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<!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 24:16 Now 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/24-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/01_Gen_24_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 24:16 - Rebekah is Chosen" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now 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." /><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/24-16.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/24-16.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 16</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="/ad16.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/24-15.htm" title="Genesis 24:15">◄</a> Genesis 24:16 <a href="/genesis/24-17.htm" title="Genesis 24:17">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/genesis/24.htm">New International Version</a> The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again. <a href="/nlt/genesis/24.htm">New Living Translation</a> Rebekah was very beautiful and old enough to be married, but she was still a virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came up again. <a href="/esv/genesis/24.htm">English Standard Version</a> The young woman was very attractive in appearance, a maiden whom no man had known. She went down to the spring and filled her jar and came up. <a href="/bsb/genesis/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now 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. <a href="/kjv/genesis/24.htm">King James Bible</a> And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/24.htm">New King James Version</a> Now the young woman was very beautiful to behold, a virgin; no man had known her. And she went down to the well, filled her pitcher, and came up. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The young woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had had relations with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came up. <a href="/nasb/genesis/24.htm">NASB 1995</a> The girl was very beautiful, a virgin, and no man had had relations with her; and she went down to the spring and filled her jar and came up. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the girl was very beautiful, a virgin, and no man had had relations with her; and she went down to the spring and filled her jar, and came up. <a href="/lsb/genesis/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now the young woman was very beautiful in appearance, a virgin, and no man had known her; and she went down to the spring and filled her jar and came up. <a href="/amp/genesis/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The girl was very beautiful, a virgin and unmarried; and she went down to the spring and filled her jar and came up. <a href="/csb/genesis/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now the girl was very beautiful, a virgin—no man had been intimate with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came up. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now the girl was very beautiful, a young woman who had not known a man intimately. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came up. <a href="/asv/genesis/24.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the fountain, and filled her pitcher, and came up. <a href="/erv/genesis/24.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the fountain, and filled her pitcher, and came up. <a href="/gwt/genesis/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The girl was a very attractive virgin. No man had ever had sexual intercourse with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came back. <a href="/gnt/genesis/24.htm">Good News Translation</a> She was a very beautiful young woman and still a virgin. She went down to the well, filled her jar, and came back. <a href="/isv/genesis/24.htm">International Standard Version</a> The woman was very beautiful, young, and had not had sexual relations with a man. Going down to the spring, she filled her jug and turned for home. <a href="/msb/genesis/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now 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. <a href="/net/genesis/24.htm">NET Bible</a> Now the young woman was very beautiful. She was a virgin; no man had ever had sexual relations with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came back up. <a href="/nheb/genesis/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now the young woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. And she went down to the spring and filled her jug and came up. <a href="/wbt/genesis/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up. <a href="/web/genesis/24.htm">World English Bible</a> The young lady was very beautiful to look at, a virgin. No man had known her. She went down to the spring, filled her pitcher, and came up. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and the young person [is] of very good appearance, a virgin, and a man has not known her; and she goes down to the fountain, and fills her pitcher, and comes up. <a href="/ylt/genesis/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the young person is of very good appearance, a virgin, and a man hath not known her; and she goeth down to the fountain, and filleth her pitcher, and cometh up. <a href="/slt/genesis/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the girl good of aspect exceedingly; a virgin, and man knew her not: and she will go down to the fountain and fill her bucket, and come up.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> An exceedingly comely maid, and a most beautiful virgin, and not known to man: and she went down to the spring, and filled her pitcher and was coming back. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> She was an exceedingly elegant girl, and a most beautiful virgin, and unknown by man. And she descended to the spring, and she filled her pitcher, and then was returning. <a href="/nabre/genesis/24.htm">New American Bible</a> The young woman was very beautiful, a virgin, untouched by man. She went down to the spring and filled her jug. As she came up, <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The girl was very fair to look upon, a virgin, whom no man had known. She went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came up.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the damsel was very beautiful to look upon, a virgin whom no man had known; and she went down to the well and filled her pitcher and came up. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the young girl was very beautiful in her appearance, a virgin whom a man had not known, and she came down to the well and filled her cruse and she came up.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her; and she went down to the fountain, and filled her pitcher, and came up. <a href="/sep/genesis/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the virgin was very beautiful in appearance, she was a virgin, a man had not known her; and she went down to the well, and filled her water-pot, and came up. <a href="/parallel/genesis/24-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=5325" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/24.htm">Rebekah is Chosen</a> 15Before 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. 16<a href="/hebrew/5291.htm" title="5291: wə·han·na·‘ă·rā (Conj-w, Art:: N-fs) -- A girl, maiden. Feminine of na'ar; a girl.">Now the girl</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc.">was very</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·ḇaṯ (Adj-fsc) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">beautiful,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4758.htm" title="4758: mar·’eh (N-ms) -- Sight, appearance, vision. From ra'ah; a view; also an appearance, whether a shape, or a vision."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1330.htm" title="1330: bə·ṯū·lāh (N-fs) -- Feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning to separate; a virgin; sometimes a bride; also a city or state.">a virgin</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yə·ḏā·‘āh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms:: 3fs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">who had not had relations</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">with any man.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: wat·tê·reḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To come or go down, descend. ">She went down</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: hā·‘ay·nāh (Art:: N-cs:: 3fs) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">to the spring,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4390.htm" title="4390: wat·tə·mal·lê (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To be full, to fill. Or malae; a primitive root, to fill or be full of, in a wide application.">filled</a> <a href="/hebrew/3537.htm" title="3537: ḵad·dāh (N-fsc:: 3fs) -- A jar. From an unused root meaning to deepen; properly, a pail; but generally of earthenware; a jar for domestic purposes.">her jar,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: wat·tā·‘al (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">and came up again.</a> 17So the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me have a little water from your jar.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Proverbs 31:30</a> Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. <a href="/1_peter/3-3.htm">1 Peter 3:3-4</a> Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. <a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">1 Samuel 25:3</a> His name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings. <a href="/1_timothy/2-9.htm">1 Timothy 2:9-10</a> Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, / but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God. <a href="/esther/2-7.htm">Esther 2:7</a> And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah (that is, Esther), the daughter of his uncle, because she did not have a father or mother. The young woman was lovely in form and appearance, and when her father and mother had died, Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter. <a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">1 Samuel 16:12</a> So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” <a href="/songs/4-7.htm">Song of Solomon 4:7</a> You are altogether beautiful, my darling; in you there is no flaw. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-5.htm">1 Corinthians 11:5-6</a> And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for it is just as if her head were shaved. / If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. And if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. <a href="/ruth/3-11.htm">Ruth 3:11</a> And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character. <a href="/1_samuel/9-2.htm">1 Samuel 9:2</a> And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-34.htm">1 Corinthians 7:34</a> and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the work of the Lord, how she can be holy in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world, how she can please her husband. <a href="/2_samuel/14-27.htm">2 Samuel 14:27</a> Three sons were born to Absalom, and a daughter named Tamar, who was a beautiful woman. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">1 Corinthians 6:19-20</a> Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. <a href="/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2</a> One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. <a href="/1_timothy/5-2.htm">1 Timothy 5:2</a> older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the damsel was very fair to look on, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.fair to look upon.<a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7</a> And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon.<a href="/genesis/39-6.htm">Genesis 39:6</a> And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.known.<a href="/genesis/4-1.htm">Genesis 4:1</a> And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.<a href="/numbers/31-17.htm">Numbers 31:17,18</a> Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him… <a href="/songs/5-2.htm">Song of Solomon 5:2</a> I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/12-11.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/genesis/12-14.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/genesis/4-7.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/genesis/24-14.htm">Damsel</a> <a href="/genesis/12-14.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/genesis/21-19.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/genesis/24-13.htm">Fountain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-34.htm">Girl</a> <a href="/genesis/24-12.htm">Good</a> <a href="/genesis/24-15.htm">Jar</a> <a href="/genesis/24-14.htm">Lady</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-28.htm">Maiden</a> <a href="/genesis/24-15.htm">Pitcher</a> <a href="/genesis/24-4.htm">Relations</a> <a href="/genesis/24-13.htm">Spring</a> <a href="/1_john/5-18.htm">Touched</a> <a href="/revelation/18-12.htm">Vessel</a> <a href="/genesis/19-8.htm">Virgin</a> <a href="/genesis/24-15.htm">Water</a> <a href="/genesis/24-14.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/29-17.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/genesis/24-28.htm">Damsel</a> <a href="/genesis/24-53.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/genesis/26-15.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/genesis/24-29.htm">Fountain</a> <a href="/genesis/24-28.htm">Girl</a> <a href="/genesis/24-21.htm">Good</a> <a href="/genesis/24-17.htm">Jar</a> <a href="/genesis/24-28.htm">Lady</a> <a href="/genesis/24-28.htm">Maiden</a> <a href="/genesis/24-17.htm">Pitcher</a> <a href="/genesis/24-38.htm">Relations</a> <a href="/genesis/24-20.htm">Spring</a> <a href="/genesis/26-29.htm">Touched</a> <a href="/genesis/24-17.htm">Vessel</a> <a href="/genesis/24-43.htm">Virgin</a> <a href="/genesis/24-17.htm">Water</a> <a href="/genesis/24-28.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 24</div>1. <a href="/genesis/24-1.htm">Abraham swears his servant.</a> 10. <a href="/genesis/24-10.htm">The servant's journey.</a> 12. <a href="/genesis/24-12.htm">His prayer.</a> 14. <a href="/genesis/24-14.htm">His sign.</a> 15. <a href="/genesis/24-15.htm">Rebekah meets him;</a> 18. <a href="/genesis/24-18.htm">fulfils his sign;</a> 22. <a href="/genesis/24-22.htm">receives jewels;</a> 23. <a href="/genesis/24-23.htm">shows her kindred;</a> 25. <a href="/genesis/24-25.htm">and invites him home.</a> 26. <a href="/genesis/24-26.htm">The servant blesses God.</a> 29. <a href="/genesis/24-29.htm">Laban entertains him.</a> 34. <a href="/genesis/24-34.htm">The servant shows his message.</a> 50. <a href="/genesis/24-50.htm">Laban and Bethuel approve it.</a> 58. <a href="/genesis/24-58.htm">Rebekah consents to go, and departs.</a> 62. <a href="/genesis/24-62.htm">Isaac meets and marries her.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Now the girl was very beautiful In biblical narratives, physical beauty often signifies favor and blessing, as seen with figures like Sarah and Rachel. Rebekah's beauty may symbolize her suitability for God's plan, reflecting the divine favor upon her. Beauty in the Bible can also foreshadow significant roles in God's redemptive history, as seen in Esther and others.a virgin who had not had relations with any man This phrase emphasizes Rebekah's purity and eligibility for marriage, aligning with cultural expectations of the time. Virginity was highly valued in ancient Near Eastern societies, often associated with honor and covenantal faithfulness. This detail underscores her suitability as Isaac's wife, ensuring the purity of the Abrahamic line.She went down to the spring The act of going to the spring highlights the daily life and responsibilities of women in ancient Mesopotamia. Springs were central to community life, serving as gathering places. This setting provides a natural backdrop for divine encounters, as seen in other biblical narratives like those of Hagar and the Samaritan woman.filled her jar Rebekah's action demonstrates her industriousness and hospitality, qualities esteemed in biblical womanhood. Her willingness to serve foreshadows her role in the unfolding of God's covenant promises. This act of drawing water also prefigures the living water motif found in the New Testament, symbolizing spiritual nourishment and life.and came up again This phrase indicates Rebekah's strength and capability, as drawing water was physically demanding. Her return from the spring sets the stage for her encounter with Abraham's servant, a pivotal moment in the narrative. This action signifies the completion of her task and readiness for the divine appointment that follows, echoing themes of divine providence and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/r/rebekah.htm">Rebekah</a> The young woman described in this verse, known for her beauty and purity. She is the daughter of Bethuel and becomes the wife of Isaac. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_spring.htm">The Spring</a> The location where Rebekah goes to draw water. It serves as the setting for her encounter with Abraham's servant. 3. <a href="/topical/a/abraham's_servant.htm">Abraham's Servant</a> Though not mentioned in this specific verse, he is the one seeking a wife for Isaac and is observing Rebekah's actions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/p/purity_and_character.htm">Purity and Character</a> Rebekah's description as a virgin emphasizes the importance of purity and moral integrity. In a modern context, this can be applied to maintaining purity in thought and action. <a href="/topical/g/god's_providence.htm">God's Providence</a> The meeting at the spring is not by chance but orchestrated by God. This teaches us to trust in God's timing and guidance in our lives. <a href="/topical/i/inner_beauty.htm">Inner Beauty</a> While Rebekah is noted for her physical beauty, her actions and willingness to serve (as seen in subsequent verses) highlight the importance of inner beauty and a servant's heart. <a href="/topical/d/diligence_and_service.htm">Diligence and Service</a> Rebekah's action of drawing water demonstrates diligence and a willingness to serve others, qualities that are commendable and should be emulated.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 24</a> <a href="/q/can_one_reclaim_virginity.htm">Can someone reclaim virginity as a born-again virgin?</a> <a href="/q/does_isaiah_7_14_mean_'young_woman'.htm">Is the Hebrew word in Isaiah 7:14 more accurately translated as “young woman” rather than “virgin,” and how does this affect the prophecy? </a> <a href="/q/how_crucial_is_attraction_in_a_spouse.htm">How important is physical attraction in choosing a spouse?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_genesis_24_14_approved.htm">Why is a sign-based approach (Genesis 24:14) seemingly approved here, when similar methods are discouraged in other biblical passages?</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>(16) She went down to the well.--The water, therefore, was reached by a flight of steps, the usual rule wherever the well was fed by a natural spring. Cisterns, on the contrary, supplied from the rains were narrower at the top than at the bottom.Mr. Malan (Philosophy or Truth, p. 93), in an interesting account of his visit to this well, says that on going out from Haran in the evening to examine it, he found "a group of women filling, no longer their pitchers, since the steps down which Rebekah went to fetch the water are now blocked up, but their water-skins by drawing water at the well's mouth. Everything around that well bears signs of age and of the wear of time; for as it is the only well of drinkable water there, it is much resorted to. Other wells are only for watering the flocks. There we find the troughs of various height for camels, for sheep and for goats, for kids and for lambs; there the women wear nose-rings and bracelets on their arms, some of gold or of silver, and others of brass, or even of glass."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - And the damsel was very fair to look upon. Literally, good of countenance, like Sarah (<a href="/genesis/12-11.htm">Genesis 12:11</a>) and Rachel (<a href="/genesis/29-17.htm">Genesis 29:17</a>; cf. <a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7</a> of Rebekah). A virgin. Bethulah, i.e. one separated and secluded from intercourse with men; from batik, to seclude (cf. <a href="/deuteronomy/22-23.htm">Deuteronomy 22:23, 28</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/13-2.htm">2 Samuel 13:2, 18</a>). Neither had any man known her. A repetition for the sake of emphasis, rather than because bethulah sometimes applies to a married woman (<a href="/joel/1-8.htm">Joel 1:8</a>). And she went down to the well, - "nearly all wells in the East are in wadys, and have steps down to the water" (Thomson, 'Land and Book,' p. 592) - and filled her pitcher, and came up - probably wholly unconscious of the old man's admiration, though by no means unprepared for his request, which immediately followed. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/24-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now the girl וְהַֽנַּעֲרָ֗ (wə·han·na·‘ă·rā) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5291.htm">Strong's 5291: </a> A girl, maiden was very מְאֹ֔ד (mə·’ōḏ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3966.htm">Strong's 3966: </a> Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily beautiful, טֹבַ֤ת (ṭō·ḇaṯ) Adjective - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good a virgin בְּתוּלָ֕ה (bə·ṯū·lāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1330.htm">Strong's 1330: </a> A virgin, sometimes, a bride who had not had relations יְדָעָ֑הּ (yə·ḏā·‘āh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know with any man. וְאִ֖ישׁ (wə·’îš) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person She went down וַתֵּ֣רֶד (wat·tê·reḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend to the spring, הָעַ֔יְנָה (hā·‘ay·nāh) Article | Noun - common singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> An eye, a fountain filled וַתְּמַלֵּ֥א (wat·tə·mal·lê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4390.htm">Strong's 4390: </a> To fill, be full of her jar, כַדָּ֖הּ (ḵad·dāh) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3537.htm">Strong's 3537: </a> A pail, earthenware, a jar and came up again. וַתָּֽעַל׃ (wat·tā·‘al) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/24-16.htm">Genesis 24:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/24-16.htm">Genesis 24:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/24-16.htm">Genesis 24:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/24-16.htm">Genesis 24:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/24-16.htm">Genesis 24:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/24-16.htm">Genesis 24:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/24-16.htm">Genesis 24:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/24-16.htm">Genesis 24:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/24-16.htm">Genesis 24:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/24-16.htm">Genesis 24:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/24-16.htm">OT Law: Genesis 24:16 The young lady was very beautiful (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/24-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 24:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 24:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/24-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 24:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 24:17" /></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>