King James Version

What Does Genesis 24:57 Mean?

Genesis 24:57 in the King James Version says “And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth.”

Genesis 24:57 · KJV

Context

55

And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go. a few: or, a full year, or ten months

56

And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the LORD hath prospered my way; send me away that I may go to my master.

57

And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth.

58

And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.

59

And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men.

Read Genesis 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth.... 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).

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 should this truth about Servant's Faith shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַיֹּֽאמְר֖וּ1 of 6

“And they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נִקְרָ֣א2 of 6

“We will call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לַֽנַּעֲרָ֑3 of 6

“the damsel”

H5291

a girl (from infancy to adolescence)

וְנִשְׁאֲלָ֖ה4 of 6

“and enquire”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

אֶת5 of 6
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פִּֽיהָ׃6 of 6

“at her mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

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 24:57 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 24 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes