1
Καὶ Αβρααμ ἦν πρεσβύτερος προβεβηκὼς ἡμερῶν, καὶ κύριος εὐλόγησεν τὸν Αβρααμ κατὰ πάντα.
And Abraham was old, advanced in days, and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.
The verse is the chapter's narrative premise: Abraham's extreme old age creates urgency, and the comprehensive blessing assures the servant's success. The double framing — condition (old age) and ground (divine blessing) — is a deliberate rhetorical opening. Hebraizing καί-parataxis opens the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
Καὶandnarrative conjunction (Hebraizing καί-parataxis)→ discourse linkage or contrastΚαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΑβρααμAbrahamindeclinable proper noun, subject→ participant identificationΑβρααμ: indeclinable transliteration of אַבְרָהָם; introduced here as the initiating agent whose commission drives the entire narrative.
ἦνwasImperf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (predicative copula)→ durative imperfect (ongoing state of old age)εἰμί (impf. ἦν): 'was / continued to be'; the imperfect marks David's renewed, ongoing presence at court.
πρεσβύτεροςoldNominativepredicate adjective (nominative of predication)→ participant prominenceπρεσβύτερος: comparative/positive form of πρέσβυς, 'old man'; used here without comparative force, simply 'old'; renders זָקֵן. The descriptor signals narrative urgency — Abraham must act before death.
προβεβηκὼςhaving advancedPf Act Ptcp Nom Sg M · προβαίνωcircumstantial participle (manner, modifying Αβρααμ)→ intensive perfect (fully arrived at old age)προβαίνω: 'advance, go forward'; the idiom προβεβηκὼς ἡμερῶν = 'advanced in days' calques בָּא בַּיָּמִים; the perfect underscores the fully-realized condition. The same formula recurs at Gen 18:11 (of Abraham and Sarah) and is echoed at Luke 1:7 (of Zechariah and Elizabeth: προβεβηκότες ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις αὐτῶν), a deliberate NT allusion to the LXX.
ἡμερῶνin daysGenitivegenitive of measure (Hebraism: בָּא בַּיָּמִים)→ relational specificationἡμέρα: 'day'; genitive with προβεβηκώς is a Hebraism; cf. Josh 13:1 (of Joshua) and the Lucan echo at 1:7.
καὶandnarrative conjunction (sequential)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: standard LXX rendering of יהוה (Tetragrammaton); the LORD is introduced here as the theological ground of the servant's confidence throughout the chapter.
εὐλόγησενblessedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐλογέωmain verb (narrative summary)→ constative aorist (comprehensive, completed act of blessing)εὐλογέω: 'bless'; renders בָּרַךְ; the comprehensive blessing κατὰ πάντα is the theological basis on which the servant will pray with confidence (vv.12, 27). The verb recurs when Laban greets the servant as εὐλογημένε κυρίου (24:31).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑβρααμAbrahamindeclinable proper noun, direct object→ participant identificationΑβρααμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, direct object.
κατὰinpreposition + accusative (distributive / comprehensive)→ spatial or relational framingκατὰ πάντα: 'in all things / in every respect'; renders בַּכֹּל; comprehensively inclusive summary of the entire Abrahamic blessing narrative (Gen 12–23).
πάνταall thingsAccusativeobject of κατά (accusative of respect)→ object specificationπάντα: meaning 'all things'; it serves as object of κατά (accusative of respect).
2
καὶ εἶπεν Αβρααμ τῷ παιδὶ αὐτοῦ τῷ πρεσβυτέρῳ τῆς οἰκίας αὐτοῦ τῷ ἄρχοντι πάντων τῶν αὐτοῦ· Θὲς τὴν χεῖρά σου ὑπὸ τὸν μηρόν μου·
And Abraham said to his servant, the elder of his household, the one who ruled over all that was his: 'Place your hand under my thigh,'
The narrative moves immediately from the framing of v.1 to Abraham's speech-act of commission. The triple description of the servant by three articular datives underlines his authority and trustworthiness; the command to place the hand ὑπὸ τὸν μηρόν opens the most solemn oath of the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (sequential action)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech introduction)→ constative aorist (single speech act)εἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
ΑβρααμAbrahamindeclinable proper noun, subject of εἶπεν→ participant identificationΑβρααμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, subject of εἶπεν.
τῷto theDativearticle (indirect object, first in triple dative description)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παιδὶservantDativedative indirect object→ sphere or referenceπαῖς: 'boy / servant / slave'; here the unnamed chief servant; the word recurs throughout the chapter as the standard designation (vv.5, 9, 10, 17, 52, 53, 54, 59, 61, 65, 66). The servant is never named; his anonymity keeps the focus on the divine providence he serves.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
τῷtheDativearticle (second articular dative apposition)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρεσβυτέρῳelderDativedative apposition (second descriptor of the servant)→ sphere or referenceπρεσβύτερος: 'elder / senior'; as applied to the servant it means the oldest and most senior member of the household staff, not a clan elder.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἰκίαςhouseholdGenitivegenitive of reference / belonging→ relational specificationοἰκία: 'house / household'; renders בֵּית; the servant is the elder of Abraham's entire household staff.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
τῷtheDativearticle (third articular dative apposition)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄρχοντιrulerDativedative apposition (third descriptor, climactic)→ sphere or referenceἄρχων: 'ruler, governor, one in charge'; renders הַמֹּשֵׁל; the climactic third descriptor marks this servant as Abraham's plenipotentiary — he has authority over everything.
πάντωνof allGenitivegenitive of object / scope→ relational specificationπάντων: meaning 'of all'; it serves as genitive of object / scope.
τῶνthat wasGenitivearticle with implied substantive (all the things of him = all that was his)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (τῶν αὐτοῦ = 'everything belonging to him')→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (τῶν αὐτοῦ = 'everything belonging to him').
ΘὲςplaceAor Act Imper 2 Sg · τίθημιmain verb of the speech (command)→ aorist imperative (punctiliar command: a single decisive act)τίθημι: 'place, put'; the aorist imperative is the solemn act that initiates the oath-ritual. The hand placed under the thigh is a euphemistic gesture involving the most intimate part of the body — likely connected to the generative power and the seed-promise.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖράhandAccusativedirect object→ object specificationχείρ: 'hand'; the placing of the hand under the thigh (ὑπὸ τὸν μηρόν) is a solemn oath-gesture unique to these two Genesis passages (24:2, 9; 47:29). Ancient commentators and modern scholars connect it with the generative potential embodied in the thigh/loins — swearing by the seed-bearers as a way of invoking the covenant lineage.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ὑπὸunderpreposition + accusative (locative: position beneath)→ spatial or relational framingὑπὸ: meaning 'under'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (locative: position beneath).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μηρόνthighAccusativeobject of ὑπό (locative)→ object specificationμηρός: 'thigh / upper leg'; renders יָרֵךְ (yārēk), which also means 'loins' in the Hebrew euphemistic register. The gesture ὑπὸ τὸν μηρόν is a Hebraism preserved literally by the LXX; it carries the weight of the covenant-seed promise. Cf. Gen 47:29 LXX for the identical formula.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
3
καὶ ἐξορκιῶ σε κύριον τὸν θεὸν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ τὸν θεὸν τῆς γῆς, ἵνα μὴ λάβῃς γυναῖκα τῷ υἱῷ μου Ισαακ ἀπὸ τῶν θυγατέρων τῶν Χαναναίων, μεθ᾿ ὧν ἐγὼ οἰκῶ ἐν αὐτοῖς·
and I will adjure you by the LORD God of heaven and God of the earth, that you shall not take a wife for my son Isaac from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell.
Continuation of Abraham's speech from v.2. ἐξορκιῶ introduces the legal content of the oath by means of a ἵνα-clause of prohibition. The double divine epithet — κύριον τὸν θεὸν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ τὸν θεὸν τῆς γῆς — gives the oath its cosmic scope, invoking the Creator of heaven and earth as witness. The closing μεθ᾿ ὧν ἐγὼ οἰκῶ ἐν αὐτοῖς is a resumptive pronoun Hebraism.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
καὶandcontinuative conjunction (continuing the speech)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξορκιῶI will adjureFut Act Indic 1 Sg · ἐξορκίζωmain verb of the oath-administration→ predictive/performative future (the speaker's own act)ἐξορκίζω: 'adjure, place under solemn oath by'; renders אַשְׁבִּיעֲךָ (hifil of שָׁבַע); takes a double accusative: σε (person adjured) + κύριον τὸν θεόν (the divine power invoked). The verb is strong: not merely 'ask' but 'bind by oath'.
σεyouAccusativeaccusative direct object (person being adjured)→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative direct object (person being adjured).
κύριονby the LORDAccusativeaccusative of adjuration (the divine authority by which the oath is sworn)→ object specificationκύριος in accusative: the double-accusative construction with ἐξορκίζω puts the divine name in the accusative as the 'thing sworn by'; this is an unusual but attested Greek oath formula that calques the Hebrew construction.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸνGodAccusativeaccusative apposition to κύριον (divine title in apposition)→ object specificationθεός: in apposition to κύριον, expanding the divine identification: 'the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth.' The cosmic scope of the divine description gives the oath universal gravity.
τοῦofGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οὐρανοῦheavenGenitivegenitive of reference / description→ relational specificationοὐρανός: 'heaven, sky'; renders הַשָּׁמַיִם; 'God of heaven and earth' is a cosmic self-description of YHWH that anticipates Melchizedek's El Elyon ('God Most High, maker of heaven and earth', Gen 14:19).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (linking the two divine epithets)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸνGodAccusativesecond element of the double divine epithet→ object specificationθεὸν: meaning 'God'; it serves as second element of the double divine epithet.
τῆςofGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςearthGenitivegenitive of reference→ relational specificationγῆ: 'earth / land'; paired with οὐρανός to give the oath cosmic totality: the LORD witnesses from and over the entire created order.
ἵναthatconjunction introducing the content of the oath (negative purpose / prohibition)→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μὴnotnegation with subjunctive (prohibition)→ clausal qualification or emphasisμὴ: meaning 'not'; it negates or qualifies the assertion of the clause.
λάβῃςyou takeAor Act Subj 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb of the ἵνα-clause (oath prohibition)→ aorist subjunctive (prohibition against a single decisive act)λαμβάνω: 'take'; in the idiom λαμβάνω γυναῖκα = 'take a wife, marry'; renders לָקַח אִשָּׁה; the verb recurs throughout the chapter for the marriage-act (vv. 4, 7, 38, 40, 48, 51, 67).
γυναῖκαa wifeAccusativedirect object→ object specificationγυνή: 'woman / wife'; the chapter's central object of the quest; the term fluctuates with παρθένος in the chapter — here in the oath it is γυναῖκα.
τῷforDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῷsonDativedative of advantage / purpose ('for my son')→ sphere or referenceυἱός: 'son'; the dative marks the beneficiary of the marriage-arrangement. Isaac remains largely passive throughout the chapter — the entire mission is performed on his behalf.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ΙσαακIsaacindeclinable proper noun, apposition to υἱῷ→ participant identificationΙσαακ: indeclinable transliteration of יִצְחָק ('he laughs'); the name-bearer of the covenant promise; his name encodes the laughter of Gen 17:17 and 21:6.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source / partitive exclusion)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source / partitive exclusion).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θυγατέρωνdaughtersGenitivegenitive partitive (class from which no wife is to be taken)→ relational specificationθυγάτηρ: 'daughter'; the partitive genitive defines the category from which marriage is prohibited. The prohibition echoes Deut 7:3 and the endogamy principle of the patriarchal narratives.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΧαναναίωνCanaanitesGenitivegenitive of ethnic identification→ relational specificationΧαναναῖος: 'Canaanite'; renders כְּנַעַנִי; the ethnic prohibition grounds the marriage-quest in the patriarchal endogamy that will distinguish Israel from the surrounding nations (cf. Exod 34:16; Deut 7:3).
μεθ᾿amongpreposition + genitive (company / association)→ spatial or relational framingμεθ᾿: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (company / association).
ὧνwhomGenitivegenitive relative pronoun (antecedent: Χαναναίων)→ relational specificationὧν: meaning 'whom'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive relative pronoun (antecedent: Χαναναίων).
ἐγὼIsubject of οἰκῶ (emphatic pronoun)→ participant referenceἐγὼ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject of οἰκῶ (emphatic pronoun).
οἰκῶdwellPres Act Indic 1 Sg · οἰκέωverb of the relative clause→ progressive present (ongoing sojourn)οἰκέω: 'dwell, inhabit'; renders יֹשֵׁב; Abraham acknowledges his ongoing presence among the Canaanites while insisting that Isaac not intermarry with them.
ἐνinpreposition (resumptive — Hebraism: אֲשֶׁר … בָּהֶם)→ spatial or relational framingἐν αὐτοῖς: the resumptive pronoun after the relative ὧν is a Hebraism, calquing the Hebrew relative clause construction אֲשֶׁר … בָּהֶם ('among whom … among them'); the redundancy marks the LXX's literal rendering of the Hebrew syntax.
αὐτοῖςthemDativeresumptive dative pronoun (Hebraism after relative clause)→ participant reference or interestαὐτοῖς: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as resumptive dative pronoun (Hebraism after relative clause).
4
ἀλλ᾿ εἰς τὴν γῆν μου, οὗ ἐγενόμην, πορεύσῃ καὶ εἰς τὴν φυλήν μου καὶ λήμψῃ γυναῖκα τῷ υἱῷ μου Ισαακ ἐκεῖθεν.
but to my land, where I was born, you shall go, and to my kindred, and you shall take a wife for my son Isaac from there.
ἀλλά presents the positive command as the direct antithesis of the prohibition in v.3: not Canaan's daughters (μὴ λάβῃς ἀπὸ τῶν θυγατέρων), but Abraham's own land and family. The two imperatives πορεύσῃ and λήμψῃ are future indicatives functioning as commands in the oath context.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
ἀλλ᾿butadversative conjunction (antithetical contrast with v.3 prohibition)→ discourse linkage or contrastἀλλά: strong adversative, introducing the positive obligation in contrast to the preceding prohibition; the elision before a vowel produces ἀλλ᾿.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (directional: destination)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (directional: destination).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆνlandAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (destination)→ object specificationγῆ: 'land / country'; Abraham's birth-land (Mesopotamia) is opposed to the land he inhabits (Canaan); the distinction preserves the ancestral identity that the servant must honor.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
οὗwhereGenitivegenitive relative adverb (locative: 'in which / where')→ relational specificationοὗ: meaning 'where'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive relative adverb (locative: 'in which / where').
ἐγενόμηνI was bornAor Mid Indic 1 Sg · γίνομαιverb of the relative clause→ constative aorist (single event of birth / origin)γίνομαι: 'come to be, be born'; renders נוֹלַד or the birth-root; Abraham identifies himself by his origin-land, stressing that the wife must come from his own kin-group (the Nahor-family in Haran / Mesopotamia).
πορεύσῃyou shall goFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb (future indicative as command in the oath)→ predictive/volitive future (the obligatory act enjoined by the oath)πορεύομαι: 'go, travel'; the future indicative carries imperative force in the oath context, equivalent to a command: 'you shall go.' The servant's entire journey in vv. 10–27 is the fulfillment of this single command.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (second destination)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (directional, second occurrence)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (directional, second occurrence).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλήνkindredAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (second destination)→ object specificationφυλή: 'tribe, clan, family group'; renders מִשְׁפָּחָה or שֵׁבֶט; here it refers to Abraham's extended family in Haran (Nahor's household). The servant must go to the right people (land) and the right family (φυλή) — both matter for the endogamous marriage.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (second command)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λήμψῃyou shall takeFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · λαμβάνωsecond main verb (future indicative as command)→ predictive/volitive future (the marriage-act enjoined)λαμβάνω: 'take'; cf. λήμψῃ γυναῖκα = 'take a wife / marry'; the future middle recurs at vv. 7, 38, 40 in the retelling, forming a refrain-like echo of the original commission.
γυναῖκαa wifeAccusativedirect object→ object specificationγυναῖκα: meaning 'a wife'; it serves as direct object.
τῷforDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῷsonDativedative of advantage→ sphere or referenceυἱῷ: meaning 'son'; it serves as dative of advantage.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ΙσαακIsaacindeclinable proper noun, apposition to υἱῷ→ participant identificationΙσαακ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, apposition to υἱῷ.
ἐκεῖθενfrom thereadverb of source (resumptive: from that land and kindred)→ clausal contributionἐκεῖθεν: 'from there'; the adverb is resumptive and emphatic — the wife must come from that specific place, not merely from the right ethnic group in some other location.
5
εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς αὐτὸν ὁ παῖς· Μή ποτε οὐ θελήσῃ ἡ γυνὴ πορευθῆναι μετ᾿ ἐμοῦ ὀπίσω εἰς τὴν γῆν ταύτην· ἀποστρέψω τὸν υἱόν σου εἰς τὴν γῆν, ὅθεν ἐξῆλθες;
But the servant said to him: 'What if the woman is not willing to come after me to this land? Shall I bring your son back to the land from which you came?'
The servant raises the obvious practical obstacle: what if the woman refuses? The double question (apprehensive μή ποτε + deliberative ἀποστρέψω;) frames both the risk and its logical resolution, setting up Abraham's double reply in vv.6–8.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech introduction)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
δέbutpostpositive adversative/continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (addressee of speech)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (addressee of speech).
αὐτὸνhimAccusativeobject of πρός (Abraham)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of πρός (Abraham).
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παῖςservantNominativesubject→ participant prominenceπαῖς: the unnamed servant; his practical wisdom and fidelity are shown in raising the contingency Abraham must address.
ΜήWhat ifapprehensive negation (μή ποτε = 'lest perhaps')→ clausal qualification or emphasisμή ποτε: idiomatic apprehensive particle, 'what if / lest perhaps'; introduces a feared contingency; renders Hebrew פֶּן or לֻאי.
ποτεperhapsenclitic particle (with μή: apprehensive)→ discourse linkage or contrastποτε: meaning 'perhaps'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐnotnegation (inside the μή ποτε clause)→ participant referenceοὐ: meaning 'not'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as negation (inside the μή ποτε clause).
θελήσῃis willingAor Act Subj 3 Sg · θέλωsubjunctive in apprehensive clause→ aorist subjunctive (contingent possibility)θέλω: 'will, wish, be willing'; renders אָבָה; the woman's willingness will be explicitly tested at v.58 (Πορεύσομαι), where this very contingency is resolved.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γυνὴwomanNominativesubject of θελήσῃ→ participant prominenceγυνή: 'woman'; as yet unnamed and unknown to the servant — she is the abstract objective of the quest.
πορευθῆναιto goAor Pass Inf · πορεύομαιinfinitive, object of θέλω ('be willing to go')→ aorist infinitive (single decisive journey)πορεύομαι: the journey-verb that structures the chapter; the servant's concern is exactly this verb — will she πορευθῆναι?
μετ᾿withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)→ spatial or relational framingμετ᾿: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompaniment).
ἐμοῦmeGenitivegenitive object of μετά→ relational specificationἐμοῦ: meaning 'me'; it serves as genitive object of μετά.
ὀπίσωafter / behindadverb / preposition (directional: following after)→ spatial or relational framingὀπίσω: 'behind, after'; a Hebraism of אַחֲרַי; 'to come after me' = to follow my lead back.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (destination).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆνlandAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς→ object specificationγῆ: 'this land' = Canaan; the destination for the bride is important — she must come to Isaac's land, not he to hers.
ταύτηνthisAccusativedemonstrative adjective modifying γῆν→ participant referenceταύτην: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as demonstrative adjective modifying γῆν.
ἀποστρέψωshall I bring backFut Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀποστρέφωdeliberative future (rhetorical question: what should I do?)→ deliberative future (real practical question)ἀποστρέφω: 'turn back, bring back'; the implied option — returning Isaac to Mesopotamia — is precisely what Abraham will forbid in v.6. The verb recurs in vv. 6 and 8 as the forbidden action.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱόνsonAccusativedirect object of ἀποστρέψω→ object specificationυἱόν: meaning 'son'; it serves as direct object of ἀποστρέψω.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (destination).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆνlandAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς→ object specificationγῆν: meaning 'land'; it serves as accusative object of εἰς.
ὅθενfrom whichrelative adverb of source→ clausal contributionὅθεν: 'from which place / whence'; renders מֵאֲשֶׁר; = Mesopotamia, the land Abraham left at God's call (Gen 12:1).
ἐξῆλθεςyou came outAor Act Indic 2 Sg · ἐξέρχομαιverb of the relative clause→ constative aorist (the defining exodus of Abraham's life)ἐξέρχομαι: 'go out, come out'; Abraham's departure from his homeland at the divine call (Gen 12:1) is the foundational act; the servant's question would require undoing that call.
6
εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς αὐτὸν Αβρααμ· Πρόσεχε σεαυτῷ μὴ ἀποστρέψῃς τὸν υἱόν μου ἐκεῖ·
And Abraham said to him: 'Take heed to yourself that you do not bring my son back there.'
Abraham's answer is sharp and absolute before he gives the theological reason in v.7. Πρόσεχε σεαυτῷ is an idiom of solemn warning; the prohibition μὴ ἀποστρέψῃς is the exact opposite of the servant's suggested action in v.5.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech introduction)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (addressee)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (addressee).
αὐτὸνhimAccusativeobject of πρός (the servant)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of πρός (the servant).
ΑβρααμAbrahamindeclinable proper noun, subject→ participant identificationΑβρααμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, subject.
Πρόσεχεtake heedPres Act Imper 2 Sg · προσέχωimperative (solemn warning)→ progressive present imperative (ongoing vigilance required)προσέχω: 'attend to, take care of'; in the idiom προσέχω + dative reflexive = 'beware, take care of yourself'; renders הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ; a standard OT warning formula signaling a firm prohibition to follow.
σεαυτῷyourselfDativedative reflexive pronoun (object of προσέχω: 'take heed to yourself')→ participant reference or interestσεαυτῷ: meaning 'yourself'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative reflexive pronoun (object of προσέχω: 'take heed to yourself').
μὴnotnegation with subjunctive (prohibition after warning verb)→ clausal qualification or emphasisμὴ: meaning 'not'; it negates or qualifies the assertion of the clause.
ἀποστρέψῃςbring backAor Act Subj 2 Sg · ἀποστρέφωsubjunctive of prohibition (negative command after μή)→ aorist subjunctive (single forbidden act)ἀποστρέφω: 'turn back, bring back'; echoes the servant's own word ἀποστρέψω in v.5 — Abraham uses the same verb to categorically forbid what the servant proposed. The prohibition will be repeated in v.8 (μὴ ἀποστρέψῃς ἐκεῖ).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱόνsonAccusativedirect object→ object specificationυἱόν: meaning 'son'; it serves as direct object.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place (= Mesopotamia, the land of origin)→ adverbial qualificationἐκεῖ: 'there'; refers to Abraham's homeland in Mesopotamia; returning Isaac there would reverse the Abrahamic call of Gen 12:1 and place the heir outside the promised land.
7
κύριος ὁ θεὸς τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ ὁ θεὸς τῆς γῆς, ὃς ἔλαβέν με ἐκ τοῦ οἴκου τοῦ πατρός μου καὶ ἐκ τῆς γῆς ἧς ἐγενόμην, ὃς ἐλάλησέν μοι καὶ ὃς ὤμοσέν μοι λέγων· Σοὶ δώσω τὴν γῆν ταύτην καὶ τῷ σπέρματί σου· αὐτὸς ἀποστελεῖ τὸν ἄγγελον αὐτοῦ ἔμπροσθέν σου, καὶ λήμψῃ γυναῖκα τῷ υἱῷ μου ἐκεῖθεν·
The LORD, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, who took me from my father's house and from the land of my birth, who spoke to me and who swore to me saying, 'To you I will give this land and to your seed' — he himself will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there.
Asyndeton marks this as a new and weightier statement. The long relative-clause build-up (ὃς ἔλαβέν ... ὃς ἐλάλησέν ... ὃς ὤμοσέν) accumulates the divine acts that ground Abraham's certainty, before the apodosis lands emphatically: αὐτὸς ἀποστελεῖ τὸν ἄγγελον. The quoted divine promise (Σοὶ δώσω τὴν γῆν ταύτην καὶ τῷ σπέρματί σου) echoes Gen 12:7 and 15:7, establishing that the servant's mission is the covenant's continuation.
Word-by-word analysis· 56 words
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject (head of the long nominative phrase that leads to αὐτὸς ἀποστελεῖ)→ participant prominenceκύριος: the divine name placed first in the sentence, asyndetically, for emphatic theological grounding; the God who called Abraham is the God who will now provide.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸςGodNominativenominative in apposition to κύριος (first divine title)→ participant prominenceθεὸς: meaning 'God'; it serves as nominative in apposition to κύριος (first divine title).
τοῦofGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οὐρανοῦheavenGenitivegenitive of reference→ relational specificationοὐρανοῦ: meaning 'heaven'; it serves as genitive of reference.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheNominativearticle (second divine title)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸςGodNominativenominative apposition (second element of the cosmic epithet)→ participant prominenceθεὸς: meaning 'God'; it serves as nominative apposition (second element of the cosmic epithet).
τῆςofGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςearthGenitivegenitive of reference→ relational specificationγῆς: meaning 'earth'; it serves as genitive of reference.
ὃςwhoNominativenominative relative pronoun (first of three, antecedent: κύριος)→ participant referenceὃς: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as nominative relative pronoun (first of three, antecedent: κύριος).
ἔλαβένtookAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαμβάνωverb of first relative clause (the exodus-call)→ constative aorist (the decisive act of Abraham's calling)λαμβάνω: 'take'; here 'took me from my father's house' echoes the language of Gen 12:1 and the entire Abrahamic vocation. God is the subject of Abraham's departure — he took him.
μεmeAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source: place of origin)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source: place of origin).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἴκουhouseGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ→ relational specificationοἶκος: 'house / household'; Abraham came from his father Terah's household in Ur/Haran; the 'father's house' formula echoes the call narrative of Gen 12:1 (ἐκ τῆς γῆς σου καὶ ἐκ τῆς συγγενείας σου καὶ ἐκ τοῦ οἴκου τοῦ πατρός σου).
τοῦofGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πατρόςfatherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationπατρός: meaning 'father'; it serves as genitive of possession.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (second source)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (second source)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (second source).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςlandGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ→ relational specificationγῆς: meaning 'land'; it serves as genitive object of ἐκ.
ἧςof whichGenitivegenitive relative pronoun (antecedent: γῆς)→ relational specificationἧς: meaning 'of which'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive relative pronoun (antecedent: γῆς).
ἐγενόμηνI was bornAor Mid Indic 1 Sg · γίνομαιverb of the relative clause (place of Abraham's birth)→ constative aoristγίνομαι: 'become / come to be'; the idiom ἐγενόμην αὐτῷ εἰς ἱερέα ('I became a priest to him') uses εἰς + accusative to render the Hebrew הָיָה לְ ('became as/for'), a predicative Hebraism.
ὃςwhoNominativenominative relative pronoun (second, resuming the accumulation)→ participant referenceὃς: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as nominative relative pronoun (second, resuming the accumulation).
ἐλάλησένspokeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαλέωverb of second relative clause→ constative aoristλαλέω: 'speak'; the divine speech-events to Abraham (Gen 12:1; 15:1; 17:1 etc.) are the basis of Abraham's confidence.
μοιto meDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'to me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (third relative clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὃςwhoNominativenominative relative pronoun (third, climactic: the oath)→ participant referenceὃς: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as nominative relative pronoun (third, climactic: the oath).
ὤμοσένsworeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ὄμνυμιverb of third relative clause (the divine oath)→ constative aorist (divine oath as single completed act)ὄμνυμι: 'swear, take an oath'; renders נִשְׁבַּע; the divine oath to Abraham is the covenantal anchor that makes the servant's mission certain. The same oath underlies Heb 6:13–17.
μοιto meDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'to me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg M · λέγωattendant circumstance participle (introducing the quoted oath)→ progressive participle (manner of the swearing)λέγω: meaning 'saying'; it contributes descriptive or attendant verbal force; here it functions as attendant circumstance participle (introducing the quoted oath).
Σοὶto youDativedative of advantage / indirect object (emphatic pronoun, fronted)→ participant reference or interestσοί: fronted dative pronoun for emphasis — 'to you (and no other) will I give this land'; the land-promise is Abraham-specific and seed-specific.
δώσωI will giveFut Act Indic 1 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb of the quoted oath→ predictive/promissory future (divine promise)δίδωμι: 'give'; the land-grant language of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12:7; 13:15; 15:7, 18; 17:8); the divine promise is the ultimate reason the servant cannot bring Isaac back to Mesopotamia.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆνlandAccusativedirect object→ object specificationγῆν: meaning 'land'; it serves as direct object.
ταύτηνthisAccusativedemonstrative adjective (Canaan, where they stand)→ participant referenceταύτην: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as demonstrative adjective (Canaan, where they stand).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τῷtoDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σπέρματίseedDativedative indirect object (second recipient of the land promise)→ sphere or referenceσπέρμα: 'seed / offspring / descendants'; renders זֶרַע; the seed-promise is the axis of the entire Abrahamic covenant. Paul's argument at Gal 3:16 turns on the singular τῷ σπέρματι ('to your seed') as pointing to Christ.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
αὐτὸςhe himselfNominativeemphatic pronoun subject (resuming κύριος after the long relative buildup)→ participant referenceαὐτός: intensive pronoun in subject position, 'he himself'; the emphatic αὐτός signals the climactic apodosis after the long relative clauses — this is what all that divine history means for the current mission.
ἀποστελεῖwill sendFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb of the apodosis (divine promise for the mission)→ predictive future (certain divine action)ἀποστέλλω: 'send out, dispatch'; the divine sending of the angel is Abraham's answer to the servant's concern — God will be active before the servant arrives. The ἄγγελος ('messenger / angel') here is the providential agent of divine guidance; cf. Ex 23:20 and the NT angel-Christology.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄγγελονangelAccusativedirect object of ἀποστελεῖ→ object specificationἄγγελος: 'messenger / angel'; renders מַלְאָך; the divine messenger who goes before the servant is the theological basis of the entire journey's confidence.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἔμπροσθένbeforeadverb / preposition (positional: going ahead of)→ spatial or relational framingἔμπροσθεν: 'before, in front of'; the idiom 'before you' = 'ahead of you on the road'; the angel of the covenant goes before his people (cf. Ex 23:20: ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω τὸν ἄγγελόν μου πρὸ προσώπου σου).
σουyouGenitivegenitive object of ἔμπροσθεν→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of ἔμπροσθεν.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (result clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λήμψῃyou shall takeFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (future command: guaranteed result)→ predictive/promissory future (certain outcome of the angel's mission)λαμβάνω: 'take'; λήμψῃ γυναῖκα echoes v.4 — the original commission is now given divine certainty by the angel promise.
γυναῖκαa wifeAccusativedirect object→ object specificationγυναῖκα: meaning 'a wife'; it serves as direct object.
τῷforDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῷsonDativedative of advantage→ sphere or referenceυἱῷ: meaning 'son'; it serves as dative of advantage.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐκεῖθενfrom thereadverb of source (resumptive: from my land and kindred)→ clausal contributionἐκεῖθεν: meaning 'from there'; it shapes the local clause or phrase relation in this passage.
8
ἐὰν δὲ μὴ θέλῃ ἡ γυνὴ πορευθῆναι μετὰ σοῦ εἰς τὴν γῆν ταύτην, καθαρὸς ἔσῃ ἀπὸ τοῦ ὅρκου τούτου· μόνον τὸν υἱόν μου μὴ ἀποστρέψῃς ἐκεῖ.
But if the woman is not willing to come with you into this land, you shall be free from this oath. Only do not bring my son back there.
The escape clause is precisely the contingency the servant raised in v.5. If the woman refuses (the condition), the oath is dissolved (καθαρὸς ἔσῃ). But the absolute prohibition stands regardless: μόνον τὸν υἱόν μου μὴ ἀποστρέψῃς ἐκεῖ. Abraham's one non-negotiable is that Isaac must not return to Mesopotamia.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
ἐὰνifconditional conjunction (third-class condition: possible future case)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐὰν: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δέbutpostpositive adversative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μὴnotnegation with subjunctive→ clausal qualification or emphasisμὴ: meaning 'not'; it negates or qualifies the assertion of the clause.
θέλῃis willingPres Act Subj 3 Sg · θέλωverb of the conditional clause→ present subjunctive (ongoing unwillingness as the condition)θέλω: 'will, wish'; the condition echoes the servant's μή ποτε οὐ θελήσῃ from v.5 — Abraham now addresses that exact contingency. The answer at v.58 (Πορεύσομαι) closes this open question.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γυνὴwomanNominativesubject of θέλῃ→ participant prominenceγυνὴ: meaning 'woman'; it serves as subject of θέλῃ.
πορευθῆναιto goAor Pass Inf · πορεύομαιinfinitive, object of θέλω→ aorist infinitive (single decisive action)πορεύομαι (aor. inf.): 'go'; the complementary infinitive of δυνήσῃ; echoes David's πορεύσεται (v.32).
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompaniment).
σοῦyouGenitivegenitive object of μετά→ relational specificationσοῦ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of μετά.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (destination)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (destination).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆνlandAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (= Canaan)→ object specificationγῆν: meaning 'land'; it serves as accusative object of εἰς (= Canaan).
ταύτηνthisAccusativedemonstrative adjective→ participant referenceταύτην: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as demonstrative adjective.
καθαρὸςfree / cleanNominativepredicate adjective (nominative of predication with ἔσῃ)→ participant prominenceκαθαρός: 'clean, pure, free from obligation'; renders נָקִי; in the legal register 'clean from an oath' = released from the oath's binding force; cf. v.41 (ἀθῷος) for the same concept. The ritual-purity vocabulary applied to legal obligation is a Hebraism.
ἔσῃyou will beFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίmain verb of the apodosis→ predictive future (the legal consequence)εἰμί: 'be'; ἵλεως ἔσῃ, 'you will be gracious.'
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation: release from)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation: release from).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὅρκουoathGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό (release from obligation)→ relational specificationὅρκος: 'oath, sworn obligation'; renders שְׁבוּעָה; the oath administered in vv. 2–4 is now given its release condition. The word recurs at v.41 as ὁρκισμός.
τούτουthisGenitivegenitive demonstrative pronoun (specifying which oath)→ relational specificationτούτου: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive demonstrative pronoun (specifying which oath).
μόνονonlyadverb (restrictive: the one absolute condition that remains)→ clausal contributionμόνον: 'only, merely'; introduces the one non-negotiable restriction that survives even the oath's release: Isaac must not go back. The adverb creates the emphatic contrast between the conditional release and the unconditional prohibition.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱόνsonAccusativedirect object of ἀποστρέψῃς→ object specificationυἱόν: meaning 'son'; it serves as direct object of ἀποστρέψῃς.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
μὴdo notnegation with subjunctive (prohibition)→ clausal qualification or emphasisμὴ: meaning 'do not'; it negates or qualifies the assertion of the clause.
ἀποστρέψῃςbring backAor Act Subj 2 Sg · ἀποστρέφωsubjunctive of prohibition (the absolute non-negotiable)→ aorist subjunctive (single forbidden act)ἀποστρέφω: third use of this verb in vv. 5–8 — the servant proposed it (v.5: ἀποστρέψω), Abraham first forbade it (v.6: μὴ ἀποστρέψῃς), and now reiterates the prohibition even in the escape clause. The threefold repetition underlines that this is non-negotiable.
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place (= Mesopotamia)→ adverbial qualificationἐκεῖ: meaning 'there'; it shapes time, manner, location, or discourse flow in the clause.
9
καὶ ἔθηκεν ὁ παῖς τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ ὑπὸ τὸν μηρὸν Αβρααμ τοῦ κυρίου αὐτοῦ καὶ ὤμοσεν αὐτῷ περὶ τοῦ ῥήματος τούτου.
And the servant placed his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and swore to him concerning this matter.
The gesture commanded in v.2 is now enacted, closing the unit A with a structural inclusio. The servant's compliance — hand under the thigh, oath sworn — makes the commission legally binding. ῥῆμα ('matter / word') encompasses both the verbal oath and its substance.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔθηκενplacedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · τίθημιmain verb (oath-gesture enacted)→ constative aoristτίθημι: fulfills the command Θὲς of v.2; the repetition of the gesture verb forms an inclusio around the commission dialogue (vv.2–9).
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παῖςservantNominativesubject→ participant prominenceπαῖς: meaning 'servant'; it serves as subject.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖραhandAccusativedirect object→ object specificationχεῖρα: meaning 'hand'; it serves as direct object.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ὑπὸunderpreposition + accusative (locative: beneath)→ spatial or relational framingὑπὸ: meaning 'under'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (locative: beneath).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μηρὸνthighAccusativeobject of ὑπό→ object specificationμηρός: see v.2; the gesture is now completed — the second occurrence of the ὑπὸ τὸν μηρόν formula (vv. 2, 9) closes the oath-enactment unit.
ΑβρααμAbrahamindeclinable proper noun, genitive of possession with μηρόν→ participant identificationΑβρααμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, genitive of possession with μηρόν.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive apposition to Αβρααμ→ relational specificationκύριος: here in the human sense 'master / lord'; the servant's repeated use of τοῦ κυρίου αὐτοῦ throughout the chapter underlines his subordinate but dignified role.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandnarrative conjunction (sequential)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὤμοσενsworeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ὄμνυμιmain verb (oath sworn)→ constative aorist (single completed oath-act)ὄμνυμι: 'swear'; the oath is complete; echoes ὤμοσέν of v.7 (the divine oath to Abraham) — the servant now swears in response to the God who swore to his master.
αὐτῷto himDativedative indirect object (Abraham as recipient of the oath)→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object (Abraham as recipient of the oath).
περὶconcerningpreposition + genitive (subject matter of the oath)→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ: meaning 'concerning'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (subject matter of the oath).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ῥήματοςmatterGenitivegenitive object of περί→ relational specificationῥῆμα: 'word / matter / thing'; renders דָּבָר; 'this matter' = the content of the oath including both the prohibition (v.3) and the positive commission (v.4).
τούτουthisGenitivedemonstrative pronoun (genitive)→ relational specificationτούτου: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as demonstrative pronoun (genitive).
10
καὶ ἔλαβεν ὁ παῖς δέκα καμήλους ἀπὸ τῶν καμήλων τοῦ κυρίου αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν ἀγαθῶν τοῦ κυρίου αὐτοῦ μεθ᾿ ἑαυτοῦ, καὶ ἀναστὰς ἐπορεύθη εἰς τὴν Μεσοποταμίαν εἰς τὴν πόλιν Ναχωρ.
And the servant took ten camels from the camels of his master, and from all the good things of his master, with him, and he arose and journeyed to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor.
The narrative moves from the commission to its execution with the characteristic double-καί rhythm of biblical travel narratives. The ten camels loaded with τῶν ἀγαθῶν signal that the servant travels as a representative of Abraham's great wealth. The destination — εἰς τὴν Μεσοποταμίαν εἰς τὴν πόλιν Ναχωρ — is named with precision.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔλαβενtookAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (preparation for journey)→ constative aoristλαμβάνω: 'take'; see v. 10.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παῖςservantNominativesubject→ participant prominenceπαῖς: meaning 'servant'; it serves as subject.
δέκαtencardinal numeral→ measure or countδέκα: 'ten'; ten camels indicates a substantial caravan befitting Abraham's wealth and the gifts that follow (v.22, 53). Camels in the patriarchal narratives signal prestige and long-distance travel.
καμήλουςcamelsAccusativedirect object→ object specificationκάμηλος: 'camel'; renders גָּמָל; the camel was the premier long-distance transport animal of the ancient Near East; its presence here is historically consistent with the Middle Bronze Age patriarchal setting.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (partitive source)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (partitive source).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καμήλωνcamelsGenitivegenitive partitive (the ten selected from the herd)→ relational specificationκαμήλων: meaning 'camels'; it serves as genitive partitive (the ten selected from the herd).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationκυρίου: meaning 'master'; it serves as genitive of possession.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (partitive source, second: the gifts)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (partitive source, second: the gifts).
πάντωνallGenitivegenitive partitive→ relational specificationπάντων: meaning 'all'; it serves as genitive partitive.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle with substantival adjective→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀγαθῶνgood thingsGenitivesubstantival adjective in genitive (all the valuable goods)→ relational specificationἀγαθός: 'good' used substantivally: 'the good things / valuables'; renders הַטּוֹב = the best goods of Abraham's household, carried as bridal gifts (cf. v.53).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationκυρίου: meaning 'master'; it serves as genitive of possession.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
μεθ᾿withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)→ spatial or relational framingμεθ᾿: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompaniment).
ἑαυτοῦhimselfGenitivegenitive reflexive pronoun (the goods taken along with himself)→ relational specificationἑαυτοῦ: meaning 'himself'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive reflexive pronoun (the goods taken along with himself).
καὶandnarrative conjunction (sequential: the departure)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀναστὰςhaving arisenAor Act Ptcp Nom Sg M · ἀνίστημιattendant circumstance participle (action immediately preceding journey)→ aorist participle (antecedent action: rising before departing)ἀνίστημι: 'arise, stand up'; the idiom ἀναστὰς ἐπορεύθη calques the Hebrew idiom וַיָּקָם וַיֵּלֶךְ; 'he arose and went' is the standard LXX narrative formula for the decisive beginning of a journey.
ἐπορεύθηjourneyedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb (the journey begun)→ constative aorist (the journey as a completed single narrative event)πορεύομαι: 'go, travel'; deponent; the journey of hundreds of miles is compressed into a single aorist; cf. the same aorist at v.61 when Rebekah's return journey is equally compressed.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (destination).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΜεσοποταμίανMesopotamiaAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (destination: first level)→ object specificationΜεσοποταμία: 'Mesopotamia' (Greek: 'land between the rivers', i.e., between the Tigris and Euphrates); renders אֲרַם נַהֲרַיִם ('Aram of the two rivers' / Paddan-Aram); one of the few Aramaic/Hebrew geographic names the LXX translates rather than transliterates. The city of Nahor is identified with Harran in northern Mesopotamia.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination: second level, more precise)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (destination: second level, more precise).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλινcityAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (specific destination)→ object specificationπόλις: 'city'; 'the city of Nahor' = the city where Nahor, Abraham's brother, settled (cf. Gen 11:29–32; 22:20–23).
ΝαχωρNahorindeclinable proper noun, genitive of possession with πόλιν→ participant identificationΝαχωρ: indeclinable transliteration of נָחוֹר; Abraham's brother; Rebekah's grandfather through Bethuel. The city likely = Harran in upper Mesopotamia.
11
καὶ ἐκοίμισεν τὰς καμήλους ἔξω τῆς πόλεως παρὰ τὸ φρέαρ τοῦ ὕδατος τὸ πρὸς ὀψέ, ἡνίκα ἐκπορεύονται αἱ ὑδρευόμεναι.
And he made the camels kneel down outside the city beside the well of water toward evening, at the time when the women who draw water go out.
The servant's tactical wisdom is on display: he stops at the well at precisely the time women come to draw, maximizing his chance of encountering the right person. The well is the classic OT scene of meeting (cf. Gen 29; Ex 2), and the servant chooses it deliberately.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐκοίμισενmade to kneel downAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κοιμίζωmain verb (causative: made the camels rest)→ constative aoristκοιμίζω: 'make to sleep / make to lie down'; here the causative 'made the camels kneel/lie down'; renders הִרְבִּיץ; the specific kneeling position of loaded camels for unloading.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καμήλουςcamelsAccusativedirect object→ object specificationκαμήλους: meaning 'camels'; it serves as direct object.
ἔξωoutsideadverb of place→ clausal contributionἔξω: meaning 'outside'; it shapes the local clause or phrase relation in this passage.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with ἔξω + genitive)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλεωςcityGenitivegenitive object of ἔξω→ relational specificationπόλεως: meaning 'city'; it serves as genitive object of ἔξω.
παρὰbesidepreposition + accusative (spatial: alongside)→ spatial or relational framingπαρὰ: meaning 'beside'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (spatial: alongside).
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φρέαρwellAccusativeaccusative object of παρά→ object specificationφρέαρ: 'well, cistern'; renders בְּאֵר; the well is the archetypal meeting-place in the ancestral narratives (Gen 29:1–12; Ex 2:15–22). The servant positions himself strategically.
τοῦofGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὕδατοςwaterGenitivegenitive of content ('well of water')→ relational specificationὕδατος: meaning 'water'; it serves as genitive of content ('well of water').
τὸtheAccusativearticle (resuming the φρέαρ phrase)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρὸςtowardpreposition + accusative (temporal: 'toward evening')→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'toward'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (temporal: 'toward evening').
ὀψέeveningadverbial accusative (late afternoon / toward evening)→ clausal contributionὀψέ: 'late in the day, toward evening'; renders לְעֵת עֶרֶב; the timing is precise — the women came to draw at the end of the day's heat.
ἡνίκαwhentemporal conjunction ('at the time when')→ discourse linkage or contrastἡνίκα: 'when, at the time when'; a temporal subordinating conjunction used frequently in the LXX; renders עֵת.
ἐκπορεύονταιgo outPres Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἐκπορεύομαιverb of the temporal clause (customary present)→ customary present (regular daily practice)ἐκπορεύομαι: 'go out, come out'; the verb marks the habitual going-out to the well — a daily social activity for young women.
αἱtheNominativearticle (with substantival participle)→ noun-phrase markingαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑδρευόμεναιwomen drawing waterPres Mid Ptcp Nom Pl F · ὑδρεύομαιsubstantival participle (subject of ἐκπορεύονται: 'those who draw water')→ progressive present participle (their regular activity)ὑδρεύομαι: 'draw water'; the substantival participle αἱ ὑδρευόμεναι = 'the water-drawing women'; a social detail precisely observed — water-drawing was women's work in the ancient Near East, typically done in the late afternoon.
12
καὶ εἶπεν· Κύριε ὁ θεὸς τοῦ κυρίου μου Αβρααμ, εὐόδωσόν μοι σήμερον καὶ ποίησον ἔλεος μετὰ τοῦ κυρίου μου Αβρααμ.
And he said: 'O LORD, God of my master Abraham, prosper my way today, and do kindness with my master Abraham.'
The servant's prayer opens the central theological movement of section B. The first of seven uses of εὐοδόω in the chapter, here in the imperative εὐόδωσόν μοι — 'prosper to me' / 'grant me success today'. The pairing of εὐοδόω with ποίησον ἔλεος frames the journey as both practical (prosperity) and covenantal (kindness to Abraham).
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (prayer introduction)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
ΚύριεO LORDVocativevocative of address (direct prayer to YHWH)→ direct addressκύριος in vocative: the servant addresses YHWH directly, identifying him as Abraham's covenant God. This is the first of the servant's prayers; the divine name in the vocative is the prayer's grounding authority.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with θεός in apposition to Κύριε)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸςGodNominativenominative in apposition to Κύριε (anacoluthon: vocative expected but nominative used)→ participant prominenceθεός: the nominative is used here in apposition to the vocative Κύριε, a common LXX anacoluthon; the full form 'the LORD, God of my master Abraham' identifies the God addressed.
τοῦofGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive of possession (the God who belongs to Abraham)→ relational specificationκύριος (human): the servant refers to Abraham throughout as 'my master' (τοῦ κυρίου μου Αβρααμ) — the phrase occurs seven times in this prayer and retelling, underlining his loyal subordination.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ΑβρααμAbrahamindeclinable proper noun, apposition to κυρίου→ participant identificationΑβρααμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, apposition to κυρίου.
εὐόδωσόνprosperAor Act Imper 2 Sg · εὐοδόωmain imperative of the prayer (central petition)→ aorist imperative (urgent single-act petition)εὐοδόω: 'prosper, make successful, grant a good road'; renders הַצְלִיחָה (hifil of צלח) or נָא; this is the first of seven occurrences in the chapter (vv. 12, 21, 27, 40, 42, 48, 56), forming the chapter's providential leitmotif. The root εὐ-οδ- is literally 'good road' — the servant prays that his journey-road be made successful. NT echoes: Rom 1:10 (εὐοδωθήσομαι); 3 John 2 (εὐοδοῦσθαι).
μοιfor meDativedative of advantage (benefit of the prayer)→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'for me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of advantage (benefit of the prayer).
σήμερονtodayadverb of time (temporal urgency)→ clausal contributionσήμερον: 'today'; the temporal urgency is stressed — the servant asks for immediate divine action on this specific day; the request is answered within the verse (v.15: before he had finished speaking).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (second petition)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ποίησονdo / showAor Act Imper 2 Sg · ποιέωsecond imperative of the prayer→ aorist imperativeποιέω + ἔλεος: 'do / show kindness'; the idiom ποιεῖν ἔλεος renders עָשָׂה חֶסֶד; a standard LXX phrase for displaying covenantal loyalty. Cf. Ruth 1:8 (ποιήσαι μεθ᾿ ὑμῶν ἔλεος) for the identical structure.
ἔλεοςkindnessAccusativedirect object of ποίησον→ object specificationἔλεος: 'mercy, kindness'; renders חֶסֶד (ḥesed), covenantal loyal-love; as in Ruth, the LXX rendering as ἔλεος captures the relational warmth but somewhat loses the legal-covenantal dimension. The servant prays that the God who has been ḥesed-faithful to Abraham will continue that faithfulness in this critical moment.
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (beneficiary of the ἔλεος)→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (beneficiary of the ἔλεος).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive object of μετά→ relational specificationκυρίου: meaning 'master'; it serves as genitive object of μετά.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ΑβρααμAbrahamindeclinable proper noun, apposition→ participant identificationΑβρααμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, apposition.
13
ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἕστηκα ἐπὶ τῆς πηγῆς τοῦ ὕδατος, αἱ δὲ θυγατέρες τῶν οἰκούντων τὴν πόλιν ἐκπορεύονται ἀντλῆσαι ὕδωρ·
Behold, I am standing at the spring of water, and the daughters of the men who dwell in the city are coming out to draw water.
ἰδοὺ ('behold') introduces the immediate situational context from which the servant draws his sign-test in v.14. The hinge between the petition (v.12) and the specific request (v.14): here is the scene as the servant observes it, providing the logical setting for the criterion.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle (introducing a scene to attention)→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδοὺ: 'behold, look'; a frozen imperative form used as a presentative particle; renders הִנֵּה; the LXX uses it pervasively as a Hebraism. Here it draws the listener's attention to the servant's immediate situation.
ἐγὼIsubject (emphatic: 'I myself am standing')→ participant referenceἐγὼ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject (emphatic: 'I myself am standing').
ἕστηκαam standingPf Act Indic 1 Sg · ἵστημιmain verb (stative perfect: 'I stand')→ intensive perfect (current state resulting from having taken a position)ἵστημι: the perfect of ἵστημι regularly functions as a present-state verb — 'I have placed myself and now stand'; the servant describes his present stance at the well.
ἐπὶatpreposition + genitive (locative: at the side of)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'at'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (locative: at the side of).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πηγῆςspringGenitivegenitive object of ἐπί→ relational specificationπηγή: 'spring, flowing source'; distinguishable from φρέαρ ('well / cistern' of v.11); v.13 uses πηγή for the water source at which the sign-test will be conducted. Both terms appear in the chapter, perhaps distinguishing a natural spring from the dug well.
τοῦofGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὕδατοςwaterGenitivegenitive of content→ relational specificationὕδατος: meaning 'water'; it serves as genitive of content.
αἱtheNominativearticle (subject of the second clause)→ noun-phrase markingαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
θυγατέρεςdaughtersNominativesubject of ἐκπορεύονται→ participant prominenceθυγάτηρ: 'daughter'; the sign will identify one particular girl from among all the θυγατέρες who come to draw; the scene is social and public.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle with substantival participle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἰκούντωνwho dwellPres Act Ptcp Gen Pl M · οἰκέωsubstantival participle in genitive (the men who inhabit the city)→ progressive present participle (ongoing residence)οἰκέω: 'dwell, inhabit'; the daughters are residents of the city — not travelers but locals, ensuring that a local girl will be the right choice.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλινcityAccusativedirect object of οἰκούντων (city they inhabit)→ object specificationπόλιν: meaning 'city'; it serves as direct object of οἰκούντων (city they inhabit).
ἐκπορεύονταιare coming outPres Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἐκπορεύομαιmain verb of the second clause→ progressive present (the customary daily action)ἐκπορεύομαι: 'come/go out'; the present pictures the Hebrews emerging — the Philistines read it as cornered fugitives creeping from hiding, not as attackers.
ἀντλῆσαιto drawAor Act Inf · ἀντλέωinfinitive of purpose ('in order to draw water')→ aorist infinitive (the task undertaken)ἀντλέω: 'draw water'; the word will recur in v.20 (ὑδρεύσατο — the faster-moving ὑδρεύομαι) as Rebekah acts. The specific water-drawing action is the context for the sign.
ὕδωρwaterAccusativedirect object of ἀντλῆσαι→ object specificationὕδωρ: meaning 'water'; it serves as direct object of ἀντλῆσαι.
14
καὶ ἔσται ἡ παρθένος ᾗ ἂν ἐγὼ εἴπω· Ἐπίκλινόν μοι τὴν ὑδρίαν σου ἵνα πίω, καὶ εἴπῃ μοι· Πίε, καὶ τὰς καμήλους σου ποτιῶ, ἕως ἂν παύσωνται πίνουσαι· ταύτην ἡτοίμασας τῷ παιδί σου Ισαακ· καὶ ἐν τούτῳ γνώσομαι ὅτι ἐποίησας ἔλεος μετὰ τοῦ κυρίου μου Αβρααμ.
And let the young woman to whom I say, 'Tilt your jar toward me so that I may drink,' and who says to me, 'Drink, and I will water your camels also, until they have finished drinking' — let her be the one you have prepared for your servant Isaac; and by this I shall know that you have shown kindness to my master Abraham.
The servant specifies the double kindness-sign: the girl must (a) give him water when asked, and (b) spontaneously offer to water all ten camels. The second act is the decisive one — unasked generosity for ten thirsty camels is a significant act of hesed that goes far beyond politeness. The sign is both practical and theologically calibrated: it tests the quality of character required for Isaac's wife.
Word-by-word analysis· 46 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (continuing the prayer)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσταιlet … beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (future as jussive / apodosis of the relative clause)→ jussive future (let it be so)εἰμί: the future ἔσται functions as the apodosis of the long relative clause: 'the maiden … shall/let her be the one you have prepared.' The sentence structure is: ἡ παρθένος ᾗ ἂν … εἴπω … καὶ εἴπῃ … [ταύτην ἡτοίμασας].
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παρθένοςyoung woman / virginNominativesubject (the sign-criterion: 'the παρθένος who …')→ participant prominenceπαρθένος: 'virgin / young unmarried woman'; this is the first occurrence of παρθένος in the chapter in the servant's own speech, rendering Hebrew עַלְמָה (almah, 'young woman'). The narrator will use παρθένος at v.16 with the clarifying gloss ἀνὴρ οὐκ ἔγνω αὐτήν, but here the servant uses it as a synonym for the marriageable young woman at the well. Crucially, the servant's retelling at v.43 will also use παρθένος for the same Hebrew almah — providing the lexical precedent for the LXX Isa 7:14 rendering of almah as παρθένος.
ᾗto whomDativedative relative pronoun (indirect object of εἴπω)→ participant reference or interestᾗ: meaning 'to whom'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative relative pronoun (indirect object of εἴπω).
ἂνevermodal particle (with ᾗ forming an indefinite relative: 'to whichever')→ discourse linkage or contrastἄν: modal particle giving the relative an indefinite/generalizing force: 'to whomever I say'; the sign will identify the specific person from among all possibilities.
ἐγὼIsubject of εἴπω (emphatic)→ participant referenceἐγὼ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject of εἴπω (emphatic).
εἴπωsayAor Act Subj 1 Sg · λέγωsubjunctive in indefinite relative clause→ aorist subjunctive (single future speech-act)λέγω: the aorist subjunctive εἴπω with ἐάν marks the divine indication as a future, as-yet-unspecified word — Samuel must wait on God's signal.
Ἐπίκλινόνtilt / inclineAor Act Imper 2 Sg · ἐπικλίνωimperative in quoted speech (the servant's request)→ aorist imperative (single act)ἐπικλίνω: 'tilt, incline toward'; renders הַט; the specific gesture of tilting a heavy water-jar toward a person to let them drink from it.
μοιto meDativedative of advantage→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'to me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of advantage.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑδρίανwater-jarAccusativedirect object→ object specificationὑδρία: 'water-jar, pitcher'; the ὑδρία carried on the shoulder (v.15) was a large clay vessel; the same word recurs throughout the scene (vv.15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 43, 45, 46).
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἵναso thatconjunction of purpose→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'so that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πίωI may drinkAor Act Subj 1 Sg · πίνωsubjunctive of purpose with ἵνα→ aorist subjunctive (single act of drinking)πίνω (aor. ἔπιον): 'drink'; πίω ὕδωρ ('drink water') completes the prohibited pair.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (the girl's response)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἴπῃshe saysAor Act Subj 3 Sg · λέγωsubjunctive in the second conditional element (the girl's reply)→ aorist subjunctiveλέγω: 'say'; the aorist subjunctive in the conditional clause.
μοιto meDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'to me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
ΠίεDrinkAor Act Imper 2 Sg · πίνωimperative in quoted speech (the girl's answer to the servant)→ aorist imperativeπίνω: meaning 'Drink'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as imperative in quoted speech (the girl's answer to the servant).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (the voluntary additional offer)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καμήλουςcamelsAccusativedirect object of ποτιῶ→ object specificationκαμήλους: meaning 'camels'; it serves as direct object of ποτιῶ.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ποτιῶI will waterFut Act Indic 1 Sg · ποτίζωmain verb (the girl's voluntary offer, the decisive criterion)→ predictive future (the girl's promise)ποτίζω: 'give to drink, water'; the voluntarily offered watering of ten camels is the critical element of the sign — it is spontaneous, generous, and costly in labor. This is the ἔλεος-quality the servant seeks.
ἕωςuntiltemporal conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως: meaning 'until'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἂνevermodal particle (with subjunctive: indefinite temporal)→ discourse linkage or contrastἂν: meaning 'ever'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παύσωνταιthey have finishedAor Mid Subj 3 Pl · παύωsubjunctive in temporal clause (ἕως ἄν + subj)→ aorist subjunctive (completion of drinking)παύω: 'stop, cease'; the indefinite temporal clause ἕως ἂν παύσωνται πίνουσαι ('until they cease drinking') underlines the open-ended nature of the commitment — she offers to water until all are satisfied, however long it takes.
πίνουσαιdrinkingPres Act Ptcp Nom Pl F · πίνωsupplementary participle with παύσωνται (cease doing X)→ progressive participle (the ongoing act that will cease)πίνω: meaning 'drinking'; it contributes descriptive or attendant verbal force; here it functions as supplementary participle with παύσωνται (cease doing X).
ταύτηνherAccusativedemonstrative pronoun, direct object (resumptive, the apodosis: 'this one you have prepared')→ participant referenceταύτην: the resumptive demonstrative picks up ἡ παρθένος from the beginning of the verse and makes it the object of ἡτοίμασας: 'this very woman you have prepared.'
ἡτοίμασαςyou have preparedAor Act Indic 2 Sg · ἑτοιμάζωmain verb of the apodosis (the theological claim)→ constative aorist (the divine preparation as an already-accomplished fact)ἑτοιμάζω: 'prepare, make ready'; renders הֹכַחְתָּ; the servant assumes that divine preparation has already occurred — he is asking God to reveal what God has already decided. This is the prayer's bold theological claim.
τῷforDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παιδίservantDativedative of advantage (beneficiary of the preparation)→ sphere or referenceπαῖς: here used by the servant of Isaac — 'your servant Isaac'; the servant who is himself Abraham's παῖς refers to Isaac as God's παῖς.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ΙσαακIsaacindeclinable proper noun, apposition→ participant identificationΙσαακ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, apposition.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (the confirming conclusion)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνbypreposition + dative (instrumental: the sign as the means of knowing)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'by'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (instrumental: the sign as the means of knowing).
τούτῳthisDativedative demonstrative (referring back to the whole sign-test)→ participant reference or interestτούτῳ: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative demonstrative (referring back to the whole sign-test).
γνώσομαιI shall knowFut Mid Indic 1 Sg · γινώσκωmain verb (the inferential conclusion from the sign)→ predictive future (the servant's certain inference)γινώσκω: 'know'; the sign functions as epistemological confirmation — γνώσομαι ('I shall come to know') that the LORD has answered the ἔλεος prayer.
ὅτιthatconjunction introducing the content of knowing→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐποίησαςyou have shownAor Act Indic 2 Sg · ποιέωmain verb of the ὅτι-clause→ constative aorist (the single completed act of ἔλεος)ποιέω + ἔλεος: echoes the prayer of v.12 (ποίησον ἔλεος); the sign's fulfillment will prove that God has answered the petition.
ἔλεοςkindnessAccusativedirect object→ object specificationἔλεος: meaning 'kindness'; it serves as direct object.
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (beneficiary)→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (beneficiary).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive object of μετά→ relational specificationκυρίου: meaning 'master'; it serves as genitive object of μετά.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ΑβρααμAbrahamindeclinable proper noun, apposition→ participant identificationΑβρααμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, apposition.
15
καὶ ἐγένετο πρὸ τοῦ συντελέσαι αὐτὸν λαλοῦντα ἐν τῇ διανοίᾳ, καὶ ἰδοὺ Ρεβεκκα ἐξεπορεύετο, ἡ τεχθεῖσα Βαθουηλ υἱῷ Μελχας τῆς γυναικὸς Ναχωρ ἀδελφοῦ δὲ Αβρααμ, ἔχουσα τὴν ὑδρίαν ἐπὶ τῶν ὤμων αὐτῆς.
And it came to pass, before he had finished speaking in his mind, and behold, Rebekah was coming out — she who had been born to Bethuel son of Milcah, wife of Nahor, who was Abraham's brother — carrying the water-jar on her shoulders.
καὶ ἐγένετο πρὸ τοῦ συντελέσαι — 'before he finished' — is a deliberate narrative marker of the speed of divine response: the LORD answers before the prayer is complete. The ἰδοὺ Ρεβεκκα ('behold Rebekah') introduces the chapter's heroine with the dramatic presentative particle. Her genealogy is given in full, establishing her identity as the right person.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (καὶ ἐγένετο formula)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐγένετοit came to passAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (narrative framing formula)→ constative aorist (inaugurating a new narrative event)γίνομαι: καὶ ἐγένετο calques וַיְהִי, the standard Hebraizing narrative opener; here immediately followed by the temporal clause πρὸ τοῦ συντελέσαι, making the onset point precise.
πρὸbeforepreposition + genitive (temporal: before the action)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸ: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (temporal: before the action).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle with articular infinitive→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
συντελέσαιfinishingAor Act Inf · συντελέωarticular infinitive (πρὸ τοῦ + inf = 'before … -ing')→ aorist infinitive (the action not yet completed when Rebekah arrives)συντελέω: 'complete, bring to an end'; the temporal construction πρὸ τοῦ συντελέσαι emphasizes the immediacy of divine response — before the prayer was even finished, Rebekah was already coming out.
αὐτὸνhimAccusativeaccusative subject of infinitive (the servant)→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative subject of infinitive (the servant).
λαλοῦνταspeakingPres Act Ptcp Acc Sg M · λαλέωsupplementary participle with συντελέσαι (finish doing X)→ progressive participle (the ongoing prayer)λαλέω: 'speak'; the servant is still speaking (progressive) when Rebekah arrives, making this one of the most remarkable 'speed of answer' statements in the OT.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative: in the mind)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: in the mind).
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
διανοίᾳmindDativedative of place (locative: 'in his mind / heart')→ sphere or referenceδιάνοια: 'thought, mind, understanding'; λαλεῖν ἐν τῇ διανοίᾳ = 'to speak in his mind' — a prayer of the heart, not aloud; the LXX term underlines that the prayer was silent / internal. This makes the answered prayer even more remarkable.
καὶandnarrative conjunction (introducing the dramatic appearance)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle (dramatic introduction of Rebekah)→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδοὺ: the second ἰδοὺ in two verses; here it marks the narrative's turning point with dramatic force — 'and suddenly, behold.' The LXX preserves the Hebrew הִנֵּה as a marker of surprise and narrative acceleration.
ΡεβεκκαRebekahindeclinable proper noun, subject of ἐξεπορεύετο→ participant identificationΡεβεκκα: transliteration of רִבְקָה (Ribqah); the chapter's female protagonist, named here for the first time in ch.24 though introduced in the genealogy of 22:23. The name is indeclinable in the LXX.
ἐξεπορεύετοwas coming outImperf Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐκπορεύομαιmain verb (imperfect: she was in process of coming out)→ progressive imperfect (action in progress as the servant's prayer is still being prayed)ἐκπορεύομαι: the imperfect tense (ongoing action) contrasts perfectly with the aorist of the prayer — the prayer is still happening (present) while Rebekah is already on her way (imperfect in progress). Divine timing is written into the verb tenses.
ἡshe whoNominativearticle (with substantival participle ἡ τεχθεῖσα = she who was born)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τεχθεῖσαbornAor Pass Ptcp Nom Sg F · τίκτωsubstantival participle (identifying Rebekah by her parentage)→ aorist participle (birth as a past event establishing identity)τίκτω: 'give birth, beget'; the passive ἡ τεχθεῖσα = 'she who was born'; the genealogical parentage that follows establishes that Rebekah is exactly the right family member.
ΒαθουηλBethuelindeclinable proper noun, dative of agent with passive τεχθεῖσα→ participant identificationΒαθουηλ: indeclinable transliteration of בְּתוּאֵל (Bethuel); Rebekah's father, son of Nahor by Milcah; the genealogy (son of Milcah, wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother) precisely establishes Rebekah as the great-niece of Abraham.
υἱῷsonDativedative apposition to Βαθουηλ (Bethuel identified as Milcah's son)→ sphere or referenceυἱῷ: meaning 'son'; it serves as dative apposition to Βαθουηλ (Bethuel identified as Milcah's son).
ΜελχαςMilcahGenitivegenitive of possession with υἱῷ→ relational specificationΜελχα (gen. Μελχας): transliteration of מִלְכָּה (Milkah); Nahor's wife and Bethuel's mother; she is the link that makes Rebekah part of Abraham's extended family.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γυναικὸςwifeGenitivegenitive apposition to Μελχας ('Milcah, wife of Nahor')→ relational specificationγυναικὸς: meaning 'wife'; it serves as genitive apposition to Μελχας ('Milcah, wife of Nahor').
ΝαχωρNahorindeclinable proper noun, genitive with γυναικός→ participant identificationΝαχωρ: Abraham's brother; the servant is at Nahor's city (v.10) and meets Nahor's granddaughter — the providential guidance is precise.
ἀδελφοῦbrotherGenitivegenitive apposition to Ναχωρ (Nahor identified as Abraham's brother)→ relational specificationἀδελφοῦ: meaning 'brother'; it serves as genitive apposition to Ναχωρ (Nahor identified as Abraham's brother).
δέnowpostpositive particle (adding a further identification)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'now'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΑβρααμAbrahamindeclinable proper noun, genitive with ἀδελφοῦ→ participant identificationΑβρααμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, genitive with ἀδελφοῦ.
ἔχουσαcarryingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg F · ἔχωcircumstantial participle (manner: Rebekah came out carrying the jar)→ progressive present participle (simultaneous action)ἔχω: 'have, hold, carry'; the jar on her shoulders indicates she was ready to draw — she has come out for the purpose of water-drawing, exactly as the servant anticipated.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑδρίανwater-jarAccusativedirect object of ἔχουσα→ object specificationὑδρίαν: meaning 'water-jar'; it serves as direct object of ἔχουσα.
ἐπὶonpreposition + genitive (locative: resting on)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (locative: resting on).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὤμωνshouldersGenitivegenitive object of ἐπί (on her shoulders)→ relational specificationὦμος: 'shoulder'; water-jars of this period were large and heavy; carrying one on the shoulder was the standard posture for water-drawing women.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
16
ἡ δὲ παρθένος ἦν καλὴ τῇ ὄψει σφόδρα, παρθένος ἦν, ἀνὴρ οὐκ ἔγνω αὐτήν· καταβᾶσα δὲ ἐπὶ τὴν πηγὴν ἔπλησεν τὴν ὑδρίαν αὐτῆς καὶ ἀνέβη.
Now the young woman was very beautiful in appearance; she was a virgin — a man had not known her. She went down to the spring and filled her water-jar and came up.
The narrator pauses the action to introduce Rebekah's character. The double use of παρθένος — first in the predicate description of her beauty and again with the explanatory gloss ἀνὴρ οὐκ ἔγνω αὐτήν — establishes her status with full narrative authority. The narrator's παρθένος (v.16) is distinct from the servant's παρθένος (v.14, v.43): here it is explicitly defined by sexual purity.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
ἡnow theNominativearticle (resuming Rebekah as the subject)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δέnowpostpositive continuative/contrastive particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'now'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παρθένοςyoung woman / virginNominativepredicate nominative (first occurrence: the description of her status)→ participant prominenceπαρθένος: 'virgin, unmarried young woman'; renders נַעֲרָה (naarah, 'girl') or בְּתוּלָה (betulah, 'virgin') in the MT. The narrator applies it first as a general descriptor of her beauty and youth (ἦν καλὴ τῇ ὄψει σφόδρα, παρθένος ἦν) and then adds the specific clarifying gloss ἀνὴρ οὐκ ἔγνω αὐτήν to define παρθένος in its strict virginal sense. This double use — description + clarification — is the narrator's way of establishing both her youth and her specific purity.
ἦνwasImperf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (predicative)→ durative imperfectεἰμί (impf. ἦν): 'was / continued to be'; the imperfect marks David's renewed, ongoing presence at court.
καλὴbeautifulNominativepredicate adjective→ participant prominenceκαλός: 'beautiful, fine, good'; renders טוֹבַת; the formula 'beautiful in appearance' (καλὴ τῇ ὄψει) is the standard OT beauty description used of Sarah (Gen 12:11), Rachel (Gen 29:17), and others — it marks Rebekah as an ideal bride.
τῇinDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὄψειappearanceDativedative of respect ('beautiful with respect to appearance')→ sphere or referenceὄψις: 'appearance, face, aspect'; the dative of respect τῇ ὄψει is a Hebraism calquing the Hebrew construct with מַרְאֶה.
σφόδραvery muchadverb (intensifier: 'exceedingly')→ clausal contributionσφόδρα: 'very, exceedingly'; a Hebraism rendering מְאֹד; used in the LXX to indicate the superlative degree of a quality.
παρθένοςvirginNominativepredicate nominative (second occurrence: repeated for emphasis)→ participant prominenceπαρθένος: second use; now followed by the defining gloss ἀνὴρ οὐκ ἔγνω αὐτήν. The repetition (παρθένος ἦν … παρθένος ἦν) underscores the point. The MT at this verse uses בְּתוּלָה (betulah, 'virgin') for the second term; the LXX uses παρθένος for both.
ἦνwasImperf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (second predication)→ durative imperfectεἰμί (impf. ἦν): 'was / continued to be'; the imperfect marks David's renewed, ongoing presence at court.
ἀνὴρa manNominativesubject of ἔγνω (anarthrous: no specific man had known her)→ participant prominenceἀνήρ: 'man / husband'; the anarthrous subject emphasizes that not any man had known her — complete virginity.
οὐκnotnegation→ clausal qualification or emphasisοὐκ: meaning 'not'; it negates or qualifies the assertion of the clause.
ἔγνωhad knownAor Act Indic 3 Sg · γινώσκωmain verb (explanatory gloss on παρθένος)→ constative aorist (no such act had ever occurred)γινώσκω: 'know'; the euphemism 'a man had not known her' renders the Hebrew idiom יָדַע אֹתָהּ אִישׁ לֹא; this is the standard biblical euphemism for sexual intercourse. The narrator uses the aorist to state that this had never happened, giving παρθένος its strictest content.
αὐτήνherAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceαὐτήν: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
καταβᾶσαhaving gone downAor Act Ptcp Nom Sg F · καταβαίνωattendant circumstance participle (action preceding the main verbs)→ aorist participle (antecedent action)καταβαίνω: 'go down'; springs were typically at the foot of a slope; Rebekah descends to the spring level, fills her jar, then ascends — the verbs κατέβη / ἀνέβη form a natural physical pair.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπὶtopreposition + accusative (directional: down to the spring)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (directional: down to the spring).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πηγὴνspringAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί→ object specificationπηγὴν: meaning 'spring'; it serves as accusative object of ἐπί.
ἔπλησενfilledAor Act Indic 3 Sg · πίμπλημιmain verb (narrative action)→ constative aoristπίμπλημι: 'fill'; she fills the jar completely — a detail that sets up the subsequent offer to water the camels.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑδρίανwater-jarAccusativedirect object→ object specificationὑδρίαν: meaning 'water-jar'; it serves as direct object.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνέβηcame upAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀναβαίνωmain verb (return from the spring level)→ constative aoristἀναβαίνω: 'go up'; the paired κατέβη / ἀνέβη describe the efficient action of a practiced water-drawer — she descends, fills, ascends.
17
ἔδραμεν δὲ ὁ παῖς εἰς συνάντησιν αὐτῆς καὶ εἶπεν· Πότισόν με μικρὸν ὕδωρ ἐκ τῆς ὑδρίας σου.
And the servant ran to meet her and said, 'Let me drink a little water from your jar.'
The servant's run (ἔδραμεν) signals urgency and the narrative's acceleration — the sign is in progress. His request is deliberately modest (μικρόν, 'a little'), making Rebekah's generous response in v.19 all the more significant.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ἔδραμενranAor Act Indic 3 Sg · τρέχωmain verb (narrative action)→ constative aoristτρέχω: 'run'; the running signals eagerness and urgency; throughout this scene the key characters run (Rebekah ran at v.28; Laban ran at v.29), all propelled by the narrative's providential momentum.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παῖςservantNominativesubject→ participant prominenceπαῖς: meaning 'servant'; it serves as subject.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (directional: toward meeting)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (directional: toward meeting).
συνάντησινmeetingAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (εἰς συνάντησιν = Hebraism: לִקְרַאת)→ object specificationσυνάντησις: 'meeting, encounter'; the idiom τρέχω/ἔρχομαι εἰς συνάντησιν = 'run/go to meet' is a Hebraism calquing לִקְרַאת; it signals a purposeful, eager meeting.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive object of εἰς συνάντησιν→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of εἰς συνάντησιν.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech introduction)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
Πότισόνlet me drinkAor Act Imper 2 Sg · ποτίζωimperative (request: 'give me to drink')→ aorist imperative (single act of giving drink)ποτίζω: 'give to drink, water'; the imperative is a polite request — 'cause me to drink,' i.e., 'let me drink from your jar.'
μεmeAccusativedirect object (beneficiary of the drinking)→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object (beneficiary of the drinking).
μικρὸνa littleAccusativeaccusative of extent (modifying ὕδωρ: 'a little water')→ object specificationμικρός: 'small, little'; the deliberate modesty of the request — asking only for 'a little water' — makes the volunteer camel-watering of v.19 all the more remarkable as generosity.
ὕδωρwaterAccusativedirect object of Πότισόν→ object specificationὕδωρ: meaning 'water'; it serves as direct object of Πότισόν.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑδρίαςjarGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ→ relational specificationὑδρίας: meaning 'jar'; it serves as genitive object of ἐκ.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
18
ἡ δὲ εἶπεν· Πίε, κύριε· καὶ ἔσπευσεν καὶ καθεῖλεν τὴν ὑδρίαν ἐπὶ τὸν βραχίονα αὐτῆς καὶ ἐπότισεν αὐτόν,
And she said, 'Drink, sir,' and she hurried and lowered the jar to her arm and gave him drink,
Rebekah's response is immediate and respectful (κύριε). Three rapid aorists — εἶπεν, ἔσπευσεν, καθεῖλεν — create the impression of swift, unhesitating action. The verse ends with ἐπότισεν αὐτόν and continues into v.19 with the duration clause.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
ἡsheNominativearticle (as pronoun: 'she')→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech introduction)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
ΠίεDrinkAor Act Imper 2 Sg · πίνωimperative (generous offer: 'drink')→ aorist imperative (single act)πίνω: 'drink'; her reply Πίε, κύριε ('Drink, sir') is simple, gracious, and immediate — the first half of the sign fulfilled exactly as specified.
κύριεsirVocativevocative of respectful address→ direct addressκύριος in vocative: 'lord / sir'; the respectful address to a stranger marks Rebekah's social grace. Her one-word response plus this title of respect shows the character quality being confirmed.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσπευσενhurriedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · σπεύδωmain verb (speed of action)→ constative aoristσπεύδω: 'hasten, hurry'; recurs at v.20 (ἔσπευσεν again); the doubled ἔσπευσεν in vv.18–20 underlines Rebekah's energetic generosity throughout the watering episode.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καθεῖλενloweredAor Act Indic 3 Sg · καθαιρέωmain verb (the physical gesture)→ constative aoristκαθαιρέω: 'take down, lower'; she lowers the jar from her shoulder to her arm to give the servant access to drink; the specific bodily gesture is noted.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑδρίανjarAccusativedirect object→ object specificationὑδρίαν: meaning 'jar'; it serves as direct object.
ἐπὶontopreposition + accusative (locative: onto / to rest on)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'onto'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (locative: onto / to rest on).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βραχίοναarmAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί (she lowered it to rest on her forearm)→ object specificationβραχίων: 'arm, forearm'; lowering the jar to the arm makes it easier for the traveler to drink from it.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπότισενgave drink toAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποτίζωmain verb (the first sign-element enacted)→ constative aoristποτίζω: 'give to drink'; the verb used in the sign-test of v.14 (ποτιῶ) is now fulfilled — she does give the servant drink.
αὐτόνhimAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceαὐτόν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
19
ἕως ἐπαύσατο πίνων· καὶ εἶπεν· Καὶ ταῖς καμήλοις σου ὑδρεύσομαι ἕως ἂν πᾶσαι πίωσιν.
until he had finished drinking. And she said, 'I will draw water for your camels also, until they have all drunk.'
The verse divides into the completion of the first sign-element (ἕως ἐπαύσατο πίνων) and the spontaneous offer of the decisive second element (καὶ ταῖς καμήλοις σου ὑδρεύσομαι). The second element — volunteering to water all ten camels — is entirely unasked and matches the servant's prayer criterion exactly.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ἕωςuntiltemporal conjunction (continuing from v.18: she gave him drink until…)→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως: meaning 'until'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπαύσατοhe ceasedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · παύωverb of the temporal clause→ constative aoristπαύω: 'stop, cease'; she watered him until he was fully satisfied; the completion prepares the narrative for her spontaneous next action.
πίνωνdrinkingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg M · πίνωsupplementary participle with ἐπαύσατο→ progressive participleπίνω: meaning 'drinking'; it contributes descriptive or attendant verbal force; here it functions as supplementary participle with ἐπαύσατο.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech introduction)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
ΚαὶAlsoadditive conjunction ('also, in addition')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: here additive / inclusive — 'also for your camels'; the καί marks the spontaneous extension beyond the request. This καί is the decisive word: she did not wait to be asked.
ταῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καμήλοιςcamelsDativedative of advantage / indirect object→ sphere or referenceκαμήλοις: meaning 'camels'; it serves as dative of advantage / indirect object.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ὑδρεύσομαιI will draw waterFut Mid Indic 1 Sg · ὑδρεύομαιmain verb (the decisive sign-criterion fulfilled in the very act of promising)→ predictive future (the spontaneous commitment)ὑδρεύομαι: 'draw water'; Rebekah's offer to water ten camels from the spring — unasked, immediately after watering the servant — exactly fulfills the sign-criterion of v.14. Ten thirsty camels can drink enormous quantities; this is a significant labor.
ἕωςuntiltemporal conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως: meaning 'until'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἂνevermodal particle (indefinite temporal with ἕως)→ discourse linkage or contrastἂν: meaning 'ever'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πᾶσαιallNominativesubject (all the camels)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all'; she will not stop until all (πᾶσαι) have drunk; no half-measures — echoing the sign-prayer's ἕως ἂν παύσωνται πίνουσαι (v.14).
πίωσινhave drunkAor Act Subj 3 Pl · πίνωsubjunctive in temporal clause→ aorist subjunctive (completion of drinking)πίνω: meaning 'have drunk'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as subjunctive in temporal clause.
20
καὶ ἔσπευσεν καὶ ἐξεκένωσεν τὴν ὑδρίαν εἰς τὸ ποτιστήριον καὶ ἔδραμεν ἐπὶ τὸ φρέαρ ἀντλῆσαι· καὶ ὑδρεύσατο πάσαις ταῖς καμήλοις.
And she hurried and emptied the jar into the watering-trough and ran to the well to draw, and she drew for all the camels.
Four rapid aorists — ἔσπευσεν, ἐξεκένωσεν, ἔδραμεν, ὑδρεύσατο — create a vivid picture of energetic activity. The scene fulfills both the word of v.19 and the criterion of v.14 simultaneously. Her labor is real and extensive: emptying the large jar, running to draw again, and watering all ten camels.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσπευσενhurriedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · σπεύδωmain verb (speed: first of four rapid actions)→ constative aoristσπεύδω: second use in two verses; the narrative insistence on Rebekah's haste underlines the character quality the sign is testing.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξεκένωσενemptiedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐκκενόωmain verb (second action)→ constative aoristἐκκενόω: 'empty out'; she empties the whole jar into the trough to give the camels water while she draws more — efficient and practical.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑδρίανjarAccusativedirect object→ object specificationὑδρίαν: meaning 'jar'; it serves as direct object.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (destination of pouring)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (destination of pouring).
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποτιστήριονwatering-troughAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς→ object specificationποτιστήριον: 'watering-trough, drinking-trough'; renders שֹׁקֶת; a stone or wooden trough from which animals drank; she empties her jar into the trough while going to refill it.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔδραμενranAor Act Indic 3 Sg · τρέχωmain verb (third action: she runs to draw more)→ constative aoristτρέχω: 'run'; Rebekah's running to draw — just as the servant ran to meet her in v.17 — gives the scene a matched energy.
ἐπὶtopreposition + accusative (directional)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (directional).
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φρέαρwellAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί→ object specificationφρέαρ: meaning 'well'; it serves as accusative object of ἐπί.
ἀντλῆσαιto drawAor Act Inf · ἀντλέωinfinitive of purpose→ aorist infinitive (the purpose of running)ἀντλέω: meaning 'to draw'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as infinitive of purpose.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὑδρεύσατοdrew waterAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ὑδρεύομαιmain verb (fourth action: the sign completed)→ constative aorist (the whole watering episode summarized)ὑδρεύομαι: 'draw water'; the aorist summarizes the entire repeated drawing process until all ten camels had drunk; the sign is now completely fulfilled.
πάσαιςallDativedative of advantage (for all the camels: ποτίζω takes dative beneficiary)→ sphere or referenceπάσαις: meaning 'all'; it serves as dative of advantage (for all the camels: ποτίζω takes dative beneficiary).
ταῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καμήλοιςcamelsDativedative of advantage (all ten camels watered)→ sphere or referenceκαμήλοις: meaning 'camels'; it serves as dative of advantage (all ten camels watered).
21
ὁ δὲ ἄνθρωπος κατεμάνθανεν αὐτήν, καὶ παρεσιώπα τοῦ γνῶναι εἰ εὐώδωκεν κύριος τὴν ὁδὸν αὐτοῦ ἢ οὔ.
And the man gazed at her in silence, to discover whether the LORD had prospered his way or not.
Two imperfects (κατεμάνθανεν, παρεσιώπα) create a deliberate pause in the narrative: while Rebekah works, the servant watches and waits in held-breath silence. The genitive articular infinitive τοῦ γνῶναι gives the purpose of his silence. The third occurrence of εὐοδόω in the chapter (εὐώδωκεν — perfect tense: has the LORD already prosperedmy way?).
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἄνθρωποςmanNominativesubject (the servant, referred to as ἄνθρωπος)→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: 'man'; the narrator switches from παῖς to ἄνθρωπος in this section (vv.21–32, 54) — perhaps when his role as a social agent rather than a household servant is in view.
κατεμάνθανενgazed at / studiedImperf Act Indic 3 Sg · καταμανθάνωmain verb (ongoing watchful observation)→ progressive imperfect (sustained, careful observation throughout the watering)καταμανθάνω: 'observe carefully, study attentively'; the kata-compound intensifies the basic meaning of μανθάνω; the servant is making a careful assessment of what he is witnessing, not merely glancing.
αὐτήνherAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceαὐτήν: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παρεσιώπαkept silentImperf Act Indic 3 Sg · παρασιωπάωmain verb (ongoing deliberate silence)→ progressive imperfect (sustained silence throughout the episode)παρασιωπάω: 'remain silent, hold one's peace'; renders הֶחֱשָׁה; the servant does not speak while the sign-test is in progress — disciplined restraint while waiting for the outcome.
τοῦtoGenitivearticle with articular infinitive (purpose: τοῦ γνῶναι = in order to know)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γνῶναιdiscoverAor Act Inf · γινώσκωarticular infinitive of purpose→ aorist infinitive (the decisive knowledge sought)γινώσκω: 'know, discover, find out'; the servant's deliberate silence is purposeful — he is waiting for the sign to complete so that he can know (γνῶναι) whether the LORD has answered his prayer.
εἰwhetherindirect interrogative particle (introducing the indirect question: εἰ … ἢ οὔ)→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: meaning 'whether'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὐώδωκενhad prosperedPf Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐοδόωverb of the indirect question (perfect: has the LORD already succeeded?)→ intensive perfect (a completed act whose result he now seeks to read)εὐοδόω: third occurrence (vv. 12, 21); the perfect tense here is significant — the servant asks whether the LORD has already (in the events just witnessed) brought about the εὐοδόω he prayed for. The perfect looks back to the completed sign-test and asks: is this it?
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as subject.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁδὸνway / roadAccusativedirect object of εὐώδωκεν→ object specificationὁδός: 'road, way, journey'; the literal 'road' is also metaphorical — the servant's mission, his life-path at this moment. The LORD 'prospering the way' means making this specific journey succeed.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἢordisjunctive conjunction (in the εἰ … ἢ οὔ structure)→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'or'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὔnotnegation (completing the εἰ … ἢ οὔ: whether … or not)→ participant referenceοὔ: meaning 'not'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as negation (completing the εἰ … ἢ οὔ: whether … or not).
22
ἐγένετο δέ, ἡνίκα ἐπαύσαντο πᾶσαι αἱ κάμηλοι πίνουσαι, καὶ ἔλαβεν ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἐνώτια χρυσᾶ ἀνὰ δραχμὴν ὁλκῆς καὶ δύο ψέλια ἐπὶ τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῆς, δέκα χρυσῶν ὁλκὴ αὐτῶν·
And it came to pass, when all the camels had finished drinking, that the man took golden earrings of a drachma's weight each, and two bracelets for her hands, weighing ten gold pieces.
The completion of the sign (all camels finished drinking) triggers the servant's action of presenting the gifts. The καὶ ἐγένετο formula marks a new narrative moment. The gifts — gold earrings and bracelets — are the physical tokens of the bridal quest and simultaneously confirm that Rebekah is the chosen one.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
ἐγένετοit came to passAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (narrative formula: καὶ ἐγένετο)→ constative aoristγίνομαι: καὶ ἐγένετο, narrative time-marker.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡνίκαwhentemporal conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἡνίκα: meaning 'when'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπαύσαντοhad finishedAor Mid Indic 3 Pl · παύωverb of the temporal clause→ constative aoristπαύω: middle ἐπαύσαντο = 'they stopped'; the word used in v.28 (παυσάσθω) as Pharaoh's request is now fulfilled.
πᾶσαιallNominativesubject of ἐπαύσαντο (all the camels)→ participant prominenceπᾶσαι: meaning 'all'; it serves as subject of ἐπαύσαντο (all the camels).
αἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κάμηλοιcamelsNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκάμηλοι: meaning 'camels'; it serves as subject.
πίνουσαιdrinkingPres Act Ptcp Nom Pl F · πίνωsupplementary participle with ἐπαύσαντο→ progressive participleπίνω: meaning 'drinking'; it contributes descriptive or attendant verbal force; here it functions as supplementary participle with ἐπαύσαντο.
καὶandnarrative conjunction (apodosis of ἐγένετο)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔλαβενtookAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb of the apodosis→ constative aoristλαμβάνω: 'take'; see v. 10.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄνθρωποςmanNominativesubject→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as subject.
ἐνώτιαearringsAccusativedirect object (first gift)→ object specificationἐνώτιον: 'earring'; renders נֶזֶם זָהָב; gold jewelry as a betrothal gift is attested throughout the ancient Near East; the earrings and bracelets serve as an advance on the full bridal gift (v.53).
χρυσᾶgoldenAccusativeaccusative adjective modifying ἐνώτια→ object specificationχρυσᾶ: meaning 'golden'; it serves as accusative adjective modifying ἐνώτια.
ἀνὰeach ofdistributive preposition (ἀνὰ + accusative = 'at the rate of / each of')→ spatial or relational framingἀνά: distributive preposition: 'a drachma's weight each' — each earring weighs one drachma.
δραχμὴνdrachmaAccusativeaccusative object of ἀνά (unit of weight)→ object specificationδραχμή: 'drachma'; used here as a weight measure (renders בֶּקַע, a half-shekel weight); the LXX translates the Hebrew weight unit into the familiar Greek coinage-weight term.
ὁλκῆςin weightGenitivegenitive of measure→ relational specificationὁλκή: 'weight (drawn weight)'; from ἕλκω ('draw'); used in commercial weighing contexts; δραχμὴν ὁλκῆς = 'a drachma by weight'.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (second gift)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δύοtwocardinal numeral→ measure or countδύο: meaning 'two'; numeral expression contributing count or measure in context.
ψέλιαbraceletsAccusativedirect object (second gift)→ object specificationψέλιον: 'bracelet, arm-band'; renders צְמִידִים; gold bracelets were standard betrothal gifts in the ancient Near East; the two bracelets for her hands frame the action that has just been done — those hands have just watered ten camels.
ἐπὶforpreposition + accusative (placement: put on her hands)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (placement: put on her hands).
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖραςhandsAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί→ object specificationχεῖρας: meaning 'hands'; it serves as accusative object of ἐπί.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
δέκαtencardinal numeral (weight of the bracelets)→ measure or countδέκα: meaning 'ten'; numeral expression contributing count or measure in context.
χρυσῶνgold piecesGenitivegenitive of material / measure→ relational specificationχρυσοῦς: 'gold piece / gold unit'; genitive of quantity: 'ten (units) of gold'; the total weight of the bracelets.
ὁλκὴthe weightNominativenominative predicate (the weight of them was ten gold)→ participant prominenceὁλκὴ: meaning 'the weight'; it serves as nominative predicate (the weight of them was ten gold).
αὐτῶνof themGenitivegenitive of reference (the weight of them)→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'of them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of reference (the weight of them).
23
καὶ ἐπηρώτησεν αὐτὴν καὶ εἶπεν· Θυγάτηρ τίνος εἶ; ἀνάγγειλόν μοι, εἰ ἔστιν παρὰ τῷ πατρί σου τόπος ἡμῖν καταλῦσαι.
And he questioned her and said, 'Whose daughter are you? Tell me: is there a place at your father's house for us to lodge?'
The servant's double question — identity and hospitality — is the necessary next step after the sign. He has already placed the jewelry on her (v.22); now he asks who she is. The question ἀνάγγειλόν μοι introduces an indirect interrogative about lodging, but the identity question is the pivotal one whose answer (v.24) will confirm the sign's significance.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπηρώτησενquestionedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπερωτάωmain verb→ constative aoristἐπερωτάω: 'ask, question'; the compound with ἐπί intensifies: 'inquire closely'; the servant's careful inquiry follows naturally from his silent observation in v.21.
αὐτὴνherAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceαὐτὴν: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech introduction)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
ΘυγάτηρdaughterNominativepredicate nominative (the question: 'daughter of whom are you?')→ participant prominenceΘυγάτηρ: meaning 'daughter'; it serves as predicate nominative (the question: 'daughter of whom are you?').
τίνοςof whomGenitivegenitive interrogative pronoun (whose daughter?)→ relational specificationτίνος: meaning 'of whom'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive interrogative pronoun (whose daughter?).
εἶare youPres Act Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίmain verb of the direct question→ present indicativeεἰμί: 'be'; the copula of the predicate-adjective construction; though present in form, it carries the past sense of Saul's former lowliness.
ἀνάγγειλόνtellAor Act Imper 2 Sg · ἀναγγέλλωimperative (request for information)→ aorist imperativeἀναγγέλλω: 'report, announce, tell'; the servant asks Rebekah to tell him the information he needs — her identity and whether lodging is available.
μοιmeDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
εἰwhetherindirect interrogative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: meaning 'whether'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔστινthere isPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb of the indirect question (existential)→ present indicative (current availability)εἰμί: 'be'; οὐκ ἔστιν αὐτοῖς = 'which do not have.'
παρὰatpreposition + dative (locative: at / in the house of)→ spatial or relational framingπαρὰ: meaning 'at'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: at / in the house of).
τῷtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πατρίfatherDativedative object of παρά→ sphere or referenceπατρί: meaning 'father'; it serves as dative object of παρά.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
τόποςa placeNominativesubject of ἔστιν→ participant prominenceτόπος: 'place, room'; the request for lodging (καταλῦσαι) is the practical necessity of a travelling party; but the question will also bring the servant into Laban's household where the mission will be stated.
ἡμῖνfor usDativedative of advantage (for us to lodge)→ participant reference or interestἡμῖν: meaning 'for us'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of advantage (for us to lodge).
καταλῦσαιto lodgeAor Act Inf · καταλύωinfinitive of purpose (τόπος καταλῦσαι = a place to lodge)→ aorist infinitiveκαταλύω: 'stay, lodge, encamp'; renders לָלוּן; the standard term for overnight hospitality.
24
ἡ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Θυγάτηρ Βαθουηλ εἰμὶ τοῦ υἱοῦ Μελχας, ὃν ἔτεκεν τῷ Ναχωρ.
And she said to him, 'I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, whom she bore to Nahor.'
Rebekah's self-identification in full genealogical form confirms the divine guidance: she is exactly from Abraham's family (Nahor's son Bethuel). The servant's sign has been confirmed both by her action (vv.18–20) and now by her identity. The relative clause ὃν ἔτεκεν τῷ Ναχωρ identifies Bethuel precisely.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ἡsheNominativearticle (as pronoun: 'she')→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
αὐτῷto himDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
ΘυγάτηρdaughterNominativepredicate nominative (answer to the identity question)→ participant prominenceΘυγάτηρ: meaning 'daughter'; it serves as predicate nominative (answer to the identity question).
ΒαθουηλBethuelindeclinable proper noun, genitive with Θυγάτηρ ('daughter of Bethuel')→ participant identificationΒαθουηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, genitive with Θυγάτηρ ('daughter of Bethuel').
εἰμὶI amPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίcopula (predicate: 'I am the daughter of Bethuel')→ present indicativeεἰμί: 'be'; 'I am (more) than you'.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοῦsonGenitivegenitive apposition to Βαθουηλ (Bethuel is the son of Milcah)→ relational specificationυἱοῦ: meaning 'son'; it serves as genitive apposition to Βαθουηλ (Bethuel is the son of Milcah).
ΜελχαςMilcahGenitivegenitive of possession with υἱοῦ→ relational specificationΜελχα (gen. Μελχας): Nahor's wife and Bethuel's mother; cf. Gen 22:20–23 for the genealogy establishing these relationships.
ὃνwhomAccusativeaccusative relative pronoun (antecedent: Βαθουηλ / υἱόν)→ participant referenceὃν: meaning 'whom'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative relative pronoun (antecedent: Βαθουηλ / υἱόν).
ἔτεκενshe boreAor Act Indic 3 Sg · τίκτωverb of the relative clause→ constative aoristτίκτω: 'give birth to'; subject is Milcah; ὃν ἔτεκεν τῷ Ναχωρ = 'whom she (Milcah) bore to Nahor.' The genealogical precision confirms Rebekah as the great-niece of Abraham.
τῷtoDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΝαχωρNahorindeclinable proper noun, dative of interest (born to Nahor)→ participant identificationΝαχωρ: Abraham's brother; Rebekah is the granddaughter of Nahor and Milcah — exactly the right family member the servant was sent to find.
25
καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Καὶ ἄχυρα καὶ χορτάσματα πολλὰ παρ᾿ ἡμῖν καὶ τόπος καταλῦσαι.
And she said to him, 'We have both straw and plenty of fodder, and a place to lodge.'
Rebekah's immediate offer of hospitality — straw, fodder, lodging — completes the picture of her generous character established by the camel-watering. The καὶ … καὶ ('both … and') construction lists the provisions comprehensively.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
αὐτῷto himDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
Καὶbothcoordinating conjunction (first element of καὶ … καὶ = 'both … and')→ discourse linkage or contrastΚαὶ: meaning 'both'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἄχυραstrawNominativesubject / existential predicate ('we have straw')→ participant prominenceἄχυρον: 'straw, chaff'; renders תֶּבֶן; camel bedding and fodder supplemented with straw was the standard provision for travelers' animals.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (second element of the καὶ … καὶ)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
χορτάσματαfodderNominativesubject / existential predicate (second provision)→ participant prominenceχόρτασμα: 'fodder, feed'; renders מִסְפּוֹא; grain-based animal feed distinct from straw; the two together cover both bedding and feeding needs.
πολλὰplenty ofNominativepredicate adjective (abundance: 'much / in plenty')→ participant prominenceπολλὰ: meaning 'plenty of'; it serves as predicate adjective (abundance: 'much / in plenty').
παρ᾿with / atpreposition + dative (locative: 'at our house' / 'we have')→ spatial or relational framingπαρά + dative: 'with us / at our house'; the standard LXX idiom for 'we have' — παρ᾿ ἡμῖν = 'at our place / in our possession'.
ἡμῖνusDativedative object of παρά→ participant reference or interestἡμῖν: meaning 'us'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative object of παρά.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (third item: lodging)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τόποςa placeNominativesubject / existential predicate→ participant prominenceτόπος: meaning 'a place'; it serves as subject / existential predicate.
καταλῦσαιto lodgeAor Act Inf · καταλύωinfinitive of purpose→ aorist infinitiveκαταλύω: meaning 'to lodge'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as infinitive of purpose.
26
καὶ εὐδοκήσας ὁ ἄνθρωπος προσεκύνησεν κυρίῳ
And the man, being glad, bowed down before the LORD,
The verse is deliberately brief — a single act of prostration. The circumstantial participle εὐδοκήσας ('having rejoiced / being well-pleased') gives the emotional ground; the prostration precedes the verbal blessing of v.27. The verse ends without a period — the prayer follows immediately.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὐδοκήσαςbeing gladAor Act Ptcp Nom Sg M · εὐδοκέωcircumstantial participle (cause / manner: 'rejoicing' before he prostrated)→ aorist participle (antecedent emotion)εὐδοκέω: 'be pleased, be glad, approve'; renders the Hebrew הִשְׁתַּחֲוָה introduction; the servant's inner delight at the outcome of the sign precedes the formal worship act. The same verb recurs at v.48 in the retelling.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄνθρωποςmanNominativesubject→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as subject.
προσεκύνησενbowed downAor Act Indic 3 Sg · προσκυνέωmain verb (act of worship)→ constative aorist (single prostration)προσκυνέω: 'prostrate oneself, bow down in worship'; renders the Hebrew הִשְׁתַּחֲוָה (hishtaḥawah); the standard LXX term for worship-prostration before God. The servant's prostration is the first of two in this chapter (also v.52).
κυρίῳbefore the LORDDativedative object of προσκυνέω (the one worshipped)→ sphere or referenceκύριος: YHWH; the servant's prostration is directed to the God who has just answered his prayer — not to Abraham, not to any local deity, but to the LORD of the covenant.
27
καὶ εἶπεν· Εὐλογητὸς κύριος ὁ θεὸς τοῦ κυρίου μου Αβρααμ, ὃς οὐκ ἐγκατέλιπεν τὴν δικαιοσύνην αὐτοῦ καὶ τὴν ἀλήθειαν αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ κυρίου μου· ἐμέ τε εὐώδωκεν κύριος εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ τοῦ κυρίου μου.
and said: 'Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his faithfulness and his truth toward my master; and the LORD has led me by the way to the house of my master's brother.'
The servant's doxology opens with the Εὐλογητός formula and grounds the thanksgiving in two divine attributes: δικαιοσύνη ('righteousness / faithfulness') and ἀλήθεια ('truth / faithfulness') toward Abraham. The fourth occurrence of εὐοδόω (εὐώδωκεν) closes the speech: the LORD has led him to the house of Abraham's brother.
Word-by-word analysis· 36 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
ΕὐλογητὸςBlessed beNominativepredicate adjective (liturgical blessing formula)→ participant prominenceεὐλογητός: 'blessed'; the passive verbal adjective from εὐλογέω; in the formula Εὐλογητὸς κύριος it declares God worthy of blessing/praise, not that humans bless him: 'Blessed [is] the LORD.' The formula renders בָּרוּךְ יהוה; cf. Ruth 2:20; Luke 1:68 (Εὐλογητὸς κύριος ὁ θεὸς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ).
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of the blessing predication→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as subject of the blessing predication.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸςGodNominativenominative apposition to κύριος→ participant prominenceθεὸς: meaning 'God'; it serves as nominative apposition to κύριος.
τοῦofGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationκυρίου: meaning 'master'; it serves as genitive of possession.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ΑβρααμAbrahamindeclinable proper noun, apposition→ participant identificationΑβρααμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, apposition.
ὃςwhoNominativenominative relative pronoun (antecedent: κύριος)→ participant referenceὃς: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as nominative relative pronoun (antecedent: κύριος).
οὐκnotnegation→ clausal qualification or emphasisοὐκ: meaning 'not'; it negates or qualifies the assertion of the clause.
ἐγκατέλιπενabandonedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐγκαταλείπωverb of the relative clause (divine faithfulness negated)→ constative aoristἐγκαταλείπω: 'abandon, forsake'; the negative 'who did not abandon' is the ground of thanksgiving — the LORD's faithfulness to Abraham has been concretely demonstrated by guiding the servant to the right family.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δικαιοσύνηνrighteousness / faithfulnessAccusativedirect object of ἐγκατέλιπεν→ object specificationδικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness, justice, faithfulness'; here renders Hebrew חֶסֶד or אֱמֶת as a pair; in the context of a covenant relationship, it denotes God's covenant-keeping fidelity.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀλήθειανtruth / faithfulnessAccusativedirect object (second attribute not abandoned)→ object specificationἀλήθεια: 'truth, faithfulness, reliability'; paired with δικαιοσύνη to render the Hebrew hendiadys חֶסֶד וֶאֱמֶת ('lovingkindness and truth'); the pair describes God's comprehensive covenant loyalty.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἀπὸfrom / towardpreposition + genitive (separation / direction: 'away from' = 'toward')→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: here renders מֵעִם in the Hebrew sense: 'has not withheld his faithfulness from my master.' The LORD's covenant attributes are directed toward Abraham and have not been withdrawn.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationκυρίου: meaning 'master'; it serves as genitive object of ἀπό.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐμέmeAccusativedirect object (emphatic, fronted before the verb)→ participant referenceἐμέ: emphatic accusative, fronted for stress — 'and me in particular the LORD has led'; the servant personalizes the divine guidance that brought him here.
τεmoreoverenclitic conjunction (adding a further point: 'and moreover')→ discourse linkage or contrastτε: meaning 'moreover'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὐώδωκενhas led / prosperedPf Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐοδόωmain verb (fourth occurrence of εὐοδόω)→ intensive perfect (the accomplished providential guidance)εὐοδόω: fourth of seven occurrences; here in the perfect, looking back on the completed mission so far: the LORD has led (perfect: with present result) the servant to the house of Abraham's brother. The perfect underlines that the guidance is complete and its effects are present.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as subject.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination of divine guidance)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (destination of divine guidance).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἶκονhouseAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς→ object specificationοἶκον: meaning 'house'; it serves as accusative object of εἰς.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀδελφοῦbrotherGenitivegenitive of possession (whose house it is)→ relational specificationἀδελφός: 'brother'; the servant now knows from Rebekah's answer (v.24) that he is at the house of Nahor, Abraham's brother — the providential precision is complete.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationκυρίου: meaning 'master'; it serves as genitive of possession.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
28
δραμοῦσα δὲ ἡ παῖς ἀπήγγειλεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον τῆς μητρὸς αὐτῆς κατὰ τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα.
And the girl ran and reported to her mother's household concerning these matters.
The narrative cuts back to Rebekah, who runs (δραμοῦσα — third instance of running in the chapter: v.17 servant ran; v.20 Rebekah ran to draw; now she runs to report). The detail 'her mother's house' (not father's) anticipates the appearance of Laban rather than Bethuel as the household's male representative in what follows.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
δραμοῦσαhaving runAor Act Ptcp Nom Sg F · τρέχωattendant circumstance participle (action preceding the report)→ aorist participle (antecedent action)τρέχω: 'run'; third instance of running in the chapter; Rebekah's energy is consistently portrayed through the running verb.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παῖςgirlNominativesubject (Rebekah described as παῖς = girl / young woman)→ participant prominenceπαῖς: 'girl, young woman'; used of Rebekah here (parallel to the servant's παῖς designation) — she is both a young woman and a member of a household staff-structure.
ἀπήγγειλενreportedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀπαγγέλλωmain verb→ constative aoristἀπαγγέλλω: 'report back, announce'; Rebekah faithfully reports everything she has heard and seen, which will motivate Laban's eager response in v.29–30.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination of the report)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (destination of the report).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἶκονhouseholdAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς→ object specificationοἶκος: 'house / household'; 'her mother's house' rather than her father's is a detail — it may reflect that the women's domestic sphere was the mother's; Bethuel may be elderly or marginalized; Laban acts as the de facto head.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μητρὸςmotherGenitivegenitive of possession ('her mother's household')→ relational specificationμητρὸς: meaning 'mother'; it serves as genitive of possession ('her mother's household').
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (content / manner: 'in accordance with these matters')→ spatial or relational framingκατὰ: meaning 'according to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (content / manner: 'in accordance with these matters').
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ῥήματαmatters / wordsAccusativeaccusative object of κατά→ object specificationῥῆμα: 'word, matter, thing'; 'these matters' = the servant's words (v.23) and his gifts (v.22) which Rebekah reports in full to her household.
ταῦταtheseAccusativedemonstrative pronoun modifying ῥήματα→ participant referenceταῦτα: meaning 'these'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as demonstrative pronoun modifying ῥήματα.
29
ἦν δὲ Λαβαν ἀδελφὸς Ρεβεκκας· καὶ ἔδραμεν Λαβαν πρὸς τὸν ἄνθρωπον ἔξω ἐπὶ τὴν πηγήν.
Now Laban was the brother of Rebekah; and Laban ran to the man, outside to the spring.
The narrative introduces Laban by name and family relation before showing his action. The repetition of his name (ἦν δὲ Λαβαν … καὶ ἔδραμεν Λαβαν) is a Hebraistic emphasis particle marking the introduction of a significant new character. Like Rebekah and the servant before him, Laban runs — but his motivation (the jewels seen in v.30) is notably different from theirs.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
ἦνwasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (introductory character clause)→ imperfect (ongoing identity)εἰμί (impf. ἦν): the copula of the name-gloss.
δέnowpostpositive continuative particle (scene transition)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'now'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΛαβανLabanindeclinable proper noun, subject→ participant identificationΛαβαν: renders לָבָן ('white'); Rebekah's brother, making his debut in Genesis here; his character across subsequent chapters will be marked by self-interest. He appears here drawn by the jewelry before he hears the theological report.
ἀδελφὸςbrotherNominativepredicate nominative→ participant prominenceἀδελφὸς: meaning 'brother'; it serves as predicate nominative.
Ρεβεκκαςof RebekahGenitiveindeclinable proper noun, genitive of relation→ participant identificationΡεβεκκας: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, genitive of relation.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔδραμενranAor Act Indic 3 Sg · τρέχωmain verb (Laban's action)→ constative aoristτρέχω: 'run'; Laban's running continues the motif — Rebekah ran to draw (v.20), ran to report (v.28); now Laban runs out to the man. But his motive, revealed in v.30, is the jewelry Rebekah was wearing.
ΛαβανLabanindeclinable proper noun, subject (Hebraistic resumptive repetition for emphasis)→ participant identificationΛαβαν: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, subject (Hebraistic resumptive repetition for emphasis).
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction toward the man)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction toward the man).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄνθρωπονmanAccusativeaccusative object of πρός→ object specificationἄνθρωπον: meaning 'man'; it serves as accusative object of πρός.
ἔξωoutsideadverb of place→ clausal contributionἔξω: meaning 'outside'; it shapes the local clause or phrase relation in this passage.
ἐπὶatpreposition + accusative (location at the spring)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'at'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (location at the spring).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πηγήνspringAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί→ object specificationπηγήν: meaning 'spring'; it serves as accusative object of ἐπί.
30
καὶ ἐγένετο ὡς εἶδεν τὸ ἐνώτιον καὶ τὰ ψέλια ἐπὶ τὰς χεῖρας τῆς ἀδελφῆς αὐτοῦ καὶ ὅτε ἤκουσεν τὰ ῥήματα Ρεβεκκας τῆς ἀδελφῆς αὐτοῦ λεγούσης· Οὕτως λελάληκέν μοι ὁ ἄνθρωπος, καὶ ἦλθεν πρὸς τὸν ἄνθρωπον ἑστηκότος αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τῶν καμήλων ἐπὶ τῆς πηγῆς.
And it came about, when he saw the nose-ring and the bracelets on his sister's hands, and when he heard the words of his sister Rebekah saying, 'Thus the man spoke to me,' that he came to the man who was standing by his camels at the spring.
The καὶ ἐγένετο formula introduces the double temporal / causal clause (saw … heard) explaining why Laban ran. The narrator reveals Laban's actual motive: the jewelry first (ἐνώτιον, ψέλια), then Rebekah's report. The ordering is significant — Laban's primary attraction is material. The genitive absolute ἑστηκότος αὐτοῦ provides the visual scene.
Word-by-word analysis· 37 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐγένετοit came aboutAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιtemporal-formula verb (introduces the subordinate clause sequence)→ constative aorist (Hebraistic narrative formula)καὶ ἐγένετο: standard LXX formula for Hebrew וַיְהִי, introducing a temporal or conditional clause.
ὡςwhentemporal conjunction (first clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: meaning 'when'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶδενhe sawAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ὁράωverb of the first temporal clause→ constative aoristὁράω (aor. εἶδεν): 'see / perceive / realize'; renders רָאָה; here in the sense of grasping their plight, governing the ὅτι-clause.
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐνώτιονnose-ringAccusativedirect object of εἶδεν→ object specificationἐνώτιον: 'ear/nose ornament'; renders Hebrew נֶזֶם (typically a nose-ring in this context); the half-shekel gold piece given to Rebekah at the spring (v.22).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ψέλιαbraceletsAccusativedirect object of εἶδεν (second item seen)→ object specificationψέλιον: 'bracelet, armlet'; renders Hebrew צָמִיד; the two gold bracelets of v.22. Laban sees the valuable jewelry on his sister before he hears her theological report.
ἐπὶonpreposition + accusative (location on her hands)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (location on her hands).
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖραςhandsAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί→ object specificationχεῖρας: meaning 'hands'; it serves as accusative object of ἐπί.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀδελφῆςsisterGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationἀδελφῆς: meaning 'sister'; it serves as genitive of possession.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (linking second temporal clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὅτεwhentemporal conjunction (second clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτε: meaning 'when'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἤκουσενhe heardAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀκούωverb of the second temporal clause→ constative aoristἀκούω: 'hear / learn of'; renders שָׁמַע; David hears of the Aramean mobilization (v. 6) and responds militarily; the verb mirrors εἶδαν of the Ammonites (v. 6) — both sides act on what they perceive.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ῥήματαwordsAccusativedirect object of ἤκουσεν→ object specificationῥήματα: meaning 'words'; it serves as direct object of ἤκουσεν.
Ρεβεκκαςof RebekahGenitiveindeclinable proper noun, subjective genitive→ participant identificationΡεβεκκας: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, subjective genitive.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀδελφῆςsisterGenitivegenitive apposition to Ρεβεκκας→ relational specificationἀδελφῆς: meaning 'sister'; it serves as genitive apposition to Ρεβεκκας.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
λεγούσηςsayingPres Act Ptcp Gen Sg F · λέγωgenitive participle agreeing with ἀδελφῆς (content of what he heard)→ present participle (ongoing speech)λέγω: meaning 'saying'; it contributes descriptive or attendant verbal force; here it functions as genitive participle agreeing with ἀδελφῆς (content of what he heard).
ἦλθενcameAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb of the whole ἐγένετο construction (apodosis)→ constative aorist (the action triggered by what he saw and heard)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; here 'came to pass / were realized'; the singular verb with the neuter plural subject πάντα τὰ σημεῖα follows the regular Greek rule.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄνθρωπονmanAccusativeaccusative object of πρός→ object specificationἄνθρωπον: meaning 'man'; it serves as accusative object of πρός.
ἑστηκότοςstandingPf Act Ptcp Gen Sg M · ἵστημιgenitive absolute (circumstantial: the man motionless at the spring with his camels)→ perfect participle (resultant state: 'having taken a standing position and remaining there')ἵστημι: the perfect participle expresses a resultant standing state — the servant has been waiting motionlessly at the well.
αὐτοῦof himGenitivegenitive absolute subject→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'of him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive absolute subject.
ἐπὶbesidepreposition + genitive (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'beside'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (location).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καμήλωνcamelsGenitivegenitive object of ἐπί→ relational specificationκαμήλων: meaning 'camels'; it serves as genitive object of ἐπί.
ἐπὶatpreposition + genitive (second location: at the spring)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'at'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (second location: at the spring).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πηγῆςspringGenitivegenitive object of ἐπί→ relational specificationπηγῆς: meaning 'spring'; it serves as genitive object of ἐπί.
31
καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Δεῦρο εἴσελθε, εὐλογητὸς κύριος· ἵνα τί ἕστηκας ἔξω; ἐγὼ δὲ ἡτοίμακα τὴν οἰκίαν καὶ τόπον ταῖς καμήλοις.
And he said to him, 'Come in, O blessed of the LORD! Why do you stand outside? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.'
Laban's welcome is warm on the surface: Δεῦρο εἴσελθε ('Come, enter') + the honorific εὐλογητὸς κύριος + the rhetorical question ἵνα τί ἕστηκας ἔξω ('why are you standing outside?') + the perfect ἡτοίμακα ('I have already prepared'). The scene mirrors Abraham's reception of visitors in Gen 18. Whether the warmth is genuine or calculated remains ambiguous.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
αὐτῷto himDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
ΔεῦροCome!adverb of exhortation (urgent invitation paired with the following imperative)→ participant identificationδεῦρο: imperative-force adverb; 'come here!' — often combined with an imperative verb.
εἴσελθεenterAor Act Imper 2 Sg · εἰσέρχομαιmain imperative (invitation to enter)→ aorist imperative (single decisive action)εἰσέρχομαι: meaning 'enter'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as main imperative (invitation to enter).
εὐλογητὸςblessedNominativepredicate adjective functioning as a title of honor ('O blessed of the LORD')→ participant prominenceεὐλογητός: 'blessed'; here functions as an appellation — 'you who are blessed by the LORD.' Laban recognizes the divine backing visible in the gifts the servant has bestowed on Rebekah.
κύριοςby the LORDNominativenominative agent (the divine blesser)→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'by the LORD'; it serves as nominative agent (the divine blesser).
ἵναwhyinterrogative conjunction (ἵνα τί = 'why, for what purpose')→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα τί: 'for what purpose / why?' — Hebraistic idiom rendering לָמָּה; the rhetorical question implies that standing outside is unnecessary given the hospitality already prepared.
τίfor whatAccusativeinterrogative pronoun, object (purpose: 'why / for what reason')→ participant referenceτί: meaning 'for what'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as interrogative pronoun, object (purpose: 'why / for what reason').
ἕστηκαςdo you standPf Act Indic 2 Sg · ἵστημιverb of the rhetorical question→ intensive perfect (resultant state: 'are you standing out there?')ἵστημι: meaning 'do you stand'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verb of the rhetorical question.
ἔξωoutsideadverb of place→ clausal contributionἔξω: meaning 'outside'; it shapes the local clause or phrase relation in this passage.
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic pronoun: 'I myself have prepared')→ participant referenceἐγὼ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject (emphatic pronoun: 'I myself have prepared').
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡτοίμακαhave preparedPf Act Indic 1 Sg · ἑτοιμάζωmain verb (completed preparation with present relevance)→ intensive perfect (everything is already ready — no delay necessary)ἑτοιμάζω: 'prepare, make ready'; the perfect stresses that preparations are complete before the guest arrives. The hospitality formula mirrors Gen 18:2–8.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἰκίανhouseAccusativedirect object of ἡτοίμακα→ object specificationοἰκίαν: meaning 'house'; it serves as direct object of ἡτοίμακα.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τόπονa placeAccusativedirect object of ἡτοίμακα (second provision)→ object specificationτόπον: meaning 'a place'; it serves as direct object of ἡτοίμακα (second provision).
ταῖςfor theDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καμήλοιςcamelsDativedative of advantage→ sphere or referenceκαμήλοις: meaning 'camels'; it serves as dative of advantage.
32
εἰσῆλθεν δὲ ὁ ἄνθρωπος εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν καὶ ἀπέλυσεν τὰς καμήλους· καὶ ἔδωκεν ἄχυρα καὶ χορτάσματα ταῖς καμήλοις καὶ ὕδωρ νίψασθαι τοῖς ποσὶν αὐτοῦ καὶ τοῖς ποσὶν τῶν ἀνδρῶν τῶν μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ.
And the man came into the house, and he unloaded the camels; and he gave straw and fodder to the camels, and water to wash the feet — his own and those of the men who were with him.
The verse enumerates the hospitable provisions: camel care (ἄχυρα καὶ χορτάσματα — the same words as Rebekah's offer in v.25) and foot-washing for the servant and his company. Foot-washing is the standard arrival ritual for travelers (cf. Gen 18:4; 19:2; 1 Sam 25:41); it marks the transition from journey to rest and mirrors the hospitality Abraham showed the three visitors.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
εἰσῆλθενcame inAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰσέρχομαιmain verb (servant's entry into the house)→ constative aoristεἰσέρχομαι: 'go in / enter'; renders בּוֹא; the subject is Bathsheba ('she came in to him'); the idiom εἰσέρχομαι πρός can carry sexual overtones (cf. Gen 6:4; 16:2 LXX), preparing for ἐκοιμήθη.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄνθρωποςmanNominativesubject→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as subject.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (destination)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (destination).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἰκίανhouseAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς→ object specificationοἰκίαν: meaning 'house'; it serves as accusative object of εἰς.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπέλυσενunloadedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀπολύωmain verb (releasing the camels from their loads)→ constative aoristἀπολύω: 'release, unload, dismiss'; unloading the pack animals was the host's first duty toward a guest's animals in the ancient Near East.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καμήλουςcamelsAccusativedirect object of ἀπέλυσεν→ object specificationκαμήλους: meaning 'camels'; it serves as direct object of ἀπέλυσεν.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔδωκενgaveAor Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (provisions given to animals and men)→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; renders נָתַן; in the idiom ἔδωκεν ἐν χειρί ('gave into the hand of') it denotes the formal transfer of command authority to Abishai.
ἄχυραstrawAccusativedirect object of ἔδωκεν→ object specificationἄχυρα καὶ χορτάσματα: the identical pair from v.25 — Rebekah's promise of provisions is fulfilled word for word by the household.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
χορτάσματαfodderAccusativedirect object of ἔδωκεν→ object specificationχορτάσματα: meaning 'fodder'; it serves as direct object of ἔδωκεν.
ταῖςfor theDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καμήλοιςcamelsDativedative of advantage→ sphere or referenceκαμήλοις: meaning 'camels'; it serves as dative of advantage.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὕδωρwaterAccusativedirect object of ἔδωκεν (for foot-washing)→ object specificationὕδωρ … νίψασθαι: 'water to wash (feet)'; foot-washing upon arrival is the standard ancient Near Eastern hospitality gesture; cf. Gen 18:4; 19:2; Luke 7:44; John 13:5.
νίψασθαιto washAor Mid Inf · νίπτωinfinitive of purpose→ aorist infinitiveνίπτω: 'wash (hands/feet)'; the middle voice (νίψασθαι) may indicate reflexive washing; used in the NT of Jesus washing the disciples' feet (John 13:5–14).
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποσὶνfeetDativedative of reference (water for his feet)→ sphere or referenceποσὶν: meaning 'feet'; it serves as dative of reference (water for his feet).
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποσὶνfeetDativedative of reference (water for the feet of his men)→ sphere or referenceποσὶν: meaning 'feet'; it serves as dative of reference (water for the feet of his men).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνδρῶνmenGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationἀνδρῶν: meaning 'men'; it serves as genitive of possession.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μετ᾿withpreposition + genitive (accompanying party)→ spatial or relational framingμετ᾿: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompanying party).
αὐτοῦhimGenitivegenitive object of μετά→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of μετά.
33
καὶ παρέθηκεν αὐτῷ ἄρτους φαγεῖν. εἶπεν δέ· Οὐ μὴ φάγω ἕως τοῦ λαλῆσαί με τὰ ῥήματά μου. εἶπεν δέ· Λάλει.
And food was set before him to eat. But he said, 'I will not eat until I have spoken my words.' And he said, 'Speak.'
The servant's refusal to eat before speaking is a literary hinge: hospitality is accepted (v.32) but the mission takes precedence. The strong negation οὐ μὴ φάγω ('I will certainly not eat') marks the high importance placed on the mission. The double εἶπεν δέ structure — first the servant, then the host — compresses the exchange to a single word: Λάλει ('Speak'). This triggers the long retelling of vv.34–49.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παρέθηκενset beforeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · παρατίθημιmain verb (food presented)→ constative aoristπαρατίθημι: 'set before, place beside'; the standard term for presenting food to a guest.
αὐτῷto himDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
ἄρτουςbread / foodAccusativedirect object of παρέθηκεν→ object specificationἄρτος: 'bread'; by extension, 'food, meal'; renders Hebrew לֶחֶם in its broader sense of food generally.
φαγεῖνto eatAor Act Inf · ἐσθίωinfinitive of purpose→ aorist infinitiveἐσθίω (aor. inf. φαγεῖν): 'eat'; the suppletive aorist infinitive in μετὰ τὸ φαγεῖν ('after the eating') marks the time as following the sacrificial meal.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (servant's speech)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
δέbutpostpositive adversative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
Οὐnotnegation (first element of the strong double negation)→ participant referenceΟὐ: meaning 'not'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as negation (first element of the strong double negation).
μὴnotnegation (second element: οὐ μή = strong emphatic negation)→ clausal qualification or emphasisοὐ μή: the strongest negation in Greek; 'I will certainly not eat'; the servant's resolve is absolute — the mission must precede personal needs.
φάγωI will eatAor Act Subjunc 1 Sg · ἐσθίωsubjunctive with οὐ μή (strong prohibition / emphatic future negation)→ aorist subjunctive with double negationἐσθίω: meaning 'I will eat'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as subjunctive with οὐ μή (strong prohibition / emphatic future negation).
ἕωςuntiltemporal conjunction (introduces the condition for eating)→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως: meaning 'until'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with articular infinitive)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαλῆσαίto speakAor Act Inf · λαλέωarticular infinitive as object of ἕως ('until my speaking')→ aorist infinitive (single completed speech act)λαλέω: 'speak'; renders דִּבֶּר; the divine speaking to Moses at the tent door; the continual offering is bound to the continual divine word — worship and revelation meet at the same threshold.
μεmeAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative subject of the infinitive.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ῥήματάwordsAccusativedirect object of λαλῆσαί→ object specificationῥήματά: meaning 'words'; it serves as direct object of λαλῆσαί.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (host's response)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΛάλειSpeakPres Act Imper 2 Sg · λαλέωimperative (terse invitation to proceed)→ present imperative (ongoing speech act: 'go ahead and speak')λαλέω: 'speak, talk'; the single-word Λάλει ('Speak!') is the trigger for the long retelling of vv.34–49. The narrative economy of the response mirrors the servant's urgency.
34
εἶπεν δέ· Παῖς Αβρααμ ἐγώ εἰμι.
And he said, 'I am the servant of Abraham.'
The servant's retelling begins with the shortest possible self-identification: five words, subject last for emphasis — Παῖς Αβρααμ ἐγώ εἰμι. The word order places the master's name (Αβρααμ) first in the predicate, making it the dominant element: 'Abraham's servant — I am.' The identity of the sender grounds the entire mission. Verses 34–49 are a close retelling of vv.1–27; annotation in this section notes variations rather than duplicating previous notes.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΠαῖςservantNominativepredicate nominative (first in emphatic word order)→ participant prominenceπαῖς: 'servant, slave'; the servant refers to himself by his role, not by name; the name Abraham is his credential and authority.
Αβρααμof Abrahamindeclinable proper noun, genitive of possession (whose servant)→ participant identificationΑβρααμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, genitive of possession (whose servant).
ἐγώINominativesubject (emphatic: fronted for climactic stress)→ participant referenceἐγώ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject (emphatic: fronted for climactic stress).
εἰμιamPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίcopulative verb→ present (timeless identity)εἰμί: 'be'; ἐγώ εἰμι κύριος renders אֲנִי יהוה.
35
κύριος δὲ εὐλόγησεν τὸν κύριόν μου σφόδρα, καὶ ὑψώθη· καὶ ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ πρόβατα καὶ μόσχους, ἀργύριον καὶ χρυσίον, παῖδας καὶ παιδίσκας, καμήλους καὶ ὄνους.
The LORD has blessed my master greatly, and he has become great; and he has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, male servants and female servants, camels and donkeys.
The servant establishes Abraham's credentials with the covenant-blessing catalog (σφόδρα, 'greatly / exceedingly'), then lists six paired categories of wealth in the covenant-blessing style. The list grounds the gifts he has given Rebekah (v.22, 53) in Abraham's genuine prosperity and thus in God's blessing.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as subject.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὐλόγησενhas blessedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐλογέωmain verb→ constative aorist (summarizing comprehensive divine blessing)εὐλογέω: cf. the narrator's summary at v.1 (κύριος εὐλόγησεν τὸν Αβρααμ κατὰ πάντα); the servant repeats the same verb to ground his testimony in the blessing already established at the chapter's opening.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κύριόνmasterAccusativedirect object of εὐλόγησεν→ object specificationκύριόν: meaning 'master'; it serves as direct object of εὐλόγησεν.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
σφόδραgreatlyadverb of degree (intensifier)→ clausal contributionσφόδρα: 'exceedingly, greatly'; the standard intensifier in the LXX for divine blessing; cf. Gen 17:2; 17:6.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὑψώθηhe became greatAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ὑψόωmain verb (result of blessing: exaltation / increase)→ constative aorist (divine passive: God exalted him)ὑψόω: 'exalt, lift up, make great'; the passive may indicate divine agency: 'he was exalted (by God).' Renders Hebrew וַיִּגְדַּל ('and he became great').
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔδωκενgaveAor Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (enumerating the gift-categories)→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; renders נָתַן; in the idiom ἔδωκεν ἐν χειρί ('gave into the hand of') it denotes the formal transfer of command authority to Abishai.
αὐτῷto himDativedative indirect object (Abraham)→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object (Abraham).
πρόβαταsheepAccusativedirect object (first pair: livestock)→ object specificationπρόβατα: meaning 'sheep'; it serves as direct object (first pair: livestock).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μόσχουςcattleAccusativedirect object (second of first pair)→ object specificationμόσχος: 'calf, young bull'; here broadly for cattle.
ἀργύριονsilverAccusativedirect object (second pair: precious metals)→ object specificationἀργύριον: meaning 'silver'; it serves as direct object (second pair: precious metals).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
χρυσίονgoldAccusativedirect object→ object specificationχρυσίον: meaning 'gold'; it serves as direct object.
παῖδαςmale servantsAccusativedirect object (third pair: household workers)→ object specificationπαῖδας: meaning 'male servants'; it serves as direct object (third pair: household workers).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παιδίσκαςfemale servantsAccusativedirect object→ object specificationπαιδίσκη: 'female servant, maidservant'; the six paired categories (sheep/cattle, silver/gold, men/women servants, camels/donkeys) constitute a comprehensive inventory of patriarchal wealth.
καμήλουςcamelsAccusativedirect object (fourth pair: transport animals)→ object specificationκαμήλους: meaning 'camels'; it serves as direct object (fourth pair: transport animals).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὄνουςdonkeysAccusativedirect object→ object specificationὄνους: meaning 'donkeys'; it serves as direct object.
36
καὶ ἔτεκεν Σαρρα ἡ γυνὴ τοῦ κυρίου μου υἱὸν ἕνα τῷ κυρίῳ μου μετὰ τὸ γηρᾶσαι αὐτόν· καὶ ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ ὅσα ἦν αὐτῷ.
And Sarah, my master's wife, bore my master one son after he had grown old; and he has given him everything that belongs to him.
The servant identifies Isaac by his status rather than his name: born of Sarah after Abraham's old age (μετὰ τὸ γηρᾶσαι αὐτόν = 'after he had become old'), and appointed sole heir (ὅσα ἦν αὐτῷ). The heirship grounds the mission: a suitable wife for Isaac must be found, because the covenant blessing transfers through him alone.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔτεκενboreAor Act Indic 3 Sg · τίκτωmain verb→ constative aoristτίκτω (aor. ἔτεκεν): 'bear / give birth'; renders יָלַד; the long-awaited birth that resolves the chapter's central crisis.
ΣαρραSarahindeclinable proper noun, subject→ participant identificationΣαρρα: the servant names the mother explicitly — not just any wife but Sarah, emphasizing the promised-seed line.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γυνὴwifeNominativenominative apposition to Σαρρα→ participant prominenceγυνὴ: meaning 'wife'; it serves as nominative apposition to Σαρρα.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationκυρίου: meaning 'master'; it serves as genitive of possession.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
υἱὸνsonAccusativedirect object of ἔτεκεν→ object specificationυἱὸν: meaning 'son'; it serves as direct object of ἔτεκεν.
ἕναoneAccusativenumeral adjective (sole heir: 'one son' — no competing heir)→ measure or countἕνα: meaning 'one'; numeral expression contributing count or measure in context.
τῷtoDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίῳmasterDativedative indirect object (born to the master)→ sphere or referenceκυρίῳ: meaning 'master'; it serves as dative indirect object (born to the master).
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
μετὰafterpreposition + articular infinitive (temporal: 'after he had grown old')→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'after'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + articular infinitive (temporal: 'after he had grown old').
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with articular infinitive)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γηρᾶσαιto grow oldAor Act Inf · γηράσκωarticular infinitive as object of μετά (temporal subordination)→ aorist infinitiveγηράσκω: 'grow old'; μετὰ τὸ γηρᾶσαι αὐτόν = 'after his growing old'; the miraculous late birth is a credential for divine power — Isaac's existence is itself proof of the LORD's faithfulness.
αὐτόνhimAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive→ participant referenceαὐτόν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative subject of the infinitive.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔδωκενhas givenAor Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (heirship established)→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; renders נָתַן; in the idiom ἔδωκεν ἐν χειρί ('gave into the hand of') it denotes the formal transfer of command authority to Abishai.
αὐτῷto himDativedative indirect object (Isaac)→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object (Isaac).
ὅσαall thatAccusativerelative pronoun, accusative (extent of the inheritance)→ participant referenceὅσα: 'as much as / all that'; the totality — 'everything he had' — establishes Isaac as the sole and complete heir.
ἦνwasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίverb of the relative clause (εἰμί = 'belong to')→ imperfect (ongoing possession prior to the gift)εἰμί (impf. ἦν): the copula of the name-gloss.
αὐτῷto himDativedative of possession (ἦν αὐτῷ = 'was his / belonged to him')→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of possession (ἦν αὐτῷ = 'was his / belonged to him').
37
καὶ ὥρκισέν με ὁ κύριός μου λέγων· Οὐ λήμψῃ γυναῖκα τῷ υἱῷ μου ἀπὸ τῶν θυγατέρων τῶν Χαναναίων, ἐν οἷς ἐγὼ παροικῶ ἐν τῇ γῇ αὐτῶν.
And my master put me under oath, saying: 'You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell in their land.'
The retelling of the oath's negative term (no Canaanite wife) matches v.3 closely. The participle λέγων is used in both the first telling and the retelling as the standard speech-introduction in quoted-speech chains. ἐν οἷς … ἐν αὐτῶν is a Hebraism: the resumptive pronoun αὐτῶν is redundant by Greek standards (one would expect ἐν αἷς alone) but renders the Hebrew ב…ב structure.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὥρκισένput under oathAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ὁρκίζωmain verb→ constative aoristὁρκίζω: 'cause to swear, put under oath'; the causative form — Abraham made the servant swear; the servant was not simply sworn but administered the oath by Abraham.
μεmeAccusativedirect object of ὥρκισεν→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ὥρκισεν.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κύριόςmasterNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριός: meaning 'master'; it serves as subject.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg M · λέγωattendant circumstance participle (introducing quoted speech)→ present participleλέγω: meaning 'saying'; it contributes descriptive or attendant verbal force; here it functions as attendant circumstance participle (introducing quoted speech).
Οὐnotnegation (negative prohibition in the oath)→ participant referenceΟὐ: meaning 'not'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as negation (negative prohibition in the oath).
λήμψῃyou shall takeFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb of the oath (prohibition in future indicative)→ future indicative as prohibition ('you shall not take')λαμβάνω: 'take / receive'; the future middle λήμψῃ instructs Saul to accept the offered loaves — receiving tribute, a royal prerogative anticipated.
γυναῖκαwifeAccusativedirect object of λήμψῃ→ object specificationγυναῖκα: meaning 'wife'; it serves as direct object of λήμψῃ.
τῷforDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῷsonDativedative of advantage (a wife for my son)→ sphere or referenceυἱῷ: meaning 'son'; it serves as dative of advantage (a wife for my son).
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source of the prohibited wife)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source of the prohibited wife).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θυγατέρωνdaughtersGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationθυγατέρων: meaning 'daughters'; it serves as genitive object of ἀπό.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΧαναναίωνCanaanitesGenitivegenitive of provenance (identifying the prohibited group)→ relational specificationΧαναναίων: meaning 'Canaanites'; it serves as genitive of provenance (identifying the prohibited group).
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
οἷςwhomDativedative relative pronoun (antecedent: Canaanites)→ participant reference or interestοἷς: meaning 'whom'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative relative pronoun (antecedent: Canaanites).
ἐγὼINominativesubject of παροικῶ→ participant referenceἐγὼ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject of παροικῶ.
παροικῶdwell as a sojournerPres Act Indic 1 Sg · παροικέωverb of the relative clause→ present (ongoing sojourning)παροικέω: 'dwell alongside as a resident alien'; renders the Hebrew verb gur; Abraham is a sojourner (גֵּר) in Canaan, not a native — the Canaanites are the host people among whom he lives.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῇlandDativedative object of ἐν→ sphere or referenceγῇ: meaning 'land'; it serves as dative object of ἐν.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession (Hebraistic resumptive pronoun after the relative clause)→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: resumptive pronoun after the relative ἐν οἷς — 'among whom I dwell in their land'; syntactically redundant in Greek but follows the Hebrew construction where the antecedent is resumed inside the clause.
38
ἀλλ᾿ ἢ εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ πατρός μου πορεύσῃ καὶ εἰς τὴν φυλήν μου, καὶ λήμψῃ γυναῖκα τῷ υἱῷ μου.
But rather to my father's house you shall go, and to my kindred, and you shall take a wife for my son.
ἀλλ᾿ ἢ is the strong adversative + exceptive: 'but rather / except.' The positive requirement mirrors v.4 almost verbatim. The double destination (father's house + kindred) is the specific positive goal against which the prohibition of v.37 is defined.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
ἀλλ᾿butstrong adversative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἀλλ᾿: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἢratherexceptive particle (ἀλλ᾿ ἢ = 'but rather / except')→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'rather'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination: positive requirement)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (destination: positive requirement).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἶκονhouseAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς→ object specificationοἶκον: meaning 'house'; it serves as accusative object of εἰς.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πατρόςfatherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationπατρός: meaning 'father'; it serves as genitive of possession.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
πορεύσῃyou shall goFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb (positive command in the oath)→ future indicative as commandπορεύομαι: 'go / journey'; cf. v. 7; Saul must travel back (to face the doom announced) — the meal is provision for the road.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (second destination)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλήνkindred / tribeAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς→ object specificationφυλή: 'tribe, clan, kindred'; renders Hebrew מִשְׁפָּחָה; the clan-group is specified alongside the father's house as the authorized source of the bride.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λήμψῃyou shall takeFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (positive outcome of the mission)→ future indicative as command / predictiveλαμβάνω: 'take / receive'; the future middle λήμψῃ instructs Saul to accept the offered loaves — receiving tribute, a royal prerogative anticipated.
γυναῖκαwifeAccusativedirect object→ object specificationγυναῖκα: meaning 'wife'; it serves as direct object.
τῷforDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῷsonDativedative of advantage→ sphere or referenceυἱῷ: meaning 'son'; it serves as dative of advantage.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
39
εἶπα δὲ τῷ κυρίῳ μου· Μή ποτε οὐ πορεύσεται ἡ γυνὴ μετ᾿ ἐμοῦ.
And I said to my master: 'Perhaps the woman will not come with me.'
The servant retells his own hesitation (v.5) honestly before Laban's household. Μή ποτε οὐ is the Hebraistic idiom for expressing apprehension about a negative outcome: 'What if the woman will not come?' The servant's openness about his concern reinforces his integrity as a narrator.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
εἶπαI saidAor Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristλέγω (aor. εἶπα, late/Koine 1 sg.): 'I said (to myself)'; introduces Saul's self-talk that rationalizes the sacrifice.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τῷtoDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίῳmasterDativedative indirect object→ sphere or referenceκυρίῳ: meaning 'master'; it serves as dative indirect object.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
Μήperhaps notparticle of apprehension (μή ποτε = 'what if / perhaps')→ discourse linkage or contrastμή ποτε: 'perhaps, what if'; introduces a feared contingency; the servant's concern is whether the woman will choose to come or not.
ποτεeverindefinite temporal particle (with μή: apprehension)→ discourse linkage or contrastποτε: meaning 'ever'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐnotnegation (the content of the feared outcome)→ participant referenceοὐ: meaning 'not'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as negation (the content of the feared outcome).
πορεύσεταιwill comeFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · πορεύομαιverb of the apprehended clause→ future indicative (contingent negative outcome)πορεύομαι: 'go / proceed'; renders הָלַךְ; David speaks of himself in the third person ('your servant will go'), a deferential idiom; Saul echoes it in his blessing πορεύου (v.37).
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γυνὴwomanNominativesubject→ participant prominenceγυνὴ: meaning 'woman'; it serves as subject.
μετ᾿withpreposition + genitive→ spatial or relational framingμετ᾿: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive.
ἐμοῦmeGenitivegenitive object of μετά→ relational specificationἐμοῦ: meaning 'me'; it serves as genitive object of μετά.
40
καὶ εἶπέν μοι· Κύριος ὁ θεός, ᾧ εὐηρέστησα ἐναντίον αὐτοῦ, αὐτὸς ἀποστελεῖ τὸν ἄγγελον αὐτοῦ μετὰ σοῦ καὶ εὐοδώσει τὴν ὁδόν σου, καὶ λήμψῃ γυναῖκα τῷ υἱῷ μου ἐκ τῆς φυλῆς μου καὶ ἐκ τοῦ οἴκου τοῦ πατρός μου.
And he said to me: 'The LORD, the God before whom I have walked acceptably, will himself send his angel with you, and will prosper your way; and you shall take a wife for my son from my kindred and from my father's house.'
The retelling of Abraham's response introduces εὐοδώσει — the fifth occurrence of εὐοδόω in the chapter, here in the future tense, giving Abraham's own formulation of his confidence: 'he will prosper your way.' The relative clause ᾧ εὐηρέστησα ἐναντίον αὐτοῦ is an interesting construction: εὐαρεστέω + ἐναντίον = 'please / walk acceptably before'; the Hebraistic ἐναντίον αὐτοῦ is redundant (strictly the dative ᾧ already means 'before whom') but follows the Hebrew phrase לִפְנֵי.
Word-by-word analysis· 39 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπένsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristλέγω: 'say'; the content of Samuel's speech is what the kinsman wishes to know.
μοιto meDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'to me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
ΚύριοςThe LORDNominativesubject of ἀποστελεῖ and εὐοδώσει→ participant prominenceΚύριος: meaning 'The LORD'; it serves as subject of ἀποστελεῖ and εὐοδώσει.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεόςGodNominativenominative apposition→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as nominative apposition.
ᾧbefore whomDativedative relative pronoun (antecedent: κύριος ὁ θεός)→ participant reference or interestᾧ: meaning 'before whom'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative relative pronoun (antecedent: κύριος ὁ θεός).
εὐηρέστησαI have walked acceptablyAor Act Indic 1 Sg · εὐαρεστέωverb of the relative clause→ constative aorist (Abraham's life of faithful service)εὐαρεστέω: 'please, walk acceptably before'; renders Hebrew הִתְהַלֵּךְ לִפְנֵי; the same phrase used of Enoch and Noah; Abraham's credential is his long walk of faithful service before God.
ἐναντίονbeforeadverb / improper preposition (Hebraistic addition with αὐτοῦ)→ spatial or relational framingἐναντίον αὐτοῦ: 'before him'; the addition of αὐτοῦ after ᾧ is Hebraistic — the relative pronoun is resumed by a personal pronoun, as in Hebrew אֲשֶׁר הִתְהַלַּכְתִּי לְפָנָיו.
αὐτοῦhimGenitivegenitive resumptive pronoun (Hebraistic resumption of ᾧ inside the relative clause)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive resumptive pronoun (Hebraistic resumption of ᾧ inside the relative clause).
αὐτὸςhe himselfNominativeemphatic pronoun (intensifying subject: 'he himself will send')→ participant referenceαὐτός: emphatic use — 'he himself'; the same God who blessed Abraham is himself the guarantor of the mission's success.
ἀποστελεῖwill sendFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb (divine promise: angel sent ahead)→ predictive futureἀποστέλλω: 'send / send forth (with a commission)'; renders שָׁלַח; the LORD 'sends' the hornet as his agent against the nations — the conquest is effected by divinely-commissioned means beyond Israel's own power.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄγγελονangelAccusativedirect object of ἀποστελεῖ→ object specificationἄγγελον: meaning 'angel'; it serves as direct object of ἀποστελεῖ.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompanying divine presence)→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompanying divine presence).
σοῦyouGenitivegenitive object of μετά→ relational specificationσοῦ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of μετά.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὐοδώσειwill prosperFut Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐοδόωmain verb (fifth occurrence of εὐοδόω; Abraham's direct promise)→ predictive future (divine promise of guidance)εὐοδόω: fifth of seven occurrences; here in the future as Abraham's direct promise to the servant — 'he will prosper your way.' The word is placed in Abraham's own mouth, showing that the εὐοδόω leitmotif originates in his confident faith.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁδόνwayAccusativedirect object of εὐοδώσει→ object specificationὁδόν: meaning 'way'; it serves as direct object of εὐοδώσει.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λήμψῃyou shall takeFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (promised outcome)→ predictive future (guaranteed result)λαμβάνω: 'take / receive'; the future middle λήμψῃ instructs Saul to accept the offered loaves — receiving tribute, a royal prerogative anticipated.
γυναῖκαwifeAccusativedirect object→ object specificationγυναῖκα: meaning 'wife'; it serves as direct object.
τῷforDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῷsonDativedative of advantage→ sphere or referenceυἱῷ: meaning 'son'; it serves as dative of advantage.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source: first specification)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source: first specification).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλῆςkindredGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ→ relational specificationφυλῆς: meaning 'kindred'; it serves as genitive object of ἐκ.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source: second specification)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source: second specification).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἴκουhouseGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ→ relational specificationοἴκου: meaning 'house'; it serves as genitive object of ἐκ.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πατρόςfatherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationπατρός: meaning 'father'; it serves as genitive of possession.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
41
τότε ἀθῷος ἔσῃ ἀπὸ τῆς ἀρᾶς μου· ἡνίκα γὰρ ἂν ἔλθῃς εἰς τὴν ἐμὴν φυλὴν καὶ μή σοι δῶσιν, καὶ ἔσῃ ἀθῷος ἀπὸ τοῦ ὁρκισμοῦ μου.
Then you shall be free from my oath; for when you come to my kindred and they do not give her to you, then you shall be free from my oath.
The escape clause is retold — ἀθῷος ('guiltless, free') from ἀρά ('oath / curse') and ὁρκισμός ('oath-obligation'). The double occurrence of ἀθῷος frames the verse chicastically, emphasizing the servant's protection from guilt.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
τότεthentemporal adverb (apodosis marker)→ adverbial qualificationτότε: meaning 'then'; it shapes time, manner, location, or discourse flow in the clause.
ἀθῷοςfree / guiltlessNominativepredicate adjective→ participant prominenceἀθῷος: 'guiltless, free from punishment'; renders Hebrew נָקִי.
ἔσῃyou will beFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (apodosis)→ predictive futureεἰμί: 'be'; ἵλεως ἔσῃ, 'you will be gracious.'
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation from the oath)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation from the oath).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀρᾶςoath / curseGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationἀρά: 'oath, curse'; the sworn obligation with its accompanying self-curse if violated.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἡνίκαwhentemporal conjunction (protasis with ἄν)→ discourse linkage or contrastἡνίκα: meaning 'when'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γὰρforpostpositive explanatory conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἂνevermodal particle (indefinite temporal condition with subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἂν: meaning 'ever'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔλθῃςyou comeAor Act Subjunc 2 Sg · ἔρχομαιsubjunctive in temporal/conditional clause→ aorist subjunctiveἔρχομαι: meaning 'you come'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as subjunctive in temporal/conditional clause.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐμὴνmyAccusativepossessive adjective→ object specificationἐμὴν: meaning 'my'; it serves as possessive adjective.
φυλὴνkindredAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς→ object specificationφυλὴν: meaning 'kindred'; it serves as accusative object of εἰς.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μήnotnegation of the conditional clause→ clausal qualification or emphasisμή: meaning 'not'; it negates or qualifies the assertion of the clause.
σοιto youDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
δῶσινthey giveAor Act Subjunc 3 Pl · δίδωμιsubjunctive in coordinated conditional clause→ aorist subjunctiveδίδωμι: meaning 'they give'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as subjunctive in coordinated conditional clause.
καὶthenapodotic καί (introduces the result)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'then'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσῃyou will beFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (second apodosis: repeated for emphasis)→ predictive futureεἰμί: 'be'; ἵλεως ἔσῃ, 'you will be gracious.'
ἀθῷοςfree / guiltlessNominativepredicate adjective (closing frame: chiastic repetition)→ participant prominenceἀθῷος: meaning 'free'; it serves as predicate adjective (closing frame: chiastic repetition).
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁρκισμοῦoathGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationὁρκισμός: 'oath, swearing'; synonymous with ἀρά; together they cover both the curse-dimension and the obligation-dimension.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
42
καὶ ἐλθὼν σήμερον ἐπὶ τὴν πηγὴν εἶπα· Κύριε, ὁ θεὸς τοῦ κυρίου μου Αβρααμ, εἰ σὺ εὐοδοῖς τὴν ὁδόν μου, ἣν ἐγὼ πορεύομαι ἐν αὐτῇ·
And having come today to the spring, I said: 'LORD, the God of my master Abraham, if you are prospering my way on which I am traveling —'
The servant retells his prayer. εὐοδοῖς (present optative) is the sixth occurrence of εὐοδόω. The relative clause ἣν ἐγὼ πορεύομαι ἐν αὐτῇ is a Hebraism: the relative ἥν is resumed by αὐτῇ inside the clause ('the way on which I am traveling on it').
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐλθὼνhaving comeAor Act Ptcp Nom Sg M · ἔρχομαιattendant circumstance participle (antecedent arrival)→ aorist participleἔρχομαι: meaning 'having come'; it contributes descriptive or attendant verbal force; here it functions as attendant circumstance participle (antecedent arrival).
σήμερονtodaytemporal adverb→ clausal contributionσήμερον: meaning 'today'; it shapes the local clause or phrase relation in this passage.
ἐπὶtopreposition + accusative→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πηγὴνspringAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί→ object specificationπηγὴν: meaning 'spring'; it serves as accusative object of ἐπί.
εἶπαI saidAor Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristλέγω (aor. εἶπα, late/Koine 1 sg.): 'I said (to myself)'; introduces Saul's self-talk that rationalizes the sacrifice.
ΚύριεLORDVocativevocative (direct address in prayer)→ direct addressΚύριε: meaning 'LORD'; it serves as vocative (direct address in prayer).
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸςGodNominativenominative apposition (in the LXX vocative-nominative pattern)→ participant prominenceθεὸς: meaning 'God'; it serves as nominative apposition (in the LXX vocative-nominative pattern).
τοῦofGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationκυρίου: meaning 'master'; it serves as genitive of possession.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ΑβρααμAbrahamindeclinable proper noun, genitive of apposition→ participant identificationΑβρααμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, genitive of apposition.
εἰifconditional conjunction (protasis of the prayer-condition)→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σὺyouNominativesubject (emphatic)→ participant referenceσὺ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject (emphatic).
εὐοδοῖςare prosperingPres Act Opt 2 Sg · εὐοδόωpresent optative in conditional protasis (sixth εὐοδόω occurrence)→ present optative (polite conditional: 'if you are pleased to prosper')εὐοδόω: sixth of seven occurrences; retelling of v.12 prayer. The switch from aorist imperative (v.12) to present optative in the retelling is a slight softening appropriate to a report rather than a direct petition.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁδόνwayAccusativedirect object of εὐοδοῖς→ object specificationὁδόν: meaning 'way'; it serves as direct object of εὐοδοῖς.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἣνon whichAccusativeaccusative relative pronoun (antecedent: ὁδόν)→ participant referenceἣν: meaning 'on which'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative relative pronoun (antecedent: ὁδόν).
ἐγὼINominativesubject of the relative clause→ participant referenceἐγὼ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject of the relative clause.
πορεύομαιam travelingPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · πορεύομαιverb of the relative clause→ present (ongoing journey)πορεύομαι: 'go / proceed'; David's verb of v.32,36; here set against the giant's ἔρχῃ — different verbs for two utterly different sources of confidence.
ἐνonpreposition + dative (Hebraistic resumption of the relative pronoun)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (Hebraistic resumption of the relative pronoun).
αὐτῇitDativedative resumptive pronoun (Hebraism: ἣν … ἐν αὐτῇ = 'on which I travel, on it')→ participant reference or interestαὐτῇ: resumptive pronoun after ἥν; follows Hebrew אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי הֹלֵךְ עָלֶיהָ.
43
ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἐφέστηκα ἐπὶ τῆς πηγῆς τοῦ ὕδατος· καὶ αἱ θυγατέρες τῶν ἀνθρώπων τῆς πόλεως ἐξελεύσονται ὑδρεύσασθαι ὕδωρ· καὶ ἔσται ἡ παρθένος, ᾗ ἂν ἐγὼ εἴπω· Πότισόν με ἐκ τῆς ὑδρίας σου·
Behold, I am standing at the spring of water; and the daughters of the men of the city will come out to draw water; and it will be the young woman to whom I say: 'Give me a drink from your jar' —
The servant retells the sign-condition. The crucial word is παρθένος: here it renders Hebrew עַלְמָה (almah, 'young woman of marriageable age'). In v.14, the servant's original prayer used a broader term; here in the retelling παρθένος renders almah directly. This is the key lexical crux: the LXX translator renders almah as παρθένος, establishing the same lexical equivalence found in LXX Isa 7:14 — which Matthew 1:23 cites for the virgin birth. Genesis 24:43 is the earliest extant instance of the almah → παρθένος rendering in the LXX corpus.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
ἰδοὺBeholdinterjection (attention-drawing particle, renders Hebrew הִנֵּה)→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδοὺ: meaning 'Behold'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic)→ participant referenceἐγὼ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject (emphatic).
ἐφέστηκαam standingPf Act Indic 1 Sg · ἐφίστημιmain verb (perfect: resultant state of being positioned at the spring)→ intensive perfectἐφίστημι: 'stand upon, take up a position at'; the perfect expresses the servant's stationed presence at the well.
ἐπὶatpreposition + genitive (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'at'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (location).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πηγῆςspringGenitivegenitive object of ἐπί→ relational specificationπηγῆς: meaning 'spring'; it serves as genitive object of ἐπί.
τοῦofGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὕδατοςwaterGenitivegenitive of content ('spring of water')→ relational specificationὕδατος: meaning 'water'; it serves as genitive of content ('spring of water').
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θυγατέρεςdaughtersNominativesubject→ participant prominenceθυγατέρες: meaning 'daughters'; it serves as subject.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνθρώπωνmenGenitivegenitive of association→ relational specificationἀνθρώπων: meaning 'men'; it serves as genitive of association.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλεωςcityGenitivegenitive of association→ relational specificationπόλεως: meaning 'city'; it serves as genitive of association.
ἐξελεύσονταιwill come outFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἐξέρχομαιmain verb (predicted scene)→ predictive futureἐξέρχομαι: 'come/go out'; renders יֵצְאוּ; 'come forth from you' is the idiom for issuing as offspring (cf. Gen 15:4); it underlines the personal nature of the loss.
ὑδρεύσασθαιto draw waterAor Mid Inf · ὑδρεύωinfinitive of purpose→ aorist infinitiveὑδρεύω: meaning 'to draw water'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as infinitive of purpose.
ὕδωρwaterAccusativedirect object of ὑδρεύσασθαι→ object specificationὕδωρ: meaning 'water'; it serves as direct object of ὑδρεύσασθαι.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσταιwill beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (introduces the sign-condition)→ predictive futureεἰμί (fut.): copula.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παρθένοςyoung woman / virginNominativepredicate nominative (the designated girl)→ participant prominenceπαρθένος: KEY LEXICAL CRUX. Here παρθένος renders Hebrew עַלְמָה (almah, 'young woman of marriageable age'). At v.16, the narrator described Rebekah as παρθένος with the gloss ἀνὴρ οὐκ ἔγνω (establishing her virginity explicitly). But here in the servant's retelling (v.43), παρθένος is used for the sign-girl where the Hebrew has almah, without the narrator's virginity-gloss. The LXX translator(s) rendered almah as παρθένος in both this verse and in LXX Isa 7:14, creating the lexical chain: Hebrew almah → LXX παρθένος (Gen 24:43; Isa 7:14) → Matthew 1:23 ('ἰδοὺ ἡ παρθένος ἐν γαστρὶ ἕξει'). Genesis 24:43 is the earliest extant instance of this rendering in the LXX corpus.
ᾗto whomDativedative relative pronoun (antecedent: παρθένος)→ participant reference or interestᾗ: meaning 'to whom'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative relative pronoun (antecedent: παρθένος).
ἂνevermodal particle (with subjunctive: indefinite relative)→ discourse linkage or contrastἂν: meaning 'ever'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic)→ participant referenceἐγὼ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject (emphatic).
εἴπωsayAor Act Subjunc 1 Sg · λέγωsubjunctive in the indefinite relative clause→ aorist subjunctiveλέγω: meaning 'say'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as subjunctive in the indefinite relative clause.
ΠότισόνGive me a drinkAor Act Imper 2 Sg · ποτίζωimperative (the sign-request)→ aorist imperative (single-act request)ποτίζω: meaning 'Give me a drink'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as imperative (the sign-request).
μεmeAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source: from the jar)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source: from the jar).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑδρίαςwater-jarGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ→ relational specificationὑδρίας: meaning 'water-jar'; it serves as genitive object of ἐκ.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
44
καὶ εἴπῃ μοι· Καὶ σύ πίε, καὶ ταῖς καμήλοις σου ὑδρεύσομαι· αὕτη ἡ γυνὴ ἣν ἡτοίμασεν κύριος τῷ ἑαυτοῦ θεράποντι Ισαακ· καὶ ἐν τούτῳ γνώσομαι ὅτι πεποίηκας ἔλεος μετὰ τοῦ κυρίου μου Αβρααμ.
and who says to me: 'You also drink, and I will water your camels' — she is the woman whom the LORD has prepared for his servant Isaac; and by this I shall know that you have shown kindness to my master Abraham.
The apodosis of the sign-condition. θεράποντι (Isaac as θεράπων — a more elevated term than παῖς, used of Moses at Num 12:7) subtly elevates Isaac's status. The servant's ἐν τούτῳ γνώσομαι ('by this I shall know') is the epistemological claim: observable sign-fulfillment reveals divine guidance.
Word-by-word analysis· 33 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (continuing the sign-condition)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἴπῃsaysAor Act Subjunc 3 Sg · λέγωsubjunctive in the continuing relative clause→ aorist subjunctiveλέγω: meaning 'says'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as subjunctive in the continuing relative clause.
μοιto meDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'to me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
ΚαὶAlsoadverbial conjunction (inclusive: 'you too / also')→ discourse linkage or contrastΚαὶ: meaning 'Also'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σύyouNominativesubject (emphatic)→ participant referenceσύ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject (emphatic).
πίεdrinkAor Act Imper 2 Sg · πίνωimperative (the girl's welcome response)→ aorist imperativeπίνω: meaning 'drink'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as imperative (the girl's welcome response).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ταῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καμήλοιςcamelsDativedative of advantage→ sphere or referenceκαμήλοις: meaning 'camels'; it serves as dative of advantage.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ὑδρεύσομαιI will draw waterFut Mid Indic 1 Sg · ὑδρεύωmain verb (the decisive second half of the sign: volunteer offer)→ predictive futureὑδρεύω: meaning 'I will draw water'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as main verb (the decisive second half of the sign: volunteer offer).
αὕτηthis oneNominativedemonstrative pronoun, subject of the identification clause→ participant referenceαὕτη: meaning 'this one'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as demonstrative pronoun, subject of the identification clause.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γυνὴwomanNominativepredicate nominative (αὕτη ἡ γυνή = 'this is the woman')→ participant prominenceγυνὴ: meaning 'woman'; it serves as predicate nominative (αὕτη ἡ γυνή = 'this is the woman').
ἣνwhomAccusativeaccusative relative pronoun (antecedent: γυνή)→ participant referenceἣν: meaning 'whom'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative relative pronoun (antecedent: γυνή).
ἡτοίμασενhas preparedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἑτοιμάζωverb of the relative clause (divine appointment of the bride)→ constative aorist (prior divine appointment)ἑτοιμάζω: 'prepare, appoint'; the same verb used of Laban's hospitality preparations (v.31) but here with God as subject — the LORD has prepared the bride as Laban prepared the house.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as subject.
τῷforDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἑαυτοῦhis ownGenitivegenitive of possession (reflexive: 'his own servant')→ relational specificationἑαυτοῦ: meaning 'his own'; it serves as genitive of possession (reflexive: 'his own servant').
θεράποντιservantDativedative indirect object (Isaac as the LORD's servant)→ sphere or referenceθεράπων: 'attendant, servant'; a more elevated term than παῖς — used of Moses (Num 12:7) and Joshua as faithful servants of the LORD. Calling Isaac θεράπων τοῦ κυρίου places him in the line of covenantal servants.
ΙσαακIsaacindeclinable proper noun, dative of apposition to θεράποντι→ participant identificationΙσαακ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, dative of apposition to θεράποντι.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνbypreposition + dative (instrumental: 'by this sign')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'by'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (instrumental: 'by this sign').
τούτῳthisDativedative object of ἐν (the sign as the instrument of knowledge)→ participant reference or interestτούτῳ: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative object of ἐν (the sign as the instrument of knowledge).
γνώσομαιI shall knowFut Mid Indic 1 Sg · γινώσκωmain verb (epistemological claim: sign-fulfillment reveals divine guidance)→ predictive futureγινώσκω: 'know / discern'; 'can I (still) discern between good and bad?' — loss of judgment/taste in old age.
ὅτιthatconjunction introducing indirect discourse→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πεποίηκαςyou have shownPf Act Indic 2 Sg · ποιέωverb of the indirect discourse clause (completed act of covenant loyalty)→ intensive perfectποιέω ἔλεος: 'show / do kindness'; renders Hebrew עָשָׂה חֶסֶד; the perfect points to a concrete, completed act of covenant loyalty.
ἔλεοςkindnessAccusativedirect object of πεποίηκας→ object specificationἔλεος: 'mercy, kindness, covenant loyalty'; renders Hebrew חֶסֶד.
μετὰtowardpreposition + genitive (the beneficiary of the kindness)→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'toward'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (the beneficiary of the kindness).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive object of μετά→ relational specificationκυρίου: meaning 'master'; it serves as genitive object of μετά.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ΑβρααμAbrahamindeclinable proper noun, genitive of apposition→ participant identificationΑβρααμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, genitive of apposition.
45
καὶ πρὸ τοῦ συντελέσαι με λαλοῦντα ἐν τῇ διανοίᾳ μου, εὐθὺς Ρεβεκκα ἐξεπορεύετο ἔχουσα τὴν ὑδρίαν ἐπὶ τῶν ὤμων· καὶ κατέβη ἐπὶ τὴν πηγὴν καὶ ὑδρεύσατο· εἶπα δὲ αὐτῇ· Πότισόν με.
And before I had finished speaking in my heart, behold Rebekah was coming out with her water-jar on her shoulder; and she went down to the spring and drew water; and I said to her: 'Give me a drink.'
The servant retells Rebekah's arrival with emphasis on its immediacy: εὐθύς ('immediately / at once') — the prayer was answered before it was even completed. The key phrase ἐν τῇ διανοίᾳ μου ('in my heart / mind') identifies the prayer as silent and inner, not spoken aloud at the spring. This detail is new — the first account (v.14ff.) does not specify whether the prayer was spoken or silent.
Word-by-word analysis· 31 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πρὸbeforepreposition + genitive (temporal: 'before I had finished')→ spatial or relational framingπρὸ: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (temporal: 'before I had finished').
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with articular infinitive)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
συντελέσαιto finishAor Act Inf · συντελέωarticular infinitive as object of πρό ('before finishing')→ aorist infinitiveσυντελέω: 'complete, finish, accomplish'; the prayer was answered before the servant had completed speaking it — the immediacy of the divine response is the key point.
μεmeAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative subject of the infinitive.
λαλοῦνταspeakingPres Act Ptcp Acc Sg M · λαλέωaccusative participle agreeing with με (content of the unfinished action)→ present participle (ongoing speech being interrupted by the answer)λαλέω: meaning 'speaking'; it contributes descriptive or attendant verbal force; here it functions as accusative participle agreeing with με (content of the unfinished action).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location: within my own mind)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location: within my own mind).
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
διανοίᾳheart / mindDativedative object of ἐν (location of the prayer: inner speech)→ sphere or referenceδιάνοια: 'understanding, mind, heart'; ἐν τῇ διανοίᾳ = 'in my mind / heart' — the prayer was silent and inner. This detail is absent from the first account (vv.12–14) and is a new revelation in the retelling: the servant tells Laban's household that he prayed inwardly, not aloud.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
εὐθὺςimmediatelyadverb of immediacy→ clausal contributionεὐθύς: 'immediately, at once, straightway'; the prayer's instant answer is a key rhetorical point in the retelling — emphasizing that Rebekah's appearance was not coincidental but providentially immediate.
ΡεβεκκαRebekahindeclinable proper noun, subject→ participant identificationΡεβεκκα: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, subject.
ἐξεπορεύετοwas coming outImpf Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐκπορεύομαιmain verb (imperfect: Rebekah in the process of coming out)→ imperfect (ongoing action in progress: she was already on her way)ἐκπορεύομαι: 'go out / march out'; the pair 'go out and come in' (ἐξεπορεύετο / εἰσεπορεύετο) is the Hebraism יָצָא וָבוֹא for leading troops on campaign (cf. v. 16; Num 27:17).
ἔχουσαhaving / carryingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg F · ἔχωattendant circumstance participle (describing Rebekah's posture)→ present participleἔχω: meaning 'having'; it contributes descriptive or attendant verbal force; here it functions as attendant circumstance participle (describing Rebekah's posture).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑδρίανwater-jarAccusativedirect object of ἔχουσα→ object specificationὑδρίαν: meaning 'water-jar'; it serves as direct object of ἔχουσα.
ἐπὶonpreposition + genitive (location: on her shoulders)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (location: on her shoulders).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὤμωνshouldersGenitivegenitive object of ἐπί (on her shoulder)→ relational specificationὤμων: meaning 'shoulders'; it serves as genitive object of ἐπί (on her shoulder).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κατέβηwent downAor Act Indic 3 Sg · καταβαίνωmain verb→ constative aoristκαταβαίνω: 'go down'; the negated aorist 'he did not go down to his house' frustrates David's stratagem; the verb κατέβη will recur as the refrain of Uriah's refusal (vv. 10, 13).
ἐπὶtopreposition + accusative (destination: to the spring)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (destination: to the spring).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πηγὴνspringAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί→ object specificationπηγὴν: meaning 'spring'; it serves as accusative object of ἐπί.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὑδρεύσατοdrew waterAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ὑδρεύωmain verb→ constative aoristὑδρεύω: meaning 'drew water'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as main verb.
εἶπαI saidAor Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb (servant's request)→ constative aoristλέγω (aor. εἶπα, late/Koine 1 sg.): 'I said (to myself)'; introduces Saul's self-talk that rationalizes the sacrifice.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αὐτῇto herDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestαὐτῇ: meaning 'to her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
ΠότισόνGive me a drinkAor Act Imper 2 Sg · ποτίζωimperative (the sign's verbal trigger)→ aorist imperativeποτίζω: meaning 'Give me a drink'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as imperative (the sign's verbal trigger).
μεmeAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
46
ταχύνασα δὲ κατεβίβασεν τὴν ὑδρίαν ἀπὸ τοῦ ὤμου αὐτῆς καὶ εἶπεν· Πίε σύ, καὶ τὰς καμήλους σου ποτίσω· καὶ ἔπιον, καὶ τὰς καμήλους μου ἐπότισεν.
And she quickly lowered the water-jar from her shoulder and said: 'Drink, and I will also water your camels.' And I drank, and she also watered my camels.
The sign is fulfilled. ταχύνασα ('having made haste') restates the eager speed of Rebekah's character established at v.20. The servant reports the fulfillment to Laban's household without further theological comment — the action speaks. The short final sentence καὶ ἔπιον, καὶ τὰς καμήλους μου ἐπότισεν is rapid and economic: the sign was completed.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
ταχύνασαquicklyAor Act Ptcp Nom Sg F · ταχύνωattendant circumstance participle (manner: with haste)→ aorist participle (action of haste preceding the lowering)ταχύνω: 'make haste, act quickly'; matches the eagerness of v.20 — Rebekah's speed is a consistent character trait.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κατεβίβασενloweredAor Act Indic 3 Sg · καταβιβάζωmain verb→ constative aoristκαταβιβάζω: meaning 'lowered'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as main verb.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑδρίανwater-jarAccusativedirect object→ object specificationὑδρίαν: meaning 'water-jar'; it serves as direct object.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation: off her shoulder)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation: off her shoulder).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὤμουshoulderGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationὤμου: meaning 'shoulder'; it serves as genitive object of ἀπό.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
ΠίεDrinkAor Act Imper 2 Sg · πίνωimperative (Rebekah's welcome response: first half of the sign)→ aorist imperativeπίνω: meaning 'Drink'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as imperative (Rebekah's welcome response: first half of the sign).
σύyouNominativesubject (emphatic: 'you yourself / drink, you')→ participant referenceσύ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject (emphatic: 'you yourself / drink, you').
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καμήλουςcamelsAccusativedirect object of ποτίσω→ object specificationκαμήλους: meaning 'camels'; it serves as direct object of ποτίσω.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ποτίσωI will waterFut Act Indic 1 Sg · ποτίζωmain verb (second half of the sign: volunteer camel-watering)→ predictive future (decisive sign-fulfillment)ποτίζω: meaning 'I will water'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as main verb (second half of the sign: volunteer camel-watering).
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔπιονI drankAor Act Indic 1 Sg · πίνωmain verb→ constative aoristπίνω: 'drink'; renders שָׁתָה; to drink 'foreign waters' is to claim the resources of conquered lands as one's own — a boast of total mastery.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καμήλουςcamelsAccusativedirect object of ἐπότισεν→ object specificationκαμήλους: meaning 'camels'; it serves as direct object of ἐπότισεν.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐπότισενshe wateredAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποτίζωmain verb (sign completely fulfilled)→ constative aoristποτίζω: 'water / give to drink'; same verb as ποτίσαι in v.16; Moses completes the whole task the daughters had set out to do — rescue, water, and tend the flock.
47
καὶ ἠρώτησα αὐτήν καὶ εἶπα· Τίνος εἶ θυγάτηρ; ἡ δὲ ἔφη· Θυγάτηρ Βαθουηλ εἰμὶ τοῦ υἱοῦ Ναχωρ, ὃν ἔτεκεν αὐτῷ Μελχα. καὶ περιέθηκα αὐτῇ τὰ ἐνώτια καὶ τὰ ψέλια περὶ τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῆς.
And I asked her and said: 'Whose daughter are you?' And she said: 'I am the daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor, whom Milcah bore to him.' And I put the earrings on her and the bracelets on her hands.
A slight variation from the first account: in the first telling (vv.22–23) the servant gave the jewelry and then asked the question; in the retelling the order is question-then-gifts. This reversal may be a natural compression, or it may reflect the servant's self-presentation: telling the household he verified identity before giving gifts (though in fact the gifts came first). The retelling technique here is noted but not resolved.
Word-by-word analysis· 33 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἠρώτησαI askedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ἐρωτάωmain verb→ constative aoristἐρωτάω: 'ask / question'; renders שָׁאַל; the woman's failure to ask the visitor's origin — perhaps from awe — leaves a gap that Manoah will try to fill in v. 17.
αὐτήνherAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceαὐτήν: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπαsaidAor Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristλέγω (aor. εἶπα, late/Koine 1 sg.): 'I said (to myself)'; introduces Saul's self-talk that rationalizes the sacrifice.
ΤίνοςwhoseGenitivegenitive interrogative pronoun (asks the father's identity)→ relational specificationΤίνος: meaning 'whose'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive interrogative pronoun (asks the father's identity).
εἶare youPres Act Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίcopula (identity question)→ presentεἰμί: 'be'; the copula of the predicate-adjective construction; though present in form, it carries the past sense of Saul's former lowliness.
θυγάτηρdaughterNominativepredicate nominative→ participant prominenceθυγάτηρ: meaning 'daughter'; it serves as predicate nominative.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δέandpostpositive adversative/continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔφηsaidImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · φημίmain verb (Rebekah's answer)→ imperfect of φημί (common as aorist-equivalent in responses)φημί: meaning 'said'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as main verb (Rebekah's answer).
ΘυγάτηρdaughterNominativepredicate nominative (Rebekah's self-identification)→ participant prominenceΘυγάτηρ: meaning 'daughter'; it serves as predicate nominative (Rebekah's self-identification).
ΒαθουηλBethuelindeclinable proper noun, genitive of possession (daughter of Bethuel)→ participant identificationΒαθουηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, genitive of possession (daughter of Bethuel).
εἰμὶI amPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίcopula→ present (identity)εἰμί: 'be'; 'I am (more) than you'.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοῦsonGenitivegenitive of apposition (further identification of Bethuel)→ relational specificationυἱοῦ: meaning 'son'; it serves as genitive of apposition (further identification of Bethuel).
ΝαχωρNahorindeclinable proper noun, genitive of possession (son of Nahor)→ participant identificationΝαχωρ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, genitive of possession (son of Nahor).
ὃνwhomAccusativeaccusative relative pronoun (antecedent: Nahor — Milcah bore Bethuel to Nahor)→ participant referenceὃν: meaning 'whom'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative relative pronoun (antecedent: Nahor — Milcah bore Bethuel to Nahor).
ἔτεκενboreAor Act Indic 3 Sg · τίκτωverb of the relative clause→ constative aoristτίκτω (aor. ἔτεκεν): 'bear / give birth'; renders יָלַד; the long-awaited birth that resolves the chapter's central crisis.
αὐτῷto himDativedative indirect object (born to Nahor)→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object (born to Nahor).
ΜελχαMilcahindeclinable proper noun, subject of ἔτεκεν→ participant identificationΜελχα: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, subject of ἔτεκεν.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
περιέθηκαI put onAor Act Indic 1 Sg · περιτίθημιmain verb (servant's act of adorning Rebekah)→ constative aoristπεριτίθημι: 'put around, place on'; the servant's adorning of Rebekah with jewelry — in the retelling this follows the identity question, whereas in the first telling the gifts preceded the question.
αὐτῇto her / on herDativedative indirect object (on her person)→ participant reference or interestαὐτῇ: meaning 'to her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object (on her person).
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐνώτιαearrings / nose-ringAccusativedirect object of περιέθηκα→ object specificationἐνώτια: meaning 'earrings'; it serves as direct object of περιέθηκα.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ψέλιαbraceletsAccusativedirect object of περιέθηκα→ object specificationψέλια: meaning 'bracelets'; it serves as direct object of περιέθηκα.
περὶaroundpreposition + accusative (location of the bracelets: around her hands)→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ: meaning 'around'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (location of the bracelets: around her hands).
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖραςhandsAccusativeaccusative object of περί→ object specificationχεῖρας: meaning 'hands'; it serves as accusative object of περί.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
48
καὶ εὐδοκήσας προσεκύνησα κυρίῳ καὶ εὐλόγησα κύριον τὸν θεὸν τοῦ κυρίου μου Αβρααμ, ὃς εὐώδωσέν με ἐν ὁδῷ ἀληθείας λαβεῖν τὴν θυγατέρα τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ τοῦ κυρίου μου τῷ υἱῷ αὐτοῦ.
And being glad, I bowed down before the LORD and blessed the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who prospered me in the way of truth to take the daughter of my master's brother for his son.
The servant retells his prostration from v.26. εὐώδωσέν is the seventh occurrence of εὐοδόω in the chapter (aorist). The distinctive phrase ἐν ὁδῷ ἀληθείας ('in the way of truth / faithfulness') is new — not in the first telling. It recapitulates the covenant vocabulary of v.27 (ἀλήθεια) and frames the journey as a path of divine faithfulness.
Word-by-word analysis· 30 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὐδοκήσαςbeing gladAor Act Ptcp Nom Sg M · εὐδοκέωattendant circumstance participle (emotion preceding worship)→ aorist participleεὐδοκέω: 'be pleased, rejoice'; cf. v.26 where the same word was used; here in the retelling it confirms the inner delight that accompanied the prostration.
προσεκύνησαI bowed downAor Act Indic 1 Sg · προσκυνέωmain verb (act of worship)→ constative aoristπροσκυνέω: meaning 'I bowed down'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as main verb (act of worship).
κυρίῳbefore the LORDDativedative object of προσκυνέω→ sphere or referenceκυρίῳ: meaning 'before the LORD'; it serves as dative object of προσκυνέω.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὐλόγησαI blessedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · εὐλογέωmain verb (verbal blessing / praise after the prostration)→ constative aoristεὐλογέω: meaning 'I blessed'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as main verb (verbal blessing / praise after the prostration).
κύριονthe LORDAccusativedirect object of εὐλόγησα→ object specificationκύριον: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as direct object of εὐλόγησα.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸνGodAccusativeaccusative apposition to κύριον→ object specificationθεὸν: meaning 'God'; it serves as accusative apposition to κύριον.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationκυρίου: meaning 'master'; it serves as genitive of possession.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ΑβρααμAbrahamindeclinable proper noun, genitive of apposition→ participant identificationΑβρααμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, genitive of apposition.
ὃςwhoNominativenominative relative pronoun (antecedent: κύριον)→ participant referenceὃς: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as nominative relative pronoun (antecedent: κύριον).
εὐώδωσένprosperedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐοδόωverb of the relative clause (seventh εὐοδόω — the final occurrence in the retelling)→ constative aorist (completed divine guidance)εὐοδόω: sixth occurrence (of seven in the chapter); here in the aorist, looking back over the completed mission. The phrase ἐν ὁδῷ ἀληθείας ('in the way of truth / faithfulness') is unique to the retelling — it frames the entire journey as a path of divine covenant faithfulness (ἀλήθεια), recapitulating the covenant vocabulary of v.27. The seventh and final occurrence follows at v.56.
μεmeAccusativedirect object of εὐώδωσεν→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of εὐώδωσεν.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner / sphere: 'in the way of truth')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (manner / sphere: 'in the way of truth').
ὁδῷwayDativedative object of ἐν→ sphere or referenceὁδῷ: meaning 'way'; it serves as dative object of ἐν.
ἀληθείαςof truth / faithfulnessGenitivegenitive of quality (characterizing the way: 'the way that is truth / faithfulness')→ relational specificationἀλήθεια: 'truth, faithfulness'; renders Hebrew אֱמֶת; cf. the paired δικαιοσύνη καὶ ἀλήθεια of v.27; ὁδὸς ἀληθείας is a distinctive phrase: the journey is simultaneously a geographic way and a way of covenant faithfulness.
λαβεῖνto takeAor Act Inf · λαμβάνωinfinitive of purpose or result→ aorist infinitiveλαμβάνω: 'take / seize / arrest'; the purpose of the mission — to bring David in for execution.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θυγατέραdaughterAccusativedirect object of λαβεῖν→ object specificationθυγατέρα: meaning 'daughter'; it serves as direct object of λαβεῖν.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀδελφοῦbrotherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationἀδελφοῦ: meaning 'brother'; it serves as genitive of possession.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationκυρίου: meaning 'master'; it serves as genitive of possession.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
τῷforDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῷsonDativedative of advantage (for his son — the purpose of taking her)→ sphere or referenceυἱῷ: meaning 'son'; it serves as dative of advantage (for his son — the purpose of taking her).
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
49
νῦν οὖν εἰ ποιεῖτε ὑμεῖς ἔλεος καὶ δικαιοσύνην πρὸς τὸν κύριόν μου, ἀπαγγείλατέ μοι, ἵνα ἐπιστρέψω εἰς δεξιὰν ἢ εἰς ἀριστεράν.
So now, if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so that I may turn to the right or to the left.
The servant's long speech concludes with a pointed demand: νῦν οὖν ('now therefore') signals the transition from testimony to appeal. The either/or formula 'to the right or to the left' is a diplomatic idiom for 'in one direction or the other' — accept or reject. The paired ἔλεος καὶ δικαιοσύνη recapitulates v.27's δικαιοσύνη καὶ ἀλήθεια, now addressed to the household as the test of their covenant character.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
νῦνnowtemporal adverb (transitioning from testimony to demand)→ adverbial qualificationνῦν: meaning 'now'; it shapes time, manner, location, or discourse flow in the clause.
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunction (drawing the conclusion from vv.34–48)→ discourse linkage or contrastνῦν οὖν: 'now therefore'; the standard formula introducing the practical appeal after an explanatory narrative.
εἰifconditional conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ποιεῖτεyou will showPres Act Indic 2 Pl · ποιέωverb of the conditional protasis→ present indicative in a first-class conditionποιέω: 'do'; the present tense reproaches an ongoing practice — 'why do you keep doing...'.
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic: 'you yourselves')→ participant referenceὑμεῖς: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject (emphatic: 'you yourselves').
ἔλεοςkindnessAccusativedirect object of ποιεῖτε→ object specificationἔλεος: 'covenant loyalty / kindness'; renders Hebrew חֶסֶד; the household is asked to demonstrate the same covenant character that the LORD has shown in the chapter.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δικαιοσύνηνfaithfulnessAccusativedirect object of ποιεῖτε (second element of the covenant pair)→ object specificationδικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness, faithfulness'; here paired with ἔλεος as a hendiadys for comprehensive covenant loyalty, recalling the δικαιοσύνη καὶ ἀλήθεια of v.27.
πρὸςtowardpreposition + accusative (the beneficiary of the kindness)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'toward'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (the beneficiary of the kindness).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κύριόνmasterAccusativeaccusative object of πρός→ object specificationκύριόν: meaning 'master'; it serves as accusative object of πρός.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἀπαγγείλατέtellAor Act Imper 2 Pl · ἀπαγγέλλωmain imperative (the servant's demand for a decisive answer)→ aorist imperative (single decisive communication)ἀπαγγέλλω: meaning 'tell'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as main imperative (the servant's demand for a decisive answer).
μοιmeDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
ἵναso thatpurpose conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'so that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπιστρέψωI may turnAor Act Subjunc 1 Sg · ἐπιστρέφωsubjunctive in the purpose clause→ aorist subjunctiveἐπιστρέφω: 'turn, return'; the idiom εἰς δεξιὰν ἢ εἰς ἀριστεράν ('to the right or to the left') means 'in one direction or another' — a diplomatic expression for 'accept or reject, so I know which way to go.' The servant leaves no middle ground.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (direction of turning)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of turning).
δεξιὰνthe rightAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (first alternative)→ object specificationδεξιὰν: meaning 'the right'; it serves as accusative object of εἰς (first alternative).
ἢordisjunctive conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'or'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (second alternative)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (second alternative).
ἀριστεράνthe leftAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (second alternative)→ object specificationἀριστεράν: meaning 'the left'; it serves as accusative object of εἰς (second alternative).
50
ἀπεκρίθη δὲ Λαβαν καὶ Βαθουηλ καὶ εἶπαν· Παρὰ κυρίου ἐξῆλθεν τὸ πρᾶγμα τοῦτο· οὐ δυνησόμεθα οὖν ἀντειπεῖν σοι κακὸν ἢ καλόν.
And Laban and Bethuel answered and said: 'This matter has come forth from the LORD; we cannot speak to you either bad or good.'
Laban and Bethuel's joint response is one of the most theologically compact statements in the chapter: Παρὰ κυρίου ἐξῆλθεν τὸ πρᾶγμα τοῦτο — 'from the LORD this matter has come forth.' The fronting of Παρὰ κυρίου gives the formula its weight: the source is stated before the event. Their conclusion: οὐ δυνησόμεθα ἀντειπεῖν = 'we are not able to say anything against' — a surrender of human deliberation before divine determination. Notably, Bethuel appears here but is otherwise silent in the narrative; some commentators identify the order (Laban named before Bethuel) as a sign of Laban's dominant role.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
ἀπεκρίθηansweredAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀποκρίνομαιmain verb (joint response verb, singular agreeing with first subject)→ constative aoristἀποκρίνομαι: 'answer / respond / testify'; here 'has answered/witnessed against you' (κατὰ σοῦ), a forensic sense — the man's own statement stands as testimony condemning him.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΛαβανLabanindeclinable proper noun, subject (first of the joint responders)→ participant identificationΛαβαν is named before Βαθουηλ (his father) — an unusual order that may indicate Laban's dominant role in this household's decision-making.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΒαθουηλBethuelindeclinable proper noun, subject (second responder; Rebekah's father)→ participant identificationΒαθουηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, subject (second responder; Rebekah's father).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπανsaidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb (the joint declaration)→ constative aoristλέγω (aor. εἶπαν, Koine form): introduces the third invitation.
ΠαρὰFrompreposition + genitive (source: divine origin of the matter)→ spatial or relational framingπαρά + genitive: 'from, from the side of'; Παρὰ κυρίου = 'from the LORD' — fronted emphatically before the verb to declare the source before the event.
κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive object of παρά→ relational specificationκυρίου: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as genitive object of παρά.
ἐξῆλθενhas come forthAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐξέρχομαιmain verb (the decisive declaration of divine origin)→ constative aoristἐξέρχομαι: 'come out, go forth'; Παρὰ κυρίου ἐξῆλθεν τὸ πρᾶγμα = 'this matter has come forth from the LORD'; the household recognizes the entire mission as divinely originated.
τὸtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρᾶγμαmatterNominativesubject→ participant prominenceπρᾶγμα: 'matter, deed, thing'; the entire mission — the servant's journey, prayer, sign, and proposal — is summed up as one πρᾶγμα that has come from the LORD.
τοῦτοthisNominativedemonstrative adjective→ participant referenceτοῦτο: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as demonstrative adjective.
οὐnotnegation→ participant referenceοὐ: meaning 'not'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as negation.
δυνησόμεθαwe are ableFut Mid Indic 1 Pl · δύναμαιmain verb (capacity denied: 'we cannot')→ predictive futureδύναμαι: 'be able'; deponent; οὐ δυνησόμεθα ('we shall not be able') expresses moral, not physical, incapacity — the oath makes harming them impermissible; renders לֹא נוּכַל.
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunction (consequence of divine origin)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὖν: meaning 'therefore'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀντειπεῖνto speak againstAor Act Inf · ἀντιλέγωcomplementary infinitive with δυνησόμεθα→ aorist infinitiveἀντιλέγω: 'speak against, contradict, object'; the compound ἀντ- + λέγω = 'speak in opposition'; their inability to object is the result of recognizing divine determination.
σοιto youDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
κακὸνbadAccusativedirect object of ἀντειπεῖν (first alternative: bad)→ object specificationκακὸν: meaning 'bad'; it serves as direct object of ἀντειπεῖν (first alternative: bad).
ἢordisjunctive conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'or'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καλόνgoodAccusativedirect object of ἀντειπεῖν (second alternative: good)→ object specificationκακὸν ἢ καλόν: 'bad or good' = anything at all; a merism meaning 'we cannot say a single word against this.' The phrase is a polar expression: whatever response one might give, positive or negative, is excluded.
51
ἰδοὺ Ρεβεκκα ἐνώπιόν σου· λαβὼν ἀπότρεχε· καὶ ἔστω γυνὴ τῷ υἱῷ τοῦ κυρίου σου, καθὰ ἐλάλησεν κύριος.
Behold, Rebekah is before you; take her and go, and let her be a wife for your master's son, as the LORD has spoken.
The household's formal surrender: ἰδοὺ Ρεβεκκα ἐνώπιόν σου ('Behold, Rebekah is before you') — presenting her as already given before any formal acceptance is registered. λαβὼν ἀπότρεχε ('take and run') is a compressed double command expressing urgency. The final grounding phrase καθὰ ἐλάλησεν κύριος ('as the LORD has spoken') aligns the household's consent with the divine commission — they are not conceding to a human request but acknowledging a divine word.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ἰδοὺBeholdinterjection (presenting Rebekah as already available)→ clausal contributionἰδοὺ: meaning 'Behold'; it shapes the local clause or phrase relation in this passage.
ΡεβεκκαRebekahindeclinable proper noun, subject→ participant identificationΡεβεκκα: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, subject.
ἐνώπιόνbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (location: before you)→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιόν: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by improper preposition + genitive (location: before you).
σουyouGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of ἐνώπιον.
λαβὼνtakeAor Act Ptcp Nom Sg M · λαμβάνωattendant circumstance participle with imperative force ('take and go')→ aorist participle (take her — then go)λαμβάνω: the participle λαβών with ἀπότρεχε creates the compressed formula 'take and run' — the urgency of the departure is emphasized.
ἀπότρεχεgo / run awayPres Act Imper 2 Sg · ἀποτρέχωmain imperative (command to depart)→ present imperative (ongoing action: 'be on your way!')ἀποτρέχω: 'run away, depart'; the running idiom appears again — the whole narrative has been characterized by running.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔστωlet her bePres Act Imper 3 Sg · εἰμίthird-person imperative (jussive: the formal grant)→ present imperative (ongoing state: 'let her be' = 'she is hereby granted')εἰμί: meaning 'let her be'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as third-person imperative (jussive: the formal grant).
γυνὴwifeNominativepredicate nominative (the status she is granted)→ participant prominenceγυνὴ: meaning 'wife'; it serves as predicate nominative (the status she is granted).
τῷforDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῷsonDativedative of advantage (she is granted as wife for the son)→ sphere or referenceυἱῷ: meaning 'son'; it serves as dative of advantage (she is granted as wife for the son).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationκυρίου: meaning 'master'; it serves as genitive of possession.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καθὰascomparative conjunction (the divine word as the standard for the household's consent)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαθά: 'just as, according as'; the household's consent is explicitly aligned with the divine word — they are not granting from their own authority but acknowledging what the LORD has already determined.
ἐλάλησενhas spokenAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαλέωverb of the comparative clause→ constative aoristλαλέω: 'speak'; renders דִּבֶּר; 'all that the LORD spoke' refers to the ḥērem command of v. 3; the same verb recurs at vv. 16 (ἐλάλησεν κύριος).
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject (closing divine authority claim)→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as subject (closing divine authority claim).
52
ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν τῷ ἀκοῦσαι τὸν παῖδα Αβρααμ τῶν ῥημάτων τούτων, προσεκύνησεν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν κυρίῳ.
And it came about, when Abraham's servant heard these words, that he bowed down to the ground before the LORD.
The second and final prostration of the servant (cf. v.26). This time the formula ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ ἀκοῦσαι ('when he heard') frames the prostration as an immediate response to the household's consent. ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν ('to the ground') adds physical particularity — a full prostration. The verb is the same: προσκυνέω. The servant's mission is almost complete.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
ἐγένετοit came aboutAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιtemporal-formula verb (Hebraistic ἐγένετο formula)→ constative aoristγίνομαι: καὶ ἐγένετο, narrative time-marker.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνwhenpreposition + articular infinitive (temporal: 'when he heard')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'when'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + articular infinitive (temporal: 'when he heard').
τῷtheDativearticle (with articular infinitive)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀκοῦσαιto hearAor Act Inf · ἀκούωarticular infinitive as object of ἐν (temporal)→ aorist infinitiveἀκούω (aor. inf. ἀκοῦσαι): 'hear / obey'; the articular infinitive τὸ ἀκοῦσαι φωνῆς κυρίου ('the obeying of the voice of the LORD') names the one thing that pleases God more than any sacrifice — the very thing Saul withheld (vv. 1, 19).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παῖδαservantAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive→ object specificationπαῖδα: meaning 'servant'; it serves as accusative subject of the infinitive.
Αβρααμof Abrahamindeclinable proper noun, genitive of possession ('Abraham's servant')→ participant identificationΑβρααμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, genitive of possession ('Abraham's servant').
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ῥημάτωνwordsGenitivegenitive object of ἀκοῦσαι→ relational specificationῥημάτων: meaning 'words'; it serves as genitive object of ἀκοῦσαι.
τούτωνtheseGenitivedemonstrative adjective→ relational specificationτούτων: meaning 'these'; it serves as demonstrative adjective.
προσεκύνησενbowed downAor Act Indic 3 Sg · προσκυνέωmain verb of the ἐγένετο construction (apodosis)→ constative aorist (second prostration of the chapter)προσκυνέω: second prostration (cf. v.26); this one is directed not only 'to the LORD' but is described as ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν — 'to the ground' — indicating a full physical prostration before God in gratitude for the household's consent.
ἐπὶtopreposition + accusative (direction: bowing down to the ground)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction: bowing down to the ground).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆνgroundAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί (the surface to which he bows)→ object specificationγῆν: meaning 'ground'; it serves as accusative object of ἐπί (the surface to which he bows).
κυρίῳbefore the LORDDativedative object of προσκύνησεν (the one before whom he prostrates)→ sphere or referenceκυρίῳ: meaning 'before the LORD'; it serves as dative object of προσκύνησεν (the one before whom he prostrates).
53
καὶ ἐξενέγκας ὁ παῖς σκεύη ἀργυρᾶ καὶ χρυσᾶ καὶ ἱμάτια ἔδωκεν Ρεβεκκα καὶ δῶρα ἔδωκεν τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτῆς καὶ τῇ μητρὶ αὐτῆς.
And the servant brought out articles of silver and gold and garments and gave them to Rebekah, and he gave gifts to her brother and to her mother.
The servant distributes the rich gifts immediately after the prostration — worship before business, but business immediately follows. Two recipients: Rebekah herself receives the precious metal articles and garments (σκεύη ἀργυρᾶ καὶ χρυσᾶ καὶ ἱμάτια), and the household (brother and mother) receives δῶρα. The gift-giving formally ratifies the marriage agreement.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξενέγκαςhaving brought outAor Act Ptcp Nom Sg M · ἐκφέρωattendant circumstance participle (brings out the gifts before giving them)→ aorist participleἐκφέρω: meaning 'having brought out'; it contributes descriptive or attendant verbal force; here it functions as attendant circumstance participle (brings out the gifts before giving them).
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παῖςservantNominativesubject→ participant prominenceπαῖς: meaning 'servant'; it serves as subject.
σκεύηarticles / vesselsAccusativedirect object of ἐξενέγκας→ object specificationσκεῦος: 'vessel, article, implement'; here precious metal objects (jewelry, vessels) — the rich gifts Abraham entrusted to the servant for this moment.
ἀργυρᾶof silverAccusativeadjective modifying σκεύη→ object specificationἀργυρᾶ: meaning 'of silver'; it serves as adjective modifying σκεύη.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
χρυσᾶof goldAccusativeadjective modifying σκεύη→ object specificationχρυσᾶ: meaning 'of gold'; it serves as adjective modifying σκεύη.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἱμάτιαgarmentsAccusativedirect object of ἐξενέγκας (third category of gift)→ object specificationἱμάτιον: 'garment, cloak'; clothing as a high-value gift in the ancient Near East, often given at betrothal.
ἔδωκενgaveAor Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (first gift: to Rebekah)→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; renders נָתַן; in the idiom ἔδωκεν ἐν χειρί ('gave into the hand of') it denotes the formal transfer of command authority to Abishai.
ΡεβεκκαRebekahindeclinable proper noun, dative indirect object (recipient of the bridal gifts)→ participant identificationΡεβεκκα: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, dative indirect object (recipient of the bridal gifts).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δῶραgiftsAccusativedirect object of second ἔδωκεν (household gifts)→ object specificationδῶρον: 'gift, present'; the δῶρα to the household complement the bridal σκεύη given to Rebekah.
ἔδωκενgaveAor Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (second gift: to the household)→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; renders נָתַן; in the idiom ἔδωκεν ἐν χειρί ('gave into the hand of') it denotes the formal transfer of command authority to Abishai.
τῷtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀδελφῷbrotherDativedative indirect object (Laban)→ sphere or referenceἀδελφῷ: meaning 'brother'; it serves as dative indirect object (Laban).
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μητρὶmotherDativedative indirect object→ sphere or referenceμητρὶ: meaning 'mother'; it serves as dative indirect object.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
54
καὶ ἔφαγον καὶ ἔπιον, αὐτὸς καὶ οἱ ἄνδρες οἱ μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐκοιμήθησαν. καὶ ἀναστὰς πρωῒ εἶπεν· Ἐκπέμψατέ με, ἵνα ἀπέλθω πρὸς τὸν κύριόν μου.
And they ate and drank, he and the men with him, and they slept. And rising early in the morning he said: 'Send me off, that I may go to my master.'
The mission is complete; the servant now participates in the hospitality meal he had earlier deferred (v.33). But immediately at dawn (πρωῒ — 'early') he presses for departure. ἀναστὰς πρωΐ ('rising early') echoes the urgency of the whole chapter; the servant's single-mindedness is undiminished even after eating and sleeping.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔφαγονthey ateAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐσθίωmain verb→ constative aoristἐσθίω (aor. ἔφαγον): 'eat'; Saul at last takes food (cf. his refusal, v. 23), restoring the strength he lacked (v. 20).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔπιονdrankAor Act Indic 3 Pl · πίνωmain verb→ constative aoristπίνω: 'drink'.
αὐτὸςhe himselfNominativesubject (emphatic: 'he himself' — now eating after deferring in v.33)→ participant prominenceαὐτὸς: meaning 'he himself'; it serves as subject (emphatic: 'he himself' — now eating after deferring in v.33).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄνδρεςmenNominativesubject (the servants accompanying him)→ participant prominenceἄνδρες: meaning 'men'; it serves as subject (the servants accompanying him).
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μετ᾿withpreposition + genitive→ spatial or relational framingμετ᾿: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive.
αὐτοῦhimGenitivegenitive object of μετά→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of μετά.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐκοιμήθησανthey sleptAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · κοιμάωmain verb→ constative aoristκοιμάω: meaning 'they slept'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as main verb.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀναστὰςrisingAor Act Ptcp Nom Sg M · ἀνίστημιattendant circumstance participle (rising before speaking)→ aorist participleἀνίστημι: 'rise, get up'; ἀναστάς πρωΐ = 'rising early' — the standard formula for early-morning decisive action.
πρωῒearlytemporal adverb (early morning)→ clausal contributionπρωῒ: meaning 'early'; it shapes the local clause or phrase relation in this passage.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
ἘκπέμψατέSend offAor Act Imper 2 Pl · ἐκπέμπωmain imperative (the servant's dawn request)→ aorist imperative (single decisive send-off)ἐκπέμπω: 'send out, dispatch'; the same word will be used in v.56 in the servant's repeated urgent request.
μεmeAccusativedirect object of ἐκπέμψατε→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἐκπέμψατε.
ἵναso thatpurpose conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'so that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπέλθωI may goAor Act Subjunc 1 Sg · ἀπέρχομαιsubjunctive in purpose clause→ aorist subjunctiveἀπέρχομαι: meaning 'I may go'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as subjunctive in purpose clause.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (destination)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (destination).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κύριόνmasterAccusativeaccusative object of πρός→ object specificationκύριόν: meaning 'master'; it serves as accusative object of πρός.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
55
εἶπαν δὲ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτῆς καὶ ἡ μήτηρ αὐτῆς· Μεινάτω ἡ παρθένος μεθ᾿ ἡμῶν ἡμέρας ὡσεὶ δέκα, καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα ἀπελεύσεται.
And her brothers and her mother said: 'Let the young woman stay with us for about ten days; and after that she will depart.'
The family's counter-request uses παρθένος again — 'let the young woman remain.' The ten-day delay is a reasonable cultural request: a bride's departure would typically involve preparations and farewell. The servant will refuse, invoking εὐοδόω (v.56). Note: 'brothers' (plural) appears here where only Laban has been named — possibly suggesting other brothers or a collective family grouping.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
εἶπανsaidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristλέγω (aor. εἶπαν, Koine form): introduces the third invitation.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀδελφοὶbrothersNominativesubject (plural here; only Laban has been named before)→ participant prominenceἀδελφοὶ: meaning 'brothers'; it serves as subject (plural here; only Laban has been named before).
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μήτηρmotherNominativesubject→ participant prominenceμήτηρ: meaning 'mother'; it serves as subject.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
Μεινάτωlet stayAor Act Imper 3 Sg · μένωthird-person imperative (jussive: request for the woman to remain)→ aorist imperativeμένω: 'remain, stay'; the jussive Μεινάτω = 'let her stay' — a polite request framed as a wish, not a command.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παρθένοςyoung womanNominativesubject (the family refers to Rebekah as παρθένος = 'young woman')→ participant prominenceπαρθένος: the family uses this term for Rebekah here — a third occurrence in the chapter (cf. v.16 narrator; v.43 servant). In this context it simply means 'the young woman / our daughter,' with no need to press virginal connotation.
μεθ᾿withpreposition + genitive→ spatial or relational framingμεθ᾿: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive.
ἡμῶνusGenitivegenitive object of μετά→ relational specificationἡμῶν: meaning 'us'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of μετά.
ἡμέραςdaysAccusativeaccusative of duration→ object specificationἡμέρας: meaning 'days'; it serves as accusative of duration.
ὡσεὶaboutapproximating particle (ὡσεί = 'about, approximately')→ discourse linkage or contrastὡσεὶ: meaning 'about'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δέκαtenAccusativenumeral (ten days — a culturally standard preparation period)→ measure or countδέκα: meaning 'ten'; numeral expression contributing count or measure in context.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μετὰafterpreposition + accusative (temporal: 'after these things')→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'after'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (temporal: 'after these things').
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativeaccusative object of μετά→ object specificationταῦτα: meaning 'these things'; it serves as accusative object of μετά.
ἀπελεύσεταιshe will departFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀπέρχομαιmain verb (their concession: departure after ten days)→ predictive futureἀπέρχομαι: 'go away / depart'; the cart will move off of its own accord (i.e. as the cows are led), the outcome to be observed as the divine sign of v. 9.
56
εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς αὐτούς· Μὴ κατέχετέ με, καὶ κύριος εὐόδωσεν τὴν ὁδόν μου· ἐκπέμψατέ με ἵνα ἀπέλθω πρὸς τὸν κύριόν μου.
And he said to them: 'Do not detain me, for the LORD has prospered my way; send me off that I may go to my master.'
The servant refuses the ten-day delay. His argument is a single grounding clause: κύριος εὐόδωσεν τὴν ὁδόν μου — 'the LORD has prospered my way.' This is the seventh and final occurrence of εὐοδόω in the chapter, making the leitmotif complete. The servant appeals not to personal urgency but to the completed divine guidance as the basis for immediate departure: the work is done, and delay would be faithlessness to the God who has prospered the way.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (addressees)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (addressees).
αὐτούςthemAccusativeaccusative object of πρός→ participant referenceαὐτούς: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative object of πρός.
ΜὴDo notnegation of the imperative (prohibition)→ clausal qualification or emphasisΜὴ: meaning 'Do not'; it negates or qualifies the assertion of the clause.
κατέχετέdetainPres Act Imper 2 Pl · κατέχωmain imperative (prohibition: stop detaining me)→ present imperative prohibition (stop doing an ongoing action)κατέχω: 'hold back, detain, restrain'; μὴ κατέχετέ με = 'do not detain me (any further)'; the present prohibition stops an action conceived as already beginning.
μεmeAccusativedirect object of κατέχετε→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of κατέχετε.
καὶforcoordinating conjunction (causal or explanatory here: 'for the LORD has prospered')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as subject.
εὐόδωσενhas prosperedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐοδόωmain verb (seventh and final occurrence of εὐοδόω)→ constative aorist (the completed divine guidance grounds the urgency)εὐοδόω: the seventh and final of seven occurrences in the chapter (24:12, 21, 27, 40, 42, 48, 56). The final occurrence is the servant's argument: the LORD has already prospered the way, making delay inappropriate. The entire εὐοδόω leitmotif reaches its conclusion here — from petition (v.12) to completed guidance (v.56). NT echoes: Rom 1:10; 3 John 2.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁδόνwayAccusativedirect object of εὐόδωσεν→ object specificationὁδόν: meaning 'way'; it serves as direct object of εὐόδωσεν.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐκπέμψατέSend offAor Act Imper 2 Pl · ἐκπέμπωmain imperative (repeated from v.54 — urgent send-off request)→ aorist imperativeἐκπέμπω: meaning 'Send off'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as main imperative (repeated from v.54 — urgent send-off request).
μεmeAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
ἵναso thatpurpose conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'so that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπέλθωI may goAor Act Subjunc 1 Sg · ἀπέρχομαιsubjunctive in purpose clause→ aorist subjunctiveἀπέρχομαι: meaning 'I may go'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as subjunctive in purpose clause.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κύριόνmasterAccusativeaccusative object of πρός→ object specificationκύριόν: meaning 'master'; it serves as accusative object of πρός.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
57
εἶπαν δέ· Καλέσωμεν τὴν παῖδα καὶ ἐρωτήσωμεν τὸ στόμα αὐτῆς.
And they said: 'Let us call the girl and ask her own mouth.'
The family resolves to consult Rebekah directly — ἐρωτήσωμεν τὸ στόμα αὐτῆς ('let us ask her own mouth'). The idiom 'ask her mouth' emphasizes that the answer will come from Rebekah herself, not from a mediator.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
εἶπανsaidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristλέγω (aor. εἶπαν, Koine form): introduces the third invitation.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΚαλέσωμενLet us callAor Act Subjunc 1 Pl · καλέωhortatory subjunctive (first-person plural proposal)→ aorist subjunctive (deliberative / hortatory: 'let us call')καλέω: meaning 'Let us call'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as hortatory subjunctive (first-person plural proposal).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παῖδαgirlAccusativedirect object of καλέσωμεν→ object specificationπαῖδα: meaning 'girl'; it serves as direct object of καλέσωμεν.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐρωτήσωμενlet us askAor Act Subjunc 1 Pl · ἐρωτάωhortatory subjunctive (consult her directly)→ aorist subjunctiveἐρωτάω: meaning 'let us ask'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as hortatory subjunctive (consult her directly).
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
στόμαmouthAccusativedirect object of ἐρωτήσωμεν (metonymy: her own direct word)→ object specificationστόμα: 'mouth'; ἐρωτήσωμεν τὸ στόμα αὐτῆς = 'let us ask her own mouth'; a Hebraistic idiom for getting a direct, firsthand answer from the person herself.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession (emphasizing the directness: her own mouth)→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (emphasizing the directness: her own mouth).
58
καὶ ἐκάλεσαν Ρεβεκκαν καὶ εἶπαν αὐτῇ· Πορεύσῃ μετὰ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τούτου; ἡ δὲ εἶπεν· Πορεύσομαι.
And they called Rebekah and said to her: 'Will you go with this man?' And she said: 'I will go.'
The most dramatically compressed exchange in the chapter: a four-word question, then Rebekah's answer in a single word — Πορεύσομαι ('I will go'). The entire chapter has been moving toward this moment. Rebekah's single future-middle verb is her own decisive act of agency — she goes because she chooses to.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐκάλεσανcalledAor Act Indic 3 Pl · καλέωmain verb→ constative aoristκαλέω: 'call / summon / invite'; the north calls Jeroboam to the formal assembly to be enthroned.
ΡεβεκκανRebekahindeclinable proper noun, direct object→ participant identificationΡεβεκκαν: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, direct object.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπανsaidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristλέγω (aor. εἶπαν, Koine form): introduces the third invitation.
αὐτῇto herDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestαὐτῇ: meaning 'to her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
ΠορεύσῃWill you goFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb (direct question)→ interrogative futureπορεύομαι: meaning 'Will you go'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as main verb (direct question).
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνθρώπουmanGenitivegenitive object of μετά→ relational specificationἀνθρώπου: meaning 'man'; it serves as genitive object of μετά.
τούτουthisGenitivedemonstrative adjective→ relational specificationτούτου: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as demonstrative adjective.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (Rebekah's answer)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
ΠορεύσομαιI will goFut Mid Indic 1 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb (Rebekah's decisive single-word answer)→ predictive future (Rebekah's personal self-determination and consent)πορεύομαι: Πορεύσομαι — 'I will go' — is Rebekah's entire answer, one word in Greek. The future middle expresses not only what will happen but what she herself chooses: 'I myself will go.' Her agency is remarkable in the ancient context and structurally placed at the climax of the family consultation scene.
59
καὶ ἐξέπεμψαν Ρεβεκκαν τὴν ἀδελφὴν αὐτῶν καὶ τὰ ὑπάρχοντα αὐτῆς καὶ τὸν παῖδα Αβρααμ καὶ τοὺς μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ.
And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her possessions, and Abraham's servant, and those with him.
The formal dispatch lists four elements: Rebekah, her possessions (τὰ ὑπάρχοντα), the servant, and his company. ἐξέπεμψαν enacts what the servant had twice demanded (vv.54, 56).
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξέπεμψανsent awayAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐκπέμπωmain verb (formal act of dispatch)→ constative aoristἐκπέμπω: 'send out, dispatch'; the same verb the servant demanded twice (vv.54, 56); now it is enacted.
ΡεβεκκανRebekahindeclinable proper noun, direct object→ participant identificationΡεβεκκαν: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, direct object.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀδελφὴνsisterAccusativeaccusative apposition to Ρεβεκκαν→ object specificationἀδελφὴν: meaning 'sister'; it serves as accusative apposition to Ρεβεκκαν.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑπάρχονταpossessionsPres Act Ptcp Acc Pl N · ὑπάρχωsubstantive participle ('the things belonging to her')→ present participle used as nounὑπάρχοντα: participle of ὑπάρχω used substantively = 'possessions, goods, belongings.'
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παῖδαservantAccusativedirect object→ object specificationπαῖδα: meaning 'servant'; it serves as direct object.
Αβρααμof Abrahamindeclinable proper noun, genitive of possession→ participant identificationΑβρααμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μετ᾿withpreposition + genitive→ spatial or relational framingμετ᾿: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive.
αὐτοῦhimGenitivegenitive object of μετά (the servant's company)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of μετά (the servant's company).
60
καὶ εὐλόγησαν Ρεβεκκαν καὶ εἶπαν αὐτῇ· Ἀδελφὴ ἡμῶν εἶ· γίνου εἰς χιλιάδας μυριάδων καὶ κληρονομησάτω τὸ σπέρμα σου τὰς πόλεις τῶν ὑπεναντίων.
And they blessed Rebekah and said to her: 'Our sister, you are; may you become thousands upon ten-thousands, and may your seed inherit the cities of the enemies.'
The farewell blessing echoes Gen 22:17: χιλιάδας μυριάδων ('thousands of ten-thousands') and τὰς πόλεις τῶν ὑπεναντίων ('the cities of the enemies'). The seed-language (τὸ σπέρμα σου) ties back to v.7 and forward to Gal 3:16.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὐλόγησανblessedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · εὐλογέωmain verb (the formal farewell blessing)→ constative aoristεὐλογέω: the Aramean household bestows a covenant-blessing formula on Rebekah as she departs — the language mirrors the Abrahamic covenant.
ΡεβεκκανRebekahindeclinable proper noun, direct object→ participant identificationΡεβεκκαν: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, direct object.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπανsaidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristλέγω (aor. εἶπαν, Koine form): introduces the third invitation.
αὐτῇto herDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestαὐτῇ: meaning 'to her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
ἈδελφὴsisterNominativepredicate nominative (affectionate address)→ participant prominenceἈδελφὴ: meaning 'sister'; it serves as predicate nominative (affectionate address).
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of relation→ relational specificationἡμῶν: meaning 'our'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relation.
εἶyou arePres Act Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίcopula (affirming the relationship before the blessing)→ presentεἰμί: 'be'; the copula of the predicate-adjective construction; though present in form, it carries the past sense of Saul's former lowliness.
γίνουbecomePres Mid Imper 2 Sg · γίνομαιmain imperative (blessing wish: 'may you become greatly multiplied')→ present imperative (ongoing becoming)γίνομαι: γίνου εἰς χιλιάδας μυριάδων = 'become into thousands of ten-thousands' — the multiplication blessing echoing Gen 22:17.
εἰςinto / aspreposition + accusative (εἰς predicative: 'becoming as thousands')→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (εἰς predicative: 'becoming as thousands').
χιλιάδαςthousandsAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς→ object specificationχιλιάδας: meaning 'thousands'; it serves as accusative object of εἰς.
μυριάδωνof ten-thousandsGenitivegenitive of measure (a hyperbolic expression of vast multiplication)→ relational specificationμυριάς: 'ten thousand, myriad'; χιλιάδας μυριάδων = 'thousands of myriads.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κληρονομησάτωlet inheritAor Act Imper 3 Sg · κληρονομέωthird-person imperative (jussive blessing: 'may your seed inherit')→ aorist imperativeκληρονομέω: 'inherit, take possession of'; cf. Gen 22:17 LXX (κληρονομήσει τὸ σπέρμα σου τὰς πόλεις τῶν ὑπεναντίων).
τὸtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σπέρμαseedNominativesubject of κληρονομησάτω→ participant prominenceσπέρμα: 'seed, offspring'; echoes the Abrahamic covenant promises throughout Genesis and the chapter's own reference at v.7; cf. Gal 3:16.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλειςcitiesAccusativedirect object of κληρονομησάτω→ object specificationπόλεις: meaning 'cities'; it serves as direct object of κληρονομησάτω.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑπεναντίωνenemiesGenitivegenitive of possession ('the cities belonging to the enemies')→ relational specificationὑπεναντίος: 'opponent, enemy'; renders Hebrew צָרָיִךְ; τὰς πόλεις τῶν ὑπεναντίων = 'the cities of the enemies'; cf. Gen 22:17 ('possess the gate of their enemies').
61
ἀναστᾶσα δὲ Ρεβεκκα καὶ αἱ ἅβραι αὐτῆς ἐπέβησαν ἐπὶ τὰς καμήλους καὶ ἐπορεύθησαν μετὰ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου. καὶ ἀναλαβὼν ὁ παῖς τὴν Ρεβεκκαν ἀπῆλθεν.
And Rebekah arose, and her attendants, and they mounted the camels and went with the man. And the servant took Rebekah and departed.
Rebekah acts on her word (Πορεύσομαι, v.58): ἀναστᾶσα ('arising') mirrors the servant's own ἀναστάς ('arising early', v.54). The αἱ ἅβραι ('the attendants / maidservants') are the household women who accompany Rebekah; in Gen 35:8 one is named Δεββωρα (Deborah). The servant formally 'takes' (ἀναλαβών) Rebekah and departs — completing the mission's active phase.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
ἀναστᾶσαhaving arisenAor Act Ptcp Nom Sg F · ἀνίστημιattendant circumstance participle (Rebekah's rising as the action initiating departure)→ aorist participleἀνίστημι: meaning 'having arisen'; it contributes descriptive or attendant verbal force; here it functions as attendant circumstance participle (Rebekah's rising as the action initiating departure).
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΡεβεκκαRebekahindeclinable proper noun, subject→ participant identificationΡεβεκκα: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, subject.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἅβραιattendantsNominativesubject (the female attendants accompanying Rebekah)→ participant prominenceἅβρα: 'maidservant, attendant'; a loanword from Hebrew; Rebekah's personal servants who will accompany her to the Negeb.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐπέβησανmountedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐπιβαίνωmain verb (mounting the camels)→ constative aoristἐπιβαίνω: 'mount, step upon'; ἐπιβαίνω ἐπὶ τὰς καμήλους = 'mount the camels'; the departure begins.
ἐπὶonpreposition + accusative (mounting onto the camels)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (mounting onto the camels).
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καμήλουςcamelsAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί→ object specificationκαμήλους: meaning 'camels'; it serves as accusative object of ἐπί.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπορεύθησανwentAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · πορεύομαιmain verb (the journey begins)→ constative aoristπορεύομαι: 'go / journey'; deponent; the men of valor accompany Saul to Gibeah.
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνθρώπουmanGenitivegenitive object of μετά (the servant)→ relational specificationἀνθρώπου: meaning 'man'; it serves as genitive object of μετά (the servant).
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀναλαβὼνhaving takenAor Act Ptcp Nom Sg M · ἀναλαμβάνωattendant circumstance participle (the servant takes charge of Rebekah for the journey)→ aorist participleἀναλαμβάνω: 'take up, take with'; the servant formally takes Rebekah under his charge for the return journey.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παῖςservantNominativesubject→ participant prominenceπαῖς: meaning 'servant'; it serves as subject.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΡεβεκκανRebekahindeclinable proper noun, direct object→ participant identificationΡεβεκκαν: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, direct object.
ἀπῆλθενdepartedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀπέρχομαιmain verb (the departure is complete)→ constative aoristἀπέρχομαι: 'go away / depart'; renders הָלַךְ; Nathan withdraws, his prophetic task complete, and the narrative turns to the unfolding of the sentence.
62
Ισαακ δὲ ἐπορεύετο διὰ τῆς ἐρήμου κατὰ τὸ φρέαρ τῆς ὁράσεως· αὐτὸς γὰρ κατῴκει ἐν τῇ γῇ τῇ πρὸς λίβα.
And Isaac was going through the wilderness by the Well of Vision; for he was dwelling in the land toward the south.
The narrative cuts to Isaac for the first time in the chapter. He is traveling through the desert κατὰ τὸ φρέαρ τῆς ὁράσεως — 'by the Well of Vision' (Beer-lahai-roi, the well associated with Hagar's encounter with the angel in Gen 16:14; 25:11). Isaac's presence at this well is theologically suggestive: the well of divine vision is the place from which he sets out to meet Rebekah. πρὸς λίβα = 'toward the south wind / toward the south/west' (Libya direction).
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
ΙσαακIsaacindeclinable proper noun, subject (Isaac introduced into the narrative)→ participant identificationΙσαακ: makes his first appearance in ch.24 narrative at this point; he has been spoken of throughout but not described in action until now.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle (scene shift to Isaac)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπορεύετοwas goingImpf Mid Indic 3 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb (imperfect: Isaac in motion, traveling)→ imperfect (ongoing action as narrative background)πορεύομαι: 'go / proceed'; with the cognate participle πορευόμενος it forms a Hebraic intensifying idiom (figura etymologica, הָלוֹךְ וְ-) meaning 'went on growing / increased more and more'.
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (route: through the desert)→ spatial or relational framingδιὰ: meaning 'through'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (route: through the desert).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐρήμουwildernessGenitivegenitive object of διά (the Negeb wilderness)→ relational specificationἐρήμου: meaning 'wilderness'; it serves as genitive object of διά (the Negeb wilderness).
κατὰbypreposition + accusative (location: by the well)→ spatial or relational framingκατὰ: meaning 'by'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (location: by the well).
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φρέαρwellAccusativeaccusative object of κατά→ object specificationφρέαρ: 'well, cistern'; τὸ φρέαρ τῆς ὁράσεως = 'the Well of Vision' — the LXX's rendering of Beer-lahai-roi (בְּאֵר לַחַי רֹאִי, 'the well of the Living One who sees me'); cf. Gen 16:14; 25:11.
τῆςofGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁράσεωςvision / sightGenitivegenitive of description (the well characterized by divine vision)→ relational specificationὅρασις: 'vision, seeing'; τῆς ὁράσεως renders רֹאִי ('of seeing') in the well-name; the LXX translates the proper name transparently as 'the well of Vision.'
αὐτὸςhe himselfNominativesubject (emphatic, explaining why he is in the south)→ participant prominenceαὐτὸς: meaning 'he himself'; it serves as subject (emphatic, explaining why he is in the south).
γὰρforpostpositive explanatory conjunction (explains why Isaac is at Beer-lahai-roi)→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κατῴκειwas dwellingImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · κατοικέωmain verb (imperfect: his settled residence)→ imperfect (ongoing dwelling in the Negeb)κατοικέω: 'dwell / settle / reside'; renders יָשַׁב; the imperfect denotes a continuing state — Mephibosheth took up permanent residence in the capital, near the king, his restoration now a fixed reality.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῇlandDativedative object of ἐν→ sphere or referenceγῇ: meaning 'land'; it serves as dative object of ἐν.
τῇtheDativearticle (with the following phrase)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρὸςtowardpreposition + accusative (directional: toward the south/west)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'toward'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (directional: toward the south/west).
λίβαthe southAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (geographic direction: toward Libya / south-west)→ object specificationλίβ (λίψ/λιβός): 'south-west wind / south-west / south'; the cardinal direction toward the Negeb — 'in the land toward the south.'
63
Ισαακ δὲ ἐξῆλθεν ἀδολεσχῆσαι εἰς τὸ πεδίον τὸ πρὸς δείλην· καὶ ἀναβλέψας τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς εἶδεν καμήλους ἐρχομένας.
And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening; and lifting up his eyes he saw camels coming.
The verse contains the most lexically distinctive crux in the chapter: ἀδολεσχῆσαι. The Hebrew לָשׂוּחַ (lāsûaḥ, 'to walk / ramble / muse') is rendered by the LXX with ἀδολεσχῆσαι — 'to converse at length, to meditate, to hold discourse (with oneself).' The verb ἀδολεσχία appears in Stoic philosophy as a mode of private discursive thought; the LXX translator gives Isaac's evening walk a contemplative, meditative cast absent from the Hebrew. εἰς τὸ πεδίον τὸ πρὸς δείλην = 'into the field toward evening' — the setting sun marks the time. The 'lifting of eyes' (ἀναβλέψας τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς) opens the meeting scene; Isaac sees the camels coming.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ΙσαακIsaacindeclinable proper noun, subject→ participant identificationΙσαακ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, subject.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξῆλθενwent outAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐξέρχομαιmain verb (Isaac's deliberate going out)→ constative aoristἐξέρχομαι: see v. 1.
ἀδολεσχῆσαιto meditate / to converse inwardlyAor Act Inf · ἀδολεσχέωinfinitive of purpose (why Isaac went out into the field)→ aorist infinitiveἀδολεσχέω: KEY CRUX. The verb renders Hebrew לָשׂוּחַ (lāsûaḥ, 'to walk about, roam, muse'); its most common sense is 'to talk at length, converse, hold discourse.' The LXX translator's choice of ἀδολεσχέω rather than a simple 'walking' verb gives Isaac's evening outing a philosophically colored, meditative character — he goes out to hold inward discourse / meditation. The noun ἀδολεσχία appears in Ps 118(119):97 LXX ('ὡς ἠγάπησα τὸν νόμον σου, κύριε· ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν μελέτη μού ἐστιν'), suggesting a meditative-reflective context. The Vulgate renders the verb differently (ambularet = 'to walk'), reflecting uncertainty in the tradition.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (destination)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (destination).
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πεδίονfield / plainAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς→ object specificationπεδίον: 'field, plain'; the open country of the Negeb where Isaac is dwelling.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with the following prepositional phrase)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρὸςtowardpreposition + accusative (temporal direction: toward the time of evening)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'toward'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (temporal direction: toward the time of evening).
δείληνeveningAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (temporal: 'toward evening' / toward dusk)→ object specificationδείλη: 'afternoon / evening'; πρὸς δείλην = 'toward the afternoon / toward evening'; renders Hebrew לִפְנוֹת עֶרֶב ('toward the turning of evening'). The setting is the liminal hour between day and night — the time of the meeting.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀναβλέψαςlifting upAor Act Ptcp Nom Sg M · ἀναβλέπωattendant circumstance participle (Isaac looks up — first half of the matched gaze)→ aorist participleἀναβλέπω: 'look up, lift one's gaze'; ἀναβλέψας τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς is a Hebrew-style pleonastic expression ('lifting up with the eyes') emphasizing deliberateness. This begins the mirrored gaze scene: Isaac looks up and sees the camels (v.63); Rebekah looks up and sees Isaac (v.64).
τοῖςwithDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀφθαλμοῖςeyesDativedative of means (pleonastic: 'with his eyes' = 'he looked up')→ sphere or referenceὀφθαλμοῖς: meaning 'eyes'; it serves as dative of means (pleonastic: 'with his eyes' = 'he looked up').
εἶδενsawAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ὁράωmain verb (Isaac's vision of the approaching caravan)→ constative aoristὁράω (aor. εἶδεν): 'see / perceive / realize'; renders רָאָה; here in the sense of grasping their plight, governing the ὅτι-clause.
καμήλουςcamelsAccusativedirect object of εἶδεν→ object specificationκαμήλους: meaning 'camels'; it serves as direct object of εἶδεν.
ἐρχομέναςcomingPres Mid Ptcp Acc Pl F · ἔρχομαιaccusative participle in indirect perception construction (sees camels coming = sees that camels are coming)→ present participle (ongoing approach visible to Isaac)ἔρχομαι: meaning 'coming'; it contributes descriptive or attendant verbal force; here it functions as accusative participle in indirect perception construction (sees camels coming = sees that camels are coming).
64
ἀναβλέψασα δὲ Ρεβεκκα τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς εἶδεν τὸν Ισαακ, καὶ κατεπήδησεν ἀπὸ τῆς καμήλου.
And Rebekah lifted up her eyes and saw Isaac, and she leaped down from the camel.
The meeting is framed by two perfectly mirrored acts of looking: Isaac 'lifted his eyes and saw camels coming' (v.63); now Rebekah 'lifted her eyes and saw Isaac.' The identical formula ἀναβλέπω + τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς + εἶδεν creates a literary diptych — two people approaching, each seeing the other through an act of deliberate gaze. Rebekah's immediate κατεπήδησεν ('leaped down') from the camel is a vivid and physically dramatic detail — she descends from her elevated position on the camel in response to seeing Isaac.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ἀναβλέψασαlifting up her eyesAor Act Ptcp Nom Sg F · ἀναβλέπωattendant circumstance participle (mirroring Isaac's ἀναβλέψας in v.63)→ aorist participleἀναβλέπω: the mirror-image of v.63 — the same verb, the same formula (τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς), creating the literary diptych of the meeting.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΡεβεκκαRebekahindeclinable proper noun, subject→ participant identificationΡεβεκκα: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, subject.
τοῖςwithDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀφθαλμοῖςeyesDativedative of means (pleonastic: 'with her eyes')→ sphere or referenceὀφθαλμοῖς: meaning 'eyes'; it serves as dative of means (pleonastic: 'with her eyes').
εἶδενsawAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ὁράωmain verb (Rebekah's vision of Isaac)→ constative aoristὁράω (aor. εἶδεν): 'see / perceive / realize'; renders רָאָה; here in the sense of grasping their plight, governing the ὅτι-clause.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΙσαακIsaacindeclinable proper noun, direct object (Rebekah sees her husband-to-be)→ participant identificationΙσαακ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, direct object (Rebekah sees her husband-to-be).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κατεπήδησενleaped downAor Act Indic 3 Sg · καταπηδάωmain verb (the vivid physical response: she dismounts immediately)→ constative aoristκαταπηδάω: 'leap / jump down'; a vivid verb — Rebekah does not simply dismount but leaps down from the camel. The urgency of the leap matches the urgency of her character throughout the chapter.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation: leaping off the camel)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation: leaping off the camel).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καμήλουcamelGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationκαμήλου: meaning 'camel'; it serves as genitive object of ἀπό.
65
καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς τὸν παῖδα· Τίς ἐστιν ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἐκεῖνος ὁ πορευόμενος ἐν τῷ πεδίῳ εἰς συνάντησιν ἡμῖν; εἶπεν δὲ ὁ παῖς· Οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ κύριός μου· λαβοῦσα δὲ Ρεβεκκα τὸ θέριστρον περιεβάλετο.
And she said to the servant, 'Who is that man walking in the field to meet us?' And the servant said, 'He is my lord.' And Rebekah took the veil and covered herself.
Rebekah's question (Τίς ἐστιν ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἐκεῖνος;) is followed immediately by the servant's decisive identification: Οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ κύριός μου ('This is my lord'). Rebekah's response to learning Isaac's identity is at once intimate and proprietary: λαβοῦσα τὸ θέριστρον περιεβάλετο — 'taking the veil she covered herself.' KEY CRUX: θέριστρον. The Hebrew צָעִיף (ṣāʿîp) is a covering/wrap; the LXX renders it θέριστρον, which originally meant 'summer garment / light robe' (from θέρος, 'summer'). The same word appears at Gen 38:14,19 (Tamar's veil). The act of veiling signals the transition from unmarried woman to bride — a betrothal gesture at the moment of meeting.
Word-by-word analysis· 33 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (Rebekah addresses the servant)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (addressee)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (addressee).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παῖδαservantAccusativeaccusative object of πρός→ object specificationπαῖδα: meaning 'servant'; it serves as accusative object of πρός.
ΤίςWhoNominativeinterrogative pronoun, subject of ἐστιν→ participant referenceΤίς: meaning 'Who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as interrogative pronoun, subject of ἐστιν.
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (equative)→ stative presentεἰμί: copula.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄνθρωποςmanNominativepredicate nominative (the unknown man)→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as predicate nominative (the unknown man).
ἐκεῖνοςthatNominativedemonstrative pronoun (pointing to the distant figure)→ participant referenceἐκεῖνος: meaning 'that'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as demonstrative pronoun (pointing to the distant figure).
ὁtheNominativearticle (with participial phrase)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πορευόμενοςwalkingPres Mid Ptcp Nom Sg M · πορεύομαιattributive participle ('the man walking in the field')→ present participle (the man is visibly walking as she asks)πορεύομαι: meaning 'walking'; it contributes descriptive or attendant verbal force; here it functions as attributive participle ('the man walking in the field').
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
τῷtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πεδίῳfieldDativedative object of ἐν→ sphere or referenceπεδίῳ: meaning 'field'; it serves as dative object of ἐν.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (purpose / direction: coming to meet us)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (purpose / direction: coming to meet us).
συνάντησινmeetingAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (walking in our direction to meet us)→ object specificationσυνάντησις: 'meeting, encounter'; εἰς συνάντησιν + dative = 'to meet someone'; cf. the same formula at Gen 18:2 (Abraham running to meet the three visitors).
ἡμῖνusDativedative object of συνάντησιν (the one they are coming to meet)→ participant reference or interestἡμῖν: meaning 'us'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative object of συνάντησιν (the one they are coming to meet).
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (servant's answer)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
δέandpostpositive adversative/continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παῖςservantNominativesubject→ participant prominenceπαῖς: meaning 'servant'; it serves as subject.
ΟὗτόςThisNominativedemonstrative pronoun, subject (the definitive identification)→ participant referenceΟὗτός: meaning 'This'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as demonstrative pronoun, subject (the definitive identification).
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula→ stative presentεἰμί: copula.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κύριόςlordNominativepredicate nominative ('He is my lord')→ participant prominenceκύριος: 'lord, master'; ὁ κύριός μου — the servant refers to Isaac as 'my lord'; note the loyalty formula throughout the chapter. The identification is also the cue for Rebekah's veiling.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
λαβοῦσαtakingAor Act Ptcp Nom Sg F · λαμβάνωattendant circumstance participle (Rebekah's response: she takes the veil)→ aorist participleλαμβάνω: meaning 'taking'; it contributes descriptive or attendant verbal force; here it functions as attendant circumstance participle (Rebekah's response: she takes the veil).
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΡεβεκκαRebekahindeclinable proper noun, subject→ participant identificationΡεβεκκα: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, subject.
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θέριστρονveilAccusativedirect object of λαβοῦσα (KEY CRUX: the bridal veil)→ object specificationθέριστρον: KEY CRUX. The word derives from θέρος ('summer') and originally denoted a 'light summer garment / wrap.' The LXX uses it to render Hebrew צָעִיף (ṣāʿîp, 'veil, wrap') — the same Hebrew word recurs at Gen 38:14,19 (Tamar's veiling before Judah). In its narrative function here, the θέριστρον marks the decisive moment of betrothal: Rebekah covers herself upon learning that the approaching figure is her husband-to-be. The gesture is both modest and covenantal — a physical enactment of spousal transition.
περιεβάλετοcovered herselfAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · περιβάλλωmain verb with middle voice (she wraps herself — the reflexive force of the middle is deliberate)→ constative aoristπεριβάλλω: 'throw around, wrap'; middle voice: 'wrap (oneself)'; the middle intensifies the self-directed, intentional character of the veiling — Rebekah covers herself as a deliberate act of self-presentation before her husband.
66
καὶ διηγήσατο ὁ παῖς τῷ Ισαακ πάντα τὰ ῥήματα, ἃ ἐποίησεν.
And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done.
The entire long narrative of the chapter (the prayer, the test, the hospitality, the betrothal, the departure) is compressed into a single verb: διηγήσατο ('narrated, recounted'). The servant who has carried the story across 65 verses now hands it to Isaac in one summarizing action. πάντα τὰ ῥήματα, ἃ ἐποίησεν recalls the earlier vocabulary of faithful service (cf. v.33 'I will not eat until I have spoken my words' — τὰ ῥήματά μου). The chapter's narrative is now complete: what was commissioned (v.4) has been fully executed and reported.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
διηγήσατοtold / narratedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · διηγέομαιmain verb (the servant's final report to Isaac, summarizing the entire chapter)→ constative aoristδιηγέομαι: 'narrate, recount, explain in full'; a compound of διά + ἡγέομαι ('lead through') — 'to lead someone through an account.' The same root underlies the NT term διήγησις ('account, narrative') in Luke 1:1. The servant's 'narrating through' mirrors his own role as narrator throughout the chapter.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παῖςservantNominativesubject→ participant prominenceπαῖς: meaning 'servant'; it serves as subject.
τῷtoDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΙσαακIsaacindeclinable proper noun, dative indirect object (the servant reports to Isaac)→ participant identificationΙσαακ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, dative indirect object (the servant reports to Isaac).
πάνταallAccusativeaccusative adjective in substantival phrase ('all the things')→ object specificationπάντα: meaning 'all'; it serves as accusative adjective in substantival phrase ('all the things').
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ῥήματαthings / wordsAccusativedirect object of διηγήσατο→ object specificationῥῆμα: 'word, thing, matter'; πάντα τὰ ῥήματα = 'all the things' (not just spoken words — the full sequence of events the servant performed); cf. v.33 where ῥήματά μου = 'my words/commission.'
ἃthatAccusativeaccusative relative pronoun (antecedent: πάντα τὰ ῥήματα)→ participant referenceἃ: meaning 'that'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative relative pronoun (antecedent: πάντα τὰ ῥήματα).
ἐποίησενhe had doneAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωverb of the relative clause (what the servant did = the entire mission)→ constative aoristποιέω: summarises the king's deeds.
67
εἰσήγαγεν δὲ αὐτὴν Ισαακ εἰς τὸν οἶκον Σαρρας τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἔλαβεν τὴν Ρεβεκκαν καὶ ἐγένετο αὐτοῦ γυνή, καὶ ἠγάπησεν αὐτήν· καὶ παρεκλήθη Ισαακ περὶ Σαρρας τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ.
And Isaac brought her into the house of his mother Sarah, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her. And Isaac was comforted concerning his mother Sarah.
The chapter closes in three beats, each introduced by καί: (1) εἰσήγαγεν — Isaac brings Rebekah into Sarah's tent; (2) ἠγάπησεν αὐτήν — KEY CRUX: the first use of ἀγαπάω for conjugal love in Genesis; (3) παρεκλήθη — Isaac is comforted after Sarah's death. The phrase εἰς τὸν οἶκον Σαρρας τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ anchors the union typologically: Rebekah enters the space vacated by Sarah's death (Gen 23), which has been the narrative gap the chapter fills. ἠγάπησεν αὐτήν: the verb ἀγαπάω has appeared earlier in Genesis for Abraham's love of Isaac (Gen 22:2, τὸν υἱόν σου τὸν ἀγαπητόν), but this is its first use in Genesis for a man's love of his wife — initiating the Genesis theme of conjugal ἀγάπη that runs through Isaac–Rebekah, Jacob–Rachel (29:18,20,30). παρεκλήθη Ισαακ: the verb παρακαλέω (passive: 'be comforted, consoled') brings the chapter to rest — the grief of Gen 23 (Sarah's death) is answered by the love of Gen 24 (Rebekah received). The consolation (παράκλησις) that follows grief is a major LXX/NT theme (cf. Isa 40:1 LXX, 'παρακαλεῖτε παρακαλεῖτε τὸν λαόν μου'; 2 Cor 1:3–4).
Word-by-word analysis· 30 words
εἰσήγαγενbrought inAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰσάγωmain verb (Isaac formally installs Rebekah in Sarah's house)→ constative aoristεἰσάγω: 'bring in, lead in'; the act of bringing Rebekah εἰς τὸν οἶκον Σαρρας is both domestic and covenantal — she enters the tent of the matriarch she will succeed.
δέandpostpositive continuative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αὐτὴνherAccusativedirect object of εἰσήγαγεν (Rebekah)→ participant referenceαὐτὴν: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of εἰσήγαγεν (Rebekah).
ΙσαακIsaacindeclinable proper noun, subject→ participant identificationΙσαακ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, subject.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (destination)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (destination).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἶκονhouse / tentAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς→ object specificationοἶκος: 'house, household, tent'; εἰς τὸν οἶκον Σαρρας τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ = 'into the tent of Sarah his mother'; Sarah's tent (cf. Gen 18:6,9,10) is the Patriarchal household's sacred domestic space; bringing Rebekah into it signals dynastic succession.
ΣαρραςSarahindeclinable proper noun, genitive (descriptive genitive: 'the house/tent of Sarah')→ participant identificationΣαρρα: Sarah has been absent from the chapter's narrative since her death in Gen 23, but her tent remains the defining household space; Rebekah enters it to succeed her as the matriarch.
τῆςofGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μητρὸςmotherGenitivegenitive in apposition to Σαρρας (identifying Sarah as Isaac's mother)→ relational specificationμητρὸς: meaning 'mother'; it serves as genitive in apposition to Σαρρας (identifying Sarah as Isaac's mother).
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandnarrative conjunction (second beat)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔλαβενtookAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (formal act of taking a wife)→ constative aoristλαμβάνω γυναῖκα: 'take a wife'; the technical idiom for marriage (cf. Gen 4:19; 11:29; 12:19; 25:1,20) — ἔλαβεν τὴν Ρεβεκκαν followed by ἐγένετο αὐτοῦ γυνή confirms the marriage is completed.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΡεβεκκανRebekahindeclinable proper noun, direct object of ἔλαβεν→ participant identificationΡεβεκκαν: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, direct object of ἔλαβεν.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐγένετοbecameAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (the union effected: she becomes his wife)→ constative aoristγίνομαι: καὶ ἐγένετο, narrative time-marker.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (= 'his wife')→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (= 'his wife').
γυνήwifeNominativepredicate nominative ('she became his wife')→ participant prominenceγυνή: meaning 'wife'; it serves as predicate nominative ('she became his wife').
καὶandnarrative conjunction (third and climactic beat)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἠγάπησενlovedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀγαπάωmain verb (KEY CRUX: the declaration of conjugal love)→ constative aorist (a single, summarizing declaration)ἀγαπάω: KEY CRUX — FIRST CONJUGAL LOVE VERB IN GENESIS. ἀγαπάω has appeared earlier for Abraham's love of Isaac (Gen 22:2), but ἠγάπησεν αὐτήν ('he loved her') is its debut use for a husband's love of his wife in Genesis. It initiates the Genesis theme of conjugal ἀγάπη: Isaac–Rebekah here; Jacob–Rachel at Gen 29:18 ('Ἰακὼβ δὲ ἠγάπα τὴν Ραχηλ'), 29:20, 29:30. The entire LXX vocabulary of love (ἀγαπάω, ἀγάπη) for marriage flows from this first moment. In the context of the chapter, this love is the fruit of the divinely guided (εὐοδόω) mission — Providence ordered the meeting; ἀγάπη is its consummation.
αὐτήνherAccusativedirect object of ἠγάπησεν→ participant referenceαὐτήν: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἠγάπησεν.
καὶandnarrative conjunction (consolation coda)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παρεκλήθηwas comfortedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · παρακαλέωmain verb (passive: Isaac receives comfort — the grief of Gen 23 resolved)→ constative aoristπαρακαλέω: 'call alongside, exhort, comfort'; passive: 'be comforted'; παρεκλήθη Ισαακ περὶ Σαρρας τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ = 'Isaac was comforted concerning Sarah his mother.' Sarah's death (Gen 23) created the narrative gap that Gen 24 fills; the chapter ends with that grief explicitly resolved through the love of Rebekah. The consolation (παράκλησις) that follows grief is a major LXX/NT theme (cf. Isa 40:1 LXX, 'παρακαλεῖτε παρακαλεῖτε τὸν λαόν μου'; 2 Cor 1:3–4).
ΙσαακIsaacindeclinable proper noun, subject→ participant identificationΙσαακ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, subject.
περὶconcerningpreposition + genitive (reference: comforted in regard to Sarah)→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ: meaning 'concerning'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (reference: comforted in regard to Sarah).
ΣαρραςSarahindeclinable proper noun, genitive object of περί→ participant identificationΣαρρας: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun, genitive object of περί.
τῆςofGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μητρὸςmotherGenitivegenitive in apposition to Σαρρας→ relational specificationμητρὸς: meaning 'mother'; it serves as genitive in apposition to Σαρρας.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.