Genesis 24:57

KJV

And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559}, We will call {H7121} the damsel {H5291}, and enquire {H7592} at her mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They said, "We will call the girl and see what she says."

Berean Standard Bible

So they said, “We will call the girl and ask her opinion.”

American Standard Version

And they said, We will call the damsel, and inquire at her mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:57 marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of Isaac and Rebekah, capturing the decision of Rebekah's family to directly consult her regarding her immediate departure to become Isaac's wife. This verse uniquely underscores the significance of individual consent within a divinely orchestrated plan, even amidst the prevailing ancient custom of arranged marriages, highlighting a remarkable respect for personal agency.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture following Abraham's servant's successful mission to find a wife for Isaac from Abraham's kin. The servant, guided by divine providence, identified Rebekah at the well, a moment detailed in [Genesis 24:15-27](/genesis/24-15-27 "Rebekah's encounter with Abraham's servant"). After revealing his purpose and presenting gifts, Rebekah's family, including Laban and Bethuel, acknowledged the Lord's clear hand in the matter, declaring, "The thing proceeds from the LORD" ([Genesis 24:50](/genesis/24-50 "Laban and Bethuel acknowledge God's will")). Despite this divine affirmation, the family initially sought to delay Rebekah's departure for "some days, at the least ten" ([Genesis 24:55](/genesis/24-55 "Rebekah's family requests a delay")), prompting the servant's urgent plea to return to Abraham without delay ([Genesis 24:56](/genesis/24-56 "The servant's urgency to depart")). It is in response to this tension between the family's desire for delay and the servant's urgency that the family makes the crucial decision to involve Rebekah herself in the final choice regarding her immediate departure.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, marriages were typically arranged by the families, often without direct consultation of the prospective bride, especially regarding her immediate departure. The father or male head of the household held ultimate authority in such matters, as seen in various biblical accounts and extra-biblical texts. While a bride's consent might sometimes be implied or assumed, a direct, verbal inquiry about her immediate willingness to leave was not a universal custom. The act of "enquiring at her mouth" in [Genesis 24:57](/genesis/24-57 "The family's decision to consult Rebekah") therefore stands out as a significant deviation from typical patriarchal norms, suggesting a recognition of Rebekah's personal stake and agency in this life-altering decision. This unusual consultation highlights the unique nature of the covenantal lineage and God's particular involvement in this foundational marriage.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - The Search for Isaac's Wife") and the broader Abrahamic narrative. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Providence and Human Agency**, illustrating how God's sovereign plan unfolds through and respects human choices. The entire chapter is a testament to God's meticulous guidance in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, as seen in the servant's prayer and its immediate answer ([Genesis 24:12-27](/genesis/24-12-27 "The servant's prayer and Rebekah's arrival")). Yet, even within this divine orchestration, the family's decision to consult Rebekah highlights the **Value of Consent and Individual Dignity**. This act elevates Rebekah's status beyond a mere transactional object, demonstrating that her willing participation is integral to the divine blueprint. It also subtly introduces the theme of **Departure and New Beginnings**, as Rebekah's "yes" will signify her complete severance from her past life and embrace of a new destiny within the covenant community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** H559, a primitive root meaning "to say," used with great latitude. In this context, it signifies a decisive declaration by Rebekah's family (Laban and Bethuel) after their discussion with Abraham's servant. It conveys their collective agreement to a course of action, shifting from their previous desire for delay to a new approach involving Rebekah's direct input.
* **damsel (Hebrew, _naʻărâh'_):** H5291, the feminine form of "youth" or "young man," referring to a girl from infancy to adolescence. This term emphasizes Rebekah's youth and perhaps her relative inexperience, making the family's decision to consult her directly even more remarkable. It highlights that even a young woman's voice was deemed important in this divinely significant matter.
* **enquire (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_):** H7592, a primitive root meaning "to inquire," "to request," or "to demand." Here, it signifies a direct and formal solicitation of Rebekah's opinion or decision. The use of this word underscores the intentionality behind seeking her personal input, not merely informing her of a decision, but actively asking for her response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said":** This phrase refers to Laban and Bethuel, Rebekah's brother and father, who had been negotiating with Abraham's servant. Their collective declaration marks a turning point in the discussion, indicating a shift in their approach from merely asserting their family's wishes (for Rebekah to stay longer) to acknowledging the need for Rebekah's direct involvement. It signifies a consensus among the male decision-makers to defer to Rebekah's personal will in this specific, crucial matter.
* **"We will call the damsel":** This clause describes the immediate action they intend to take. "Calling" her implies bringing her into their presence for a formal consultation, elevating the moment from a casual conversation to a significant family council. The term "damsel" (naʻărâh) emphasizes her status as a young woman, highlighting the unusual nature of her being directly consulted in such a weighty decision within that cultural context.
* **"and enquire at her mouth":** This is the most significant phrase, literally meaning "to ask from her mouth" (Hebrew: *sha'al be-fiha*). It emphasizes the directness and personal nature of the inquiry. They are not asking *about* her, or making a decision *for* her, but seeking her own verbal response. This signifies a remarkable degree of respect for her autonomy and personal consent, especially given the patriarchal societal norms of the time. Her "mouth" represents her voice, her will, and her personal agency.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Emphasis** through the direct and specific phrasing "enquire at her mouth," highlighting the unusual and significant act of seeking Rebekah's personal verbal consent. This phrase draws attention to her individual agency in a society where women's voices were often not directly solicited in such matters. There is also an element of **Divine Intervention** implicitly at play; while not explicitly stated, the family's decision to consult Rebekah, contrary to typical custom, can be seen as part of God's overarching plan to ensure Rebekah's willing participation in the covenant lineage. This unusual action underscores the **Symbolism** of Rebekah's choice, representing not merely a personal decision but a foundational step in the unfolding of God's redemptive history, requiring a willing heart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The family's decision to consult Rebekah in [Genesis 24:57](/genesis/24-57 "The family's decision to consult Rebekah") beautifully illustrates the profound interplay between divine sovereignty and human free will. While God's providence meticulously orchestrates the events of the entire chapter to bring Rebekah to Isaac, He does not bypass or coerce human agency. Instead, the divine plan unfolds through the willing choices and consent of individuals. This highlights a theological truth: God invites participation rather than demanding blind obedience, honoring the dignity and choices of His human agents even within His predetermined will. This principle underscores that true faith involves a willing response to God's call, making our choices meaningful and our participation in His kingdom a matter of genuine commitment.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Choose Life")
* [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Choose Whom You Will Serve")
* [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Working Out Your Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The decision to consult Rebekah in [Genesis 24:57](/genesis/24-57 "The family's decision to consult Rebekah") offers profound and enduring principles for contemporary life. It serves as a powerful reminder of the indispensable importance of respecting individual autonomy and consent, particularly in life-altering decisions such as marriage, career paths, or significant commitments. This biblical narrative challenges us to move beyond assumptions or impositions, calling us instead to engage in open, direct, and respectful communication. It teaches us to ensure that all parties involved have an authentic voice, are heard, and are able to offer their willing and uncoerced participation. This principle extends beyond personal relationships to how we approach leadership, mentorship, and even spiritual guidance, recognizing that true influence invites rather than dictates. Ultimately, it reflects God's own character, as He, in His infinite wisdom and love, invites us into a relationship of willing participation in His grand redemptive plan, honoring our choices even as He sovereignly works all things for His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to exercise greater personal agency and make a willing choice?**
* **How can you better honor the consent and voice of others in your relationships and decision-making processes?**
* **What does Rebekah's story teach us about trusting God's providence even when faced with significant life changes?**

### FAQ
**Why was Rebekah's consent so important in an arranged marriage culture?**

Answer: While arranged marriages were common in the ancient Near East, [Genesis 24:57](/genesis/24-57 "The family's decision to consult Rebekah") highlights a unique emphasis on Rebekah's personal consent because her departure was immediate, final, and symbolized a complete severance from her family of origin to embark on a new life in an unknown land with a man she had never met. Her willing participation was crucial not only for the success of the union but, more significantly, for the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises through Isaac. This act underscores a divine principle that even within a pre-determined plan, individual will and choice are honored, making her a willing participant in God's redemptive history.

**Does this verse suggest women had more autonomy in ancient times than commonly thought?**

Answer: [Genesis 24:57](/genesis/24-57 "The family's decision to consult Rebekah") suggests that while patriarchal structures were indeed dominant, there were specific circumstances where women's voices and consent held significant weight, particularly in matters directly affecting their person and future. This instance does not negate the broader societal context of the time but rather presents a noteworthy example of individual agency within it. It is likely influenced by the extraordinary nature of the divine hand guiding the entire narrative of Isaac's marriage, elevating the importance of Rebekah's personal willingness as a key component of God's plan for His covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Abraham's faithful servant dispatched by the father to seek a bride for Isaac, culminating in Rebekah's willing consent in [Genesis 24:57](/genesis/24-57 "The family's decision to consult Rebekah") and her immediate "I will go" in [Genesis 24:58](/genesis/24-58 "Rebekah's immediate consent"), serves as a profound type of Christ and His Church. Just as the servant was sent by the father to find a bride for the son, the Holy Spirit (the "Helper" promised in [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "The Holy Spirit, the Helper")) is at work in the world, calling out and preparing a bride—the Church—for Jesus Christ, the ultimate Son. Rebekah's willing departure from her homeland and family to unite with Isaac, whom she had not yet seen, beautifully mirrors the Church's faith-filled response to Christ's call. Believers, by faith, leave behind their old ways and the world's allure ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")) to enter into a covenant relationship with the unseen Christ ([1 Peter 1:8-9](/1_peter/1-8-9 "Believing in the Unseen Christ")). Her consent underscores the voluntary nature of salvation and the profound covenant relationship between Christ and His people, a union founded not on coercion but on mutual love, willing commitment, and the Spirit's persuasive work, preparing a glorious Church for her Bridegroom ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ Loves the Church")).

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.