And Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "under my thigh" refers to a solemn oath-taking ritual, likely connected to the covenant of circumcision and the lineage of descendants. It signifies a deep, sacred promise tied to Abraham's future offspring, emphasizing the importance of lineage in God's plan. This detail elevates the servant's commission from a mere task to a covenantal responsibility.
And Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Abraham, old and concerned for his son Isaac's future, wants to ensure Isaac marries a wife from his own people and not from the Canaanites. He calls his most trusted steward, a man who managed all his affairs, and commands him to swear a solemn oath regarding this mission. This sets in motion a significant journey to find a suitable bride from Abraham's homeland, far from Canaan.
Why would Abraham make his servant place his hand under his thigh to swear an oath? This wasn't just any promise; it was a deeply significant ritual.
Abraham, an old man, entrusted his most precious possession—the future of the promised line—to his most trusted servant. To ensure the gravity and solemnity of the mission, he employed a profound oath-taking ceremony.
A Symbol of Deep Commitment
The act of placing a hand under the thigh, as seen also when Jacob swore Joseph (Genesis 47:29), was a profound gesture. Scholars suggest it was:
This wasn't a casual request; it was a sacred charge, underscored by an ancient ritual that conveyed the immense importance of the task.
This servant wasn't just any hired hand; he was 'the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he had.' What does this say about his role and Abraham's trust?
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The description of Abraham's servant reveals the depth of responsibility and trust placed upon him.
More Than a Servant
Abraham’s choice highlights that leadership and trust are often given to those who have proven their loyalty, competence, and character over time.
Understand the original words
yarek · Hebrew Noun
An ancient Middle Eastern custom used to confirm a solemn covenant, implying that the person being sworn to had power over the other's lineage or future, or representing an appeal to the covenant of circumcision.
The solemn oath taken by Abraham's servant, placing his hand under his master's thigh, highlights the profound significance of this mission. This ancient practice, likely symbolizing the covenant and future offspring, underscores Abraham's deep commitment to ensuring Isaac married within the family line, preserving the promise of a chosen people.
~2092 BC
Abraham receives a vision
Abraham has a vision where God promises him land and numerous descendants. His trusted servant, likely Eliezer, is identified as the steward of his household.
c. 2080 BC
Birth of Ishmael
Sarah, unable to conceive, gives her maid Hagar to Abraham, resulting in the birth of Ishmael.
c. 2066 BC
Birth of Isaac
God blesses Abraham and Sarah with a son, Isaac, in their old age, fulfilling His promise.
c. 2040 BC— this verse
Abraham's age and Isaac's betrothal
Abraham is around 140 years old and concerned about Isaac's future. He instructs his faithful servant, Eliezer, to find a wife for Isaac among his relatives in Mesopotamia.
c. 2040 BC
Eliezer's journey to Nahor
Eliezer embarks on a journey to Mesopotamia, taking ten camels laden with gifts and Abraham's wealth, seeking a bride for Isaac.
c. 2040 BC
Rebekah is chosen
Eliezer encounters Rebekah at a well, and her kindness to him and his camels confirms her as the chosen bride.
c. 2040 BC
Isaac marries Rebekah
Rebekah agrees to marry Isaac, and after returning to Canaan, she becomes his wife, bringing comfort to Isaac after Sarah's death.
This passage shows Jacob making a similar solemn request of Joseph, using the same gesture of placing a hand under the thigh, indicating the profound significance and solemnity of such an oath.
Deuteronomy 6:24-25While this passage doesn't involve the physical act, it speaks to the importance of God's commands and the blessings that come from obedience, mirroring Abraham's deep concern for his son's obedience to God's will through this oath.
Joshua 1:1-9This passage highlights God's repeated commands for Joshua to be strong and courageous in fulfilling His promises, much like Abraham's charge to his servant to be diligent and faithful in carrying out God's plan for Isaac's future.
Psalm 119:105This verse speaks of God's word as a lamp to our feet, providing guidance. Abraham's servant prayed for God's guidance in his mission, trusting that God would direct his steps, just as his word guides us.
gillGenesis 24:2: "And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:"
And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house,.... To Eliezer his servant, according to the Targum of Jonathan, and as is generally thought; and who may well be called an old servant, and his oldest servant, since he must have lived with him fifty years and upwards; one may trace him near sixty years in Abraham's family, and it is highly prob…
clarkeGenesis 24:2: "And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:"
Eldest servant - As this eldest servant is stated to have been the ruler over all that he had, it is very likely that Eliezer is meant. See Genesis 15:2 , Genesis 15:3 . Put, I pray thee, thy hand - See note on Genesis 24:9.
The phrase "under my thigh" refers to a solemn oath-taking ritual, likely connected to the covenant of circumcision and the lineage of descendants. It signifies a deep, sacred promise tied to Abraham's future offspring, emphasizing the importance of lineage in God's plan. This detail elevates the servant's commission from a mere task to a covenantal responsibility.
Abraham, old and concerned for his son Isaac's future, wants to ensure Isaac marries a wife from his own people and not from the Canaanites. He calls his most trusted steward, a man who managed all his affairs, and commands him to swear a solemn oath regarding this mission. This sets in motion a significant journey to find a suitable bride from Abraham's homeland, far from Canaan.
Abraham, old and concerned for his son Isaac's future, wants to ensure Isaac marries a wife from his own people and not from the Canaanites. He calls his most trusted steward, a man who managed all his affairs, and commands him to swear a solemn oath regarding this mission. This sets in motion a significant journey to find a suitable bride from Abraham's homeland, far from Canaan.
"And Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh," — The phrase "under my thigh" refers to a solemn oath-taking ritual, likely connected to the covenant of circumcision and the lineage of descendants. It signifies a deep, sacred promise tied to Abraham…
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Last reviewed October 2026