Genesis 24:49

KJV

And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.

KJV (with Strong's)

And now if ye will {H3426} deal {H6213} kindly {H2617} and truly {H571} with my master {H113}, tell {H5046} me: and if not, tell {H5046} me; that I may turn {H6437} to the right hand {H3225}, or {H176} to the left {H8040}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"So now if you people intend to show grace and truth to my master, tell me. But if not, tell me, so that I can turn elsewhere."

Berean Standard Bible

Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; but if not, let me know, so that I may go elsewhere.”

American Standard Version

And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Genesis 24:49, Abraham's trusted servant, having meticulously presented the compelling evidence of God's providential leading in identifying Rebekah as Isaac's destined bride, issues a direct and urgent appeal to her father Bethuel and brother Laban. His plea for them to "deal kindly and truly" or to explicitly refuse, underscores his critical need for an unambiguous decision. This decisive answer is paramount for the successful culmination of his divinely appointed mission, which is inextricably linked to the continuation of God's covenant promises and the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Abraham Seeks a Wife for Isaac") is a narrative masterpiece, dedicating an entire chapter to Abraham's mission to secure a wife for Isaac. Preceding [verse 49](/genesis/24-49 "The Servant's Plea for a Decisive Answer"), the servant has arrived at Nahor, prayed for divine guidance, and miraculously encountered Rebekah at the well, where the specific signs he requested were fulfilled. He has been welcomed into Laban's home and, rather than eating, has insisted on explaining his mission. From [Genesis 24:34-48](/genesis/24-34-48 "The Servant Recounts His Mission"), he meticulously recounts Abraham's wealth, the oath, his journey, his prayer at the well, and the precise fulfillment of the signs through Rebekah. He emphasizes that "the Lord hath prospered my way" ([Genesis 24:48](/genesis/24-48 "The Lord Prospered My Way - Genesis 24:48")). Having laid out this irrefutable case for divine intervention, [verse 49](/genesis/24-49 "The Servant's Plea for a Decisive Answer") serves as the climax of his presentation, a direct challenge to Rebekah's family to acknowledge God's hand and respond with integrity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern culture, marriage was not merely a personal affair but a significant family and tribal arrangement, often involving extensive negotiations and a bride-price. The father (or eldest male relative) held considerable authority in deciding his daughter's marriage. Abraham's directive to his servant to find a wife from his own kindred, rather than from the Canaanites, was crucial for maintaining the purity of the covenant line and avoiding assimilation into idolatrous practices. The servant's journey to Mesopotamia, a significant distance, highlights the importance of this mission. The custom of providing hospitality to travelers was strong, but the servant's refusal to eat before stating his business indicates the urgency and solemnity of his task, respecting the cultural norms while prioritizing his master's command. The "right hand" and "left hand" idiom reflects common directional choices in a world where clear paths were essential for travel and decision-making.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Abraham Seeks a Wife for Isaac") richly illustrates several profound themes. **Divine Providence and Guidance** is central, as God actively orchestrates events, answering prayer and directing the servant's steps to fulfill His promises to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 24:27](/genesis/24-27 "The Lord Led Me - Genesis 24:27")). The narrative also highlights **Faithfulness and Obedience**, both Abraham's in sending his servant and the servant's in diligently carrying out his master's will. The emphasis on "kindly and truly" points to the theme of **Integrity and Covenant Loyalty** in human relationships, particularly in the context of a potential marriage alliance that carries significant spiritual implications for the covenant people. Finally, the chapter underscores the **Continuation of the Covenant Line**, as securing a wife for Isaac is vital for the fulfillment of God's promises regarding Abraham's descendants and the future nation of Israel, a theme foundational to the entire book of [Genesis](/genesis/1 "The Book of Genesis").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 24:49](/genesis/24-49 "The Servant's Plea for a Decisive Answer") marks the servant's direct and urgent appeal to Bethuel and Laban, having presented his compelling case for divine intervention. He seeks a clear and honest response, emphasizing the necessity of a definitive decision for his mission to proceed.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kindly (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** From H2617, this word signifies "kindness," "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," or "covenant loyalty." It implies a deep, benevolent commitment that extends beyond mere politeness, encompassing faithfulness and loyalty, especially within a relational context. Here, the servant appeals for a response rooted in genuine goodwill and a recognition of the divinely ordained nature of the request, reflecting a loyal and benevolent disposition towards Abraham and, implicitly, towards God's plan.
* **truly (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** From H571, this term denotes "stability," "certainty," "truth," or "trustworthiness." It points to sincerity, honesty, and unwavering integrity. Coupled with *chesed*, the servant's plea for them to "deal kindly and truly" is a call for a response that is not only honest in fact but also sincere in intention, reliable in commitment, and faithful to the reality of God's leading. It demands a transparent and trustworthy answer.
* **turn (Hebrew, _pânâh'_):** From H6437, meaning "to turn," "to face," or "to look." In this context, it is used idiomatically with "right hand" and "left hand" to signify a change of direction or course of action. The servant's statement, "that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left," expresses his need for a clear, unambiguous answer that will dictate his next steps. Without a definitive "yes" or "no," he cannot proceed with his mission, highlighting the necessity of decisive action after seeking divine will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me:"** The servant, having presented the overwhelming evidence of God's providential hand, directly challenges Bethuel and Laban. The phrase "deal kindly and truly" (Hebrew: *chesed* and *emet*) is a powerful appeal for a response characterized by loyalty, integrity, and genuine goodwill. He is asking them to acknowledge the divine leading and respond in a way that is faithful to the situation and beneficial to Abraham, his master. He demands a clear "yes" if they concur with the divine leading.
* **"and if not, tell me;"** This clause emphasizes the servant's urgent need for a definitive answer, even if it is a negative one. He is not seeking to manipulate or coerce; rather, he requires clarity. An explicit refusal is as valuable as an acceptance, as it allows him to adjust his course. This demonstrates his commitment to completing his mission, regardless of the outcome with Rebekah's family.
* **"that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left."** This is a common biblical idiom signifying the need for a clear direction or choice between two distinct paths. The servant cannot remain in a state of ambiguity. He needs a "yes" to proceed with Rebekah or a "no" to indicate that he must seek a bride elsewhere. This highlights the practical necessity of decisive action once God's will has been clearly presented, allowing him to fulfill his master's critical mission without delay.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Genesis 24:49](/genesis/24-49 "The Servant's Plea for a Decisive Answer") is **Idiom**. The phrase "that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left" is a well-known biblical idiom signifying the need for a clear direction or a choice between two distinct alternatives. It conveys the servant's urgency and his inability to proceed without an unambiguous answer. This idiom effectively communicates that he is at a crossroads, requiring a definitive "yes" or "no" to determine his next course of action. Additionally, the servant's appeal for them to "deal kindly and truly" employs **Merism**, using two complementary terms (*chesed* and *emet*) to express a comprehensive concept of integrity, loyalty, and faithfulness in their response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The servant's plea in [Genesis 24:49](/genesis/24-49 "The Servant's Plea for a Decisive Answer") encapsulates several profound theological and thematic connections. It powerfully illustrates God's meticulous **Divine Providence**, actively orchestrating human events to fulfill His covenant promises, even down to the details of finding a wife for Isaac. The servant's expectation of a clear answer reflects his deep trust that God's will, having been so clearly revealed, would be acknowledged and acted upon by Rebekah's family. This narrative underscores the importance of **Integrity and Truthfulness** in all human dealings, especially when God's purposes are at stake, emphasizing that God values honesty and faithfulness in our responses to His leading. Finally, the servant's demand for a decisive answer highlights the **Necessity of Decisive Action** once God's will is discerned, preventing stagnation and ensuring the timely fulfillment of divine plans.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart - Proverbs 3:5-6")
* [Psalm 32:8](/psalms/32-8 "God will instruct and teach you the way you should go - Psalm 32:8")
* [2 Corinthians 1:17-20](/2_corinthians/1-17-20 "God's Yes and Amen in Christ - 2 Corinthians 1:17-20")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 24:49](/genesis/24-49 "The Servant's Plea for a Decisive Answer") offers timeless wisdom for believers navigating life's significant decisions. Like Abraham's servant, we are called to prayerfully seek God's guidance, trusting that He will provide clarity and direction for our paths, as articulated in [Psalm 32:8](/psalms/32-8 "God will instruct and teach you the way you should go - Psalm 32:8"). The servant's insistence on "kindly and truly" reminds us of the paramount importance of integrity, transparency, and faithfulness in our interactions, especially when our choices impact others or relate to God's will. We are to be people of our word, reflecting the character of Christ who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life - John 14:6")). Furthermore, once God's leading becomes evident, this passage encourages us to act decisively, avoiding prolonged hesitation or ambiguity that can hinder progress and delay the fulfillment of God's purposes in our lives and in the world. Our trust in God's unwavering faithfulness should empower us to step forward in obedience, knowing He will bring His good plans to fruition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking clear direction from God, and how are you actively pursuing that clarity?**
* **How does the servant's demand for "kindness and truth" challenge you to be more honest and faithful in your own relationships and commitments?**
* **When God's will becomes clear, do you tend to act decisively, or do you often linger in uncertainty? What steps can you take to cultivate a more decisive faith?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the Hebrew words *chesed* and *emet* in this verse?**

Answer: *Chesed* (חֶסֶד, H2617) and *emet* (אֱמֶת, H571) are profound Hebrew terms that, when combined, convey a rich and comprehensive meaning. *Chesed* refers to "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," or "covenant loyalty," implying a benevolent and committed faithfulness that goes beyond mere sentiment. *Emet* means "truth," "faithfulness," or "reliability," indicating sincerity, honesty, and unwavering integrity. When the servant asks Bethuel and Laban to "deal kindly and truly," he is not simply requesting politeness or a factual answer. He is appealing for a response that is rooted in genuine goodwill, moral uprightness, and a faithful acknowledgment of God's clear providential leading in the matter. It is a call for a response that aligns with divine truth and demonstrates loyalty to God's unfolding plan for Abraham's lineage. This combination of terms often describes God's own character and His dealings with humanity, underscoring the high standard of conduct the servant expects.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Abraham's servant seeking a bride for Isaac, the son of promise, beautifully serves as a profound **type** or foreshadowing of God's grand redemptive work in Christ. Isaac, the miraculously born son through whom the covenant line and the promise of a great nation would continue, stands as a clear prefigurement of Jesus Christ, the true Son of Promise, through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's Promises are Yes in Christ - 2 Corinthians 1:20")). The unnamed servant, diligently dispatched by Abraham, faithfully seeking a bride for his master's son and presenting the master's wealth and promises, powerfully foreshadows the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit, sent by the Father and the Son, draws out and prepares the Church—the Bride of Christ—from among all nations, revealing the riches of Christ and calling individuals into a saving relationship with Him ([John 16:13-14](/john/16-13-14 "The Spirit Will Guide You Into All Truth - John 16:13-14")). Just as the servant sought a decisive "yes" or "no" from Rebekah's family regarding her willingness to join Isaac, so too the Holy Spirit presents the claims of Christ to humanity, calling individuals to a decisive response of faith, repentance, and commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior ([Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Repent and Be Baptized - Acts 2:38")). This divine invitation, when embraced, initiates a covenant relationship that fulfills God's ultimate plan of redemption and eternally establishes the family of God, culminating in the glorious marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb - Revelation 19:7-9")).

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 47:29

And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt:

Joshua 2:14

And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.

Genesis 32:10

I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.

Proverbs 3:3

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

Deuteronomy 2:27

Let me pass through thy land: I will go along by the high way, I will neither turn unto the right hand nor to the left.

Numbers 20:17

Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink [of] the water of the wells: we will go by the king's [high] way, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders.