Genesis 24:14
New International Version
May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”

New Living Translation
This is my request. I will ask one of them, ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’—let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.”

English Standard Version
Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.”

Berean Standard Bible
Now may it happen that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Now let it be that the young woman to whom I say, ‘Please let down your pitcher that I may drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. And by this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.”

New American Standard Bible
now may it be that the young woman to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar so that I may drink,’ and who answers, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels also’—may she be the one whom You have appointed for Your servant Isaac; and by this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.”

NASB 1995
now may it be that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar so that I may drink,’ and who answers, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels also ‘— may she be the one whom You have appointed for Your servant Isaac; and by this I will know that You have shown lovingkindness to my master.”

NASB 1977
now may it be that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar so that I may drink,’ and who answers, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels also’;—may she be the one whom Thou hast appointed for Thy servant Isaac; and by this I shall know that Thou hast shown lovingkindness to my master.”

Legacy Standard Bible
now may it be that the young woman to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar so that I may drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I will give water to your camels to drink also’—may she be the one whom You have decided for Your servant Isaac; and by this I will know that You have shown lovingkindness to my master.”

Amplified Bible
now let it be that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please, let down your jar so that I may [have a] drink,’ and she replies, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels water to drink’—may she be the one whom You have selected [as a wife] for Your servant Isaac; and by this I will know that You have shown lovingkindness (faithfulness) to my master.”

Christian Standard Bible
Let the girl to whom I say, ‘Please lower your water jug so that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels also’—let her be the one you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Let the girl to whom I say, ‘Please lower your water jug so that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels also—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.”

American Standard 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 showed kindness unto my master.

Contemporary English Version
and I'll ask one of them for a drink. If she gives me a drink and then offers to get some water for my camels, I'll know she is the one you have chosen and that you have kept your promise to my master.

English Revised 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I will ask a girl, 'May I please have a drink from your jar?' If she answers, 'Have a drink, and I'll also water your camels,' let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. This way I'll know that you've shown your kindness to my master."

Good News Translation
I will say to one of them, 'Please, lower your jar and let me have a drink.' If she says, 'Drink, and I will also bring water for your camels,' may she be the one that you have chosen for your servant Isaac. If this happens, I will know that you have kept your promise to my master."

International Standard Version
May it be that the young woman to whom I ask, 'Please, lower your jug so that I may drink,' responds, 'Have a drink, and I'll water your camels as well.' May she be the one whom you have chosen for your servant Isaac. This is how I'll know that you have shown your gracious love to my master."

Majority Standard Bible
Now may it happen that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.”

NET Bible
I will say to a young woman, 'Please lower your jar so I may drink.' May the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac reply, 'Drink, and I'll give your camels water too.' In this way I will know that you have been faithful to my master."

New Heart English Bible
Now may it happen that the young woman to whom I will say, ‘Please lower your jug that I may drink,’ and she answers, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink,’—her you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master."

Webster's Bible Translation
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 by that shall I know that thou hast shown kindness to my master.

World English Bible
Let it happen, that the young lady to whom I will say, ‘Please let down your pitcher, that I may drink,’ then she says, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink,’—let her be the one you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and it has been, the young person to whom I say, Please incline your pitcher and I drink, and she has said, Drink, and I also water your camels)—her [whom] You have decided for Your servant, for Isaac; and by it I know that You have done kindness with my lord.”

Young's Literal Translation
and it hath been, the young person unto whom I say, Incline, I pray thee, thy pitcher, and I drink, and she hath said, Drink, and I water also thy camels) -- her Thou hast decided for Thy servant, for Isaac; and by it I know that Thou hast done kindness with my lord.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And it shall be the girl to whom saying to her, incline now thy bucket, and I will drink; and she said, Drink, and I will also give thy camels to drink; thou didst appoint for thy servant Isaak; and by it I shall know that thou didst kindness with my lord.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now, therefore, the maid to whom I shall say: Let down thy pitcher that I may drink: and she shall answer, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let it be the same whom thou hast provided for thy servant Isaac: and by this I shall understand, that thou hast shown kindness to my master.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, the girl to whom I will say, ‘Tip your pitcher, so that I may drink,’ and she will respond, ‘Drink. In fact, I will give your camels a drink also,’ the same one is she whom you have prepared for your servant Isaac. And by this, I will understand that you have shown mercy to my lord.”

New American Bible
if I say to a young woman, ‘Please lower your jug, that I may drink,’ and she answers, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels, too,’ then she is the one whom you have decided upon for your servant Isaac. In this way I will know that you have dealt graciously with my master.”

New Revised Standard Version
Let the girl to whom I shall say, ‘Please offer your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Let it come to pass that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down your pitcher, that I may drink; and she shall say to me, Drink, and I will water your camels also; let the same be she that thou hast selected for thy servant Isaac; and by this token shall I know that thou hast shown kindness and faithfulness to my master.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the young girl to whom I shall say, “Let down for me your cruse; I shall drink and she will say to me, ‘give drink to your camels also’, this is whom you have prepared for your Servant, Isaaq, and by this I shall know that you work favor and truth with my Master.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
So 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, even for Isaac; and thereby shall I know that Thou hast shown kindness unto my master.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it shall be, the virgin to whomsoever I shall say, Incline thy water-pot, that I may drink, and she shall say, Drink thou, and I will give thy camels drink, until they shall have done drinking - even this one thou hast prepared for thy servant Isaac, and hereby shall I know that thou hast dealt mercifully with my master Abraam.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Wife for Isaac
13Here I am, standing beside the spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. 14Now may it happen that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’— let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.”

Cross References
Judges 6:36-40
Then Gideon said to God, “If You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said, / then behold, I will place a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said.” / And that is what happened. When Gideon arose the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. ...

1 Samuel 14:8-12
“Very well,” said Jonathan, “we will cross over toward these men and show ourselves to them. / If they say, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stay where we are and will not go up to them. / But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we will go up, because this will be our sign that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.” ...

Exodus 2:16-21
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. / And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock. / When the daughters returned to their father Reuel, he asked them, “Why have you returned so early today?” ...

Ruth 2:2-3
And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go into the fields and glean heads of grain after someone in whose sight I may find favor.” “Go ahead, my daughter,” Naomi replied. / So Ruth departed and went out into the field and gleaned after the harvesters. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.

1 Samuel 9:11-13
And as they were climbing the hill to the city, they met some young women coming out to draw water and asked, “Is the seer here?” / “Yes, he is ahead of you,” they answered. “Hurry now, for today he has come to the city because the people have a sacrifice on the high place. / As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.”

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 7:11-14
“Ask for a sign from the LORD your God, whether from the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven.” / But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.” / Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God as well? ...

Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. / Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ...

John 4:7-10
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” / (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) / “You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) ...

James 1:5-6
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. / But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

1 Kings 17:10-16
So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” / And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.” / But she replied, “As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Look, I am gathering a couple of sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, so that we may eat it and die.” ...

Luke 1:13-14
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. / He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice at his birth,

Acts 10:17-20
While Peter was puzzling over the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house and approached the gate. / They called out to ask if Simon called Peter was staying there. / As Peter continued to reflect on the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. ...

2 Kings 5:9-14
So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. / Then Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored, and you will be clean.” / But Naaman went away angry, saying, “I thought that he would surely come out, stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the spot to cure my leprosy. ...

Matthew 10:11-14
Whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy there and stay at his house until you move on. / As you enter the home, greet its occupants. / If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it, but if it is not, let your peace return to you. ...


Treasury of Scripture

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

And let.

Judges 6:17,37
And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me…

1 Samuel 14:9
If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them.

she that.

Genesis 24:44
And she say to me, Both drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels: let the same be the woman whom the LORD hath appointed out for my master's son.

Proverbs 19:14
House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

thereby.

Genesis 15:8
And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?

Exodus 4:1-9
And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee…

Judges 6:17,37
And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me…

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Genesis 24
1. Abraham swears his servant.
10. The servant's journey.
12. His prayer.
14. His sign.
15. Rebekah meets him;
18. fulfils his sign;
22. receives jewels;
23. shows her kindred;
25. and invites him home.
26. The servant blesses God.
29. Laban entertains him.
34. The servant shows his message.
50. Laban and Bethuel approve it.
58. Rebekah consents to go, and departs.
62. Isaac meets and marries her.














May it be
This phrase reflects a prayerful hope and reliance on divine providence. The Hebrew root here is "הָיָה" (hayah), which means "to be" or "to become." It signifies a request for God's will to manifest in the situation. The servant's dependence on God is evident, showing a deep trust in God's guidance and sovereignty.

when I say
The act of speaking is significant in biblical narratives, often indicating authority or the initiation of a covenant or agreement. The servant's words are not just casual conversation but a deliberate act of seeking God's will. This reflects the importance of intentionality in prayer and action.

to a young woman
The Hebrew term "נַעֲרָה" (na'arah) refers to a young woman of marriageable age. In the cultural and historical context, this indicates a woman who is eligible and suitable for marriage, highlighting the servant's mission to find a wife for Isaac. It underscores the importance of family and lineage in the biblical narrative.

‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’
This request is a test of character and hospitality. In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a highly valued virtue. The act of drawing water was labor-intensive, and the servant's request is a measure of the woman's kindness and willingness to serve others, reflecting the qualities desired in a matriarch of Israel.

and she replies, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well,’
The response is crucial, as it goes beyond the initial request, demonstrating generosity and a servant's heart. Watering camels was a significant task, indicating a willingness to go above and beyond. This reflects the biblical principle of serving others selflessly, a trait that aligns with God's character.

let her be the one You have appointed
The word "appointed" comes from the Hebrew "יָכַח" (yakach), meaning to appoint or designate. This indicates a belief in God's active role in guiding and determining outcomes. The servant seeks confirmation of God's choice, emphasizing the importance of divine selection in fulfilling God's promises.

for Your servant Isaac
Isaac, as the promised heir, holds a significant place in God's covenant with Abraham. The servant's mission is not just about finding a wife but ensuring the continuation of God's covenantal promises through Isaac. This highlights the theme of God's faithfulness to His promises and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

By this I will know
The servant seeks a sign, a common biblical motif where individuals seek confirmation of God's will. This reflects a desire for assurance and clarity in discerning God's guidance, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's direction in life's decisions.

that You have shown kindness to my master.”
The Hebrew word for "kindness" is "חֶסֶד" (chesed), often translated as loving-kindness or steadfast love. It denotes God's covenantal faithfulness and mercy. The servant's prayer is rooted in the belief that God's kindness is evident in His guidance and provision, reinforcing the theme of God's unwavering love and faithfulness to His people.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now may it happen
וְהָיָ֣ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

that the girl
הַֽנַּעֲרָ֗ (han·na·‘ă·rā)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5291: A girl, maiden

to
אֵלֶ֙יהָ֙ (’ê·le·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

whom
אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

I say,
אֹמַ֤ר (’ō·mar)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘Please
נָ֤א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

let down
הַטִּי־ (haṭ·ṭî-)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - feminine singular
Strong's 5186: To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend

your jar
כַדֵּךְ֙ (ḵad·dêḵ)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 3537: A pail, earthenware, a jar

that I may drink,’
וְאֶשְׁתֶּ֔ה (wə·’eš·teh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular
Strong's 8354: To imbibe

and who responds,
וְאָמְרָ֣ה (wə·’ā·mə·rāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘Drink,
שְׁתֵ֔ה (šə·ṯêh)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8354: To imbibe

and I will water
אַשְׁקֶ֑ה (’aš·qeh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8248: To quaff, to irrigate, furnish a, potion to

your camels
גְּמַלֶּ֖יךָ (gə·mal·le·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1581: A camel

as well’—
וְגַם־ (wə·ḡam-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

let her be the one You have appointed
הֹכַ֙חְתָּ֙ (hō·ḵaḥ·tā)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3198: To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convict

for Your servant
לְעַבְדְּךָ֣ (lə·‘aḇ·də·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

Isaac.
לְיִצְחָ֔ק (lə·yiṣ·ḥāq)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3327: Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah

By this I will know
אֵדַ֔ע (’ê·ḏa‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3045: To know

that
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

You have shown
עָשִׂ֥יתָ (‘ā·śî·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

kindness
חֶ֖סֶד (ḥe·seḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

to
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

my master.”
אֲדֹנִֽי׃ (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller


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OT Law: Genesis 24:14 Let it happen that the young lady (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 24:13
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