Genesis 24:65

For she [had] said unto the servant, What man [is] this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant [had] said, It [is] my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself.

For she had said {H559} unto the servant {H5650}, What {H4310} man {H376} is this {H1976} that walketh {H1980} in the field {H7704} to meet us {H7125}? And the servant {H5650} had said {H559}, It is my master {H113}: therefore she took {H3947} a vail {H6809}, and covered herself {H3680}.

She said to the servant,"Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?"When the servant replied, "It's my master," she took her veil and covered herself.

and asked the servant, โ€œWho is that man in the field coming to meet us?โ€ โ€œIt is my master,โ€ the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself.

And she said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant said, It is my master: and she took her veil, and covered herself.

Commentary

Context of Genesis 24:65

Genesis chapter 24 meticulously details Abraham's quest to find a suitable wife for his son Isaac, entrusting his most loyal servant with this crucial mission. The servant, guided by divine providence, finds Rebekah in Mesopotamia, and she agrees to return with him to Canaan. Verse 65 captures the climactic moment of their journey's end: Rebekah's first sight of Isaac. Isaac, meanwhile, had gone out into the field "to meditate at the eventide," as recorded in Genesis 24:63, setting the scene for their initial encounter. This verse highlights Rebekah's immediate and culturally significant response upon learning the identity of the man approaching them.

Key Themes in Genesis 24:65

  • Modesty and Respect: Rebekah's act of taking a veil and covering herself was a customary gesture of modesty, humility, and respect in ancient Near Eastern culture. It was particularly significant when a woman was meeting her prospective husband for the first time, signaling her deference and honor towards him and the impending union.
  • Readiness for Marriage: The veiling symbolized Rebekah's readiness to transition into her new status as Isaac's wife and to enter into the marital covenant. It was a public and personal acknowledgment of her commitment to her new role and family.
  • Divine Providence Fulfilled: The entire narrative of Genesis 24 is a testament to God's providential guidance in orchestrating Isaac and Rebekah's union. This verse marks the culmination of that divine plan, as the chosen bride meets her destined husband.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV word "vail" in this verse translates the Hebrew term tsa'iph (ืฆืขื™ืฃ). This refers to a large head covering or cloak, not merely a small scarf. It was designed to cover much of the face and body, emphasizing the wearer's humility, modesty, and respectful demeanor, especially in formal or significant encounters like this first meeting with her future husband.

Practical Application

While the specific cultural practice of veiling is not universal today, the underlying principles demonstrated by Rebekah remain timeless and valuable:

  • Thoughtfulness and Preparation: Rebekah's immediate action shows an intentional and respectful approach to a significant life event. It encourages us to approach major commitments, like marriage, with reverence, seriousness, and appropriate preparation.
  • Respect and Honor: Her gesture underscores the importance of showing respect and honor towards others, particularly those with whom we are building new relationships or entering into sacred covenants.
  • Humility: Rebekah's humility in covering herself speaks to a willingness to defer and honor, a quality that fosters strong and healthy relationships. It reminds us that humility can be a powerful foundation for connection and mutual respect.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Timothy 2:9 (4 votes)

    ยถ In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

  • 1 Corinthians 11:5 (3 votes)

    But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with [her] head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:6 (3 votes)

    For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:10 (2 votes)

    For this cause ought the woman to have power on [her] head because of the angels.

  • Genesis 20:16 (1 votes)

    And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand [pieces] of silver: behold, he [is] to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that [are] with thee, and with all [other]: thus she was reproved.