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Genesis 24:46 - Haste reveals destined kindness.

Genesis 24:46 - בראשית 24:46

Hebrew Text

וַתְּמַהֵר וַתּוֹרֶד כַּדָּהּ מֵעָלֶיהָ וַתֹּאמֶר שְׁתֵה וְגַם־גְּמַלֶּיךָ אַשְׁקֶה וָאֵשְׁתְּ וְגַם הַגְּמַלִּים הִשְׁקָתָה׃

English Translation

And she made haste, and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, Drink, and I will give thy camels to drink also: so I drank, and she made the camels drink also.

Transliteration

Vatmaher vatorid kadah me'aleha vatomer sheteh vegam gmaleycha ashkeh va'esht vegam hagmalim hishkata.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתְּמַהֵ֗ר וַתּ֤וֹרֶד כַּדָּהּ֙ מֵֽעָלֶ֔יהָ וַתֹּ֣אמֶר שְׁתֵ֔ה וְגַם־גְּמַלֶּ֖יךָ אַשְׁקֶ֑ה וָאֵ֕שְׁתְּ וְגַ֥ם הַגְּמַלִּ֖ים הִשְׁקָֽתָה׃
וַתְּמַהֵ֗ר וַתּ֤וֹרֶד כַּדָּהּ֙ מֵֽעָלֶ֔יהָ וַתֹּ֣אמֶר שְׁתֵ֔ה וְגַם־גְּמַלֶּ֖יךָ אַשְׁקֶ֑ה וָאֵ֕שְׁתְּ וְגַ֥ם הַגְּמַלִּ֖ים הִשְׁקָֽתָה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Rebecca's Exemplary Kindness

The verse describes Rebecca's swift and generous actions when encountering Eliezer at the well. Rashi (on Genesis 24:18) emphasizes that her kindness extended beyond the minimum obligation—she not only offered water to Eliezer but also took initiative to water his camels without being asked. This demonstrates the middah (character trait) of chesed (loving-kindness) in its fullest measure.

Hastening to Perform Mitzvot

The phrase "vatemaher vatorid kadah me'aleha" ("she made haste and let down her pitcher from her shoulder") is interpreted by the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:5) as showing Rebecca's enthusiasm for performing kindness. The Talmud (Pesachim 4a) teaches that the righteous "run" to do mitzvot, as seen in Rebecca's immediate response.

The Significance of Watering the Camels

  • Ramban (Nachmanides on Genesis 24:14) notes that watering ten thirsty camels (as later mentioned in verse 24:22) was an extraordinary act of physical strength and dedication, proving her suitability to join the household of Abraham.
  • The Kli Yakar (R' Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) highlights that her offer to water the camels demonstrated foresight—understanding that properly caring for the servant's animals would enable him to complete his mission.

Literal and Symbolic Meaning

Malbim (R' Meir Leibush Weiser) explains that on a deeper level, Rebecca's actions symbolized the future Jewish people's relationship with Torah: just as she gave water (representing Torah) to both Eliezer (representing teachers) and his camels (representing students), so too must Torah be shared with all.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the actions of Rebecca and the qualities of hospitality.
📖 Bava Metzia 87a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the merits of Rebecca and her exemplary kindness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 24:46 teach us about Rivka's (Rebecca's) character?
A: Genesis 24:46 highlights Rivka's kindness (chesed) and diligence. Rashi explains that she not only offered water to Eliezer but also proactively watered his camels, showing exceptional hospitality—a key trait for becoming the matriarch of the Jewish people.
Q: Why did Rivka hurry to give water to Eliezer and his camels?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:5) teaches that Rivka acted with urgency because she recognized the importance of kindness. Her haste demonstrated her eagerness to perform mitzvot (commandments), a sign of her righteous nature, which made her suitable to marry Yitzchak (Isaac).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Rivka's actions in this verse?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:5) emphasizes that we should emulate Rivka's kindness by going beyond the minimum—just as she didn't stop at offering water to Eliezer but also cared for his camels. This teaches the value of proactive generosity in Jewish tradition.
Q: Why is watering the camels specifically mentioned in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Ta'anit 4a) notes that camels require large amounts of water, so Rivka's offer to draw for all of them—without being asked—showed extraordinary effort. This act confirmed she was the destined wife for Yitzchak, as foretold in Eliezer's prayer (Genesis 24:14).
Q: How does Rivka's behavior in this verse relate to Jewish values today?
A: Rivka's actions model the Jewish principle of 'hachnasat orchim' (welcoming guests), as codified in Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 333). Her example teaches that true hospitality means anticipating others' needs—a value that remains central to Jewish family and community life.