kindred." While distinct, these phrases overlap in meaning, creating a rhetorical emphasis on the specific, non-Canaanite origin of Isaac's bride, underscoring the necessity of familial and spiritual purity. Furthermore, the entire directive serves as **Foreshadowing**, laying down principles that anticipate later Mosaic Law prohibitions against intermarriage with pagan nations ([Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Prohibition of Intermarriage in the Mosaic Law")), demonstrating a consistent divine concern for the spiritual integrity of God's people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abraham's directive in Genesis 24:38 is deeply rooted in his understanding of God's covenant promises and his responsibility to preserve the spiritual integrity of his lineage. His insistence on a bride from his own people, rather than the Canaanites, was not merely a cultural preference but a theological imperative to safeguard the "seed" through whom all nations would ultimately be blessed. This concern for spiritual purity in marriage foreshadows the later, more explicit prohibitions in the Mosaic Law against intermarriage with those outside the covenant, demonstrating a consistent divine principle across redemptive history. It underscores the belief that marriage is not merely a personal union but a foundational institution with profound implications for the spiritual heritage of future generations and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call and Promise to Abraham") - God's initial covenant with Abraham, which forms the basis for Abraham's concern for the purity of his lineage.
* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Prohibition of Intermarriage in the Mosaic Law") - Later Mosaic Law explicitly forbidding intermarriage with foreign nations, reflecting the same divine concern for spiritual integrity seen in Abraham's command.
* [Genesis 24:7](/genesis/24-7 "Abraham's Confidence in God's Angelic Guidance") - Abraham's profound trust in God's providential guidance, even as he gives specific human instructions, highlighting the interplay of divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 24:38 provides enduring wisdom for believers navigating significant life decisions, especially marriage. Abraham's meticulous care in selecting a spouse for Isaac, one who would align with the covenant and preserve the spiritual heritage, serves as a powerful model. It challenges us to approach our own choices, particularly in matters of partnership, with intentionality, prayer, and a deep consideration of spiritual compatibility and shared values rooted in faith. The passage reminds us that marriage is not just a personal affair but a spiritual union with implications for our walk with God and the legacy we pass on. Just as Abraham sought to protect the purity of the covenant line, we are called to make choices that honor our faith, contribute to a godly household, and ensure that our relationships are built on foundations that glorify God. The servant's diligent obedience to Abraham's specific instructions, coupled with his reliance on God's leading, encourages us to trust in God's providential hand when we align our decisions with His principles, knowing that He directs the steps of those who commit their way to Him ([Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's concern for Isaac's marriage reflect his understanding of God's covenant promises, and how might this inform our own approach to significant life decisions?**
* **In what ways can we, like Abraham's servant, demonstrate both diligent obedience to biblical principles and profound trust in God's providential guidance in our lives?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the importance of spiritual compatibility and shared values in marriage, and how can we apply these principles in a contemporary context?**

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

Answer: Abraham's insistence stemmed from his unwavering commitment to the covenant God had established with him, which promised a great nation and a blessing to all peoples through his descendants ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call and Promise to Abraham")). Marrying a Canaanite would have introduced idolatry, pagan practices, and a fundamentally different worldview into the covenant lineage, threatening the spiritual purity and distinctiveness of the family through whom God's promises were to be fulfilled. It was a matter of preserving the integrity of the "seed" and preventing spiritual compromise, a principle later codified in the Mosaic Law's prohibition against intermarriage ([Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Prohibition of Intermarriage in the Mosaic Law")).

**What is the significance of returning to "my father's house" and "my kindred"?**

Answer: This command emphasizes the profound importance of shared spiritual, cultural, and familial heritage. "Father's house" (Hebrew: _beit avi_) and "kindred" (Hebrew: _mishpachah_) refer to Abraham's extended family and ancestral home in Mesopotamia. By seeking a bride from this specific group, Abraham ensured that Isaac's wife would come from a background that shared their faith in the one true God and their cultural values, thereby ensuring the continuity of the covenant promises within a compatible and spiritually aligned environment. It was about finding a partner who understood and upheld the family's unique relationship with God.

**Does this passage offer guidance for marriage choices for believers today?**

Answer: Yes, while the specific cultural context of arranged marriages and ancient Near Eastern customs differs from modern practices, the underlying principles remain highly relevant. The passage highlights the paramount importance of spiritual compatibility, shared values, and seeking a partner who aligns with one's faith and commitment to God. It encourages believers to seek God's guidance in marriage decisions and to prioritize a spouse who will contribute positively to a godly heritage and spiritual growth, rather than compromising one's spiritual integrity or the spiritual well-being of future generations. The principle is to marry "in the Lord," seeking a partner who shares and strengthens one's devotion to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous search for Isaac's bride, as commanded by Abraham in [Genesis 24:38](/genesis/24-38 "Abraham's Command to His Servant"), profoundly prefigures the divine plan for Christ and His Church. Isaac, the "son of promise" and Abraham's uniquely "only begotten son" in a spiritual sense, stands as a clear type of Christ, the ultimate Son of God. Abraham's careful selection of a pure bride from his own people for Isaac, ensuring the continuation of the covenant line, beautifully foreshadows God the Father's meticulous preparation of a pure and holy bride for His Son, Jesus Christ—the Church. Just as Isaac's bride, Rebekah, was called out from her family and homeland to join him, the Church is called out from the world to be a holy people, set apart and purified to be the bride of Christ ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ's Love for the Church, His Bride")). The entire narrative of Abraham's lineage, secured through Isaac's divinely guided marriage, ultimately culminates in the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised "_Seed_" through whom all the nations of the earth are blessed ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "God's Promise of Blessing Through Abraham's Seed"); [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Seed Refers to Christ")). Thus, Abraham's profound concern for Isaac's wife directly contributes to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the eternal union of Christ and His Church, celebrated in the "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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 24:4

But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.

Genesis 31:19

And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that [were] her father's.

Genesis 12:1

¶ Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: