Genesis 24:14

Authorized King James Version

And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַֽנַּעֲרָ֗

H5291

And let it come to pass that the damsel

a girl (from infancy to adolescence)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

וְאָֽמְרָ֣ה

H559

and she shall say

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֙יהָ֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַטִּי

H5186

Let down

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

נָ֤א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

כַדֵּךְ֙

H3537

thy pitcher

properly, a pail; but generally of earthenware; a jar for domestic purposes

שְׁתֵ֔ה

H8354

Drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#10

וְאָֽמְרָ֣ה

H559

and she shall say

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

שְׁתֵ֔ה

H8354

Drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#12

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#13

גְּמַלֶּ֖יךָ

H1581

thy camels

a camel

#14

אַשְׁקֶ֑ה

H8248

and I will give

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

#15

אֹתָ֤הּ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

הֹכַ֙חְתָּ֙

H3198

also let the same be she that thou hast appointed

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

#17

לְעַבְדְּךָ֣

H5650

for thy servant

a servant

#18

לְיִצְחָ֔ק

H3327

Isaac

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

#19

וּבָ֣הּ

#20

אֵדַ֔ע

H3045

and thereby shall I know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#21

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#22

עָשִׂ֥יתָ

H6213

that thou hast shewed

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#23

חֶ֖סֶד

H2617

kindness

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

#24

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#25

אֲדֹנִֽי׃

H113

unto my master

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of divine love, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology proper and the doctrine of God?
How does the divine love theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding divine love as presented in this verse, particularly in light of responding to cultural confusion about the nature of love and relationships?

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