And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;

GENESIS 24:22KJV
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Genesis 24:22 (KJV)

What does Genesis 24:22 mean?

Genesis 24:22 describes how, after the camels finished drinking, Abraham’s servant took out a gold earring and two gold bracelets to give to Rebekah. This act signaled the servant’s intention to honor her and marked the beginning of his inquiry into her family background.

The scene takes place at a well outside the city of Nahor, where Abraham’s servant is searching for a wife for Isaac. After Rebekah shows kindness by watering his camels, the servant responds with valuable gifts, which in that culture were a sign of respect and a step toward a marriage proposal. The verse highlights the servant’s careful approach and the importance placed on hospitality and generosity.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 24:22

  • The word for "earring" is נֶזֶם (nezem), which often refers to a nose ring or earring in ancient Hebrew culture. This detail helps clarify that the gift was a significant and valuable ornament, not just a small trinket.
  • The word for "bracelets" is צְמִידִים (tsemidim), meaning bracelets or bangles, emphasizing that the gifts were meant for her hands and were substantial in value.
  • The term "shekel" שֶׁקֶל (sheqel) refers to a standard unit of weight, showing that the gifts were measured and valuable, not random or token offerings.
  • The word for "gold" is זָהָב (zahav), which underlines the richness and worth of the gifts, reinforcing the seriousness of the servant’s mission.

Why Genesis 24:22 matters

  • This verse shows that the servant’s gifts were not bribes but traditional tokens of respect and intent, helping modern readers understand the cultural practices of ancient marriage arrangements.
  • The specific mention of the weight and material of the gifts highlights the servant’s sincerity and Abraham’s wealth, setting the stage for the importance of the marriage alliance.
  • By describing these actions, the verse connects to the larger narrative of God’s guidance and faithfulness in Abraham’s family, emphasizing the careful steps taken to fulfill Abraham’s wishes.

Where else these words appear

“shekel” Hebrew H1235 · used in 2 verses

  • Exodus 38:26 A bekah for every man, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men.

“bracelets” Hebrew H6781 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 24:30 And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister's hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus spake the man unto me; that he came unto the man; and, behold, he stood by the camels at the well.
  • Numbers 19:15 And every open vessel, which hath no covering bound upon it, is unclean.
  • Ezekiel 16:11 I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck.

“earring” Hebrew H5141 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 24:30 And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister's hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus spake the man unto me; that he came unto the man; and, behold, he stood by the camels at the well.
  • Exodus 35:22 And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD.
  • Proverbs 11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

“weight” Hebrew H4948 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 43:21 And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.
  • Numbers 7:73 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
  • 1 Chronicles 28:14 He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service; silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service: