Genesis 24:46

KJV

And she made haste, and let down her pitcher from her [shoulder], and said, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: so I drank, and she made the camels drink also.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she made haste {H4116}, and let down {H3381} her pitcher {H3537} from her shoulder, and said {H559}, Drink {H8354}, and I will give {H8248} thy camels {H1581} drink {H8248} also: so I drank {H8354}, and she made {H8248} the camels {H1581} drink {H8248} also.

Complete Jewish Bible

she immediately lowered the jug from her shoulder and said, 'Drink, and I will water your camels as well.'So I drank, and she had the camels drink too.

Berean Standard Bible

She quickly lowered her jar from her shoulder and said, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well.’ So I drank, and she also watered the camels.

American Standard Version

And she made haste, and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: so I drank, and she made the camels drink also.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:46 captures the pivotal moment when Rebekah's swift and generous actions at the well confirm her as the divinely appointed wife for Isaac, fulfilling the specific sign sought by Abraham's servant and demonstrating her exceptional character and willingness to serve beyond mere obligation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial point within the detailed narrative of [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "The Account of Abraham's Servant Finding a Wife for Isaac"), a chapter dedicated entirely to Abraham's mission to secure a wife for his son Isaac from his own kindred, rather than the local Canaanite women. The preceding verses (Genesis 24:1-9) establish Abraham's solemn oath from his servant to undertake this mission. Upon arriving at Nahor, the servant prays for a specific, unambiguous sign at the well (Genesis 24:10-14): that the chosen woman would not only offer him water but also volunteer to water his ten camels. Rebekah's actions in [Genesis 24:15-20](/genesis/24/15-20 "Rebekah's immediate and generous response") precisely fulfill this prayer, making verse 46 the servant's retrospective recounting of this miraculous confirmation to Rebekah's family.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wells were vital communal gathering places, especially for women who drew water for their households. Hospitality was a paramount virtue, often a matter of survival and honor. Offering water to a traveler was customary, but volunteering to water ten camels—which can drink an immense amount, potentially hundreds of gallons, after a long journey—was an act of extraordinary generosity, physical exertion, and selflessness. Such an act would signify a woman of exceptional character, diligence, and a willing spirit, qualities highly valued in a patriarchal society for a wife and future matriarch. The geographical setting, Haran (Nahor's city), was a significant stop along trade routes, making wells critical infrastructure.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Key Themes in Genesis 24") is rich with theological and narrative themes. **Divine Providence** is central, as God orchestrates every detail of the servant's journey, from the specific prayer to Rebekah's timely appearance and willing response, ensuring the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant through Isaac. The theme of **Faithful Obedience** is evident in Abraham's trust and the servant's diligent execution of his master's will. **Hospitality and Generosity** are highlighted as virtuous character traits, exemplified by Rebekah, which are essential for the covenant community. Furthermore, the chapter contributes to the broader theme of **Covenant Continuity**, as the search for Isaac's wife is directly tied to God's promise to make Abraham a great nation (see [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12/2 "God's promise to Abraham")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **haste (Hebrew, _mâhar'_):** From H4116, meaning to be liquid or flow easily, implying to hurry or act promptly. It conveys not just speed but an eager, willing, and unreserved promptness. Rebekah's action was not grudging or hesitant but immediate and enthusiastic, reflecting a ready spirit to serve.
* **let down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** From H3381, a primitive root meaning to descend or go downwards. Here, it specifically denotes the physical act of lowering the pitcher from her shoulder to allow the servant to drink and to pour water for the camels. This verb emphasizes the physical effort and immediate action taken by Rebekah.
* **pitcher (Hebrew, _kad'_):** From H3537, referring to a pail or jar, typically made of earthenware, used for domestic purposes like carrying water. The mention of her "pitcher" grounds the narrative in the practical reality of daily life and highlights the tool through which Rebekah performed her act of service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she made haste":** This opening clause emphasizes Rebekah's immediate and eager response. Her promptness is a key indicator of her character, showing a willing heart to serve rather than a reluctant or calculated action. It sets the tone for the extraordinary generosity that follows.
* **"and let down her pitcher from her shoulder":** This describes the physical action Rebekah took. It signifies her readiness to serve and the physical exertion involved. The pitcher, likely heavy when full, was a common tool for women fetching water, and the act of lowering it indicates her direct and practical engagement with the servant's need.
* **"and said, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also":** This is the pivotal verbal offer that precisely fulfills the sign the servant had prayed for. Her initiative to water the camels, an immense task, demonstrates a level of hospitality and selflessness far beyond cultural expectation. It reveals her generous and industrious spirit.
* **"so I drank":** The servant's confirmation that he indeed received water from Rebekah. This simple clause validates the first part of Rebekah's offer and confirms her immediate hospitality.
* **"and she made the camels drink also":** This final clause confirms the complete fulfillment of the divine sign. Rebekah's follow-through on her offer to water all ten camels underscores her diligence, perseverance, and the exceptional nature of her kindness. It is the ultimate proof of her suitability as the divinely appointed bride.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [Genesis 24:46](/genesis/24/46 "Rebekah's Actions at the Well") employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Narrative Detail** is prominently used, meticulously describing Rebekah's actions ("made haste," "let down her pitcher," "made the camels drink") to create a vivid and believable scene. This careful detailing emphasizes the extraordinary nature of her generosity and the precise fulfillment of the servant's prayer. The phrase "made haste" functions as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting her eager and unreserved willingness, rather than a grudging compliance. Furthermore, Rebekah's actions serve as a powerful form of **Characterization**, revealing her virtuous qualities—kindness, diligence, and selflessness—through her deeds rather than direct description. This **Show, Don't Tell** approach allows the reader to infer her suitability for the role of matriarch. Finally, the entire encounter, culminating in Rebekah's specific actions, functions as **Divine Providence** made manifest, serving as a clear sign of God's direct guidance and orchestration of events to fulfill His covenantal promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Rebekah's actions in Genesis 24:46 powerfully illustrate God's meticulous providence and His active involvement in the lives of His people, guiding their steps to fulfill His purposes. Her extraordinary generosity and swift obedience to the unstated need of the servant and his camels serve as a profound example of selfless service and hospitality, reflecting a heart aligned with divine virtues. This narrative underscores that God often works through the willing and virtuous actions of individuals to bring about His sovereign plan, demonstrating that character matters in the unfolding of His redemptive history.

* [Proverbs 31:17](/proverbs/31/17 "The Virtuous Woman's Strength") - "She girds herself with strength; her arms are strong for her tasks."
* [Romans 12:13](/romans/12/13 "Practicing Hospitality") - "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2/3-4 "Humility and Considering Others") - "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 24:46 offers timeless lessons for believers today, inviting us to cultivate a spirit of genuine generosity and responsiveness to the needs of others. Rebekah's willingness to go above and beyond, not just offering a drink but volunteering for the arduous task of watering ten camels, challenges us to move beyond mere obligation to a place of eager, self-sacrificial service. This mirrors the selfless servanthood exemplified by Christ, who "came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10/45 "Jesus' Teaching on Servanthood")). Furthermore, this narrative encourages profound trust in God's active providence, assuring us that He guides our significant life decisions through clear signs and unexpected encounters when we earnestly seek His will. It prompts us to practice hospitality "without grumbling" ([1 Peter 4:9](/1_peter/4/9 "Instruction on Practicing Hospitality")), viewing every opportunity to serve as a divinely orchestrated moment to reflect God's character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "make haste" in service, even when it requires significant effort?**
* **How can you cultivate a spirit of generosity that goes beyond what is expected, mirroring Rebekah's willingness to water the camels?**
* **How does Rebekah's story encourage your trust in God's specific guidance in your own life's significant decisions?**

### FAQ
**How does Rebekah's action serve as a "sign" of God's will?**

Answer: Rebekah's actions precisely fulfilled the specific and challenging criteria Abraham's servant had prayed for in [Genesis 24:14](/genesis/24/14 "The Servant's Prayer for a Sign"): not only offering him water but also volunteering to water his ten thirsty camels. This extraordinary act of generosity, diligence, and hospitality, performed "with haste" and without being asked, was far beyond common courtesy. It clearly demonstrated the virtuous character and willing spirit that the servant sought, confirming God's direct orchestration of the encounter and validating Rebekah as the divinely appointed bride for Isaac, fulfilling the servant's prayer and Abraham's mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 24:46 primarily details the human elements of divine guidance and character, it subtly prefigures the greater spiritual reality of Christ and His church. Just as Rebekah was chosen by divine providence and brought to Isaac, the son of promise, so too is the Church, the bride of Christ, chosen by God the Father and drawn to His Son through the powerful and guiding work of the Holy Spirit (who is often typified by the unnamed servant in this narrative, leading the bride to the groom). Rebekah's willing and generous service, going above and beyond what was expected for a stranger and his animals, foreshadows the ultimate self-giving love and service of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled God's will and gave Himself for His bride, the Church, to make her holy and blameless (see [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5/25-27 "Christ's Love for the Church")). His act of providing living water (as seen in [John 4:10-14](/john/4/10-14 "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")) and His humble servanthood, even to the point of washing His disciples' feet ([John 13:1-17](/john/13/1-17 "Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet")), are the ultimate expressions of the selflessness and generosity exemplified by Rebekah at the well.

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 24:18

And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.

Genesis 24:19

And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw [water] for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.