Genesis 24:14 - Let it happen, that the young lady to whom I will say, ‘Please let down your pitcher, that I may drink,’ and she will say, ‘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.”

Generated Verse: Genesis 24:14

What does "Genesis 24:14" mean?


This verse (Genesis 24:14) is a crucial part of Abraham's servant's prayer in his quest to find a wife for Isaac. It outlines a very specific test he devises to determine which young woman God has chosen. Let's break it down:

"Let it happen, that the young lady to whom I will say, ‘Please let down your pitcher, that I may drink,’...": The servant sets a condition. He will ask a young woman for a simple act of kindness: to offer him a drink of water. In that culture, offering water to a stranger was a gesture of hospitality.

"...and she will say, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink,’—let her be the one you have appointed for your servant Isaac.": This is the crucial part. He's not just looking for a woman who's willing to give him a drink. He's looking for one who will go above and beyond by also offering to water his ten camels. Camels can drink a lot of water, and drawing that much water would be a significant and arduous task, demonstrating exceptional kindness, generosity, and willingness to work hard.

"By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”: The servant sees this specific act of exceptional kindness as a sign from God. He believes that if a woman is willing to show such generosity to a stranger, she is the one God has chosen to be a blessing to Isaac and his household. The "kindness to my master" refers to God's favor and blessing upon Abraham's family. It's not just about finding a wife for Isaac, but about finding someone who embodies the values that are important to Abraham and who will contribute to the family's well-being and prosperity, which is seen as a sign of God's favor.

In essence, the servant is asking God for a very specific, divinely orchestrated encounter. The criteria for the chosen woman are not just physical attractiveness or family background, but also:

Kindness: A willingness to help a stranger in need.
Generosity: A willingness to go above and beyond what is expected.
Hard Work: The ability and willingness to perform a physically demanding task.
Compassion: A concern for the well-being of animals.

This test demonstrates the servant's faith in God's guidance and his belief that God would reveal the right woman through a clear and unmistakable sign. It highlights the importance of character and virtue in the selection of a life partner. God answered this prayer with Rebekah.