King James Version

What Does Genesis 24:64 Mean?

Genesis 24:64 in the King James Version says “And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.”

Genesis 24:64 · KJV

Context

62

And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country.

63

And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. to meditate: or, to pray

64

And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.

65

For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself.

66

And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done.

Read Genesis 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.... 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 understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַתִּשָּׂ֤א1 of 10

“lifted up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

רִבְקָה֙2 of 10

“And Rebekah”

H7259

ribkah, the wife of isaac

אֶת3 of 10
H853

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

עֵינֶ֔יהָ4 of 10

“her eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וַתֵּ֖רֶא5 of 10

“and when she saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת6 of 10
H853

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

יִצְחָ֑ק7 of 10

“Isaac”

H3327

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

וַתִּפֹּ֖ל8 of 10

“she lighted”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

מֵעַ֥ל9 of 10

“off”

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַגָּמָֽל׃10 of 10

“the camel”

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 24:64 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 24:64 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 1:14Joshua 15:18

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