Genesis 24:19 (KJV)

What does Genesis 24:19 mean?

Genesis 24:19 describes how Rebekah, after giving Abraham’s servant a drink, offers to draw water for his camels as well, promising to continue until they have finished drinking. This shows Rebekah’s generosity and willingness to help a stranger beyond what was asked.

In this scene, Abraham’s servant has stopped at a well, seeking a sign to identify the right wife for Isaac. Rebekah, who is not yet known to the servant, responds not only to his request for water but also volunteers to water his camels—a significant task, since camels drink a lot. Her actions reveal her character and set the stage for the servant to recognize her as the answer to his prayer.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 24:19

• The word for “done” (כָּלָה, kalah) means to finish or complete. It is used twice in this verse, emphasizing that Rebekah fully completes both giving the servant a drink and watering the camels, not stopping short.
• The word for “drink” (שָׁקָה, shaqah) means to give someone something to drink. This highlights that Rebekah is actively serving both the man and the animals.
• The word for “draw” (שָׁאַב, sha’av) means to pull water up from a well. Drawing water for many camels would have been physically demanding, showing the extent of Rebekah’s kindness.
• The word for “camels” (גָּמָל, gamal) refers to the animals that would have required a large amount of water, underlining the scale of Rebekah’s offer.

Why Genesis 24:19 matters

• Genesis 24:19 clarifies that Rebekah’s kindness was not limited to a simple gesture, but involved real effort and generosity, which was unusual and noteworthy.
• The verse highlights the qualities Abraham’s servant was looking for in a wife for Isaac: not just beauty or status, but a spirit of hospitality and willingness to serve.
• This moment connects directly to the servant’s earlier prayer for a sign, showing how Rebekah’s actions fulfill what he had hoped to see, moving the story forward.