And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men.

GENESIS 24:59KJV
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Genesis 24:59 (KJV)

What does Genesis 24:59 mean?

Genesis 24:59 describes how Rebekah’s family sent her away, along with her nurse, to travel with Abraham’s servant and his men. This marks the moment when Rebekah leaves her home to become Isaac’s wife, as arranged by Abraham’s servant.

In this scene, Rebekah’s relatives are saying their goodbyes as she prepares for a major life transition. The verse highlights the presence of her nurse, showing Rebekah’s youth and the care given to her, and it notes the group traveling together, emphasizing the seriousness and formality of the journey. This moment is a turning point in the story, as it sets in motion the fulfillment of Abraham’s desire for a wife for his son Isaac from among his own people.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 24:59

  • שָׁלַח (shalach, H7971): This word means "to send away" or "to let go." Here, it reflects a formal and intentional sending, not just a casual departure, showing the family's active role in releasing Rebekah to her new life.
  • אֲחֹתָם (achotam, H269): Translated as "their sister," this word emphasizes the close family relationship and affection involved in the farewell.
  • מֵינֶקֶת (meneket, H3243): Meaning "nurse," this term often refers to a woman who cared for a child from infancy. Including Rebekah’s nurse in the group underlines Rebekah’s status and the care she received, and it hints at her youth or the importance of her upbringing.

Why Genesis 24:59 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Rebekah did not travel alone; she was accompanied by trusted people from her household, which would have been important for her safety and well-being.
  • The mention of her nurse provides insight into Rebekah’s background and social standing, as having a personal nurse was a sign of a well-cared-for and possibly noble upbringing.
  • Genesis 24:59 connects to the broader story by showing the careful and respectful process by which Abraham’s servant secured a wife for Isaac, fulfilling Abraham’s wishes and God’s promises.

Where else these words appear

“Rebekah” Hebrew H7259 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 22:23 And Bethuel begat Rebekah: these eight Milcah did bear to Nahor, Abraham's brother.
  • Genesis 24:61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
  • Genesis 27:5 And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it.

“nurse” Hebrew H3243 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 21:7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.
  • 1 Samuel 1:23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
  • Isaiah 11:8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.

“sister” Hebrew H269 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 4:22 And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
  • Leviticus 18:18 Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time.
  • Job 1:4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.