Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD; we can say nothing to you one way or the other. New Living Translation Then Laban and Bethuel replied, “The LORD has obviously brought you here, so there is nothing we can say. English Standard Version Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The thing has come from the LORD; we cannot speak to you bad or good. Berean Standard Bible Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter. King James Bible Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. New King James Version Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The thing comes from the LORD; we cannot speak to you either bad or good. New American Standard Bible Then Laban and Bethuel replied, “The matter has come from the LORD; so we cannot speak to you bad or good. NASB 1995 Then Laban and Bethuel replied, “The matter comes from the LORD; so we cannot speak to you bad or good. NASB 1977 Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The matter comes from the LORD; so we cannot speak to you bad or good. Legacy Standard Bible Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The matter comes from Yahweh; so we cannot speak to you bad or good. Amplified Bible Then Laban and Bethuel answered, “The matter has come from the LORD; so we dare not speak bad or good [to you about it—we cannot interfere]. Christian Standard Bible Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter. Holman Christian Standard Bible Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter. American Standard Version Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from Jehovah: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. Contemporary English Version Laban and Bethuel answered, "The LORD has done this. We have no choice in the matter. English Revised Version Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. GOD'S WORD® Translation Laban and Bethuel answered, "This is from the LORD. We can't say anything to you one way or another. Good News Translation Laban and Bethuel answered, "Since this matter comes from the LORD, it is not for us to make a decision. International Standard Version "Since this has come from the LORD," Laban and Bethuel both replied, "we cannot speak one way or another. NET Bible Then Laban and Bethuel replied, "This is the LORD's doing. Our wishes are of no concern. New Heart English Bible Then Laban and Bethuel answered, "The matter comes from God. We can’t speak to you bad or good. Webster's Bible Translation Then Laban and Bethuel answered, and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak to thee bad or good. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleLaban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter. World English Bible Then Laban and Bethuel answered, “The thing proceeds from Yahweh. We can’t speak to you bad or good. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Laban answers—Bethuel also—and they say, “The thing has gone out from YHWH; we are not able to speak to you bad or good; Young's Literal Translation And Laban answereth -- Bethuel also -- and they say, 'The thing hath gone out from Jehovah; we are not able to speak unto thee bad or good; Smith's Literal Translation And Laban will answer, and Bethuel, and they will say, This word came from Jehovah; we shall not be able to speak to thee, evil or good. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Laban and Bathuel answered: The word hath proceeded from the Lord, we cannot speak any other thing to thee but his pleasure. Catholic Public Domain Version And Laban and Bethuel responded: “A word has proceeded from the Lord. We are not able to speak anything else to you, beyond what pleases him. New American Bible Laban and Bethuel said in reply: “This thing comes from the LORD; we can say nothing to you either for or against it. New Revised Standard Version Then Laban and Bethuel answered, “The thing comes from the LORD; we cannot speak to you anything bad or good. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceeded from the LORD; we cannot say anything to you good or bad. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Laban and Bethuyel answered and they said, “The word has proceeded from LORD JEHOVAH; we are not able to speak to you good or evil. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said: 'The thing proceedeth from the LORD; we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Laban and Bathuel answered and said, This matter has come forth from the Lord, we shall not be able to answer thee bad or good. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Rebekah is Chosen…49Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; but if not, let me know, so that I may go elsewhere.” 50Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter. 51Rebekah is here before you. Take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master’s son, just as the LORD has decreed.”… Cross References Genesis 31:24 But that night God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream and warned him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.” Genesis 31:29 I have power to do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’ Genesis 31:42 If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment.” Genesis 20:6 Then God said to Abimelech in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against Me. That is why I did not let you touch her. Genesis 41:16 “I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.” Exodus 4:12 Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.” Numbers 22:12 But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.” Numbers 22:20 That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.” 1 Samuel 10:6 Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person. 1 Samuel 10:10 When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Then the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied along with them. 2 Samuel 17:14 Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. 2 Chronicles 20:12 Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” Proverbs 16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD. Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 19:21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. Treasury of Scripture Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceeds from the LORD: we cannot speak to you bad or good. Laban. See Genesis 24:15,28,53,55,60 And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder… The thing. Psalm 118:23 This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Mark 12:11 This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? we. Genesis 31:24,29 And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad… 2 Samuel 13:22 And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar. Acts 11:17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? Jump to Previous Able Bad Bethuel Bethu'el Good Laban Matter Proceedeth Proceeds Speak WayJump to Next Able Bad Bethuel Bethu'el Good Laban Matter Proceedeth Proceeds Speak WayGenesis 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. Laban and Bethuel answered Laban and Bethuel are key figures in this narrative. Laban, Rebekah's brother, and Bethuel, her father, represent the family authority. In ancient Near Eastern culture, family decisions, especially regarding marriage, were communal and patriarchal. Their involvement underscores the importance of family consent in marriage arrangements. Laban's later actions in Genesis, particularly with Jacob, reveal his character as shrewd and opportunistic, which contrasts with his current acceptance of God's will. This is from the LORD we have no choice in the matter Persons / Places / Events 1. LabanBrother of Rebekah, known for his role in the account of Jacob and his daughters Leah and Rachel. Here, he is involved in the decision regarding Rebekah's marriage to Isaac. 2. Bethuel Father of Rebekah, mentioned here as part of the decision-making process. His role is more passive compared to Laban's. 3. Rebekah The woman chosen to be Isaac's wife, central to the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants. 4. The LORD The covenant-keeping God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who orchestrates events according to His divine will. 5. The Servant of Abraham Tasked with finding a wife for Isaac, he is a faithful servant who seeks God's guidance and acknowledges His providence. Teaching Points Divine SovereigntyRecognize God's hand in the events of our lives. Just as Laban and Bethuel acknowledged God's will, we should seek to discern and submit to His plans. Faithful Obedience Like Abraham's servant, we should act in faith and obedience, trusting God to guide our steps and fulfill His promises. Family and Community Decisions The involvement of Laban and Bethuel highlights the importance of family and community in making significant life decisions, encouraging us to seek wise counsel. Acknowledging God's Will Laban and Bethuel's response teaches us to acknowledge God's will in our lives, even when it requires surrendering our own plans. Providence in Relationships The account of Isaac and Rebekah reminds us that God is involved in our relationships and can guide us to the right partnerships. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 24:50?2. How does Genesis 24:50 demonstrate God's sovereignty in decision-making processes? 3. What role does divine guidance play in Genesis 24:50's narrative? 4. How can we apply Genesis 24:50's trust in God to our daily decisions? 5. What scriptural connections exist between Genesis 24:50 and Proverbs 3:5-6? 6. How does Genesis 24:50 encourage reliance on God's will over personal desires? 7. How does Genesis 24:50 demonstrate God's sovereignty in human decisions and actions? 8. What role does divine guidance play in the events of Genesis 24:50? 9. How does Genesis 24:50 reflect the cultural practices of ancient Near Eastern societies? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 24? 11. Who was Laban in the Bible? 12. How did biblical cultural norms affect women's marriage choices? 13. Judges 19:2—What historical or cultural factors would explain why the Levite’s concubine stayed with her father instead of returning home? 14. Why does Song of Solomon 8:8–9 mention the brothers’ protective stance, yet offer no clear historical context or evidence of such customs in ancient Israel? What Does Genesis 24:50 Mean Laban and Bethuel answered• Two voices speak as one. Rebekah’s brother and father together represent the household’s authority, echoing earlier patriarchal scenes where family heads decide marriage matters (Genesis 24:29–31; 29:19; 34:11-12). • The servant’s narrative has convinced them. From the jewelry Rebekah received (24:22) to the servant’s retelling of his prayer (24:42-48), every detail aligns too perfectly to dismiss. Their unified reply mirrors the unity shown by Abraham’s servant and Isaac’s unseen presence, preparing for covenant continuity (24:1-9). • God often moves multiple witnesses to confirm His plans—as when Moses and Aaron speak together before Pharaoh (Exodus 4:29-31) or when Peter and John agree in Acts 3–4. Here, father and son agree, ensuring the decision is unmistakably valid. This is from the LORD • They openly acknowledge Yahweh’s hand. The phrase parallels the servant’s repeated confession, “The LORD has prospered my way” (Genesis 24:27, 40, 42). • Recognition of divine orchestration turns a routine marriage negotiation into worship. Psalm 118:23 echoes, “This is from the LORD; it is marvelous in our eyes.” • Their words fulfill the servant’s original request that God “show kindness to my master Abraham” (24:12-14). Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.” • By giving God credit, Laban and Bethuel unwittingly affirm the covenant promise that Abraham’s line will be blessed and guided (Genesis 12:1-3; 22:16-18). We have no choice in the matter • Literally, “We cannot speak to you bad or good,” meaning they refuse to oppose or even negotiate against God’s revealed will. Similar surrender appears in 1 Samuel 3:18—“He is the LORD; let Him do what is good in His eyes”—and again in Acts 11:17 when Peter says, “Who was I to think that I could oppose God?” • Their resignation isn’t fatalistic; it’s faithful. They still will ask Rebekah for her consent (24:57-58), but the decision’s direction is settled. • Submission to God’s sovereignty is the fitting response when His purposes are obvious: – Balaam must bless Israel, not curse (Numbers 24:12-13). – Gamaliel counsels, “If it is from God, you will not be able to stop it” (Acts 5:38-39). • The line preserves moral agency (Rebekah will choose) while declaring that final authority rests with the Lord—a tension consistently affirmed throughout Scripture (Genesis 50:20; Philippians 2:12-13). summary Genesis 24:50 captures a decisive moment where human authority bows to divine initiative. Laban and Bethuel, representing Rebekah’s family, recognize that the remarkable chain of events guiding Abraham’s servant cannot be explained except as God’s doing. Acknowledging this, they relinquish their own preferences, illustrating proper submission to the Lord’s sovereign plan. Their response safeguards the promised line of Abraham, sets Rebekah on the path to become Isaac’s wife, and models for every believer the wisdom of yielding when God’s will is unmistakably revealed. (50) Laban and Bethuel.--See Note on Genesis 24:28. Even when thus tardily mentioned, the father is placed after the brother; and of this we need look for no further explanation than that by polygamy the father was estranged from his own children, while each separate family held very closely together. Thus when Dinah was wronged, it was two of her mother's sons, Simeon and Levi, who avenged her (Genesis 34:13-25); and so it was Absalom who avenged Tamar (2Samuel 13:22). Still, Bethuel's consent was finally necessary; but as soon as it was given all active arrangements were left to the mother and Laban (Genesis 24:53-55), and Bethuel is mentioned no more.Verses 50-52. - Then Laban and Bethuel (vide on ver. 29) answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the Lord: - Jehovah (vide on ver. 31) - we cannot speak unto thee bad or good - i.e. they could not demur to a proposal so clearly indicated by Divine providence; a proof of the underlying piety of those descendants of Nahor. Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, - that the consent of the maiden is not asked was not owing to the fact that, according to ancient custom, Oriental women were at the absolute disposal, in respect of marriage, of their parents and elder brothers (Bush), but to the circumstance that already it had been tacitly given by her acceptance of the bridal presents (Kalisch), or, from her amiable and pious disposition, might be taken for granted, since she, no more than they, would resist the clearly-revealed will of Jehovah (Lange, Wordsworth) - and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the Lord hath spoken. Words which again kindled the flame of reverential piety in the old man's heart, so that he worshipped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth - literally, he prostrated himself to the earth to Jehovah (cf. ver. 26).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Labanלָבָ֤ן (lā·ḇān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3837: Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob and Bethuel וּבְתוּאֵל֙ (ū·ḇə·ṯū·’êl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1328: Bethuel -- perhaps 'man of God', a nephew of Abraham answered, וַיַּ֨עַן (way·ya·‘an) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6030: To answer, respond “This is from יָצָ֣א (yā·ṣā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim the LORD; מֵיְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel we have no לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no choice in the matter. הַדָּבָ֑ר (had·dā·ḇār) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause Links Genesis 24:50 NIVGenesis 24:50 NLT Genesis 24:50 ESV Genesis 24:50 NASB Genesis 24:50 KJV Genesis 24:50 BibleApps.com Genesis 24:50 Biblia Paralela Genesis 24:50 Chinese Bible Genesis 24:50 French Bible Genesis 24:50 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 24:50 Then Laban and Bethuel answered The thing (Gen. 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