Bible Strands
Genesis 24:33
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.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Abraham’s servant speaks to Laban inside the house immediately after arriving with the camels and receiving washing provisions. He refuses the prepared meal until he delivers his message.
The words — The Hebrew וַיּוּשַׂם (va/yu.sem) translates literally as “and it was placed,” describing the meal set before him. לֹא אֹכַל (lo' o.khal) means “I will not eat,” establishing his conditional refusal.
The thread — This sequence of arrival followed by urgent testimony parallels the immediate identification in Genesis 24:34 where he states he is Abraham’s servant. The narrative priority of message over hospitality aligns with the deliberate urgency recorded in Psalms 132:3.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to observe the servant’s refusal of physical comfort until his assigned task is completed. It asks the reader to prioritize faithful communication over immediate reward or rest.
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.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Psalms 132:3 “I will not enter my house or get into my bed,
- Ephesians 6:5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
- 1 Timothy 6:2 Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.
- Job 23:12 I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.
- Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
- Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
- John 4:14 But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.”
- John 4:31 Meanwhile the disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something.”