Genesis - 24:21



21 The man looked steadfastly at her, remaining silent, to know whether Yahweh had made his journey prosperous or not.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Genesis 24:21.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.
And the man looked stedfastly on her, holding his peace, to know whether Jehovah had made his journey prosperous or not.
But he musing beheld her with silence, desirous to know whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not.
And the man was astonished at her, remaining silent, to know whether Jehovah had made his journey prosperous or not.
And the man, wondering at her, held his peace, to know whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous, or not.
And the man, wondering at her, remaineth silent, to know whether Jehovah hath made his way prosperous or not.
And the man, looking at her, said nothing, waiting to see if the Lord had given his journey a good outcome.
But he was contemplating her silently, wanting to know whether the Lord had caused his journey to prosper or not
Porro vir stupebat super ea tacens, ut sciret utrum secundasset Iehova viam suam, an non.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

And the man, wondering at her, held his peace. This wondering of Abraham's servant, shows that he had some doubt in his mind. He is silently inquiring within himself, whether God would render his journey prosperous. Has he, then, no confidence concerning that divine direction, of which he had received the sign or pledge? I answer, that faith is never so absolutely perfect in the saints as to prevent the occurrence of many doubts. There is, therefore, no absurdity in supposing that the servant of Abraham, though committing himself generally to the providence of God, yet wavers, and is agitated, amidst a multiplicity of conflicting thoughts. Again, faith, although it pacifies and calms the minds of the pious, so that they patiently wait for God, still does not exonerate them from all care; because it is necessary that patience itself should be exercised, by anxious expectation, until the Lord fulfill what he has promised. But though this hesitation of Abraham's servant was not free from fault, inasmuch as it flowed from infirmity of faith; it is vet, on this account, excusable, because he did not turn his eyes in another direction, but only sought from the event a confirmation of his faith, that he might perceive God to be present with him.

The man, wondering at her - And he was so lost in wonder and astonishment at her simplicity, innocence, and benevolence, that he permitted this delicate female to draw water for ten camels, without ever attempting to afford her any kind of assistance! I know not which to admire most, the benevolence and condescension of Rebekah, or the cold and apparently stupid indifference of the servant of Abraham. Surely they are both of an uncommon cast.

And the man wondering at her,.... At her affability and courteousness to a stranger; at her humility and condescension to take upon her such a service; at her readiness, diligence, and laboriousness in it; and the quick dispatch she made; and at her expressions and conduct being so exactly agreeable to the token he desired to have; and at the providence of God in bringing him to this place so seasonably; and at the damsel, that she should come just at this time, and every way answer his expectations and desires:
held his peace, to wit; or to know, to think and consider further with himself:
whether, or "if"
the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not; or if not; he was musing and saying within himself, surely God had made his journey prosperous; or if not, how was it that such strange surprising circumstances should occur? or what else must be done by him? or what methods must be taken for the future.

"The man, wondering at her, stood silent, to know whether Jehovah had made his journey prosperous or not." משׁתּאה, from שׁאה to be desert, inwardly laid waste, i.e., confused. Others derive it from שׁאה = שׁעה to see; but in the Hithpael this verb signifies to look restlessly about, which is not applicable here.

*More commentary available at chapter level.


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