Genesis 24:5

KJV

And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?

KJV (with Strong's)

And the servant {H5650} said {H559} unto him, Peradventure the woman {H802} will not be willing {H14} to follow {H3212} me {H310} unto this land {H776}: must I needs bring {H7725} thy son {H1121} again {H7725} unto the land {H776} from whence thou camest {H3318}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The servant replied, "Suppose the woman isn't willing to follow me to this land. Must I then bring your son back to the land from which you came?"

Berean Standard Bible

The servant asked him, “What if the woman is unwilling to follow me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to the land from which you came?”

American Standard Version

And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:5 captures the diligent servant's crucial inquiry to Abraham: what if the woman chosen for Isaac's bride proves unwilling to leave her homeland and journey to Canaan? This question underscores the servant's foresight and commitment to the mission, anticipating a potential obstacle to securing a wife from Abraham's own kindred, a vital step in preserving the divinely ordained covenant lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 24 stands as the longest chapter in the book, singularly dedicated to the momentous task of finding a wife for Isaac, Abraham's promised son and the heir to the covenant. Abraham, now advanced in years, solemnly charges his most trusted servant (traditionally identified as Eliezer of Damascus) with an unbreakable oath, established in [Genesis 24:3](/genesis/24-3 "Abraham's solemn oath concerning Isaac's marriage"), that Isaac must not marry a woman from the idolatrous Canaanites. Instead, the bride must come from Abraham's own extended family in Mesopotamia. The servant's question in [Genesis 24:5](/genesis/24-5 "The servant's practical query about the woman's willingness") arises from a deep sense of responsibility and practicality, seeking clarity on a critical contingency: if the divinely designated woman is unwilling to relocate to Canaan, should Isaac then return to the land from which Abraham himself had departed? This query sets the stage for Abraham's emphatic refusal for Isaac to ever leave the Promised Land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, marriage was primarily a family affair, often arranged to preserve lineage, property, and cultural identity. Endogamy—marriage within one's own kin group—was a deeply ingrained practice, particularly crucial for Abraham's family given their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. Marrying a Canaanite woman would have meant assimilation into a culture rife with polytheism, fertility cults, and morally corrupt practices, directly threatening the distinctiveness and spiritual purity of Abraham's descendants. The land of Canaan, though promised by God, was still inhabited by these peoples, making the servant's mission to a distant homeland a necessary and culturally appropriate measure to ensure the spiritual integrity of the patriarchal line.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the paramount importance of **covenant preservation**, as the continuation of God's promises to Abraham regarding a great nation and land hinged entirely on Isaac having a legitimate heir from a pure lineage, as outlined in [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "God's promises to Abraham"). The narrative also powerfully illustrates **divine guidance and providence**, showing God's active hand in orchestrating seemingly human events to fulfill His purposes, even amidst practical human concerns. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **faith versus prudence**, as Abraham's unwavering faith in God's provision (as seen in [Genesis 24:7](/genesis/24-7 "Abraham's confidence in God's guidance")) is juxtaposed with the servant's commendable practicality and foresight, demonstrating that faith does not negate the need for diligent planning and wisdom. The servant's journey and the eventual discovery of Rebekah exemplify God's faithfulness in guiding His people in major life decisions, particularly marriage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The servant's query in Genesis 24:5, "Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?", is a pivotal moment that reveals his profound sense of responsibility and strategic foresight. It is not a question of doubt in Abraham's command, but a responsible inquiry into a critical contingency.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **willing (Hebrew, _ʼâbâh'_):** This primitive root (H14) signifies "to breathe after," and figuratively, "to be acquiescent" or "to consent." In this context, it speaks to the woman's personal volition and agreement to the proposed marriage and, crucially, to the journey itself. The servant understands that her willingness is not to be presumed but is a necessary condition for the success of his mission.
* **follow (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** Derived from a primitive root (H3212) meaning "to walk," this word here carries the causative sense, "to carry" or "to cause to go." In the servant's question, it refers to the woman's act of accompanying him on the long and arduous journey from Mesopotamia to Canaan, signifying her commitment to leave her home and join Isaac in a foreign land.
* **bring again (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) means "to turn back" or "to return." The servant's use of "bring again" (specifically the Hiphil form, meaning "to cause to return") highlights his understanding of Abraham's absolute prohibition against Isaac ever leaving the Promised Land. His question is a direct challenge to this prohibition, seeking to confirm whether *any* circumstance, even the woman's unwillingness, could justify Isaac's return to Mesopotamia.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the servant said unto him":** This simple introductory phrase establishes the direct communication between Abraham and his chief servant, emphasizing the servant's trusted position and the seriousness of the conversation. It highlights the servant's initiative in raising a crucial practical concern.
* **"Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land":** The term "Peradventure" (Hebrew *'ulay*) conveys a genuine possibility or a "what if" scenario. The servant, with practical wisdom, foresees a potential obstacle: the woman he finds might not be personally inclined to leave her familiar surroundings and kindred to embark on a long journey to a foreign land, despite the promise of marriage to Isaac. This clause underscores the human element in God's plan.
* **"must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?":** This is the core of the servant's dilemma. He understands Abraham's strict command that Isaac must *not* return to Mesopotamia. His question is a direct challenge to this prohibition, asking if the woman's refusal would necessitate Isaac's return, thereby violating the oath and potentially jeopardizing the entire covenant mission. It reveals his desire for clear instructions regarding this critical contingency.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Dialogue** to advance the plot and reveal character. The servant's question is a crucial piece of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the challenges and divine orchestration that will be necessary to secure Rebekah's consent and journey. It also establishes a subtle **Contrast** between Abraham's unwavering faith in God's direct intervention and the servant's pragmatic, human apprehension regarding the mission's logistics. The use of a **Rhetorical Question** ("must I needs bring thy son again...") emphasizes the servant's deep concern and his understanding of the gravity of Isaac's staying in the Promised Land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 24:5 beautifully illustrates the dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God's plan for Isaac's marriage is ultimately sovereignly guided, the servant's diligent questioning and practical foresight are not only permitted but are commendable and necessary components of the process. This highlights that faith in God's overarching purpose does not negate the need for prudence, careful planning, and addressing potential obstacles. The meticulous care taken in selecting Isaac's wife underscores the immense theological importance of preserving the purity of the covenant lineage, through whom God's promises would be fulfilled. This narrative serves as a foundational example of seeking God's guidance in significant life decisions, particularly marriage, emphasizing the importance of aligning such choices with divine will and principles, ensuring the continuation of a spiritual heritage.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers")
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8-10 "Abraham's faith in seeking a city")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The interaction in Genesis 24:5 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating significant responsibilities and life decisions today. The servant's diligence in anticipating potential difficulties and seeking clear instructions, rather than blindly proceeding, models a crucial aspect of godly wisdom. It teaches us the importance of asking clarifying questions and thinking through contingencies, even when operating under a divine mandate. While the narrative powerfully illustrates Abraham's unwavering faith in God's provision, the servant's question reminds us that faith does not negate the need for practical planning, diligence, and consideration of possible challenges; we are called to trust God while also using the wisdom and discernment He provides. Furthermore, the story underscores the biblical emphasis on choosing a spouse who aligns with one's faith and values, crucial for building a family that honors God and continues a spiritual legacy, a principle vital for forming [godly partnerships](/2_corinthians/6-14 "The principle of being equally yoked in 2 Corinthians"). Even when faced with "peradventure" or uncertainty in our own lives, the unfolding of Isaac and Rebekah's story ultimately teaches us to trust in God's sovereign hand to guide and accomplish His purposes, often in ways that exceed our foresight and planning.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance unwavering faith in God's promises with practical planning and anticipating potential obstacles in my own life?**
* **In what significant decisions am I currently seeking God's guidance, and am I diligently considering all practical aspects as the servant did?**
* **How does the emphasis on preserving a godly lineage in this story inform my choices regarding relationships and family today?**
* **When faced with uncertainty or a "what if" scenario, do I seek clarification and wisdom, or do I proceed without sufficient foresight?**

### FAQ
**Why was the servant so concerned about the woman's willingness?**

Answer: The servant's concern stemmed from his profound diligence and the critical nature of his mission. Abraham had imposed an absolute prohibition: Isaac was not to return to Mesopotamia under any circumstances, as this would mean leaving the Promised Land and potentially jeopardizing the covenant. If the woman was unwilling to come to Canaan, the servant needed clear instructions on how to proceed, as bringing Isaac back would directly violate Abraham's solemn oath and the divine mandate to remain in the land God had given. His question was a responsible query about a foreseeable logistical challenge, not a lack of faith.

**What does "Peradventure" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Peradventure" in the King James Version translates the Hebrew word *'ulay* (אולי), which means "perhaps," "it may be," or "if perhaps." It signifies a genuine possibility or a practical contingency that the servant foresaw. It was not an expression of doubt in God's ability or Abraham's command, but a responsible and prudent query about a foreseeable logistical challenge that could impact the mission's success and Abraham's strict instructions regarding Isaac's presence in the land of Canaan.

**Why was it so important for Isaac not to marry a Canaanite woman?**

Answer: Marrying a Canaanite woman was strictly forbidden because it would have introduced idolatrous practices, pagan beliefs, and immoral customs into Abraham's lineage, directly threatening the purity and distinctiveness of the covenant people. God had called Abraham to be separate and to raise a nation set apart for Him. The preservation of this spiritual heritage was paramount for the fulfillment of God's promises concerning a great nation, the land, and ultimately, the coming Messiah. This command underscored the importance of spiritual integrity and avoiding assimilation into the surrounding pagan cultures, a principle foundational to [God's covenant with Israel](/exodus/34-15-16 "Warnings against intermarriage in Exodus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous care taken to secure a bride for Isaac, ensuring the preservation of the covenant lineage free from idolatrous influences, profoundly points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. Isaac was the son of promise, through whom the covenant line would continue, leading eventually to the birth of the Messiah. The servant's diligent mission, guided by divine providence to find a suitable bride, foreshadows God's own careful orchestration of history to bring forth His Son, Jesus, who is the true **seed** of Abraham (as affirmed in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Seed of Abraham is Christ")) and the ultimate inheritor of all covenant blessings. Christ, as the perfect Bridegroom, seeks and prepares His Church, His bride, drawing her out of the world's idolatry and into a holy union with Himself. Just as Rebekah left her homeland to join Isaac, the Church is called to leave the world's ways and follow Christ, becoming His pure and spotless bride ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ's love for the Church, His bride")). This divine marriage culminates in the New Jerusalem, the bride coming down from heaven ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "The New Jerusalem, the bride")), signifying the eternal union of Christ with His redeemed people, thereby fulfilling the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan established through Abraham's lineage.

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

Jeremiah 4:2

And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

Proverbs 13:16

¶ Every prudent [man] dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open [his] folly.

Genesis 24:58

And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.

Exodus 9:2

For if thou refuse to let [them] go, and wilt hold them still,

Exodus 20:7

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.