Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:

GENESIS 24:13KJV
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Genesis 24:13 (KJV)

What does Genesis 24:13 mean?

Genesis 24:13 describes Abraham’s servant standing by a well, watching as the young women of the city come out to draw water. The servant is waiting at this spot because he hopes to find the right woman to become Isaac’s wife, as he was sent to do by Abraham.

In this scene, Abraham’s servant is speaking to God in prayer, explaining his position and what he is about to do. The well is a common gathering place, especially for women who came to fetch water for their households. The servant’s actions set up the next part of the story, where he will ask God for a sign to identify the right woman for Isaac.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 24:13

  • The word for "well" is עַיִן (ayin), which often means "spring" or "source" of water, not just a dug well. This highlights that the servant is at a lively, public place where people regularly gather.
  • The verb "draw" is שָׁאַב (sha'av), which specifically means to pull water up, usually with a bucket or vessel. This detail shows the everyday work and routine of the women coming to the well.

Why Genesis 24:13 matters

  • Genesis 24:13 sets the stage for one of the Bible’s most detailed stories about seeking guidance from God, showing the servant’s careful and prayerful approach.
  • The verse emphasizes the cultural role of wells as social centers in ancient times, helping readers picture the real-life setting of the story.
  • By describing the servant’s actions and location, Genesis 24:13 prepares the reader for the test he will propose to find a wife for Isaac, making the following events easier to understand.

Where else these words appear

“draw” Hebrew H7579 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 24:11 And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.
  • Genesis 24:45 And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well, and drew water: and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee.
  • 1 Samuel 7:6 And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.

“stand” Hebrew H5324 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • Numbers 23:17 And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken?
  • 1 Kings 9:23 These were the chief of the officers that were over Solomon's work, five hundred and fifty, which bare rule over the people that wrought in the work.