Genesis 24:43

KJV

Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw [water], and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink;

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I stand {H5324} by the well {H5869} of water {H4325}; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin {H5959} cometh forth {H3318} to draw {H7579} water, and I say {H559} to her, Give me {H8248}, I pray thee, a little {H4592} water {H4325} of thy pitcher {H3537} to drink {H8248};

Complete Jewish Bible

then, here I am, standing by the spring. I will say to one of the girls coming out to draw water, "Let me have a sip of water from your jug."

Berean Standard Bible

Here I am, standing beside this spring. Now if a maiden comes out to draw water and I say to her, ‘Please let me drink a little water from your jar,’

American Standard Version

behold, I am standing by the fountain of water; and let it come to pass, that the maiden that cometh forth to draw, to whom I shall say, Give me, I pray thee, a little water from thy pitcher to drink;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:43 records Abraham's trusted servant's precise prayer at the well, articulating the specific sign he sought from God to identify Isaac's divinely appointed wife. This pivotal moment profoundly illustrates the servant's unwavering reliance on God's active guidance and sovereign providence in fulfilling a mission crucial for Abraham and the unfolding of God's covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct quotation of the prayer Abraham's servant offered upon arriving at the well outside Nahor, as he recounts his journey and divine leading to Rebekah's family. The entire chapter of [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Finding a Wife for Isaac") is a masterclass in divine providence, faithful stewardship, and the meticulous fulfillment of God's promises. The servant's prayer, first presented in [Genesis 24:12-14](/genesis/24-12-14 "The Servant's Prayer for a Sign"), is reiterated here as he explains to Rebekah's family how God confirmed her as Isaac's destined bride. This narrative repetition emphasizes the servant's deep faith and the unmistakable nature of God's answer, underscoring the divine orchestration behind Isaac's marriage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wells were not merely sources of water but vital social hubs, especially for women who gathered there daily to draw water for their households. Such locations were natural meeting points for travelers and locals. Marriages were typically arranged, often within extended family or tribal lines, to preserve lineage, property, and cultural purity. Abraham's explicit command for his servant not to take a Canaanite wife for Isaac ([Genesis 24:3](/genesis/24-3 "Abraham's Oath Regarding Isaac's Wife")) highlights the importance of endogamy and maintaining the distinct identity of the covenant people. Hospitality was a paramount virtue, a sacred duty in a harsh desert environment, and a key indicator of character. Offering water to a stranger, and especially to their animals, demonstrated exceptional generosity and diligence.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 24:43 contributes significantly to several overarching themes. It powerfully demonstrates **Divine Providence**, showing God's meticulous involvement in the details of human life to fulfill His overarching plan, particularly the [covenant with Abraham](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Covenant with Abraham"). The servant's prayer exemplifies **Faithful and Specific Prayer**, showcasing a model of deep dependence on God for guidance in significant decisions. Furthermore, the anticipated sign highlights the **Importance of Character and Hospitality**, revealing that inner virtues like generosity, diligence, and selflessness were highly valued and sought after in a potential spouse. This quest for a godly partner for Isaac underscores the theme of **Maintaining a Godly Heritage** and the purity of the covenant line.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The servant's words in Genesis 24:43 are a precise recounting of his prayer, laying bare his expectation of God's direct and unmistakable intervention. He strategically positions himself "by the well of water," a place of daily activity and social interaction, making it a natural setting for God to orchestrate the encounter. His prayer is remarkably detailed, outlining the exact interaction he anticipates as the definitive sign.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stand (Hebrew, _nâtsab'_):** From H5324, meaning "to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively); appointed, deputy, erect, establish." The servant's act of "standing" by the well is not passive; it signifies a deliberate, appointed positioning. He is not merely waiting but is actively placing himself in a posture of readiness and expectation, a "deputy" awaiting divine instruction and confirmation for his mission. This word emphasizes his intentional and prepared posture before God.
* **Well (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** From H5869, primarily meaning "an eye," but by analogy, "a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)." The use of _ʻayin_ for "well" or "fountain" is evocative. Just as the eye is a source of sight and perception, a well is a source of life-giving water in an arid land. It represents a vital, central point of sustenance and gathering, a place where life is sustained and interactions naturally occur. The servant positions himself at this "eye of the landscape," awaiting the divine vision.
* **Virgin (Hebrew, _ʻalmâh'_):** From H5959, meaning "a lass (as veiled or private); damsel, maid, virgin." This term refers to a young, unmarried woman, emphasizing her purity and suitability for marriage within the patriarchal society. While _betulah_ (בְּתוּלָה) more explicitly denotes a virgin, _ʻalmâh_ implies a young woman of marriageable age who is not yet married, and by societal norms, would be expected to be a virgin. This aligns with Abraham's desire for a wife for Isaac who would be untainted by foreign influences and suitable to bear the lineage of the covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I stand by the well of water;":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the setting and the servant's posture. "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) draws attention to the scene, emphasizing its significance. The servant is not casually passing by but has taken a deliberate, prayerful stance at a crucial location, signifying his readiness to receive divine direction. The "well of water" (בְּאֵר הַמַּיִם, _be'er hammayim_) is the focal point, a place of daily human activity and a natural stage for the unfolding of God's plan.
* **"and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw [water],":** This clause expresses the servant's conviction in God's sovereign orchestration. "It shall come to pass" (וְהָיָה, _v'hayah_) conveys certainty of divine action. He anticipates a specific individual – "the virgin" (_ha'almâh_) – and a specific action – "cometh forth to draw [water]" (_yotsê'âh lish'av_). This precision demonstrates his faith that God will not only answer but will do so in a clear, unmistakable manner, identifying the chosen woman through her daily routine.
* **"and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink;":** This final clause details the servant's initiating action, the first part of his test of character. His request is humble and specific: "a little water of thy pitcher" (_m'aṭ mayim mikadêkh_). This seemingly simple request is designed to elicit a response that would reveal the woman's character, particularly her willingness to extend hospitality to a stranger. It sets the stage for the full test of generosity, which would include offering water to his many camels, as detailed in his original prayer ([Genesis 24:14](/genesis/24-14 "The Servant's Request for a Sign")).

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant **Literary Devices**. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the servant's prayer precisely outlines the events that are about to unfold, building anticipation for Rebekah's arrival and her demonstration of hospitality. The **Symbolism** of the "well of water" is rich; it represents not only physical sustenance but also a place of divine encounter, a source of life and provision, and a hub for the community where relationships are formed. Water itself symbolizes life, purification, and the generosity of spirit. Furthermore, the **Narrative Repetition** of the servant's prayer (first prayed in [Genesis 24:12-14](/genesis/24-12-14 "The Servant's Prayer for a Sign") and then recounted here) serves to underscore its importance, highlight the servant's faithfulness, and emphasize the undeniable clarity of God's answer. This repetition reinforces the theme of divine orchestration and the reliability of God's guidance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 24:43 powerfully illustrates God's active and detailed involvement in the lives of His people, particularly in fulfilling His covenant promises. The servant's prayer is a profound demonstration of faith, showing that believers can bring specific, heartfelt requests to God with confidence, trusting in His ability and willingness to answer according to His perfect will. It underscores the biblical principle of seeking God's guidance in all significant life decisions, especially those pertaining to family and legacy. The anticipated sign, particularly the willingness to water the camels, highlights the high value placed on virtues such as generosity, diligence, and selfless hospitality—qualities indicative of a virtuous and godly character essential for a partner in life and for the continuation of a blessed lineage.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.")
* [Matthew 7:7-8](/matthew/7-7-8 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 24:43 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating significant life choices today. It challenges us to approach major decisions, particularly in relationships, career, or ministry, with a spirit of deep, prayerful dependence on God, seeking His specific guidance rather than relying solely on our own understanding or worldly wisdom. The servant's example teaches us to articulate our desires to God with faith and precision, while simultaneously remaining open and obedient to His sovereign direction, even if it unfolds in unexpected ways. Furthermore, this passage reminds us of the enduring importance of character—qualities like humility, generosity, diligence, and a servant's heart—both in ourselves as we seek to honor God and in those with whom we seek to build relationships. Just as God faithfully guided the servant to Rebekah, we can confidently trust in His providence to direct our steps when we commit our ways to Him, knowing that His plans for us are for our good and His glory ([Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "God's Plans for His People")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the servant's specific and expectant prayer challenge or encourage your own prayer life regarding major life decisions?**
* **What character qualities, exemplified by Rebekah's eventual actions, do you prioritize in relationships, and how does this passage inform that prioritization?**
* **In what areas of your life are you invited to trust God's providence more fully, even when the path ahead seems unclear or requires a step of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did the servant need such a specific sign?**

Answer: The servant bore an immense responsibility: to find a wife for Isaac, the sole heir to God's covenant promises, in a distant land without Abraham's direct involvement. Given the critical nature of this mission for the future of God's people and the Abrahamic lineage, the servant sought an undeniable, divinely orchestrated sign to confirm God's specific will. This prevented him from relying on chance, his own fallible judgment, or merely human wisdom, ensuring that the chosen bride was indeed God's appointed one for the covenant line. This level of specificity reflected the monumental importance of the task.

**Does this passage suggest that God provides specific "signs" for all major life decisions today?**

Answer: While God certainly guides believers, the method of His guidance can vary. This narrative depicts a unique, foundational event in salvation history where God provided an explicit and miraculous sign to confirm His will for a specific, covenantal purpose. Today, God primarily guides through His inspired Word ([Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet")), the indwelling Holy Spirit ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "The Spirit of Truth will guide you")), wise counsel from godly mentors ([Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Where there is no guidance, a people falls")), and providential circumstances that open or close doors, rather than always providing such overt, miraculous signs. The underlying principle, however, remains constant: believers are encouraged to seek God's will and trust His providence in all major life decisions, committing their ways to Him in prayer and obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Abraham's servant seeking a bride for Isaac serves as a beautiful and profound **type** or **foreshadowing** of the greater mission of Christ and His Church. Just as the unnamed servant faithfully executed his master's will to find a bride for the son, Isaac, so the Holy Spirit, often referred to as the "other Helper" or "Advocate" ([John 14:16](/john/14-16 "The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), works in the world to gather and prepare a bride for God's Son, Jesus Christ. Rebekah's willingness to leave her home and family to follow the servant to a husband she had not yet seen, trusting in the servant's testimony and the divine leading, mirrors the Church's call to forsake the world and follow Christ by faith, drawn by the Spirit's persuasive power and the testimony of the Gospel. This Old Testament account of divine provision, a faithful servant's successful mission, and a willing bride points to the ultimate faithfulness of Christ in securing His redeemed people, His beloved bride, the Church, whom He will present to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ's Love for the Church")). It anticipates the glorious wedding supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where Christ and His Church will be eternally united.

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 24:13

Behold, I stand [here] by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:

Genesis 24:14

And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: [let the same be] she [that] thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.