CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 24:50 Laban and Bethuel answered, "This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/24-50.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/01_Gen_24_50.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 24:50 - Rebekah is Chosen" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Laban and Bethuel answered, This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/24-50.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/24-50.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/24.htm">Chapter 24</a> > Verse 50</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/24-49.htm" title="Genesis 24:49">◄</a> Genesis 24:50 <a href="/genesis/24-51.htm" title="Genesis 24:51">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/24.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/24.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Laban and Bethuel answered, &#8220This is from the LORD; we can say nothing to you one way or the other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/24.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel replied, “The LORD has obviously brought you here, so there is nothing we can say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/24.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The thing has come from the LORD; we cannot speak to you bad or good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/24.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The thing comes from the LORD; we cannot speak to you either bad or good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel replied, “The matter has come from the LORD; <i>so</i> we cannot speak to you bad or good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel replied, &#8220The matter comes from the LORD; so we cannot speak to you bad or good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The matter comes from the LORD; <i>so</i> we cannot speak to you bad or good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The matter comes from Yahweh; <i>so</i> we cannot speak to you bad or good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel answered, “The matter has come from the LORD; so we dare not speak bad or good [to you about it—we cannot interfere].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Laban and Bethuel answered, &#8220This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from Jehovah: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Laban and Bethuel answered, "The LORD has done this. We have no choice in the matter. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Laban and Bethuel answered, "This is from the LORD. We can't say anything to you one way or another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Laban and Bethuel answered, "Since this matter comes from the LORD, it is not for us to make a decision. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Since this has come from the LORD," Laban and Bethuel both replied, "we cannot speak one way or another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Laban and Bethuel answered, ?This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel replied, "This is the LORD's doing. Our wishes are of no concern.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel answered, "The matter comes from God. We can?t speak to you bad or good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel answered, and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak to thee bad or good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel answered, “The thing proceeds from Yahweh. We can’t speak to you bad or good. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Laban answers—Bethuel also—and they say, “The thing has gone out from YHWH; we are not able to speak to you bad or good;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Laban answereth -- Bethuel also -- and they say, 'The thing hath gone out from Jehovah; we are not able to speak unto thee bad or good;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Laban will answer, and Bethuel, and they will say, This word came from Jehovah; we shall not be able to speak to thee, evil or good.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Laban and Bathuel answered: The word hath proceeded from the Lord, we cannot speak any other thing to thee but his pleasure. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Laban and Bethuel responded: “A word has proceeded from the Lord. We are not able to speak anything else to you, beyond what pleases him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Laban and Bethuel said in reply: “This thing comes from the LORD; we can say nothing to you either for or against it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel answered, “The thing comes from the LORD; we cannot speak to you anything bad or good.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceeded from the LORD; we cannot say anything to you good or bad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Laban and Bethuyel answered and they said, “The word has proceeded from LORD JEHOVAH; we are not able to speak to you good or evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said: 'The thing proceedeth from the LORD; we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Laban and Bathuel answered and said, This matter has come forth from the Lord, we shall not be able to answer thee bad or good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/24-50.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=5615" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/24.htm">Rebekah is Chosen</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">49</span>Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; but if not, let me know, so that I may go elsewhere.” <span class="reftext">50</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3837.htm" title="3837: lā·ḇān (N-proper-ms) -- Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob. The same as laban; Laban, a Mesopotamian; also a place in the Desert.">Laban</a> <a href="/hebrew/1328.htm" title="1328: ū·ḇə·ṯū·’êl (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Apparently from the same as bathah and 'el; destroyed of God; Bethuel, the name of a nephew of Abraham, and of a place in Palestine.">and Bethuel</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘an (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To answer, respond.">answered,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yā·ṣā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">“This is from</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-m:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">we have no choice</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: nū·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dab·bêr (V-Piel-Inf) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: ra‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil."></a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw- (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (N-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">in the matter.</a> </span><span class="reftext">51</span>Rebekah is here before you. Take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master’s son, just as the LORD has decreed.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-24.htm">Genesis 31:24</a></span><br />But that night God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream and warned him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-29.htm">Genesis 31:29</a></span><br />I have power to do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-42.htm">Genesis 31:42</a></span><br />If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6</a></span><br />Then God said to Abimelech in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against Me. That is why I did not let you touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/41-16.htm">Genesis 41:16</a></span><br />“I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/4-12.htm">Exodus 4:12</a></span><br />Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/22-12.htm">Numbers 22:12</a></span><br />But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/22-20.htm">Numbers 22:20</a></span><br />That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/10-6.htm">1 Samuel 10:6</a></span><br />Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/10-10.htm">1 Samuel 10:10</a></span><br />When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Then the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied along with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-14.htm">2 Samuel 17:14</a></span><br />Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-12.htm">2 Chronicles 20:12</a></span><br />Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">Proverbs 16:1</a></span><br />The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9</a></span><br />A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a></span><br />Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceeds from the LORD: we cannot speak to you bad or good.</p><p class="hdg">Laban.</p><p class="hdg">See</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-15.htm">Genesis 24:15,28,53,55,60</a></b></br> 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… </p><p class="hdg">The thing.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/118-23.htm">Psalm 118:23</a></b></br> This is the LORD'S doing; it <i>is</i> marvellous in our eyes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/21-42.htm">Matthew 21:42</a></b></br> Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/12-11.htm">Mark 12:11</a></b></br> This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?</p><p class="hdg">we.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-24.htm">Genesis 31:24,29</a></b></br> And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/13-22.htm">2 Samuel 13:22</a></b></br> And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/11-17.htm">Acts 11:17</a></b></br> Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as <i>he did</i> unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/19-22.htm">Able</a> <a href="/genesis/18-21.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/genesis/24-47.htm">Bethuel</a> <a href="/genesis/24-47.htm">Bethu'el</a> <a href="/genesis/24-49.htm">Good</a> <a href="/genesis/24-33.htm">Laban</a> <a href="/genesis/24-9.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/revelation/19-21.htm">Proceedeth</a> <a href="/revelation/19-15.htm">Proceeds</a> <a href="/genesis/24-33.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/genesis/24-49.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/27-1.htm">Able</a> <a href="/genesis/31-24.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/genesis/25-20.htm">Bethuel</a> <a href="/genesis/25-20.htm">Bethu'el</a> <a href="/genesis/24-56.htm">Good</a> <a href="/genesis/25-20.htm">Laban</a> <a href="/genesis/30-15.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Proceedeth</a> <a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Proceeds</a> <a href="/genesis/26-2.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/genesis/24-54.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/24-1.htm">Abraham swears his servant.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/24-10.htm">The servant's journey.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/24-12.htm">His prayer.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/24-14.htm">His sign.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/24-15.htm">Rebekah meets him;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/24-18.htm">fulfils his sign;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/24-22.htm">receives jewels;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/24-23.htm">shows her kindred;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/24-25.htm">and invites him home.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/24-26.htm">The servant blesses God.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/24-29.htm">Laban entertains him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/24-34.htm">The servant shows his message.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">50. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/24-50.htm">Laban and Bethuel approve it.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">58. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/24-58.htm">Rebekah consents to go, and departs.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">62. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/24-62.htm">Isaac meets and marries her.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Laban and Bethuel answered</b><br>Laban and Bethuel are key figures in this narrative. Laban, Rebekah's brother, and Bethuel, her father, represent the family authority. In ancient Near Eastern culture, family decisions, especially regarding marriage, were communal and patriarchal. Their involvement underscores the importance of family consent in marriage arrangements. Laban's later actions in Genesis, particularly with Jacob, reveal his character as shrewd and opportunistic, which contrasts with his current acceptance of God's will.<p><b>This is from the LORD</b><br>The acknowledgment that the situation is from the LORD reflects a recognition of divine providence. In the patriarchal narratives, God's guidance is a recurring theme, emphasizing His sovereignty and involvement in human affairs. This statement aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's plans being fulfilled despite human intentions, as seen in Joseph's story (<a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a>). It also highlights the belief in God's active role in orchestrating events for His purposes.<p><b>we have no choice in the matter</b><br>This phrase indicates submission to God's will, a common theme in Scripture where human plans yield to divine purposes. It reflects the cultural and religious understanding of the time that God's will is ultimate and should be obeyed. This submission is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to seek and follow God's will (<a href="/james/4-15.htm">James 4:15</a>). The phrase also prefigures the concept of divine election and predestination, where God's plans are seen as unchangeable and certain.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/l/laban.htm">Laban</a></b><br>Brother of Rebekah, known for his role in the account of Jacob and his daughters Leah and Rachel. Here, he is involved in the decision regarding Rebekah's marriage to Isaac.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/bethuel.htm">Bethuel</a></b><br>Father of Rebekah, mentioned here as part of the decision-making process. His role is more passive compared to Laban's.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/rebekah.htm">Rebekah</a></b><br>The woman chosen to be Isaac's wife, central to the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The covenant-keeping God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who orchestrates events according to His divine will.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_servant_of_abraham.htm">The Servant of Abraham</a></b><br>Tasked with finding a wife for Isaac, he is a faithful servant who seeks God's guidance and acknowledges His providence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_sovereignty.htm">Divine Sovereignty</a></b><br>Recognize God's hand in the events of our lives. Just as Laban and Bethuel acknowledged God's will, we should seek to discern and submit to His plans.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithful_obedience.htm">Faithful Obedience</a></b><br>Like Abraham's servant, we should act in faith and obedience, trusting God to guide our steps and fulfill His promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_and_community_decisions.htm">Family and Community Decisions</a></b><br>The involvement of Laban and Bethuel highlights the importance of family and community in making significant life decisions, encouraging us to seek wise counsel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/acknowledging_god's_will.htm">Acknowledging God's Will</a></b><br>Laban and Bethuel's response teaches us to acknowledge God's will in our lives, even when it requires surrendering our own plans.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/providence_in_relationships.htm">Providence in Relationships</a></b><br>The account of Isaac and Rebekah reminds us that God is involved in our relationships and can guide us to the right partnerships.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 24</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_laban_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Laban in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_biblical_norms_affect_women's_marriages.htm">How did biblical cultural norms affect women's marriage choices?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_the_concubine_stay_with_her_dad.htm">Judges 19:2—What historical or cultural factors would explain why the Levite’s concubine stayed with her father instead of returning home? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_mention_brothers'_protection_in_song_8_8-9.htm">Why does Song of Solomon 8:8–9 mention the brothers’ protective stance, yet offer no clear historical context or evidence of such customs in ancient Israel? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/24.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(50) <span class= "bld">Laban and Bethuel.</span>--See Note on <a href="/genesis/24-28.htm" title="And the damsel ran, and told them of her mother's house these things.">Genesis 24:28</a>. Even when thus tardily mentioned, the father is placed after the brother; and of this we need look for no further explanation than that by polygamy the father was estranged from his own children, while each separate family held very closely together. Thus when Dinah was wronged, it was two of her mother's sons, Simeon and Levi, who avenged her (<a href="/context/genesis/34-13.htm" title="And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister:">Genesis 34:13-25</a>); and so it was Absalom who avenged Tamar (<a href="/2_samuel/13-22.htm" title="And Absalom spoke to his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.">2Samuel 13:22</a>). Still, Bethuel's consent was finally necessary; but as soon as it was given all active arrangements were left to the mother and Laban (<a href="/context/genesis/24-53.htm" title="And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.">Genesis 24:53-55</a>), and Bethuel is mentioned no more.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 50-52.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then Laban and Bethuel</span> (<span class="accented">vide</span> on ver. 29) <span class="cmt_word">answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the Lord</span>: <span class="accented">- Jehovah</span> (<span class="accented">vide</span> on ver. 31) - <span class="cmt_word">we cannot speak unto thee bad or good</span> - <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. they could not demur to a proposal so clearly indicated by Divine providence; a proof of the underlying piety of those descendants of Nahor. <span class="cmt_word">Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go,</span> - that the consent of the maiden is not asked was not owing to the fact that, according to ancient custom, Oriental women were at the absolute disposal, in respect of marriage, of their parents and elder brothers (Bush), but to the circumstance that already it had been tacitly given by her acceptance of the bridal presents (Kalisch), or, from her amiable and pious disposition, might be taken for granted, since she, no more than they, would resist the clearly-revealed will of Jehovah (Lange, Wordsworth) - <span class="cmt_word">and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the Lord hath spoken.</span> Words which again kindled the flame of reverential piety in the old man's heart, so that <span class="cmt_word">he worshipped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth</span> - literally, <span class="accented">he prostrated himself to the earth to Jehovah</span> (cf. ver. 26). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/24-50.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Laban</span><br /><span class="heb">לָבָ֤ן</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḇān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3837.htm">Strong's 3837: </a> </span><span class="str2">Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Bethuel</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְתוּאֵל֙</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·ṯū·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1328.htm">Strong's 1328: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bethuel -- perhaps 'man of God', a nephew of Abraham</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answered,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֨עַן</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“This is from</span><br /><span class="heb">יָצָ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ṣā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD;</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵיְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we have no</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">choice in the matter.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַדָּבָ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(had·dā·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/24-50.htm">Genesis 24:50 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/24-50.htm">Genesis 24:50 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/24-50.htm">Genesis 24:50 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/24-50.htm">Genesis 24:50 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/24-50.htm">Genesis 24:50 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/24-50.htm">Genesis 24:50 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/24-50.htm">Genesis 24:50 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/24-50.htm">Genesis 24:50 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/24-50.htm">Genesis 24:50 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/24-50.htm">Genesis 24:50 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/24-50.htm">OT Law: Genesis 24:50 Then Laban and Bethuel answered The thing (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/24-49.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 24:49"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 24:49" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/24-51.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 24:51"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 24:51" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>