Old Testament
Genesis 24:47
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"I asked her, 'Whose daughter are you?' She replied, 'The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bore to him.' Then I placed the ring on her nose and the bracelets on her wrists."
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And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter art thou? And she said, The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the earring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands.
What Genesis 24:47 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the servant is on a mission to find a wife for Isaac. He meets Rebekah at a well and asks her about her family. She reveals her lineage, connecting her to Abraham's family. This is significant because it shows the importance of family ties in their culture. The servant then gives her gifts, a sign of his intentions and respect. The act of placing the ring and bracelets symbolizes a commitment and a promise of a future together. This encounter highlights the themes of divine guidance and the unfolding of God's plan. It also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring one's heritage. The servant's actions reflect a deep sense of purpose and faith in the journey he is undertaking, trusting that he is following God's direction. Rebekah's response shows her willingness to embrace her role in this unfolding story, marking the beginning of a significant relationship in biblical history. This moment is not just about a marriage; it’s about destiny and the intertwining of lives.
How to apply Genesis 24:47 to your life
Consider the importance of your own family background and how it shapes your identity. Reflect on the commitments you make in relationships and the significance of honoring those promises. Trust in the journey of life, knowing that each step can lead to meaningful connections and purpose. Embrace your role in the stories of others as well as your own. Every encounter can be a part of a larger plan, just like Rebekah's was in this
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
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Illustrated scene from Rebekah's story: “I Will Go” (Genesis 24:28–61)
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Rebekah
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What is the significance of Rebekah's lineage in Genesis 24:47?
Rebekah's lineage is significant because it connects her to Abraham's family, which is crucial for the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants. By identifying herself as the daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, Rebekah aligns herself with the covenant family, emphasizing the importance of family ties in their culture and the divine plan.
Why did the servant give Rebekah gifts in Genesis 24:47?
The servant gave Rebekah gifts, including a ring and bracelets, as a sign of his intentions to propose marriage to her for Isaac. This act symbolizes respect and commitment, indicating that he sees her as a suitable partner for Isaac. It also reflects the customs of the time, where gifts were a way to honor and establish a relationship.
What does the act of placing the ring and bracelets symbolize?
The act of placing the ring and bracelets on Rebekah symbolizes a commitment and a promise of a future together. It signifies the servant's serious intentions and the beginning of a covenant relationship, which is foundational in biblical narratives about marriage and family.
How does Genesis 24:47 illustrate divine guidance?
Genesis 24:47 illustrates divine guidance through the servant's journey to find a wife for Isaac. His encounter with Rebekah at the well is portrayed as a divinely orchestrated event, showing that he is following God's direction. The servant's faith and prayer for guidance lead him to Rebekah, highlighting the theme of trusting in God's plan.
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