Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version If the woman is unwilling to come back with you, then you will be released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there.” New Living Translation If she is unwilling to come back with you, then you are free from this oath of mine. But under no circumstances are you to take my son there.” English Standard Version But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free from this oath of mine; only you must not take my son back there.” Berean Standard Bible And if the woman is unwilling to follow you, then you are released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there.” Berean Literal Bible And if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you shall be clear from this my oath. Only, my son you shall not cause to return there.” King James Bible And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again. New King James Version And if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be released from this oath; only do not take my son back there.” New American Standard Bible But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free of this oath of mine; only do not take my son back there.” NASB 1995 “But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free from this my oath; only do not take my son back there.” NASB 1977 “But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free from this my oath; only do not take my son back there.” Legacy Standard Bible But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free from this oath of mine; only do not take my son back there.” Amplified Bible If the woman is not willing to follow you [to this land], then you will be free from this my oath and blameless; only you must never take my son back there.” Berean Annotated Bible And if the woman is unwilling to follow you, then you are released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there. Christian Standard Bible If the woman is unwilling to follow you, then you are free from this oath to me, but don’t let my son go back there.” Holman Christian Standard Bible If the woman is unwilling to follow you, then you are free from this oath to me, but don’t let my son go back there.” American Standard Version And if the woman be not willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath; only thou shalt not bring my son thither again. Contemporary English Version If the woman refuses to come along, you don't have to keep this promise. But don't ever take my son back there." English Revised Version And if the woman be not willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath; only thou shalt not bring my son thither again. GOD'S WORD® Translation If the woman doesn't want to come back with you, then you'll be free from this oath that you swear to me. But don't take my son back there." Good News Translation If the young woman is not willing to come with you, you will be free from this promise. But you must not under any circumstances take my son back there." International Standard Version If the woman isn't willing to follow you, then you'll be free from this oath to me. Just don't take my son back there!" NET Bible But if the woman is not willing to come back with you, you will be free from this oath of mine. But you must not take my son back there!" New Heart English Bible But if the woman isn’t willing to follow you, then you will be free from this oath to me. Only you must not bring my son back there." Webster's Bible Translation And if the woman shall not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath; only bring not my son thither again. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd if the woman is unwilling to follow you, then you are released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there.” World English Bible If the woman isn’t willing to follow you, then you shall be clear from this oath to me. Only you shall not bring my son there again.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand if the woman is not willing to come after you, then you have been acquitted from this my oath: only you do not cause my son to return there.” Berean Literal Bible And if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you shall be clear from this my oath. Only, my son you shall not cause to return there.” Young's Literal Translation and if the woman be not willing to come after thee, then thou hast been acquitted from this mine oath: only my son thou dost not cause to turn back thither.' Smith's Literal Translation And if the woman shall not be willing to come after thee, and thou shalt be clear from this thine oath; only thou shalt not turn back my son there. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut if the woman will not follow thee, thou shalt not be bound by the oath; only bring not my son back thither again. Catholic Public Domain Version But if the woman is not willing to follow you, you will not be held by the oath. Only do not lead my son back to that place.” New American Bible If the woman is unwilling to follow you, you will be released from this oath to me. But never take my son back there!” New Revised Standard Version But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free from this oath of mine; only you must not take my son back there.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd if the woman will not be willing to follow you, then you shall be clear from this my oath; only you must not take my son there again. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And if the woman will not be persuaded to come with you, you are blameless of this my oath, only you will not return my son there.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And if the woman be not willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath; only thou shalt not bring my son back thither.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And if the woman should not be willing to come with thee into this land, thou shalt be clear from my oath, only carry not my son thither again. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Wife for Isaac…7The LORD, the God of heaven, who brought me from my father’s house and my native land, who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give this land’—He will send His angel before you so that you can take a wife for my son from there. 8And if the woman is unwilling to follow you, then you are released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there.” 9So the servant placed his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter.… Cross References And if the woman is unwilling to follow you, Ruth 1:8-18 Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you to your mother’s home. May the LORD show you loving devotion, as you have shown to your dead and to me. / May the LORD enable each of you to find rest in the home of your new husband.” And she kissed them as they wept aloud / and said, “Surely we will return with you to your people.” … John 6:66-69 From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. / So Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to leave too?” / Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. … Luke 9:61-62 Still another said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to my family.” / Then Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” then you are released from this oath of mine. Joshua 2:17-20 The men said to her, “We will not be bound by this oath you made us swear / unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother and brothers and all your family into your house. / If anyone goes out the door of your house into the street, his blood will be on his own head, and we will be innocent. But if a hand is laid on anyone with you in the house, his blood will be on our heads. … Numbers 30:2 If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. / It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Only do not take my son back there.” Genesis 12:1-3 Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. / I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 26:2-3 The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt. Settle in the land where I tell you. / Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. Hebrews 11:15-16 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. / Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Genesis 24:5-6 The servant asked him, “What if the woman is unwilling to follow me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to the land from which you came?” / Abraham replied, “Make sure that you do not take my son back there. Genesis 26:3-5 Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. / I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, / because Abraham listened to My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” Genesis 28:1-4 So Isaac called for Jacob and blessed him. “Do not take a wife from the Canaanite women,” he commanded. / “Go at once to Paddan-aram, to the house of your mother’s father Bethuel, and take a wife from among the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother. / May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, so that you may become a company of peoples. … Genesis 15:7 The LORD also told him, “I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.” Genesis 17:7-8 I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. / And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.” Genesis 50:24 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up from this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Exodus 3:8 I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Treasury of Scripture And if the woman will not be willing to follow you, then you shall be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again. clear. Numbers 30:5,8 But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and the LORD shall forgive her, because her father disallowed her… Joshua 2:17-20 And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear… Joshua 9:20 This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we sware unto them. only. Genesis 24:4,5,6 But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac… Acts 7:2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, Jump to Previous Acquitted Cause Clear Follow Free Oath Quit Released Thither Unwilling WillingJump to Next Acquitted Cause Clear Follow Free Oath Quit Released Thither Unwilling WillingGenesis 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. And if the woman is unwilling to follow you, This phrase highlights the importance of free will and consent in marriage, a concept that is consistent throughout Scripture. In the cultural context of ancient Near Eastern societies, arranged marriages were common, yet this passage emphasizes the woman's choice. This reflects God's respect for individual autonomy. The narrative of Rebekah's willingness to leave her family and follow Abraham's servant parallels the call of discipleship, where followers of Christ willingly choose to follow Him. then you are released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there.” Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelite nation, who is seeking a wife for his son Isaac from his own relatives rather than from the Canaanites. 2. Isaac Abraham's son, through whom God's covenant promises are to be fulfilled. 3. Abraham's Servant Likely Eliezer of Damascus, tasked with finding a wife for Isaac from Abraham's relatives. 4. Haran The place where Abraham's relatives live, and where the servant is sent to find Isaac's wife. 5. The Oath A solemn promise made by Abraham's servant to find a wife for Isaac from Abraham's family, not from the Canaanites. Teaching Points Faith in God's PromisesAbraham's instructions to his servant reflect his unwavering faith in God's promises. We are called to trust in God's plans and timing, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Obedience and Responsibility The servant's commitment to fulfilling Abraham's request demonstrates the importance of obedience and responsibility in our tasks. We should approach our duties with diligence and integrity. God's Sovereignty and Human Choice The provision for the woman's unwillingness to return highlights the balance between God's sovereignty and human free will. We must respect others' choices while trusting God's overarching plan. Covenant and Separation Abraham's insistence on not taking Isaac back to Haran emphasizes the importance of remaining in the place of God's promise. We should be mindful of maintaining our spiritual commitments and not reverting to past ways. Seeking God's Guidance The servant's journey is marked by prayer and seeking God's guidance. In our decisions, we should actively seek God's direction and wisdom. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 24:8?2. How does Genesis 24:8 demonstrate God's sovereignty in guiding Abraham's servant's mission? 3. What does "if the woman is unwilling" reveal about God's respect for free will? 4. How can we apply Abraham's faith in God's provision to our daily decisions? 5. What scriptural connections exist between Genesis 24:8 and trusting God's promises elsewhere in Genesis? 6. How does Genesis 24:8 encourage us to release control and trust God's plan? 7. What does Genesis 24:8 reveal about God's guidance in marriage decisions? 8. How does Genesis 24:8 reflect on the concept of free will in biblical narratives? 9. What historical context influences the interpretation of Genesis 24:8? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 24? 11. Is she a virgin or a young woman? 12. Where is Beersheba mentioned in the Bible? 13. Why does the text promote the abduction of women as a solution for the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 21:20-23)? 14. What is the meaning of Genesis 3:15? What Does Genesis 24:8 Mean If the woman is unwilling to follow you“And if the woman is unwilling to follow you…” • Abraham recognizes that true faith cannot be coerced. Just as God does not force Himself on anyone (see Deuteronomy 30:19; Revelation 3:20), Rebekah must freely choose to leave her homeland and family. • This protects the servant from anxiety: success is not measured by his persuasive skill but by God’s providence (Proverbs 16:9; John 6:44). • By including this possibility, Abraham shows confidence that the Lord will guide yet keeps room for genuine human response (Joshua 24:15). You are released from this oath of mine “…then you are released from this oath of mine.” • The oath (Genesis 24:3–4) bound the servant to seek a wife among Abraham’s kin, but Abraham refuses to let the oath become a snare (Ecclesiastes 5:4–6; Matthew 5:37). • A righteous oath always remains under God’s authority. If circumstances change beyond one’s control, God does not demand blind legalism (1 Samuel 14:24–45 shows the danger of rigid vows). • The servant’s conscience is safeguarded. Abraham shoulders the ultimate responsibility, reflecting Christ bearing our burdens (Galatians 6:2). Only do not take my son back there “Only do not take my son back there.” • Isaac must stay in Canaan—the land promised by God (Genesis 12:1–7; 26:2–5). Returning would compromise covenant obedience and blur the distinct calling of Abraham’s line (2 Corinthians 6:17). • This protects Isaac from potential syncretism with Mesopotamian culture and idolatry (Joshua 24:2). The family’s future depends on remaining where God has spoken. • By keeping Isaac in the land, Abraham models living by faith in what God has already revealed, not by convenience or nostalgia (Hebrews 11:8–10). summary Genesis 24:8 underscores that obedient faith honors both God’s sovereignty and human freedom. Abraham trusts God to provide a willing bride, releases his servant from undue pressure, and safeguards covenant promises by keeping Isaac in the land. The verse teaches us to act responsibly, rest in God’s guidance, and refuse any course that would pull us away from His revealed will. Hebrew And ifוְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not the woman הָֽאִשָּׁה֙ (hā·’iš·šāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female is unwilling לֹ֨א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no to follow לָלֶ֣כֶת (lā·le·ḵeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk you, אַחֲרֶ֔יךָ (’a·ḥă·re·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 310: The hind or following part then you are released וְנִקִּ֕יתָ (wə·niq·qî·ṯā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5352: To be, clean, to be bare, extirpated from this זֹ֑את (zōṯ) Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, oath of mine. מִשְּׁבֻעָתִ֖י (miš·šə·ḇu·‘ā·ṯî) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 7621: Something sworn, an oath Only רַ֣ק (raq) Adverb Strong's 7535: But, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless do not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no take תָשֵׁ֖ב (ṯā·šêḇ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again my son בְּנִ֔י (bə·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 1121: A son back there.” שָֽׁמָּה׃ (šām·māh) Adverb | third person feminine singular Strong's 8033: There, then, thither Links Genesis 24:8 NIVGenesis 24:8 NLT Genesis 24:8 ESV Genesis 24:8 NASB Genesis 24:8 KJV Genesis 24:8 BibleApps.com Genesis 24:8 Biblia Paralela Genesis 24:8 Chinese Bible Genesis 24:8 French Bible Genesis 24:8 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 24:8 If the woman isn't willing to follow (Gen. 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