Genesis - 24:26



26 The man bowed his head, and worshiped Yahweh.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Genesis 24:26.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.
The man bowed himself down, and adored the Lord,
And the man stooped, and bowed down before Jehovah,
And the man boweth, and doth obeisance to Jehovah,
And with bent head the man gave worship to the Lord;
And the man bowed his head, and prostrated himself before the LORD.
Et inclinavit se vir, et incurvavit se Iehova.

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


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

And the man bowed down his head. When the servant of Abraham hears that he had alighted upon the daughter of Bethel, he is more and more elated with hope. Yet he does not exult, as profane men are wont to do, as if the occurrence were fortuitous; but he gives thanks to God, regarding it, as the result of Providence, that he had been thus opportunely led straight to the place he had wished. He does not, therefore, boast of his good fortune; but he declares that God had dealt kindly and faithfully with Abraham; or, in other words, that, for his own mercy's sake, God had been faithful in fulfilling his promises. It is true that the same form of speech is applied to the persons present; just as it follows soon after in the same chapter, (Genesis 24:49,) "If ye will deal kindly and truly with my master tell me." The language is, however, peculiarly suitable to the character of God, both because he gratuitously confers favors upon men, and is specially inclined to beneficence: and also, by never frustrating their hope, he proves himself to be faithful and true. This thanksgiving, therefore, teaches us always to have the providence of God before our eyes, in order that we may ascribe to him whatever happens prosperously to us.

Bowed down his head, and worshipped - Two acts of adoration are mentioned here;
1. Bowing the head, יקד yikkod; and
2. Prostration upon the earth, וישתחו vaiyishtaehu.
The bowing of the head was to Rebekah, to return her thanks for her kind invitation. The prostration was to Jehovah, in gratitude for the success with which he had favored him.

And the man bowed down his head,.... To show what a deep sense he had of the divine goodness, and in humble acknowledgment of the favours he had received in being thus providentially directed:
and worshipped the Lord; gave thanks unto him, that he had thus far prospered him, hoping and believing that things were in good forwardness, according to his master's mind and will.

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