Genesis 24:64

KJV

And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Rebekah {H7259} lifted up {H5375} her eyes {H5869}, and when she saw {H7200} Isaac {H3327}, she lighted {H5307} off {H5921} the camel {H1581}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rivkah too looked up; and when she saw Yitz'chak, she quickly dismounted the camel.

Berean Standard Bible

And when Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac, she got down from her camel

American Standard Version

And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she alighted from the camel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:64 captures the climactic moment of Rebekah's arrival in Canaan, where her immediate and respectful act of dismounting her camel upon seeing Isaac signifies the culmination of a divinely guided journey. This pivotal encounter not only marks the beginning of their relationship but also underscores the profound spiritual significance of their union in the unfolding of God's covenantal promises to Abraham, ensuring the continuation of the promised lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the dramatic culmination of the meticulously narrated journey detailed throughout [Genesis chapter 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - The Story of Isaac and Rebekah's Marriage"). Following Abraham's solemn charge to his chief servant to find a wife for Isaac from his own kindred in Mesopotamia, the narrative meticulously chronicles the servant's prayer for divine guidance, Rebekah's providential appearance and demonstration of extraordinary hospitality (as seen in [Genesis 24:15-20](/genesis/24-15-20 "Rebekah's Hospitality at the Well")), and the subsequent negotiations with her family. The long journey back to Canaan, laden with anticipation, concludes with this verse, immediately preceding Isaac's formal acceptance of Rebekah as his wife in [Genesis 24:67](/genesis/24-67 "Isaac and Rebekah's Marriage"). The verse thus acts as the narrative's emotional and physical meeting point, bringing together the two central figures of the story.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, travel by camel was common for long distances, and dismounting was a significant gesture of respect and deference, particularly when encountering a person of higher status or a prospective spouse for the first time. Women of noble or wealthy families would typically ride camels, and their dismounting would be a deliberate act, often assisted. For Rebekah to "light off the camel" immediately upon seeing Isaac signifies her recognition of his importance as Abraham's heir and her future husband, demonstrating humility and honor. This cultural norm highlights the intentionality and gravity of their initial meeting, which was not a casual encounter but a divinely arranged union critical for the patriarchal lineage.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 24:64 powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the broader Abrahamic narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Guidance**, demonstrating God's meticulous orchestration of events to fulfill His covenant promises, particularly in the formation of families that would carry the lineage of faith (as seen in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call to Abraham and His Promises")). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Respect and Humility** in relationships, as Rebekah's immediate action sets a tone of honor and reverence for her future husband. Thirdly, it speaks to **Covenantal Continuity**, as the union of Isaac and Rebekah is crucial for the perpetuation of the promised seed, through whom the great nation would descend and ultimately bless all the families of the earth. This moment is a visible manifestation of God's faithfulness to His promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 24:64 presents a concise yet profoundly significant moment: "And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel." This verse captures the first visual encounter between Isaac and Rebekah, an event charged with anticipation and cultural meaning, signifying the culmination of a divinely orchestrated journey.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lifted up (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** This verb (H5375) means "to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative." In the context of "lifting up her eyes," it denotes an intentional act of looking, a deliberate gaze. It implies that Rebekah actively sought out what was before her, rather than merely glancing. This active posture suggests her awareness and readiness to engage with the moment.
* **saw (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** The verb (H7200) means "to see, literally or figuratively," encompassing perception, discernment, and observation. Rebekah's act of seeing Isaac is not just a physical act but implies a recognition of his identity and significance. It is the moment of visual confirmation that this is the man she is destined to marry, the son of Abraham.
* **lighted off (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** This primitive root (H5307) generally means "to fall," but in this specific context, it is idiomatically translated as "to dismount" or "to light down." Rebekah's immediate action of dismounting is a profound cultural gesture. It was customary to dismount before a superior or an important person as a sign of respect, humility, and honor. Her swift descent from the camel, therefore, communicates her immediate recognition of Isaac's status and her respectful posture towards him, setting a tone of deference for their relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Rebekah lifted up her eyes":** This initial clause emphasizes Rebekah's active engagement in the moment. Her action of "lifting up her eyes" suggests a deliberate and focused gaze, indicating her awareness and anticipation of meeting Isaac. It implies a conscious effort to observe her surroundings and identify the figure approaching in the field, setting the stage for the recognition that follows.
* **"and when she saw Isaac":** This phrase marks the pivotal moment of recognition. Upon seeing Isaac, Rebekah immediately perceives his identity, likely having been informed of his appearance or status by the servant. This visual confirmation triggers her subsequent, culturally significant action, highlighting the immediate impact of Isaac's presence on her.
* **"she lighted off the camel":** This final clause describes Rebekah's immediate and decisive response. Her act of dismounting, or "lighting off," the camel is a powerful non-verbal communication of respect, humility, and deference. In ancient Near Eastern culture, it was a customary and expected gesture of honor shown to someone of significant status, such as a prospective husband and the heir of a wealthy patriarch. This swift action underscores the gravity and intentionality of their first encounter, establishing a respectful foundation for their future relationship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. **Narrative Climax** is evident as this verse represents the culmination of the servant's long journey and the fulfillment of Abraham's mission, bringing the two protagonists together. The simplicity of the language belies the immense **Symbolism** embedded in Rebekah's action; her dismounting is not merely practical but a powerful gesture of humility, respect, and submission to her future husband and the divine plan. This act also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the respectful and honorable nature of their relationship and Rebekah's character as a suitable partner for Isaac, one who would honor his position and the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The encounter in [Genesis 24:64](/genesis/24-64 "Rebekah meets Isaac") is a profound testament to God's meticulous providence and active involvement in human affairs, particularly in the sacred institution of marriage and the continuation of His covenantal purposes. It underscores that significant life decisions, such as choosing a spouse, are not left to chance but can be divinely guided, affirming God's sovereignty over every detail of our lives. Rebekah's immediate act of reverence also highlights the timeless biblical principle of respect and honor within relationships, a foundational element for healthy, God-honoring unions. This moment is not merely a personal anecdote but a crucial link in the unfolding drama of redemption, ensuring the lineage through which the promised Messiah would eventually come.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord")
* [Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 24:64 offers timeless wisdom for believers navigating significant life choices and cultivating godly relationships today. Just as God meticulously orchestrated the union of Isaac and Rebekah, we are encouraged to trust in His divine leading and providence in our own major life decisions, especially when seeking a spouse or making other profound commitments. This narrative reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives and can guide us toward His perfect will. Furthermore, Rebekah's immediate act of dismounting serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of cultivating respect, honor, and humility in all our relationships. Approaching new relationships, particularly those with deep implications, with intentionality and reverence, sets a foundational tone for health and longevity. This verse beautifully sets the stage for their marriage, detailed shortly after in [Genesis 24:67](/genesis/24-67 "Isaac and Rebekah's Marriage"), marking the beginning of a new chapter in the lineage of faith and providing a model for how to enter into sacred bonds with a posture of honor and trust in God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Rebekah's immediate response to seeing Isaac challenge or affirm your understanding of respect and intentionality in relationships?**
* **In what areas of your life are you seeking God's guidance for significant decisions, and how can the story of Isaac and Rebekah encourage your trust in His providence?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a posture of humility and honor in your interactions with others, particularly those with whom you share significant relationships?**

### FAQ
**Why was Rebekah's act of dismounting so significant?**

Answer: Rebekah's immediate dismounting, or "lighting off the camel," was a culturally significant gesture of profound respect and humility in the ancient Near East. It was customary to dismount before a superior, an elder, or an important person as a sign of deference and honor. By doing so, Rebekah acknowledged Isaac's status as the son of Abraham and her future husband, demonstrating her respectful posture towards him from their very first encounter. This action set a tone of reverence and intentionality for their relationship, indicating her understanding of the gravity and sacredness of the union, which was divinely orchestrated as part of God's covenant with Abraham (as seen in [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "God's promises to Abraham")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divinely orchestrated union of Isaac and Rebekah in [Genesis 24:64](/genesis/24-64 "Rebekah meets Isaac") stands as a vital link in the unfolding drama of God's redemptive plan, ultimately finding its fulfillment in Christ. Isaac, the promised son, born through divine intervention and offered as a sacrifice on Mount Moriah (foreshadowing Christ's ultimate sacrifice in [Genesis 22](/genesis/22 "Abraham's offering of Isaac")), here receives his bride, brought from a distant land by a faithful servant. This narrative beautifully prefigures the relationship between Christ and His Church. Just as Rebekah journeyed to meet her bridegroom, the Church, comprised of believers from every nation, is called out of the world to be united with Christ, her heavenly Bridegroom (as described in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ's love for the Church")). The servant's diligent mission to secure a bride for Isaac parallels the Holy Spirit's work in drawing believers to Christ (as seen in [John 16:13-14](/john/16-13-14 "The Spirit glorifies Christ")). This union of Isaac and Rebekah, ensuring the continuation of the promised seed, points directly to Christ, the ultimate Seed of Abraham, through whom all the families of the earth are blessed, establishing a new covenant relationship with His redeemed people (as prophesied in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Seed is Christ")).

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

Joshua 15:18

And it came to pass, as she came [unto him], that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off [her] ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?

Judges 1:14

And it came to pass, when she came [to him], that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted from off [her] ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wilt thou?