And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.

GENESIS 24:21KJV
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Genesis 24:21 (KJV)

What does Genesis 24:21 mean?

Genesis 24:21 describes how Abraham’s servant silently watched Rebekah, wondering if the LORD had made his journey successful. The servant was carefully observing her actions to see if she was the answer to his prayer for a wife for Isaac.

In this scene, Abraham’s servant has just met Rebekah at the well. He had prayed for a sign, asking God to show him the right woman by her kindness in offering water to him and his camels. Now, he is quietly watching her, holding back his words, to see if God is truly guiding him to the right person.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 24:21

  • "Wondering" (שָׁאָה, sha'ah): This word often means to be astonished or to gaze in amazement. The verse shows the servant is deeply struck by what he sees, not just mildly curious.
  • "Held his peace" (חָרַשׁ, charash): This word means to be silent or to keep still. The servant is intentionally quiet, not interrupting or rushing, so he can see how things unfold.
  • "To wit" (יָדַע, yada‘): This word means to know or to discern. The servant’s silence is purposeful—he is waiting to understand if the LORD is truly at work.
  • "Made...prosperous" (צָלַח, tsalach): This word means to make successful or to cause to prosper. The servant is looking for clear evidence that God is making his mission succeed.

Why Genesis 24:21 matters

  • Genesis 24:21 highlights the servant’s carefulness and patience, showing he does not jump to conclusions but waits for clear confirmation from God.
  • The verse emphasizes the servant’s trust in the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH), showing that he believes God is actively involved in guiding his journey.
  • This moment connects to the larger story by showing how important it was for Abraham’s family to find the right wife for Isaac, and how seriously the servant took his responsibility.

Where else these words appear

“or” Hebrew H518 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Numbers 24:22 Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.
  • 2 Kings 9:35 And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.

“made” Hebrew H6743 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 24:40 And he said unto me, The LORD, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father's house:
  • 1 Chronicles 22:11 Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee.
  • Isaiah 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

“peace” Hebrew H2790 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 34:5 And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come.
  • Esther 7:4 For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.
  • Proverbs 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,