Genesis 24:55

And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us [a few] days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.

And her brother {H251} and her mother {H517} said {H559}, Let the damsel {H5291} abide {H3427} with us a few days {H3117}, at the least {H176} ten {H6218}; after {H310} that she shall go {H3212}.

Her brother and mother said, "Let the girl stay with us a few days, at least ten. After that, she will go."

But her brother and mother said, β€œLet the girl remain with us ten days or so. After that, she may go.”

And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.

Commentary

Genesis 24:55 captures a tender moment of familial affection and parting, as Rebekah's brother Laban and her mother express a desire for her to remain with them for a short period before departing to marry Isaac. This verse provides a glimpse into ancient customs surrounding marriage and the emotional realities of a daughter leaving her home.

Context

This verse occurs immediately after Rebekah's family has given their blessing to her marriage with Isaac, recognizing that "this thing proceedeth from the Lord." Abraham's servant, having successfully found Isaac's intended bride through divine guidance, is eager to return to his master in Canaan (see Genesis 24:1-9 for the beginning of his mission). The family's request for "at the least ten" days reflects a natural human desire for a lingering goodbye, a common sentiment when a beloved family member embarks on a significant, permanent journey far from home.

Key Themes

  • Family Bonds and Affection: The verse highlights the deep emotional ties within Rebekah's family. Despite consenting to her departure, her mother and brother's request for more time underscores their love and reluctance to see her go so swiftly.
  • Transition and Separation: It marks a pivotal moment of transition for Rebekah, moving from her family home to a new life and husband. The negotiation over her departure time symbolizes the natural tension between a new beginning and the ties of the past.
  • Human Desire vs. Divine Purpose: While the family wishes for a delay, the broader narrative emphasizes the servant's urgency, driven by the clear providence of God in guiding his mission. This sets up a subtle contrast between human emotional requests and the perceived divine timing.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "a few days" or "at the least ten" (Hebrew: Χ™ΦΈΧžΦ΄Χ™Χ yamim, "days") signifies a specific, but short, period. The addition of "at the least ten" emphasizes a minimum duration they hoped for, suggesting a desire for more than just a fleeting moment before her permanent departure. This wasn't an attempt to prevent the marriage, but to prolong the farewell.

Practical Application

This verse resonates with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet nature of farewells and significant life transitions. It reminds us:

  • Empathy in Goodbyes: To be understanding of the emotions involved when loved ones depart for new chapters, allowing space for proper goodbyes.
  • Navigating Change: Life is full of transitions. This passage subtly teaches about the balance between honoring family connections and embracing the new paths God sets before us.
  • Trusting God's Timing: While the family sought a delay, Rebekah's eventual willingness to leave immediately (as seen in Genesis 24:58) shows a readiness to follow God's clear leading, even if it means a swift departure from the familiar.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 14:8

    And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion: and, behold, [there was] a swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion.

  • Leviticus 25:29

    And if a man sell a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold; [within] a full year may he redeem it.

  • Genesis 4:3

    ΒΆ And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
← Back