King James Version

What Does Genesis 24:31 Mean?

Genesis 24:31 in the King James Version says “And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.”

Genesis 24:31 · KJV

Context

29

And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.

30

And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister's hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus spake the man unto me; that he came unto the man; and, behold, he stood by the camels at the well.

31

And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.

32

And the man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that were with him.

33

And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.

Read Genesis 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared... 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. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר1 of 12

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בּ֖וֹא2 of 12

“Come in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְּר֣וּךְ3 of 12

“thou blessed”

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

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לָ֤מָּה5 of 12
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

תַֽעֲמֹד֙6 of 12

“wherefore standest”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

בַּח֔וּץ7 of 12

“thou without”

H2351

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

וְאָֽנֹכִי֙8 of 12
H595

i

פִּנִּ֣יתִי9 of 12

“for I have prepared”

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

הַבַּ֔יִת10 of 12

“the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וּמָק֖וֹם11 of 12

“and room”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

לַגְּמַלִּֽים׃12 of 12

“for the camels”

H1581

a camel

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 24:31 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 24:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 26:29Ruth 3:10Psalms 115:15Judges 17:2Proverbs 18:16Proverbs 17:8

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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