Genesis 24:11 (KJV)

What does Genesis 24:11 mean?

Genesis 24:11 describes how Abraham’s servant stopped his camels outside the city of Nahor, near a well, at evening time when women would come out to draw water. The verse sets the scene for the servant’s search for a wife for Isaac, showing his careful planning and awareness of local customs.

Abraham’s servant is traveling on a mission to find a wife for Isaac. He chooses to wait by a well outside the city, knowing that this is when and where the women of the city come to fetch water. This detail shows the servant’s practical approach and sets up the meeting with Rebekah, which will be important in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 24:11

• "without" (חוץ, ḥūts): This word means "outside" or "beyond," clarifying that the servant and the camels are not inside the city but waiting just outside its limits.
• "well" (באר, be’er): This is the word for a well or spring, emphasizing the importance of water sources in daily life and social interactions in ancient times.
• "time" (עת, ‘ēt): Used twice in the verse, this word highlights the specific timing of the servant’s actions, showing his intent to arrive when the women would be present.

Why Genesis 24:11 matters

• The verse shows the servant’s thoughtful strategy, choosing a time and place where he is likely to meet the right people, rather than acting randomly.
• By mentioning the evening and the women drawing water, Genesis 24:11 gives insight into daily life and customs in ancient Near Eastern towns.
• This moment sets up the encounter with Rebekah, a key event in the story of Isaac’s marriage, and shows how ordinary routines can become the backdrop for significant moments in the biblical narrative.