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But Abraham’s servant said, “I don’t want to eat until I have told you why I have come.” “All right,” Laban said, “tell us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/24.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then food was set before him to eat. But he said, “I will not eat until I have said what I have to say.” He said, “Speak on.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/24.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And there was set <i>meat</i> before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>Food</i> was set before him to eat, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told about my errand.” And he said, “Speak on.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But when <i>food</i> was set before him to eat, he said, “I will not eat until I have stated my business.” And he said, “Speak on.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But when food was set before him to eat, he said, &#8220I will not eat until I have told my business.&#8221 And he said, &#8220Speak on.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But when <i>food</i> was set before him to eat, he said, “I will not eat until I have told my business.” And he said, “Speak on.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then <i>food</i> was set before him to eat, but he said, “I will not eat until I have spoken my words.” And he said, “Speak!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But when food was set before him, he said, “I will not eat until I have stated my business.” And Laban said, “Speak on.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A meal was set before him, but he said, “I will not eat until I have said what I have to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A meal was set before him, but he said, &#8220I will not eat until I have said what I have to say.&#8221 So Laban said, &#8220Please speak."&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And there was set food before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />After that, they brought in food. But the servant said, "Before I eat, I must tell you why I have come." "Go ahead and tell us," Laban answered. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the food was put in front of him, he said, "I won't eat until I've said what I have to say." "Speak up," Laban said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When food was brought, the man said, "I will not eat until I have said what I have to say." Laban said, "Go on and speak." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But when they had prepared a meal and set it in front of him, he said, "I'm not eating until I've spoken." "Speak up!" Laban exclaimed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, ?I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.? So Laban said, ?Please speak.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When food was served, he said, "I will not eat until I have said what I want to say." "Tell us," Laban said. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And he set before him food to eat, but he said, "I will not eat until I have told my message." And he said, "Say it."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And there was set food before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told my errand. And he said, Speak on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Food was set before him to eat, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told my message.” Laban said, “Speak on.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and sets before him to eat; but he says, “I do not eat until I have spoken my word”; and he says, “Speak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and setteth before him to eat; but he saith, 'I do not eat till I have spoken my word;' and he saith, 'Speak.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will set before his face to eat, and he will say, Not to eat till I have spoken my word. And he will say, Speak.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And bread was set before him. But he said: I will not eat, till I tell my message. He answered him: Speak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And bread was set out in his sight. But he said, “I will not eat, until I have spoken my words.” He answered him, “Speak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But when food was set before him, he said, “I will not eat until I have told my story.” “Go ahead,” they replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then food was set before him to eat; but he said, “I will not eat until I have told my errand.” He said, “Speak on.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And there was set food before them to eat; but Abraham's steward said, I will not eat until I have told my errand. And they said, Speak on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they placed food before them, and he said, “I shall not eat until I speak my words;” they were saying to him, “Speak.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And there was set food before him to eat; but he said: 'I will not eat, until I have told mine errand.' And he said: 'Speak on.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he set before them loaves to eat; but he said, I will not eat, until I have told my errand. And he said, Speak on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/24-33.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=5460" 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">32</span>So the man came to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and feed were brought to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of his companions. <span class="reftext">33</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3455.htm" title="3455: way·yī·śɛm (Conj-w:: V-Hofal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To place, in, to be placed. A prim root; to place; intransitively, to be placed.">Then a meal was set</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nāw (Prep-l:: N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before the man,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">but he said,</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.">“I will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: ’ō·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat."></a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: le·’ĕ·ḵōl (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">eat</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">until</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dib·bar·tî (V-Piel-Perf-1cs) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">I have told you</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇā·rāy (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">what I came to say.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">So Laban said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dab·bêr (V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">“Please speak.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">34</span>“I am Abraham’s servant,” he replied.…<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="/john/4-31.htm">John 4:31-34</a></span><br />Meanwhile the disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something.” / But He told them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” / So the disciples asked one another, “Could someone have brought Him food?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-38.htm">Luke 10:38-42</a></span><br />As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. / She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. / But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Matthew 6:25</a></span><br />Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-27.htm">John 6:27</a></span><br />Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-6.htm">Acts 9:6</a></span><br />“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/9-24.htm">1 Samuel 9:24</a></span><br />So the cook picked up the leg and what was attached to it and set it before Saul. Then Samuel said, “Here is what was kept back. It was set apart for you. Eat, for it has been kept for you for this occasion, from the time I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” So Saul dined with Samuel that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/13-15.htm">1 Kings 13:15-16</a></span><br />So the prophet said to the man of God, “Come home with me and eat some bread.” / But the man replied, “I cannot go home with you, and I will not eat bread or drink water with you in this place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/18-7.htm">Exodus 18:7-8</a></span><br />So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent. / Then Moses recounted to his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardships they had encountered along the way, and how the LORD had delivered them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/19-21.htm">Judges 19:21</a></span><br />So he brought him to his house and fed his donkeys. And they washed their feet and ate and drank.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">1 Samuel 16:11</a></span><br />And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/19-21.htm">1 Kings 19:21</a></span><br />So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8</a></span><br />One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/9-7.htm">2 Samuel 9:7</a></span><br />“Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10</a></span><br />Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-27.htm">Proverbs 31:27</a></span><br />She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told my errand. And he said, Speak on.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/23-12.htm">Job 23:12</a></b></br> Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary <i>food</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/132-3.htm">Psalm 132:3-5</a></b></br> Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-29.htm">Proverbs 22:29</a></b></br> Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean <i>men</i>.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_peter/2-3.htm">Business</a> <a href="/genesis/24-8.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/genesis/19-3.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/matthew/28-11.htm">Errand</a> <a href="/genesis/19-3.htm">Food</a> <a href="/genesis/24-32.htm">Laban</a> <a href="/genesis/9-4.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/revelation/10-3.htm">Message</a> <a href="/genesis/19-21.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/genesis/24-21.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/39-11.htm">Business</a> <a href="/genesis/24-41.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/genesis/24-54.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/judges/3-19.htm">Errand</a> <a href="/genesis/24-54.htm">Food</a> <a href="/genesis/24-50.htm">Laban</a> <a href="/genesis/25-28.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/genesis/32-5.htm">Message</a> <a href="/genesis/24-50.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/genesis/26-32.htm">Word</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'; 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This act of setting a meal before a guest was a gesture of welcome and respect. The man referred to here is Abraham's servant, likely Eliezer, who was sent to find a wife for Isaac. The preparation of a meal indicates the host's willingness to engage in a relationship and dialogue, reflecting the cultural importance of hospitality as seen in other biblical accounts, such as Abraham's own hospitality to the three visitors in <a href="/genesis/18.htm">Genesis 18</a>.<p><b>but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.”</b><br>The servant's refusal to eat before speaking demonstrates his commitment to his mission and his sense of urgency. This reflects a prioritization of duty over personal comfort, a theme echoed in the New Testament where Jesus emphasizes the importance of spiritual duties over physical needs (<a href="/john/4-34.htm">John 4:34</a>). The servant's focus on his task also highlights the seriousness of his mission, which is to secure a wife for Isaac, ensuring the continuation of God's covenant with Abraham.<p><b>So Laban said, “Please speak.”</b><br>Laban's response indicates his willingness to listen and engage with the servant's message. This openness is crucial for the unfolding of God's plan, as Laban's agreement would lead to Rebekah becoming Isaac's wife. Laban's character is complex, as seen in later chapters, but here he is portrayed as hospitable and accommodating. This interaction sets the stage for the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, as Rebekah's marriage to Isaac is a key event in the lineage leading to the birth of Jesus Christ, fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham's_servant.htm">Abraham's Servant</a></b><br>The unnamed servant, traditionally believed to be Eliezer, is on a mission to find a wife for Isaac, Abraham's son. His dedication to his task is evident in his refusal to eat before completing his mission.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/laban.htm">Laban</a></b><br>Rebekah's brother, who plays a significant role in the hospitality and negotiations regarding Rebekah's marriage to Isaac. His response, "Please speak," shows his willingness to listen and engage in the conversation.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/rebekah.htm">Rebekah</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, she is central to the account as the prospective bride for Isaac. Her family, including Laban, is involved in the decision-making process.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/h/haran.htm">Haran</a></b><br>The place where Abraham's servant finds Rebekah. It is significant as the location where Abraham's relatives reside, fulfilling Abraham's desire for a wife for Isaac from his own kin.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_meal.htm">The Meal</a></b><br>Represents the cultural practice of hospitality and the importance of sharing a meal in establishing relationships and agreements. The servant's refusal to eat highlights his commitment to his mission.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/prioritizing_god's_mission.htm">Prioritizing God's Mission</a></b><br>The servant's refusal to eat before completing his task teaches us the importance of prioritizing God's work over personal comfort or social customs.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_hospitality.htm">The Role of Hospitality</a></b><br>Laban's hospitality reflects the biblical value of welcoming and listening to others, which can open doors for God's purposes to be fulfilled.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/commitment_to_duty.htm">Commitment to Duty</a></b><br>The servant's dedication is a model for believers to remain focused and committed to the tasks God has entrusted to them, even when distractions arise.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_guidance_and_providence.htm">Divine Guidance and Providence</a></b><br>The account encourages believers to seek God's guidance in their endeavors, trusting that He will lead them to the right path.<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/why_no_laban_pursuit_in_genesis_33.htm">Why is there no mention of repercussions or pursuit from Laban, despite prior tensions, when Jacob meets Esau in Genesis 33?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_traditions_in_a_jewish_wedding.htm">What are the key traditions in a Jewish wedding?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_speak_to_idolater_laban.htm">In Genesis 31:24, why would God communicate with Laban if Laban worshipped other gods, and how does this align with other biblical passages about idolatry?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_jacob_see_god_if_no_one_has.htm">Why does Jacob's claim of seeing God 'face to face' (Gen. 32:30) not conflict with John 1:18, which says no one has ever seen God?</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>(33) <span class= "bld">I will not eat, until I have told mine errand.</span>--Two points in Oriental manners are here brought into view: the first, that hospitality, so necessary in a country where there are no inns, was, and still is, a religion to the Bedouin; the second, that consequently he will concede anything rather than have his hospitality refused. Aware of this feeling, Abraham's servant will not partake of Laban's bread and salt until he has told his request. After he had become Laban's guest, Laban would have been free to do as he liked; but he must now grant what is asked, or the stranger would decline <span class= "ital">to </span>enter his dwelling.<p>Mr. Fraser (<span class= "ital">Historical Description of Afghanistan </span>Genesis 11 p. 424: Edinburgh, 1834) and Ferrier (<span class= "ital">L'Af ghanistan, </span>Genesis 11, p. 119: ed. 1842) mention a remarkable custom connected with Afghan hospitality which admirably illustrates the behaviour of Abraham's servant. It is called <span class= "ital">menawati, </span>from two words signifying <span class= "ital">I am come in. </span>Any one who has a favour to ask goes to the tent or house of the person from whom he expects it, but refuses to sit on his carpet or partake of his food until he has granted the required boon. And custom makes it a point of honour to concede it, if it be in the power of the person thus appealed to.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 33.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And there was set</span> <span class="accented">- appositus</span> eat (Vulgate); <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. if the first word be taken, as in the Keri, as the hophal of <span class="hebrew">שׂוּם</span>; but if the Kethib be preferred, then <span class="hebrew">וַיַּישֶׂם</span> is the fur. Kal of <span class="hebrew">יָשַׂם</span>, signifying, "and he set;" <span class="greek">παρέθηκεν</span> (LXX.) - meat <span class="cmt_word">before him to eat</span> (the crowning act of an Oriental reception): <span class="cmt_word">but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand.</span> Oriental politeness deferred the interrogation of a guest till after he had supped ('Odyss.' 3:69); but Abraham's servant hastened to communicate the nature of his message before partaking of the offered hospitality - an instance of self-forgetful zeal of which Christ was the highest example (<span class="accented">vide</span> <a href="/mark/6-31.htm">Mark 6:31</a>; <a href="/john/4-34.htm">John 4:34</a>). <span class="cmt_word">And he</span> (<span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. Laban) said, <span class="cmt_word">Speak on.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/24-33.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">Then a meal was set</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיּוּשַׂ֤ם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yū·śam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hofal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3455.htm">Strong's 3455: </a> </span><span class="str2">To place, in, to be placed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before [the man],</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפָנָיו֙</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄ā·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but he said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“I will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</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">eat</span><br /><span class="heb">לֶאֱכֹ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(le·’ĕ·ḵōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">until</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have told you</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(dib·bar·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what I came to say.”</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּבָרָ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(də·ḇā·rāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common 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 /><br /><span class="word">So Laban said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֖אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Please speak.”</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּבֵּֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(dab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/24-33.htm">Genesis 24:33 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/24-33.htm">Genesis 24:33 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/24-33.htm">Genesis 24:33 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/24-33.htm">Genesis 24:33 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/24-33.htm">Genesis 24:33 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/24-33.htm">Genesis 24:33 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/24-33.htm">Genesis 24:33 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/24-33.htm">Genesis 24:33 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/24-33.htm">Genesis 24:33 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/24-33.htm">Genesis 24:33 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/24-33.htm">OT Law: Genesis 24:33 Food was set before him to eat (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/24-32.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 24:32"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 24:32" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/24-34.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 24:34"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 24:34" /></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>