Genesis 24:55

Translation
King James Version
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.
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KJV (with Strong's)
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.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Her brother and mother said, "Let the girl stay with us a few days, at least ten. After that, she will go."
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Berean Standard Bible
But her brother and mother said, “Let the girl remain with us ten days or so. After that, she may go.”
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American Standard Version
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.
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World English Bible Messianic
Her brother and her mother said, “Let the young lady stay with us a few days, at least ten. After that she will go.”
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Then her brother and her mother answered, Let the maide abide with vs, at the least ten dayes: then shall she goe.
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Young's Literal Translation
and her brother saith--her mother also--`Let the young person abide with us a week or ten days, afterwards doth she go.'
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See also
Judges 14:8Leviticus 25:29Genesis 4:3
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All Genesis Sites (Canaan)
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Isaac and Rebekah
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In the KJVVerse 647 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Genesis 24:55 captures a tender and poignant moment where Rebekah's brother Laban and her mother express their heartfelt desire for her to remain with them for "a few days, at the least ten," before her departure to marry Isaac. This verse beautifully illustrates the deep emotional bonds within the family, their natural reluctance to part with a beloved daughter and sister, and the subtle tension between human affection and the perceived urgency of a divinely guided mission. It sets the stage for Rebekah's pivotal decision, highlighting the bittersweet nature of significant life transitions and the universal experience of familial goodbyes.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse immediately follows Rebekah's family's unequivocal acknowledgment that her marriage to Isaac "proceedeth from the Lord" (Genesis 24:50). Abraham's servant, having meticulously recounted God's clear guidance in his mission to find Isaac a wife (Genesis 24:1-49), is now eager to return to his master in Canaan without delay, understanding the divine imperative of his task. The family's request for a brief postponement, therefore, introduces a moment of human sentimentality and negotiation into a narrative otherwise marked by swift divine orchestration and obedient human response, leading directly into Rebekah's decisive affirmation in Genesis 24:58.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern societies, marriage was not merely an individual affair but a significant family and tribal alliance. The departure of a daughter, especially to a distant land, was a permanent separation, often involving elaborate farewells and a substantial dowry exchange. While the narrative doesn't detail specific customs for the duration of a bride's stay before departure, the family's request for "at the least ten days" reflects a common human desire for an extended period of farewell and adjustment, allowing for emotional closure before a beloved family member embarks on a life-altering journey far from her birth home and kin. This sentiment would have been deeply relatable in a culture where familial ties were paramount.
  • Key Themes: Genesis 24, culminating in this verse, masterfully weaves several key themes. The overarching theme is Divine Providence, as God meticulously guides Abraham's servant to Rebekah, fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 24:7). The narrative also explores the theme of Obedience and Trust, demonstrated by Abraham's faith in sending his servant and the servant's diligent pursuit of his mission. Furthermore, the chapter highlights the Importance of Marriage in God's Plan, establishing the lineage through which the covenant promises will continue. Rebekah's willingness to leave her family, even with their desire for delay, underscores the theme of Sacrifice and New Beginnings, as she embraces her role in God's redemptive history, foreshadowing the call to leave the familiar for the divine purpose found in passages like Matthew 10:37 or Luke 14:26.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • abide (Hebrew, yâshab', H3427): From a primitive root meaning "to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry." In this context, it signifies a desire for Rebekah to "remain" or "stay" for a period, emphasizing a temporary dwelling rather than a permanent settlement, reflecting the family's wish for a prolonged presence before her final departure.
  • days (Hebrew, yôwm', H3117): From an unused root meaning "to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term)." Here, it refers to literal days, underscoring the specific temporal request for a brief, measurable period of delay.
  • at the least (Hebrew, ʼôw', H176): Presumed to be the 'constructive' or genitival form of אַו; short for אַוָּה; desire (and so probably in Proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if; also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. This particle functions here as a minimum threshold, indicating that "ten" days is the lowest acceptable duration, implying they would be content with more but not less, highlighting their earnestness in the request.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And her brother and her mother said,": This opening clause immediately identifies the speakers: Laban and Rebekah's mother. Their joint address underscores the collective familial sentiment and authority in expressing this request, highlighting the strong, unified bond within the household. It also sets up a direct response to the servant's immediate desire to depart.
  • "Let the damsel abide with us [a few] days,": This is the core of their request. "Damsel" (naʻărâh, H5291) refers to Rebekah, emphasizing her youth and perhaps their protective affection. The phrase "abide with us" (yâshab, H3427) expresses their yearning for her continued presence, even if only for a short while. The "few days" (yôwm, H3117) indicates a general, unspecified short period, reflecting a natural human desire for a lingering farewell.
  • "at the least ten;": This specifies the minimum duration they desire. The Hebrew particle "ʼôw" (H176) functions as a qualifier, setting a floor of ten days (ʻâsôwr, H6218). This precision reveals the depth of their emotional need for an extended goodbye, moving beyond a vague "few" to a concrete, albeit brief, timeframe. It suggests a negotiation, a firm but not unreasonable counter-proposal to the servant's urgency.
  • "after that she shall go.": This concluding clause confirms their ultimate acceptance of the marriage and Rebekah's departure. It is not a refusal, but a plea for a temporary respite. It shows their understanding that the marriage is inevitable and divinely sanctioned, yet they seek to soften the abruptness of the separation, demonstrating a balance between familial love and recognition of a greater purpose.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several subtle but effective Literary Devices. The use of Dialogue immediately brings the reader into the emotional negotiation between the family and Abraham's servant, making the scene vivid and relatable. The family's request, "Let the damsel abide with us [a few] days, at the least ten," serves as a form of Foreshadowing, setting up the subsequent tension with the servant's insistence on immediate departure in Genesis 24:56 and ultimately leading to Rebekah's decisive response in Genesis 24:58. This creates a narrative pivot point, highlighting Rebekah's agency. Furthermore, the scene presents a Juxtaposition between human sentiment (the family's desire for delay) and divine urgency (the servant's mission), subtly emphasizing the overarching theme of God's sovereign plan unfolding despite human inclinations. The "damsel" as a term of address also adds a touch of Pathos, emphasizing Rebekah's youth and the bittersweet nature of her impending departure from childhood.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Genesis 24:55 subtly highlights the interplay between human will and divine sovereignty. While the family expresses a natural, human desire for delay rooted in affection, the narrative's broader context underscores the urgency of God's unfolding plan. This moment serves as a micro-drama reflecting the larger theological truth that God's purposes often require human cooperation and timely action, even when it means navigating personal emotions and familial bonds. It reminds us that while our feelings are valid, God's perfect timing and clear leading ultimately take precedence.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Genesis 24:55 offers a profound and timeless reflection on the bittersweet nature of farewells and the profound impact of life's significant transitions. It encourages us to approach goodbyes with empathy and understanding, recognizing the deep emotional ties that bind us to loved ones. The family's request for delay, though ultimately overridden by divine urgency, validates the human need for closure and the processing of emotions during moments of separation. In our own lives, as we navigate new chapters, callings, or significant changes, this passage reminds us of the delicate balance between honoring our past connections and embracing the new paths God sets before us. It calls us to cultivate a readiness to follow God's clear leading, even when it requires a swift departure from comfort or familiarity, trusting that His timing is always perfect and His plans are for our ultimate good. It challenges us to discern when to linger in sentiment and when to move forward in faith, recognizing that true obedience often involves a willingness to leave the familiar behind.

Questions for Reflection

  • How do you typically navigate significant goodbyes or transitions in your own life? What emotions do they evoke?
  • When have you felt a tension between your personal desires or comfort and a clear call or leading from God? How did you resolve that tension?
  • What does Rebekah's eventual willingness to depart immediately teach us about trusting God's timing and purpose, even when it means leaving the familiar?
  • How can we honor familial bonds while still prioritizing God's will for our lives?

FAQ

Why did Rebekah's family want her to stay longer?

Answer: Rebekah's brother Laban and her mother desired her to stay longer primarily due to deep familial affection and the natural human reluctance to part with a beloved family member embarking on a significant and permanent journey. Their request for "a few days, at the least ten" was an expression of their love and a wish for a lingering farewell, allowing for emotional closure and a final period of companionship before her life-altering transition to a new family and distant land.

Does "at the least ten" imply a specific custom or just a general desire for more time?

Answer: While ancient Near Eastern cultures had various customs surrounding marriage and departure, the phrase "at the least ten" (Hebrew: H176 ʼôw H6218 ʻâsôwr) here primarily signifies a minimum duration they earnestly hoped for. It suggests a desire for more than just a fleeting moment before her permanent departure, reflecting the family's personal wish for an extended period of companionship. It's less about a rigid custom and more about a heartfelt plea for a reasonable, albeit brief, delay to process the impending separation. The servant's refusal in Genesis 24:56 indicates that this was a negotiation rather than an unbreakable tradition.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Genesis 24:55, though a simple familial interaction, subtly foreshadows aspects of Christ's redemptive work and the believer's journey. Rebekah's departure from her familiar home and family to unite with Isaac, who is often seen as a type of Christ in his role as the promised heir, can be understood as an illustration of the Church, the Bride of Christ, leaving her "old life" to be united with her heavenly Bridegroom. The family's desire for delay, contrasting with Abraham's servant's urgency, mirrors the tension between human comfort and the divine call to follow Christ immediately and without hesitation. Just as Rebekah ultimately chose to go swiftly in Genesis 24:58, believers are called to respond promptly to the Holy Spirit's leading, leaving behind worldly attachments and the comforts of the past to embrace their new identity and eternal union with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This echoes Jesus' call to discipleship, which often involves leaving family and possessions to follow Him (Luke 9:59-62), trusting that God's perfect timing and unwavering purpose will lead to ultimate fulfillment in Him (Philippians 3:7-8).

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Commentary on Genesis 24 verses 54–61

Rebekah is here taking leave of her father's house; and 1. Abraham's servant presses for a dismission. Though he and his company were very welcome, and very cheerful there, yet he said, Send me away (Gen 24:54), and again, Gen 24:56. He knew his master would expect him home with some impatience; he had business to do at home which wanted him, and therefore, as one that preferred his work before his pleasure, he was for hastening home. Note, Lingering and loitering no way become a wise and good man; when we have despatched our business abroad we must not delay our return to our business at home, nor be longer from it than needs must; for as a bird that wanders from her nest so is he that wanders from his place, Pro 27:8. 2. Rebekah's relations, from natural affection and according to the usual expression of kindness in that case, solicit for her stay some time among them, Gen 24:55. They could not think of parting with her on a sudden, especially as she was about the remove so far off and it was not likely that they would ever see one another again: Let her stay a few days, at least ten, which makes it as reasonable a request as the reading in the margin seems to make it unreasonable, a year, or at least ten months. They had consented to the marriage, and yet were loth to part with her. Note, It is an instance of the vanity of this world that there is nothing in it so agreeable but it has its alloy. Nulla est sincera voluptas - There is no unmingled pleasure. They were pleased that they had matched a daughter of their family so well, and yet, when it came to the last, it was with great reluctance that they sent her away. 3. Rebekah herself determined the matter. To her they appealed, as it was fit they should (Gen 24:57): Call the damsel (who had retired to her apartment with a modest silence) and enquire at her mouth. Note, As children ought not to marry without their parents' consent, so parents ought not to marry them without their own. Before the matter is resolved on, "Ask at the damsel's mouth;" she is a party principally concerned, and therefore ought to be principally consulted. Rebekah consented, not only to go, but to go immediately: I will go, Gen 24:58. We may hope that the notice she had taken of the servant's piety and devotion gave her such an idea of the prevalence of religion and godliness in the family she was to go to made her desirous to hasten thither, and willing to forget her own people and her father's house, where religion had not so much the ascendant. 4. Hereupon she is sent away with Abraham's servant; not, we may suppose, the very next day after, but very quickly: her friends see that she has a good heart on it, and so they dismiss her, (1.) With suitable attendants - her nurse (Gen 24:59), her damsels, Gen 24:61. It seems, then, that when she went to the well for water it was not because she had not servants at command, but because she took a pleasure in works of humble industry. Now that she was going among strangers, it was fit she should take those with her with whom she was acquainted. Here is nothing said of her portion. Her personal merits were a portion in her, she needed none with her, nor did that ever come into the treaty of marriage. (2.) With hearty good wishes: They blessed Rebekah, Gen 24:60. Note, When our relations are entering into a new condition, we ought by prayer to recommend them to the blessing and grace of God. Now that she was going to be a wife, they prayed that she might be a mother both of a numerous and of a victorious progeny. Perhaps Abraham's servant had told them of the promise God had lately made to his master, which it is likely, Abraham acquainted his household with, that God would multiply his seed as the stars of heaven, and that they should possess the gate of their enemies (Gen 22:17), to which promise they had an eye in this blessing, Be thou the mother of that seed.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 54–61. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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