And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

GENESIS 24:14KJV
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Genesis 24:14 (KJV)

What does Genesis 24:14 mean?

Genesis 24:14 describes a servant praying for a clear sign to identify the right woman for Isaac: the servant asks God that the woman who offers both him and his camels water will be the one chosen for Isaac. This request is meant to show that God is showing kindness to Abraham, the servant’s master, by guiding him to the right person.

In this verse, Abraham’s servant is at a well, seeking a wife for Isaac, and he is speaking to God in prayer. The servant asks for a specific test: he will ask a young woman for water, and if she not only gives him a drink but also offers to water his camels, he will know she is the one God has appointed. This sets up the story’s next events and highlights the servant’s reliance on God’s guidance.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 24:14

  • חֶסֶד (chesed, H2617): This word is often translated as "kindness" or "steadfast love." Here, it emphasizes the servant’s hope that God will show loyal love and faithfulness to Abraham by helping him succeed in his task.
  • יַעַר (ya'ar, H8248): This verb means "to give to drink" or "to water." The servant’s request that the woman offer water to the camels as well as to him shows a sign of generosity and hospitality, qualities valued in the culture.
  • הִכַּח (hikach, H3198): Translated as "appointed," this word carries the sense of someone being shown or proven to be the right choice. The servant is asking God to make it clear who the right woman is, not just through chance but through a meaningful action.

Why Genesis 24:14 matters

  • Genesis 24:14 clarifies that the servant is not just looking for any woman, but for one who shows unusual kindness and willingness to serve, which would be a sign of good character.
  • The verse highlights the servant’s dependence on God’s guidance rather than his own judgment, showing a model of prayer and trust.
  • This moment sets up the dramatic meeting between Rebekah and the servant, a key turning point in the story of Isaac’s family and the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham.

Where else these words appear

“pitcher” Hebrew H3537 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 24:15 And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.
  • Genesis 24:43 Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink;
  • Judges 7:20 And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.

“camels” Hebrew H1581 · used in 51 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Genesis 31:17 Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;
  • 1 Chronicles 5:21 And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand.

“appointed” Hebrew H3198 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 20:16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.
  • Job 16:21 O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!
  • Proverbs 19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

“damsel” Hebrew H5291 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 24:16 And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.
  • Deuteronomy 22:28 If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found;
  • 1 Kings 1:3 So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.