Genesis 24:23

Study note

Setting — The traveling servant addresses Rebekah at the well immediately after presenting her with a gold nose ring and bracelets (Genesis 24:22). He inquires about her paternal lineage and asks whether her father’s dwelling can accommodate his party for the night.

The words — The phrase בַּת־מִי (bat-mi) literally renders “daughter of whom?” and directly requests her genealogical identification. The imperative הַגִּידִי (ha-gidi) combined with the particle נָא (na) forms the courteous command “please tell.”

The thread — The verse advances the narrative thread of covenantal kinship verification, where practical inquiries about identity and shelter confirm the fulfillment of the promise to return to Abraham’s family (Genesis 24:12-14). The servant’s questions operate as a functional checkpoint within the broader Genesis pattern of divine guidance through familial networks.

Why it lands — The text requires a direct, unembellished response regarding household capacity and lineage before any marital arrangement can proceed. It asks the reader to recognize how concrete logistical details ground the unfolding covenantal narrative.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.