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Genesis 24:17 - Servant seeks Rivkah's kindness

Genesis 24:17 - בראשית 24:17

Hebrew Text

וַיָּרָץ הָעֶבֶד לִקְרָאתָהּ וַיֹּאמֶר הַגְמִיאִינִי נָא מְעַט־מַיִם מִכַּדֵּךְ׃

English Translation

And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.

Transliteration

Va-yarats ha-eved likratah va-yomer hagmi'ini na me'at mayim mi-kadekh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֥רׇץ הָעֶ֖בֶד לִקְרָאתָ֑הּ וַיֹּ֕אמֶר הַגְמִיאִ֥ינִי נָ֛א מְעַט־מַ֖יִם מִכַּדֵּֽךְ׃
וַיָּ֥רׇץ הָעֶ֖בֶד לִקְרָאתָ֑הּ וַיֹּ֕אמֶר הַגְמִיאִ֥ינִי נָ֛א מְעַט־מַ֖יִם מִכַּדֵּֽךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 24:17) describes the encounter between Avraham's servant (traditionally identified as Eliezer) and Rivka at the well. The servant had been sent to find a suitable wife for Yitzchak, and this moment marks the beginning of the test to identify the right candidate.

Eliezer's Approach

Rashi notes that the servant "ran to meet her" because he saw the water rising toward her—a miraculous sign indicating her righteousness (Rashi on Bereshit 24:17). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 60:5) elaborates that Rivka's exceptional kindness was evident even before she drew water, prompting Eliezer to approach her immediately.

The Request for Water

Eliezer's phrasing—"Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher"—is significant. The Ramban (Bereshit 24:17) explains that he intentionally made a modest request to test whether she would offer more than asked, demonstrating the trait of chesed (lovingkindness) that Avraham sought in a wife for Yitzchak.

Rivka's Response and Its Deeper Meaning

  • The Talmud (Ta'anit 4a) connects this episode to the concept of middah k'neged middah (measure for measure)—just as Avraham excelled in hospitality, his future daughter-in-law would mirror this trait.
  • The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 24:17) highlights that Eliezer's request for "a little water" contrasts with Rivka's generous response (in the following verses), showing that true righteousness goes beyond the minimum.

Symbolism of the Pitcher

The Malbim (Bereshit 24:17) observes that the word "כַּדֵּךְ" (thy pitcher) emphasizes personal effort—Rivka had to lower her own pitcher rather than relying on others, symbolizing her proactive nature in performing kindness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the behavior of Eliezer, Abraham's servant, and his interaction with Rebecca, illustrating proper conduct and divine providence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the servant running to meet Rivka (Rebecca) in Genesis 24:17?
A: According to Rashi, the servant (Eliezer) ran to meet Rivka because he saw the water in the well rising toward her—a miraculous sign that she was the right match for Yitzchak (Isaac). This demonstrated her righteousness and suitability to become part of Avraham’s family.
Q: Why did Eliezer ask Rivka for water instead of just taking it himself?
A: Eliezer wanted to test Rivka’s kindness and character (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 60:5). By asking politely ('Let me drink a little water'), he observed whether she would respond with generosity and compassion—qualities essential for the future matriarch of the Jewish people.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Rivka’s response to Eliezer’s request for water?
A: Rivka’s immediate willingness to give water—and her offer to draw water for his camels too (Genesis 24:18-20)—teaches the importance of chesed (loving-kindness), a core Jewish value. The Talmud (Sotah 10b) praises her actions as a model of going beyond the minimum requirement to help others.
Q: Why is this encounter between Eliezer and Rivka important in Jewish tradition?
A: This moment marks the Divine orchestration of Yitzchak and Rivka’s marriage, ensuring the continuity of Avraham’s legacy. The Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 2:2) later derives principles about finding a righteous spouse from this story, emphasizing kindness and divine guidance in matchmaking.
Q: How does this verse apply to everyday acts of kindness today?
A: Just as Rivka’s small act of offering water led to a great blessing (becoming a matriarch), the Midrash (Tanchuma Vayeira 4) teaches that everyday kindness—like giving water to a stranger—can have far-reaching spiritual consequences. This inspires us to perform even simple acts of chesed with sincerity.