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:

GENESIS 24:40KJV
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Genesis 24:40 (KJV)

What does Genesis 24:40 mean?

Genesis 24:40 records Abraham telling his servant that the LORD, whom Abraham has faithfully followed, will send an angel ahead to help and make the servant’s journey successful, so that the servant will find a wife for Isaac from Abraham’s own relatives. Abraham reassures the servant that God’s guidance and blessing will be with him as he carries out this important task.

In this verse, Abraham is speaking to his servant, who is about to travel to find a wife for Isaac, Abraham’s son. Abraham expresses confidence that God (the LORD) will actively guide and help the servant by sending an angel, showing Abraham’s trust in God’s ongoing involvement. The verse highlights Abraham’s desire for Isaac to marry within his own family, not from the surrounding peoples.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 24:40

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing Abraham’s relationship with the one true God, not just any deity.
  • "walk" (הָלַךְ, halakh): This word means to walk or live before someone, suggesting a life lived openly and faithfully before God, not just physical movement.
  • "angel" (מַלְאָךְ, mal’akh): This term means messenger and can refer to a supernatural being sent by God. Here, it shows Abraham’s belief that God will provide direct help and guidance.
  • "prosper" (צָלַח, tsalach): This word means to succeed or make prosperous. Abraham is confident that God will cause the servant’s journey to succeed, not just leave it to chance.

Why Genesis 24:40 matters

  • Genesis 24:40 clarifies that Abraham’s confidence is not in his servant’s abilities alone, but in God’s active help and guidance, which sets the tone for the whole story.
  • The verse emphasizes Abraham’s desire for Isaac to marry within his own kin, which is important for the unfolding story of the Israelite people.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of God’s faithfulness to Abraham’s family, showing that Abraham expects God to continue guiding and fulfilling His promises.

Where else these words appear

“prosper” Hebrew H6743 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 24:21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.
  • 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.