Genesis 24:55
New International Version
But her brother and her mother replied, “Let the young woman remain with us ten days or so; then you may go.”

New Living Translation
“But we want Rebekah to stay with us at least ten days,” her brother and mother said. “Then she can go.”

English Standard Version
Her brother and her mother said, “Let the young woman remain with us a while, at least ten days; after that she may go.”

Berean Standard Bible
But her brother and mother said, “Let the girl remain with us ten days or so. After that, she may go.”

Berean Literal Bible
And her brother said—and her mother—“Let the young woman stay with us a few days, or ten days. Afterward she may go.”

King James Bible
And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.

New King James Version
But her brother and her mother said, “Let the young woman stay with us a few days, at least ten; after that she may go.”

New American Standard Bible
But her brother and her mother said, “Let the young woman stay with us a few days, say ten; afterward she may go.”

NASB 1995
But her brother and her mother said, “Let the girl stay with us a few days, say ten; afterward she may go.”

NASB 1977
But her brother and her mother said, “Let the girl stay with us a few days, say ten; afterward she may go.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But her brother and her mother said, “Let the young woman stay with us a few days, or even ten; afterward she will go.”

Amplified Bible
But Rebekah’s brother and mother said, “Let the girl stay with us a few days—at least ten; then she may go.”

Berean Annotated Bible
But her brother and mother said, “Let the girl remain with us ten days or so. After that, she may go.

Christian Standard Bible
But her brother and mother said, “Let the girl stay with us for about ten days. Then she can go.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But her brother and mother said, “Let the girl stay with us for about 10 days. Then she can go.”

American Standard Version
And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.

Contemporary English Version
"Let Rebekah stay with us for a week or ten days," they answered. "Then she may go."

English Revised Version
And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Her brother and mother replied, "Let the girl stay with us ten days or so. After that she may go."

Good News Translation
But Rebecca's brother and her mother said, "Let her stay with us a week or ten days, and then she may go."

International Standard Version
But her brother and mother said, "Let the young lady stay with us a few days—at least ten—and after that she may go."

NET Bible
But Rebekah's brother and her mother replied, "Let the girl stay with us a few more days, perhaps ten. Then she can go."

New Heart English Bible
But her brother and her mother said, "Let the young woman stay with us ten days or so. After that she may go."

Webster's Bible Translation
And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
But her brother and mother said, “Let the girl remain with us ten days or so. After that, she may go.”

World English Bible
Her brother and her mother said, “Let the young lady stay with us a few days, at least ten. After that she will go.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and her brother says—her mother also, “Let the young person abide with us a week or ten days, afterward she goes.”

Berean Literal Bible
And her brother said—and her mother—“Let the young woman stay with us a few days, or ten days. Afterward she may go.”

Young's Literal Translation
and her brother saith -- her mother also -- 'Let the young person abide with us a week or ten days, afterwards doth she go.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And her brother will say, and her mother, The girl shall remain with us, perhaps ten days; after that she shall go.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And her brother and mother answered: Let the maid stay at least ten days with us, and afterwards she shall depart.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And her brothers and mother responded, “Let the girl remain for at least ten days with us, and after that, she will continue on.”

New American Bible
Her brother and mother replied, “Let the young woman stay with us a short while, say ten days; after that she may go.”

New Revised Standard Version
Her brother and her mother said, “Let the girl remain with us a while, at least ten days; after that she may go.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And her brother and her mother said to him, Let the damsel stay with us a month, or at least a few days; and then she shall go.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And her brother and her mother said to him, “The girl will dwell with us a month of days and then she will go.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And her brother and her mother said: 'Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And her brethren and her mother said, Let the virgin remain with us about ten days, and after that she shall depart.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Rebekah is Chosen
54Then he and the men with him ate and drank and spent the night there. When they got up the next morning, he said, “Send me on my way to my master.” 55But her brother and mother said, “Let the girl remain with us ten days or so. After that, she may go.” 56But he replied, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has made my journey a success. Send me on my way so that I may go to my master.”…

Cross References
But her brother and mother said,

Genesis 34:13-15
But because Shechem had defiled their sister Dinah, Jacob’s sons answered him and his father Hamor deceitfully. / “We cannot do such a thing,” they said. “To give our sister to an uncircumcised man would be a disgrace to us. / We will consent to this on one condition, that you become circumcised like us—every one of your males.

Judges 14:2-3
So he returned and told his father and mother, “I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.” / But his father and mother replied, “Can’t you find a young woman among your relatives or among any of our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for me, for she is pleasing to my eyes.”

Genesis 29:19-20
Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.” / So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her.
“Let the girl remain with us ten days or so.

Genesis 29:27-28
Finish this week’s celebration, and we will give you the younger one in return for another seven years of work.” / And Jacob did just that. He finished the week’s celebration, and Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife.

Daniel 1:12-15
“Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given only vegetables to eat and water to drink. / Then compare our appearances with those of the young men who are eating the royal food, and deal with your servants according to what you see.” / So he consented to this and tested them for ten days. …

Judges 19:4-9
His father-in-law, the girl’s father, persuaded him to stay, so he remained with him three days, eating, drinking, and lodging there. / On the fourth day, they got up early in the morning and prepared to depart, but the girl’s father said to his son-in-law, “Refresh your heart with a morsel of bread, and then you can go.” / So they sat down and the two of them ate and drank together. Then the girl’s father said to the man, “Please agree to stay overnight and let your heart be merry.” …
After that, she may go.”

Deuteronomy 21:13
and put aside the clothing of her captivity. After she has lived in your house a full month and mourned her father and mother, you may have relations with her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife.

Genesis 29:29-30
Laban also gave his servant girl Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her maidservant. / Jacob slept with Rachel as well, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah. So he worked for Laban another seven years.

Genesis 31:54-55
Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain. / Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home.
Genesis 31:14-16
And Rachel and Leah replied, “Do we have any portion or inheritance left in our father’s house? / Are we not regarded by him as outsiders? Not only has he sold us, but he has certainly squandered what was paid for us. / Surely all the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So do whatever God has told you.”

Genesis 29:18-20
Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” / Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.” / So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her.

Genesis 30:25-28
Now after Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me on my way so I can return to my homeland. / Give me my wives and children for whom I have served you, that I may go on my way. You know how hard I have worked for you.” / But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.” …

Genesis 34:8-12
But Hamor said to them, “My son Shechem longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as his wife. / Intermarry with us; give us your daughters and take our daughters for yourselves. / You may settle among us, and the land will be open to you. Live here, move about freely, and acquire your own property.” …

Genesis 19:16
But when Lot hesitated, the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and his two daughters. And they led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them.

Exodus 2:21
Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage.

Judges 14:7-8
Then Samson continued on his way down and spoke to the woman, because she was pleasing to his eyes. / When Samson returned later to take her, he left the road to see the lion’s carcass, and in it was a swarm of bees, along with their honey.


Treasury of Scripture

And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.

a few days.

Genesis 4:3
And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.

Leviticus 25:29
And if a man sell a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold; within a full year may he redeem it.

Judges 14:8
And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion: and, behold, there was a swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion.

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Genesis 24
1. Abraham swears his servant.
10. The servant's journey.
12. His prayer.
14. His sign.
15. Rebekah meets him;
18. fulfils his sign;
22. receives jewels;
23. shows her kindred;
25. and invites him home.
26. The servant blesses God.
29. Laban entertains him.
34. The servant shows his message.
50. Laban and Bethuel approve it.
58. Rebekah consents to go, and departs.
62. Isaac meets and marries her.












But her brother and mother said,
In the context of Genesis 24, Rebekah's brother Laban and her mother are speaking. Laban's involvement is significant as he later becomes a central figure in the story of Jacob. The mention of both brother and mother highlights the familial structure and decision-making process in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where family consent was crucial in marriage arrangements. This reflects the patriarchal society where male relatives often had a say in such matters.

“Let the girl remain with us ten days or so.
The request for Rebekah to stay for "ten days or so" indicates a customary period for farewells and preparation for a bride's departure. This time would allow the family to celebrate, prepare, and emotionally adjust to the separation. The number ten can symbolize completeness or a full cycle in biblical numerology, suggesting a complete farewell. This request also shows the family's attachment to Rebekah and their desire to delay her departure, which can be seen as a natural emotional response.

After that, she may go.”
The phrase "after that, she may go" indicates the family's eventual consent to the marriage and Rebekah's journey to become Isaac's wife. This reflects the cultural practice of arranged marriages, where the bride's family ultimately agrees to the union. The willingness to let her go aligns with God's providential plan, as Rebekah's marriage to Isaac is part of the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants. This moment foreshadows the obedience and faith seen in Rebekah, paralleling the journey of faith that believers are called to undertake.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Rebekah
- The young woman chosen to be Isaac's wife, demonstrating God's providence and guidance in the lives of His people.

2. Rebekah's Brother (Laban)
- He plays a significant role in the negotiations for Rebekah's departure, showing familial influence and decision-making.

3. Rebekah's Mother
- She, along with Laban, requests a delay in Rebekah's departure, highlighting the emotional and cultural aspects of leaving one's family.

4. Abraham's Servant
- Sent by Abraham to find a wife for Isaac, he represents faithfulness and trust in God's leading.

5. Haran
- The place where Rebekah's family lives, indicating the geographical and cultural context of the account.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Timing
The request for a delay contrasts with God's timing, reminding us to trust in His perfect plan rather than our own preferences.

Family Influence and Decision-Making
The role of Rebekah's family highlights the importance of family in decision-making, yet also the need to prioritize God's will.

Immediate Obedience
Rebekah's eventual decision to leave without delay serves as a model for immediate obedience to God's call in our lives.

Faith and Courage
Rebekah's willingness to embark on a journey to an unknown land exemplifies faith and courage, encouraging us to step out in faith when God calls.

Cultural and Emotional Considerations
The account acknowledges the emotional and cultural factors in leaving one's family, teaching us to be sensitive to these aspects in our own lives and decisions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 24:55?

2. How does Genesis 24:55 illustrate family influence in decision-making processes?

3. What role does patience play in fulfilling God's plans, as seen in Genesis 24:55?

4. How can Genesis 24:55 guide us in balancing family desires with God's will?

5. What scriptural connections exist between Genesis 24:55 and honoring parental authority?

6. How can we apply the lesson of waiting in Genesis 24:55 to our lives?

7. Why did Rebekah's family request a ten-day delay in Genesis 24:55?

8. How does Genesis 24:55 reflect ancient Near Eastern marriage customs?

9. What does Genesis 24:55 reveal about family authority in biblical times?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 24?

11. What does "tarry" mean?

12. What was the purpose of dowries in biblical marriages?

13. Who is Rebekah in the Bible?

14. Who was Adah in the Bible?
What Does Genesis 24:55 Mean
But her brother and mother said

“ But her brother and mother said ” (Genesis 24:55a)

• The spokesman is Laban, Rebekah’s brother (v. 29), with their mother in agreement. Their father Bethuel stays silent, perhaps due to age or deference (compare v. 50).

• Family involvement in marriage negotiations was normal (Genesis 34:11-12; Judges 14:2-3).

• Their words reveal an affectionate concern, yet also a possible hesitation to release Rebekah so quickly after God’s will had been made clear (v. 48).


Let the girl remain with us

“ Let the girl remain with us ” (v. 55b)

• “Girl” underscores Rebekah’s youth and cherished place in the household (Genesis 24:16).

• Staying would provide time for farewells, celebration, and emotional adjustment (Genesis 31:55).

• It also hints at a tug-of-war between obedience to the Lord’s revealed plan and human attachment (Matthew 10:37).


ten days or so

“ ten days or so ” (v. 55c)

• The phrase marks a definite but brief period. Ten can symbolize completeness (Exodus 12:3-6; Daniel 1:12-14).

• A small delay might seem reasonable, yet servants of God must guard against subtle postponements that dull obedience (Luke 9:59-62).


After that, she may go.

“ After that, she may go ” (v. 55d)

• The family ultimately consents but on their timetable, not God’s. Delayed obedience is still disobedience.

• Abraham’s servant resists delay (vv. 56-58), mirroring Abraham’s own promptness (Genesis 17:23; 22:3).

• Rebekah’s decisive “I will go” (v. 58) exemplifies faith-filled submission, foreshadowing believers who leave all to follow God’s call (Hebrews 11:8-10).


summary

Rebekah’s relatives loved her and wanted a brief farewell, yet their request risked stalling God’s clearly revealed plan. The scene contrasts human hesitation with the necessity of immediate obedience. True faith answers God’s call without delay, trusting that His timing, not ours, is perfect.

(55) A few days, at the least ten.--Heb., days or a decade, which Onkelos, Saadja, Rashi, and others translate as in the margin: "a year or ten months." But while this rendering has high Jewish authority for it, yet more probably decade was the name for the third part of a month. It would be curious thus to find that the family of Terah, either with or instead of weeks, measured time by periods of ten days, as was certainly the custom of the Egyptians at one period of their history.

Verse 55. - And her brother and her mother - Laban as usual (ver. 50) having the first place; probably because of the prominence which from this time he assumes in the theocratic history - said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at least ten. Literally, days, at least (Vulgate, sagtem); as it were (LXX., etc.); perhaps (Murphy); or (Furst, Ewald, Kalisoh); if she wish, with the idea of choice. (Gesenius); a ten or decade of days; the עָשׂור being used as a measure of time analogous to the שָׁבוּעַor hebdomad. That ten months are meant (Chaldee, Arabic, Ainsworth) is probably incorrect. After that she shall go.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But her brother
אָחִ֙יהָ֙ (’ā·ḥî·hā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

and mother
וְאִמָּ֔הּ (wə·’im·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 517: A mother, )

said,
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Let the girl
הַנַּעֲרָ֥ (han·na·‘ă·rā)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5291: A girl, maiden

remain
תֵּשֵׁ֨ב (tê·šêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

with us
אִתָּ֛נוּ (’it·tā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

ten
עָשׂ֑וֹר (‘ā·śō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6218: Ten, by abbreviated form ten strings, a decachord

days
יָמִ֖ים (yā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

or so.
א֣וֹ (’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

After that,
אַחַ֖ר (’a·ḥar)
Adverb
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

she may go.”
תֵּלֵֽךְ׃ (tê·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk


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OT Law: Genesis 24:55 Her brother and her mother said Let (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 24:54
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