Genesis 24:33
New International Version
Then food was set before him, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I have to say.” “Then tell us,” Laban said.

New Living Translation
Then food was served. 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.”

English Standard Version
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.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Food 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.”

New American Standard Bible
But when food was set before him to eat, he said, “I will not eat until I have stated my business.” And he said, “Speak on.”

NASB 1995
But when food was set before him to eat, he said, “I will not eat until I have told my business.” And he said, “Speak on.”

NASB 1977
But when food was set before him to eat, he said, “I will not eat until I have told my business.” And he said, “Speak on.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then food was set before him to eat, but he said, “I will not eat until I have spoken my words.” And he said, “Speak!”

Amplified Bible
But when food was set before him, he said, “I will not eat until I have stated my business.” And Laban said, “Speak on.”

Christian Standard Bible
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.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
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."”

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
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.

English Revised 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
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.

Good News Translation
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."

International Standard Version
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.

Majority Standard Bible
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.?

NET Bible
When food was served, he said, "I will not eat until I have said what I want to say." "Tell us," Laban said.

New Heart English Bible
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."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Food was set before him to eat, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told my message.” Laban said, “Speak on.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and sets before him to eat; but he says, “I do not eat until I have spoken my word”; and he says, “Speak.”

Young's Literal Translation
and setteth before him to eat; but he saith, 'I do not eat till I have spoken my word;' and he saith, 'Speak.'

Smith's Literal Translation
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.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And bread was set before him. But he said: I will not eat, till I tell my message. He answered him: Speak.

Catholic Public Domain Version
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.”

New American Bible
But when food was set before him, he said, “I will not eat until I have told my story.” “Go ahead,” they replied.

New Revised Standard Version
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.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
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.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they placed food before them, and he said, “I shall not eat until I speak my words;” they were saying to him, “Speak.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
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.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Rebekah is Chosen
32So 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. 33Then 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.” 34“I am Abraham’s servant,” he replied.…

Cross References
John 4:31-34
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?” ...

Luke 10:38-42
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!” ...

Matthew 6:25
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?

John 6:27
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.”

Acts 9:6
“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

1 Samuel 9:24
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.

1 Kings 13:15-16
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.

Exodus 18:7-8
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.

Judges 19:21
So he brought him to his house and fed his donkeys. And they washed their feet and ate and drank.

1 Samuel 16:11
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.”

1 Kings 19:21
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.

2 Kings 4:8
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.

2 Samuel 9:7
“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.”

Nehemiah 8:10
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.”

Proverbs 31:27
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Job 23:12
Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

Psalm 132:3-5
Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; …

Proverbs 22:29
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

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Genesis 24
1. Abraham swears his servant.
10. The servant's journey.
12. His prayer.
14. His sign.
15. Rebekah meets him;
18. fulfils his sign;
22. receives jewels;
23. shows her kindred;
25. and invites him home.
26. The servant blesses God.
29. Laban entertains him.
34. The servant shows his message.
50. Laban and Bethuel approve it.
58. Rebekah consents to go, and departs.
62. Isaac meets and marries her.














Then a meal was set before him
This phrase indicates the customary hospitality of the ancient Near East, where offering a meal was a sign of welcome and respect. The Hebrew word for "meal" here is "אָכְלָה" (okhlah), which can refer to food in general. In the cultural context, sharing a meal was not just about nourishment but also about establishing a bond of trust and fellowship. This act of setting a meal before a guest was a significant gesture, reflecting the values of generosity and community that were deeply ingrained in the society of the time.

but he said, 'I will not eat
The servant's refusal to eat before speaking highlights his sense of duty and urgency. The Hebrew verb "אָמַר" (amar), meaning "said," is used here to convey the servant's firm resolve. This reflects a prioritization of mission over personal comfort, a theme that resonates with the biblical principle of seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). The servant's commitment to his task exemplifies the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities before indulging in personal needs.

until I have told you what I have to say
This phrase underscores the servant's dedication to his mission. The Hebrew word "דָּבָר" (dabar), meaning "word" or "thing," signifies the importance of the message he carries. In the biblical narrative, words are powerful and carry divine authority, as seen in the creation account where God speaks the world into existence. The servant's insistence on delivering his message before partaking in the meal highlights the weight and significance of his mission, which is to find a wife for Isaac, a task ordained by God.

And Laban said, 'Please speak.'
Laban's response, using the Hebrew word "דַּבֵּר" (daber), meaning "speak," indicates his willingness to listen and engage. This openness to hear the servant's message reflects a cultural norm of hospitality and respect for guests. In the broader biblical context, listening is often associated with obedience and receptivity to God's will. Laban's invitation to speak sets the stage for the unfolding of God's providential plan, as the servant recounts the miraculous guidance he received in finding Rebekah. This interaction between the servant and Laban illustrates the importance of communication and the readiness to hear and respond to God's purposes.

(33) I will not eat, until I have told mine errand.--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 to enter his dwelling.

Mr. Fraser (Historical Description of Afghanistan Genesis 11 p. 424: Edinburgh, 1834) and Ferrier (L'Af ghanistan, 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 menawati, from two words signifying I am come in. 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.

Verse 33. - And there was set - appositus eat (Vulgate); i.e. if the first word be taken, as in the Keri, as the hophal of שׂוּם; but if the Kethib be preferred, then וַיַּישֶׂם is the fur. Kal of יָשַׂם, signifying, "and he set;" παρέθηκεν (LXX.) - meat before him to eat (the crowning act of an Oriental reception): but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. 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 (vide Mark 6:31; John 4:34). And he (i.e. Laban) said, Speak on.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then a meal was set
וַיּוּשַׂ֤ם (way·yū·śam)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hofal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3455: To place, in, to be placed

before [the man],
לְפָנָיו֙ (lə·p̄ā·nāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

but he said,
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“I will not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

eat
לֶאֱכֹ֔ל (le·’ĕ·ḵōl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 398: To eat

until
עַ֥ד (‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

I have told you
דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי (dib·bar·tî)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

what I came to say.”
דְּבָרָ֑י (də·ḇā·rāy)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

So Laban said,
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Please speak.”
דַּבֵּֽר׃ (dab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue


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OT Law: Genesis 24:33 Food was set before him to eat (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 24:32
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