Old Testament

New Testament

Genesis 24:42-57 Contemporary English Version Anglicised (CEVUK00)

42. When I came to the well today, I silently prayed, “You, Lord, are the God my master Abraham worships, so please lead me to a wife for his son

43. while I am here at the well. When a young woman comes out to get water, I'll ask her to give me a drink.

44. If she gives me a drink and offers to get some water for my camels, I'll know she is the one you have chosen.”

45. Even before I had finished praying, Rebekah came by with a water jar on her shoulder. When she had filled the jar, I asked her for a drink.

46. She quickly lowered the jar from her shoulder and said, “Have a drink. Then I'll get water for your camels.” So I drank, and after that she got some water for my camels.

47. I asked her who her father was, and she answered, “My father is Bethuel the son of Nahor and Milcah.” Straight away I put the ring in her nose and the bracelets on her arms.

48. Then I bowed my head and gave thanks to the God my master Abraham worships. The Lord had led me straight to my master's relatives, and I had found a wife for his son.

49. Now please tell me if you are willing to do the right thing for my master. Will you treat him fairly, or do I have to look for another young woman?

50. Laban and Bethuel answered, “The Lord has done this. We have no choice in the matter.

51. Take Rebekah with you; she can marry your master's son, just as the Lord has said.”

52. Abraham's servant bowed down and thanked the Lord.

53. Then he gave clothing, as well as silver and gold jewellery, to Rebekah. He also gave expensive gifts to her brother and her mother.

54. Abraham's servant and the men with him ate and drank, then spent the night there. The next morning they got up, and the servant told Rebekah's mother and brother, “I would like to go back to my master now.”

55. “Let Rebekah stay with us for a week or ten days,” they answered. “Then she may go.”

56. But he said, “Don't make me stay any longer. The Lord has already helped me find a wife for my master's son. Now let us return.”

57. They answered, “Let's ask Rebekah what she wants to do.”

Read complete chapter Genesis 24