Verse (Click for Chapter) 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 Versionand 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 BibleAnd 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 BibleAnd 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 1917And 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. Jump to Previous Business Clear Eat Errand Food Laban Meat Message Speak WordJump to Next Business Clear Eat Errand Food Laban Meat Message Speak WordGenesis 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 the man In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a significant social custom, often involving the sharing of a meal. This act of setting a meal before a guest was a gesture of welcome and respect. The man referred to here is Abraham's servant, likely Eliezer, who was sent to find a wife for Isaac. The preparation of a meal indicates the host's willingness to engage in a relationship and dialogue, reflecting the cultural importance of hospitality as seen in other biblical accounts, such as Abraham's own hospitality to the three visitors in Genesis 18. but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak.” Persons / Places / Events 1. Abraham's ServantThe unnamed servant, traditionally believed to be Eliezer, is on a mission to find a wife for Isaac, Abraham's son. His dedication to his task is evident in his refusal to eat before completing his mission. 2. Laban Rebekah's brother, who plays a significant role in the hospitality and negotiations regarding Rebekah's marriage to Isaac. His response, "Please speak," shows his willingness to listen and engage in the conversation. 3. Rebekah Although not directly mentioned in this verse, she is central to the account as the prospective bride for Isaac. Her family, including Laban, is involved in the decision-making process. 4. Haran The place where Abraham's servant finds Rebekah. It is significant as the location where Abraham's relatives reside, fulfilling Abraham's desire for a wife for Isaac from his own kin. 5. The Meal Represents the cultural practice of hospitality and the importance of sharing a meal in establishing relationships and agreements. The servant's refusal to eat highlights his commitment to his mission. Teaching Points Prioritizing God's MissionThe servant's refusal to eat before completing his task teaches us the importance of prioritizing God's work over personal comfort or social customs. The Role of Hospitality Laban's hospitality reflects the biblical value of welcoming and listening to others, which can open doors for God's purposes to be fulfilled. Commitment to Duty The servant's dedication is a model for believers to remain focused and committed to the tasks God has entrusted to them, even when distractions arise. Divine Guidance and Providence The account encourages believers to seek God's guidance in their endeavors, trusting that He will lead them to the right path.(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 setוַיּוּשַׂ֤ם (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 Links Genesis 24:33 NIVGenesis 24:33 NLT Genesis 24:33 ESV Genesis 24:33 NASB Genesis 24:33 KJV Genesis 24:33 BibleApps.com Genesis 24:33 Biblia Paralela Genesis 24:33 Chinese Bible Genesis 24:33 French Bible Genesis 24:33 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 24:33 Food was set before him to eat (Gen. 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