Genesis 24:63
New International Version
He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching.

New Living Translation
One evening as he was walking and meditating in the fields, he looked up and saw the camels coming.

English Standard Version
And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. And he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, there were camels coming.

Berean Standard Bible
Early in the evening, Isaac went out to the field to meditate, and looking up, he saw the camels approaching.

King James Bible
And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.

New King James Version
And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming.

New American Standard Bible
Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening; and he raised his eyes and looked, and behold, camels were coming.

NASB 1995
Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening; and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, camels were coming.

NASB 1977
And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening; and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, camels were coming.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Isaac went out to muse in the field toward evening; and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, camels were coming.

Amplified Bible
Isaac went out to bow down [in prayer] in the field in the [early] evening; he raised his eyes and looked, and camels were coming.

Christian Standard Bible
In the early evening Isaac went out to walk in the field, and looking up he saw camels coming.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the early evening Isaac went out to walk in the field, and looking up he saw camels coming.

American Standard Version
And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, there were camels coming.

English Revised Version
And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, there were camels coming.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Toward evening Isaac went out into the field to meditate. When he looked up, he saw camels coming.

Good News Translation
He went out in the early evening to take a walk in the fields and saw camels coming.

International Standard Version
Isaac went out walking in a field. He looked up, and all of a sudden there were some camels coming.

Majority Standard Bible
Early in the evening, Isaac went out to the field to meditate, and looking up, he saw the camels approaching.

NET Bible
He went out to relax in the field in the early evening. Then he looked up and saw that there were camels approaching.

New Heart English Bible
And Isaac went out in the field to think in the early evening. And he lifted up his eyes and looked, and look, he saw camels approaching.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at evening: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and behold, the camels were coming.

World English Bible
Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the evening. He lifted up his eyes and looked. Behold, there were camels coming.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Isaac goes out to meditate in the field, at the turning of the evening, and he lifts up his eyes, and looks, and behold, camels are coming.

Young's Literal Translation
and Isaac goeth out to meditate in the field, at the turning of the evening, and he lifteth up his eyes, and looketh, and lo, camels are coming.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Isaak will go forth to investigate in the field at the face of evening: and will lift up his eyes, and will see, and behold, the camels coming.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he was gone forth to meditate in the field, the day being now well spent: and when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw camels coming afar off.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he had gone out to meditate in the field, as daylight was now declining. And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw camels advancing from afar.

New American Bible
One day toward evening he went out to walk in the field, and caught sight of camels approaching.

New Revised Standard Version
Isaac went out in the evening to walk in the field; and looking up, he saw camels coming.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now Isaac strolled in the field in the evening; and he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, the camels were coming.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Isaaq went out to walk in a field at evening time, and he lifted his eyes and he saw, and behold, camels were coming.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide; and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, there were camels coming.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Isaac went forth into the plain toward evening to meditate; and having lifted up his eyes, he saw camels coming.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Isaac Marries Rebekah
62Now Isaac had just returned from Beer-lahai-roi, for he was living in the Negev. 63Early in the evening, Isaac went out to the field to meditate, and looking up, he saw the camels approaching. 64And when Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac, she got down from her camel…

Cross References
Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.

Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 77:12
I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds.

Psalm 119:15
I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways.

Psalm 119:97
Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation.

Psalm 119:148
My eyes anticipate the watches of night, that I may meditate on Your word.

Psalm 143:5
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands.

Psalm 104:34
May my meditation be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the LORD.

Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 63:6
When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night.

Psalm 4:4
Be angry, yet do not sin; on your bed, search your heart and be still. Selah

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.

1 Timothy 4:15
Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.

Matthew 14:23
After He had dismissed them, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone,

Mark 1:35
Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and went out to a solitary place to pray.


Treasury of Scripture

And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.

to meditate.

Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Psalm 77:11,12
I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old…

Jump to Previous
Approaching Camels Evening Eventide Eyes Field Fields Isaac Lifted Meditate Turning Wandering
Jump to Next
Approaching Camels Evening Eventide Eyes Field Fields Isaac Lifted Meditate Turning Wandering
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.














And he went out
The phrase "And he went out" signifies a deliberate action taken by Isaac. In the Hebrew context, the verb "went out" (יָצָא, yatsa) often implies a purposeful departure from one place to another. This action suggests Isaac's intentionality in seeking solitude and reflection, a practice that is deeply rooted in the spiritual disciplines of the patriarchs. It reflects a heart inclined towards seeking God, a theme prevalent throughout the Scriptures.

to meditate
The Hebrew word for "meditate" here is "לָשׂוּחַ" (lasuach), which can mean to muse, commune, or pray. This indicates that Isaac was engaging in a spiritual exercise, possibly prayer or contemplation. Meditation in the biblical sense involves a deep, reflective engagement with God, often accompanied by prayer. This practice is a cornerstone of a devout life, emphasizing the importance of setting aside time to connect with God amidst daily activities.

in the field
The "field" (שָׂדֶה, sadeh) represents a place of openness and tranquility, away from the distractions of daily life. In biblical times, fields were often places of labor and sustenance, but they also provided a setting for solitude and communion with God. The field symbolizes a space where one can encounter God in the beauty and simplicity of His creation, echoing the pastoral settings where many biblical figures experienced divine encounters.

toward evening
The phrase "toward evening" (לִפְנוֹת עָרֶב, lifnot arev) indicates the time of day when Isaac chose to meditate. Evening, a time of transition from the busyness of the day to the calm of night, is often associated with reflection and prayer in Scripture. It is a time when the day's work is done, and one can turn their thoughts towards God, seeking His presence and guidance. This timing underscores the rhythm of life that includes regular intervals for spiritual reflection.

and lifting up his eyes
"Lifting up his eyes" (וַיִּשָּׂא עֵינָיו, vayyisa einav) is a phrase that often precedes a significant revelation or encounter in the Bible. It suggests an act of looking beyond oneself, an openness to see what God is doing. This gesture of looking up is symbolic of an expectant heart, ready to perceive God's hand at work. It reflects a posture of readiness and anticipation for divine intervention or blessing.

he saw the camels approaching
The sight of "the camels approaching" (וַיַּרְא וְהִנֵּה גְמַלִּים בָּאִים, vayar vehineh gemalim ba'im) signifies the arrival of something significant. Camels, in the ancient Near Eastern context, were symbols of wealth and were used for long journeys, indicating that something important was about to unfold. This moment foreshadows the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham's servant to find a wife for Isaac, marking a pivotal moment in the continuation of God's covenant with Abraham's descendants. The approaching camels herald the arrival of Rebekah, Isaac's future wife, and the unfolding of God's providential plan.

(63) To meditate.--Many Jewish commentators translate to pray, and derive one of the three Jewish forms of prayer from this act of Isaac. But though the verb is rare, the substantive is used in Psalm 104:34 of religious meditation; and this sense well agrees with the whole character of the calm, peaceful Isaac, already marked out as the type of the Lamb dumb before His slayers (Genesis 22:7).

Verse 63. - And Isaac went out to meditate - לָשׂוּח; to think (LXX., Vulgate, Murphy, Kalisch); to pray (Onkelos, Samaritan, Kimchi, Luther, Keil); to lament (Knobel, Lange); doubtless to do all three, to commune with his heart and before God; not, however, about agricultural affairs, or the improvement of his property (Knobel), but concerning his deceased mother, whom he still mourned (ver. 67), though chiefly, it is probable, anent the marriage he contemplated (Keil) - in the field at the eventide. Literally, at the turning of the evening (cf. Deuteronomy 23:12; and for corresponding phrase, "when the morning draws on," Exodus 14:27; Judges 19:26; Psalm 46:6). And he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. The bride's first glimpse of her intended spouse being, with artless simplicity though with dramatic picturesqueness, described in similar terms.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Early in the evening
עָ֑רֶב (‘ā·reḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6153: Evening

Isaac
יִצְחָ֛ק (yiṣ·ḥāq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3327: Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah

went out
וַיֵּצֵ֥א (way·yê·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

to the field
בַּשָּׂדֶ֖ה (baś·śā·ḏeh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704: Field, land

to meditate,
לָשׂ֥וּחַ (lā·śū·aḥ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7742: To muse pensively

and looking up,
וַיִּשָּׂ֤א (way·yiś·śā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

he saw
וַיַּ֔רְא (way·yar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

the camels
גְמַלִּ֖ים (ḡə·mal·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1581: A camel

approaching.
בָּאִֽים׃ (bā·’îm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go


Links
Genesis 24:63 NIV
Genesis 24:63 NLT
Genesis 24:63 ESV
Genesis 24:63 NASB
Genesis 24:63 KJV

Genesis 24:63 BibleApps.com
Genesis 24:63 Biblia Paralela
Genesis 24:63 Chinese Bible
Genesis 24:63 French Bible
Genesis 24:63 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Genesis 24:63 Isaac went out to meditate (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 24:62
Top of Page
Top of Page