Genesis 24:15 Before the servant had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor.

◄ Genesis 24:15 ►

New International Version
Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor.

New Living Translation
Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel, who was the son of Abraham’s brother Nahor and his wife, Milcah.

English Standard Version
Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her water jar on her shoulder.

Berean Standard Bible
Before the servant had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor.

King James Bible
And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

New King James Version
And it happened, before he had finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her pitcher on her shoulder.

New American Standard Bible
And it came about, before he had finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor, came out with her jar on her shoulder.

NASB 1995
Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor, came out with her jar on her shoulder.

NASB 1977
And it came about before he had finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor, came out with her jar on her shoulder.

Legacy Standard Bible
And before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor, was coming out with her jar on her shoulder.

Amplified Bible
Before Eliezer had finished speaking (praying), Rebekah came out with her [water] jar on her shoulder. Rebekah was the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor.

Christian Standard Bible
Before he had finished speaking, there was Rebekah—daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor—coming with a jug on her shoulder.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Before he had finished speaking, there was Rebekah—daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor—coming with a jug on her shoulder.

American Standard Version
And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

English Revised Version
And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel, son of Milcah, who was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor.

Good News Translation
Before he had finished praying, Rebecca arrived with a water jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel, who was the son of Abraham's brother Nahor and his wife Milcah.

International Standard Version
Before he had finished speaking, Rebekah appeared. She was a daughter of Milcah's son Bethuel. (Milcah was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor.) She approached the well, carrying a jug on her shoulder.

Majority Standard Bible
Before the servant had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor.

NET Bible
Before he had finished praying, there came Rebekah with her water jug on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah (Milcah was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor).

New Heart English Bible
And it happened, before he had finished speaking, that look, Rebekah was coming out with her jug on her shoulder—who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother.

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass before he had done speaking, that behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

World English Bible
Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher on her shoulder.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass, before he has finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah (who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, wife of Nahor, brother of Abraham) is coming out, and her pitcher on her shoulder,

Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, before he hath finished speaking, that lo, Rebekah (who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, wife of Nahor, brother of Abraham) is coming out, and her pitcher on her shoulder,

Smith's Literal Translation
And it shall be before he finished speaking, and behold Rebekah came forth, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, and her bucket upon her shoulder.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
he had not yet ended these words within himself, and behold Rebecca came out, the daughter of Bathuel, son of Melcha, wife to Nachor the brother of Abraham, having a pitcher on her shoulder:

Catholic Public Domain Version
But he had not yet completed these words within himself, when, behold, Rebekah went out, the daughter of Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, the brother of Abraham, having a pitcher on her shoulder.

New American Bible
He had scarcely finished speaking when Rebekah—who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor—came out with a jug on her shoulder.

New Revised Standard Version
Before he had finished speaking, there was Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, coming out with her water jar on her shoulder.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And it came to pass, before he had finished speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher on her shoulder.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he had not yet finished speaking, and behold, Raphqa came out who was born to Bethuyl, son of Melka, the wife of Nakhor, the brother of Abraham, and a cruse was on her shoulder.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass before he had done speaking in his mind, that behold, Rebecca the daughter of Bathuel, the son of Melcha, the wife of Nachor, and the same the brother of Abraam, came forth, having a water-pot on her shoulders.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Rebekah is Chosen
15 Before the servant had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. 16Now the girl was very beautiful, a virgin who had not had relations with any man. She went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came up again.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Genesis 29:9-12
While he was still speaking with them, Rachel arrived with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess. / As soon as Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of his mother’s brother Laban, with Laban’s sheep, he went up and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s sheep. / Then Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud. ...

Exodus 2:16-21
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. / And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock. / When the daughters returned to their father Reuel, he asked them, “Why have you returned so early today?” ...

Ruth 2:3-5
So Ruth departed and went out into the field and gleaned after the harvesters. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech. / Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and said to the harvesters, “The LORD be with you.” “The LORD bless you,” they replied. / And Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, “Whose young woman is this?”

1 Samuel 9:11-12
And as they were climbing the hill to the city, they met some young women coming out to draw water and asked, “Is the seer here?” / “Yes, he is ahead of you,” they answered. “Hurry now, for today he has come to the city because the people have a sacrifice on the high place.

Proverbs 31:10-31
A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. ...

Isaiah 65:24
Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear.

Matthew 1:18-25
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. / Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly. / But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ...

Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, / to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man named Joseph, who was of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. / The angel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” ...

John 4:7-14
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” / (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) / “You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) ...

Acts 10:17-20
While Peter was puzzling over the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house and approached the gate. / They called out to ask if Simon called Peter was staying there. / As Peter continued to reflect on the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. ...

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. ...

2 Corinthians 6:14
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?

Ephesians 5:22-33
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. / For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. / Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. ...

Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Treasury of Scripture

And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher on her shoulder.

before.

Genesis 24:45
And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well, and drew water: and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee.

Judges 6:36-40
And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said, …

Psalm 34:15
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

Rebekah.

Genesis 24:24
And she said unto him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor.

Genesis 22:20-23
And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold, Milcah, she hath also born children unto thy brother Nahor; …

Milcah.

Genesis 11:27,29
Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot…

Genesis 22:23
And Bethuel begat Rebekah: these eight Milcah did bear to Nahor, Abraham's brother.

pitcher.

Genesis 21:14
And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.

Genesis 29:9
And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep: for she kept them.

Exodus 2:16
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.

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Abraham's Arm Bethuel Bethu'el Born Daughter Ended Finished Jar Milcah Nahor Pitcher Praying Rebecca Rebekah Shoulder Speaking Water Water-Vessel Wife Words

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Abraham's Arm Bethuel Bethu'el Born Daughter Ended Finished Jar Milcah Nahor Pitcher Praying Rebecca Rebekah Shoulder Speaking Water Water-Vessel Wife Words

Genesis 24

1. Abraham swears his servant.
10. The servant's journey.
12. His prayer.
14. His sign.
15. Rebekah meets him;
18. fulfils his sign;
22. receives jewels;
23. shows her kindred;
25. and invites him home.
26. The servant blesses God.
29. Laban entertains him.
34. The servant shows his message.
50. Laban and Bethuel approve it.
58. Rebekah consents to go, and departs.
62. Isaac meets and marries her.

Berean Study Bible

Before he had finished praying
This phrase highlights the immediacy of God's response to prayer, emphasizing the divine providence and timing. The Hebrew root for "praying" (פָּלַל, palal) suggests intercession and supplication, indicating a deep, earnest communication with God. This underscores the importance of prayer in seeking God's guidance and the belief that God is attentive to the prayers of the faithful.

Rebekah came out
Rebekah's appearance is significant, as it marks the fulfillment of the servant's prayer. Her name in Hebrew (רִבְקָה, Rivkah) means "to tie firmly" or "to secure," which can symbolize her role in securing the lineage of Abraham. Her coming out at this precise moment is a testament to God's orchestration in the lives of His people.

with her jar on her shoulder
The jar on Rebekah's shoulder is a cultural detail that provides insight into the daily life and customs of the time. In ancient Near Eastern societies, women often carried water jars on their shoulders, a task that required strength and diligence. This image of Rebekah portrays her as industrious and capable, qualities that are valued in a matriarch.

She was the daughter of Bethuel
Bethuel's name (בְּתוּאֵל, Bethuel) means "dweller in God" or "man of God," indicating a family that is connected to the divine narrative. This connection is crucial as it ties Rebekah to the broader Abrahamic covenant, ensuring that Isaac's wife comes from a lineage that is aligned with God's purposes.

son of Milcah
Milcah (מִלְכָּה, Milkah) means "queen" or "counsel," suggesting nobility and wisdom. Her mention here highlights the matrilineal heritage and the importance of women in the biblical narrative. Milcah's role as a mother and wife in the family of Nahor underscores the continuity of God's promise through generations.

who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor
Nahor (נָחוֹר, Nachor) means "snorer" or "one who breathes heavily," but more importantly, he is Abraham's brother, linking Rebekah to the patriarchal family. This familial connection is vital for maintaining the purity and integrity of the covenantal line. The mention of Nahor and his wife Milcah situates Rebekah within the broader context of God's unfolding plan for His chosen people.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 15. - And it came to pass (not certainly by accident, but by Divine arrangement), before he had done speaking, that, - his prayer was answered (cf. Isaiah 65:24; Daniel 9:20, 21). From ver. 45 it appears that the servant's prayer was not articulately spoken, but offered "in his heart;" whence the LXX. add ἐν τῇ διανοίᾳ αὐτοῦ ( <ΒΤΤ·Ξομμενταρψ Ωορδ>behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother (vide Genesis 22:23), with her pitcher - the cad (cf. κάδος, cadus) was a pail for drawing water, which women were accustomed to carry on their shoulders; it was this sort of vessel Gideon's men employed (Judges 7:20) - upon her shoulder - in exact correspondence with Oriental custom hip (vide Thomson, 'Land and Book,' p. 592).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Before
טֶרֶם֮ (ṭe·rem)
Adverb
Strong's 2962: Non-occurrence, not yet, before

he
ה֗וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

had finished
כִּלָּ֣ה (kil·lāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3615: To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent

praying,
לְדַבֵּר֒ (lə·ḏab·bêr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

Rebekah
רִבְקָ֣ה (riḇ·qāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7259: Rebekah -- wife of Isaac

came out
יֹצֵ֗את (yō·ṣêṯ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

with her jar
וְכַדָּ֖הּ (wə·ḵad·dāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3537: A pail, earthenware, a jar

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

her shoulder.
שִׁכְמָֽהּ׃ (šiḵ·māh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7926: The neck, as the place of burdens, the spur of a, hill

She
אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

was
יֻלְּדָה֙ (yul·lə·ḏāh)
Verb - QalPass - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage

the daughter of Bethuel
לִבְתוּאֵ֣ל (liḇ·ṯū·’êl)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1328: Bethuel -- perhaps 'man of God', a nephew of Abraham

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Milcah,
מִלְכָּ֔ה (mil·kāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4435: Milcah -- two Israelite women

the wife
אֵ֥שֶׁת (’ê·šeṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

of Abraham’s
אַבְרָהָ֑ם (’aḇ·rā·hām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85: Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation

brother
אֲחִ֣י (’ă·ḥî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 251: A brother, )

Nahor.
נָח֖וֹר (nā·ḥō·wr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5152: Nochor

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OT Law: Genesis 24:15 It happened before he had finished speaking (Gen. Ge Gn)