King James Version

What Does Genesis 24:11 Mean?

Genesis 24:11 in the King James Version says “And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water. that: Heb. that women who draw water go forth”

Genesis 24:11 · KJV

Context

9

And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and sware to him concerning that matter.

10

And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor. for: or, and

11

And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water. that: Heb. that women who draw water go forth

12

And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.

13

Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening,... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיַּבְרֵ֧ךְ1 of 12

“And he made”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

הַגְּמַלִּ֛ים2 of 12

“his camels”

H1581

a camel

מִח֥וּץ3 of 12

“without”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

לָעִ֖יר4 of 12

“the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֶל5 of 12

“by”

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּאֵ֣ר6 of 12

“a well”

H875

a pit; especially a well

הַמָּ֑יִם7 of 12

“of water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

לְעֵ֖ת8 of 12

“at the time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

עֶ֔רֶב9 of 12

“of the evening”

H6153

dusk

לְעֵ֖ת10 of 12

“at the time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

צֵ֥את11 of 12

“that women go out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הַשֹּֽׁאֲבֹֽת׃12 of 12

“to draw”

H7579

to bale up water

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 24:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 24:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 9:11Exodus 2:16John 4:7Proverbs 12:10Genesis 33:13-14Genesis 24:13-20

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