King James Version

What Does Genesis 24:59 Mean?

Genesis 24:59 in the King James Version says “And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 24:59 · KJV

Context

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.

60

And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.

61

And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.

Read Genesis 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men.... 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 contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַֽיְשַׁלְּח֛וּ1 of 11

“And they sent away”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 11
H853

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

רִבְקָ֥ה3 of 11

“Rebekah”

H7259

ribkah, the wife of isaac

אֲחֹתָ֖ם4 of 11

“their sister”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

וְאֶת5 of 11
H853

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

מֵֽנִקְתָּ֑הּ6 of 11

“and her nurse”

H3243

to suck; causatively, to give milk

וְאֶת7 of 11
H853

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

עֶ֥בֶד8 of 11

“servant”

H5650

a servant

אַבְרָהָ֖ם9 of 11

“and Abraham's”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

וְאֶת10 of 11
H853

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

אֲנָשָֽׁיו׃11 of 11
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

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 24:59 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 24:59 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 35:81 Thessalonians 2:5Genesis 24:53Genesis 24:50Numbers 11:12Genesis 24:60

Test Your Knowledge

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

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