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Genesis 24:33

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 24:33 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Genesis 24:33 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 24

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
30And it came to pass, when he saw the ring, and the bracelets upon his sister`s hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus spake the man unto me. That he came unto the man. And, behold, he was standing by the camels at the fountain.
31And he said, Come in, thou blessed of Jehovah. Wherefore standest thou without? For I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.
32And the man came into the house, and he ungirded the camels. And he gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men that were with him.
33And 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.
34And he said, I am Abraham`s servant.
35And Jehovah hath blessed my master greatly. And he is become great. And he hath given him flocks and herds, and silver and gold, and men-servants and maid-servants, and camels and asses.
36And Sarah my master`s wife bare a son to my master when she was old. And unto him hath he given all that he hath.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And there was set [meat] before them to eat, etc.] By the order of Bethuel or Laban, or both; or, “afterwards was set” f1329; that is after care had been taken the camels, then food being provided was set before the men to refresh them: but he said, I will not eat until I have told mine errand; or, “spoke my words” f1330; delivered the message he was sent with, and declared the business he came about; which shows him to be a diligent faithful servant, who had his master’s interest at heart, and preferred it to his necessary food: and he said; either Bethuel or Laban, for both were present, to whom the servant directed his discourse, (<012447>Genesis 24:47,50); perhaps Laban spoke in the name…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“24:33-48 The servant was not diverted from his mission; he insisted on telling his story before he would eat. He recounted his mission and acknowledged God’s providence in directing him to Rebekah before attending to his personal needs. The servant wanted everyone to know that this was God’s work, not a chance or humanly arranged meeting.”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification