Genesis 24:41

KJV

Then shalt thou be clear from [this] my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee [one], thou shalt be clear from my oath.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shalt thou be clear {H5352} from this my oath {H423}, when thou comest {H935} to my kindred {H4940}; and if they give {H5414} not thee one, thou shalt be clear {H5355} from my oath {H423}.

Complete Jewish Bible

this will release you from your obligation under my oath. But if, when you come to my kinsmen, they refuse to give her to you, this too will release you from my oath.'

Berean Standard Bible

And when you go to my kindred, if they refuse to give her to you, then you will be released from my oath.’

American Standard Version

then shalt thou be clear from my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give her not to thee, thou shalt be clear from my oath.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:41 articulates the precise conditions under which Abraham's servant would be absolved of his solemn oath to secure a wife for Isaac from Abraham's kindred. This verse highlights Abraham's profound wisdom and foresight in establishing clear boundaries for responsibility, ensuring the servant's integrity and accountability were meticulously defined, even as the broader narrative underscores God's sovereign guidance in the mission's ultimate success.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal clarification within the extensive narrative of Abraham's quest to find a suitable wife for his son, Isaac, as detailed in [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - The Search for Isaac's Wife"). Having reached a great age, Abraham, concerned about Isaac marrying a Canaanite woman, sends his most trusted servant on a crucial mission to Mesopotamia, to his own family, to find a bride. The servant had previously sworn a binding oath to Abraham, placing his hand under Abraham's thigh, as recorded in [Genesis 24:9](/genesis/24-9 "The servant's solemn oath to Abraham"). Recognizing the arduous nature of the journey and the potential for his distant relatives to refuse the request, Abraham, with remarkable foresight, explicitly outlines the circumstances under which the servant's sworn obligation would be discharged. This demonstrates Abraham's deep understanding of the sanctity of vows and the practicalities of human agency.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, oaths were profoundly serious and legally binding commitments, often invoked with divine witnesses and carrying severe consequences for breach. The act of placing a hand under the thigh (as in [Genesis 24:2](/genesis/24-2 "Abraham's instruction to his servant")) was a deeply solemn gesture, possibly related to procreative power or a symbolic connection to the covenant promises. Arranged marriages within one's extended family or tribe were common, serving to preserve lineage, property, and cultural identity. Abraham's insistence on a wife from his own "kindred" (family) was not merely a preference but a crucial step in maintaining the purity of the covenant line, distinguishing his descendants from the Canaanites and ensuring the fulfillment of God's promises made to him in passages like [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's call and promise to Abraham").
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "The entire chapter of Genesis 24") is **Divine Providence** working through **Human Agency**. While Abraham meticulously plans and the servant diligently executes, God's sovereign hand is evident in guiding the servant to Rebekah. This verse specifically contributes to themes of **Integrity of Oaths and Covenants**, highlighting the seriousness with which biblical figures regarded their sworn commitments and the conditions for their fulfillment or release. It also underscores **Responsible Leadership** through Abraham's wisdom in anticipating obstacles and providing clear parameters for his servant's success and potential absolution. Furthermore, the mission's ultimate goal reinforces the theme of **Preservation of the Covenant Lineage**, ensuring the continuation of God's promises through Isaac.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 24:41](/genesis/24-41 "The conditions for the servant's release from his oath") meticulously details Abraham's terms for absolving his servant from the weighty oath concerning Isaac's marriage. The KJV text states, "Then shalt thou be clear from [this] my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee [one], thou shalt be clear from my oath." The repetition of "thou shalt be clear from my oath" underscores the absolute nature of the release under the specified conditions.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **clear (Hebrew, _nâqâh'_ / _nâqîy'_):** The verb H5352 (_nâqâh'_) means "to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e. extirpated; acquit... be blameless, cleanse, (be) clear(-ing), cut off, be desolate, be free, be (hold) guiltless, be (hold) innocent... be quit, be (leave) unpunished." The adjective H5355 (_nâqîy'_) means "innocent; blameless, clean, clear, exempted, free, guiltless, innocent, quit." In this context, both forms convey a complete and legal absolution. The servant would be entirely free from any guilt, blame, or ongoing obligation concerning the oath, signifying a divinely recognized release from responsibility if external factors prevent the mission's full completion as originally intended.
* **oath (Hebrew, _ʼâlâh'_):** H423 (_ʼâlâh'_) derives from a root meaning "to swear" and refers to "an imprecation; curse, cursing, execration, oath, swearing." This word highlights the solemn, binding, and potentially self-cursing nature of the vow taken by the servant. It was not a casual promise but a sacred commitment, the breach of which could invoke divine displeasure. Abraham's careful delineation of conditions for release underscores the gravity of such a bond.
* **kindred (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** H4940 (_mishpâchâh'_) refers to "a family, i.e. circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people." Here, it specifically denotes Abraham's extended family or clan in Mesopotamia, emphasizing the importance of finding a wife from within his own genealogical and cultural background to maintain the purity of the covenant lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shalt thou be clear from [this] my oath":** This initial clause sets the stage for the servant's potential absolution. It immediately introduces the concept of release from a binding commitment, emphasizing Abraham's desire to ensure fairness and prevent an impossible burden on his servant. The phrase "my oath" underscores that this is Abraham's solemn charge, given under divine witness.
* **"when thou comest to my kindred":** This is the first, non-negotiable condition for release. It mandates that the servant must diligently fulfill his active part of the mission: undertaking the arduous journey and physically reaching Abraham's family in Mesopotamia. This demonstrates that mere difficulty or fear of failure on the way would not absolve him; his effort and faithfulness in reaching the destination are paramount.
* **"and if they give not thee [one], thou shalt be clear from my oath":** This is the secondary, and crucial, condition. It addresses the contingency beyond the servant's control: the refusal of Abraham's kindred to provide a daughter for Isaac. If, despite the servant's faithful journey and earnest request, the family declines, the servant is not held accountable for this external refusal. The repetition of "thou shalt be clear from my oath" powerfully reiterates the complete absolution under this specific, external circumstance, showcasing Abraham's practical wisdom in acknowledging the limits of human agency in a task dependent on the cooperation of others.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Conditional Clauses** ("when thou comest... and if they give not..."). This structure precisely delineates the terms of the servant's release, leaving no room for ambiguity. The **Repetition** of the phrase "thou shalt be clear from my oath" serves to emphasize the certainty and finality of the absolution once the conditions are met. This rhetorical device reinforces the gravity of the oath while simultaneously highlighting Abraham's meticulous **Foresight** and **Prudence** in anticipating potential obstacles and providing a just framework for his servant's responsibility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates the biblical understanding of oaths and human responsibility within the framework of divine sovereignty. It teaches that while God's ultimate purposes will prevail, human agents are held accountable for their faithful effort and adherence to their commitments. Abraham's careful delineation of the conditions for release from the oath underscores the sanctity of vows in ancient Israelite thought, where a promise made was a promise to be kept, often before God Himself. However, it also reveals a compassionate and realistic understanding that human responsibility has limits, especially when outcomes depend on the free will of others. This balance between diligent human effort and reliance on divine providence is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "The importance of keeping vows in Numbers 30:2"): "If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth."
* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Fulfilling vows to the Lord"): "When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee."
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps"): "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 24:41 offers profound lessons for believers today, emphasizing the critical importance of clarity, integrity, and wisdom in our commitments. It challenges us to be meticulous in defining expectations and responsibilities in all our agreements, whether personal, professional, or spiritual. Just as Abraham ensured his servant was not unfairly burdened, we are called to make our "yes" mean yes and our "no" mean no, as exhorted by Jesus in [Matthew 5:37](/matthew/5-37 "Jesus' teaching on oaths"). Furthermore, this passage provides comfort and guidance regarding circumstances beyond our control. It reminds us that while we are called to diligent and faithful stewardship, God does not hold us accountable for outcomes that are genuinely impossible due to external refusal or divine redirection, provided we have faithfully fulfilled our part. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, knowing that He will ultimately guide our efforts and accomplish His purposes, even through potential obstacles, releasing us from burdens that are not ours to bear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to be more clear and precise in your commitments and expectations, both for yourself and for others?**
* **How does Abraham's foresight in this verse encourage you to plan wisely for contingencies in your own endeavors, while still trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty?**
* **When have you felt burdened by an outcome that was beyond your control, and how can the principle of "being clear from the oath" bring you peace or a sense of release?**
* **How does the balance between human responsibility and divine providence, as seen in this chapter, inform your approach to work, ministry, or personal goals?**

### FAQ
**Why was Abraham so specific about the conditions for the servant's release from the oath?**

Answer: Abraham's specificity demonstrates his remarkable practical wisdom, unwavering integrity, and deep understanding of the sanctity of an oath. He wanted to ensure his servant was not unfairly burdened by an impossible task or held accountable for circumstances entirely beyond his control. By clearly defining the conditions for release, Abraham protected his servant's conscience and ensured the oath's sanctity, while also acknowledging that the success of the mission ultimately depended on God's providence and the cooperation of his kindred. This foresight reflects a just and compassionate leadership style.

**What does the Hebrew word _naqah_ ("clear") imply in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _naqah_ (נָקָה), and its adjectival form _naqiy_, means to be clean, innocent, acquitted, or absolved. In the context of [Genesis 24:41](/genesis/24-41 "The conditions for the servant's release from his oath"), it signifies a complete and legal absolution from the binding nature of the oath. It's not merely a temporary suspension of duty but a full release from any guilt, blame, or ongoing obligation. This means that if the servant fulfilled his part by reaching the kindred and they refused to cooperate, he would be entirely free from his promise, as if he had never made it.

**Does this verse suggest that God's plan could be thwarted by human refusal?**

Answer: No, this verse does not suggest God's plan could be thwarted. Instead, it highlights Abraham's human foresight in planning for contingencies, even as the larger narrative of [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "The entire chapter of Genesis 24") powerfully demonstrates God's sovereign guidance. While Abraham provided for a scenario where his kindred might refuse, God supernaturally intervened to ensure the servant found Rebekah, Isaac's destined wife. This narrative beautifully illustrates that while human resistance or unforeseen obstacles may arise, divine providence ultimately overrides them, ensuring the fulfillment of God's purposes, often in ways that transcend human expectation or planning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 24:41](/genesis/24-41 "The conditions for the servant's release from his oath"), with its emphasis on the integrity of oaths and the fulfillment of a mission to secure a bride, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The entire narrative of Abraham sending his trusted servant to secure a bride for Isaac serves as a beautiful foreshadowing of God the Father sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to secure a bride—the Church—for Himself. Unlike the servant's oath, which had conditions for release if the "kindred" refused, Christ's covenantal work is absolute and without contingency. He came not merely to journey to a distant land, but to enter human history, fulfilling every promise and requirement of the law. His perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross fully accomplished the Father's will, ensuring that His mission to gather His elect would not be thwarted by human refusal or any external obstacle. As the ultimate "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Paul's teaching on Abraham's seed")), Jesus is the one through whom all the promises of [God's covenant](/genesis/12-2 "God's initial promise to Abraham") are irrevocably fulfilled. He is the faithful Son who perfectly executed the Father's will, ensuring the eternal union of the heavenly Bridegroom with His redeemed Church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ's love for the Church as His bride")), a union that is not conditional on human acceptance but secured by His finished work ([John 6:37](/john/6-37 "Jesus' promise that all the Father gives Him will come to Him")).

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 24:8

And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.

Deuteronomy 29:12

That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day: