Then I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to him.’ So I put the ring on her nose and the bracelets on her arms.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The servant immediately placed jewelry on Rebekah after she identified herself, not as a prelude to asking, but as a confirmation of the signs God had provided. This wasn't merely an exchange of gifts but a divinely-sanctioned sealing of the union, signifying her acceptance into Abraham's family even before Isaac met her.
Then I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to him.’ So I put the ring on her nose and the bracelets on her arms.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After the servant's prayer and a sign from God, Rebekah graciously offered to draw water for him and his camels. The servant, recognizing her kindness and the divine direction in her actions, then asked her lineage and, upon confirmation that she was a suitable relative, presented her with valuable jewelry as a token of betrothal. This marks the crucial moment where Abraham's long quest to find a wife for Isaac, guided by faith and prayer, appears to be reaching its successful conclusion.
Before any promises are made or commitments are sealed, there's a crucial step: finding out who someone truly is. This verse highlights why that's so important.
In Genesis 24:47, Abraham's servant asks Rebekah, 'Whose daughter are you?' This question isn't just idle curiosity; it's a vital part of confirming her identity and lineage.
Rebekah gave a simple answer to the servant's question. But his response wasn't just words; it was marked by a significant act of giving.
After Rebekah identifies herself, the servant immediately 'put the ring on her nose and the bracelets on her arms' (Genesis 24:47).
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This specific moment of asking 'Whose daughter are you?' and presenting the jewelry occurs right after Rebekah has proven herself through her actions at the well, cementing the servant's belief that she is the one chosen by God for Isaac.
c. 2100 BC
Abraham and Sarah settle in Canaan
Abraham and his family migrate from Ur to Canaan, establishing a covenant relationship with God who promises them the land and descendants.
c. 2060 BC
Birth of Isaac
Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah miraculously in their old age, marking him as the heir of God's promise.
c. 2020 BC— this verse
Abraham's servant sent to Mesopotamia
Abraham, now advanced in years, sends his trusted servant to his ancestral home in Mesopotamia to find a wife for Isaac from his own kindred, to avoid intermarriage with Canaanites.
c. 2020 BC
Rebekah is identified at the well
The servant devises a test at the town well, and Rebekah is identified as the chosen bride by her kindness and willingness to serve.
c. 2020 BC
Marriage proposal accepted
Rebekah's family, including her father Bethuel and brother Laban, agrees to the marriage, acknowledging God's hand in the proceedings.
c. 2020 BC
Rebekah journeys to Canaan
Rebekah leaves her home with Abraham's servant and his retinue to travel to Canaan and marry Isaac.
c. 2020 BC
Isaac marries Rebekah
Isaac meets Rebekah and marries her, finding comfort and love after his mother Sarah's death.
This passage echoes the servant's inquiry about lineage when Ruth identifies herself to Boaz, highlighting the importance of family and identity in significant relationships.
Proverbs 31:10-31This passage describes the qualities of an excellent wife, aligning with the servant's careful selection process based on character rather than mere appearance, as Rebekah demonstrated.
John 1:45-46Philip's invitation to Nathanael to 'come and see' mirrors the servant's eager revelation of Rebekah's identity and suitability, emphasizing discovery through direct experience.
Song of Solomon 1:5-6The bride's self-description as 'dark, but lovely' and her explanation of her appearance relates to the servant's discerning observation of Rebekah, showing how outward presentation and inner worth are considered.
gillGenesis 24:47: "And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter art thou? And she said, The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the earring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands."
And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter art thou?.... See Gill on Genesis 24:23 . And she said, The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bare unto him: See Gill on Genesis 24:24. and I put the earring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands. See Gill on Genesis…
ellicottGenesis 24:47: "And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter art thou? And she said, The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the earring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands."
(47) Upon her face. —Heb., upon her nose. This mistranslation explains the strange rendering jewel for the forehead in the margin of Genesis 24:22 .
The servant immediately placed jewelry on Rebekah after she identified herself, not as a prelude to asking, but as a confirmation of the signs God had provided. This wasn't merely an exchange of gifts but a divinely-sanctioned sealing of the union, signifying her acceptance into Abraham's family even before Isaac met her.
After the servant's prayer and a sign from God, Rebekah graciously offered to draw water for him and his camels. The servant, recognizing her kindness and the divine direction in her actions, then asked her lineage and, upon confirmation that she was a suitable relative, presented her with valuable jewelry as a token of betrothal. This marks the crucial moment where Abraham's long quest to find a wife for Isaac, guided by faith and prayer, appears to be reaching its successful conclusion.
After the servant's prayer and a sign from God, Rebekah graciously offered to draw water for him and his camels. The servant, recognizing her kindness and the divine direction in her actions, then asked her lineage and, upon confirmation that she was a suitable relative, presented her with valuable jewelry as a token of betrothal. This marks the crucial moment where Abraham's long quest to find a wife for Isaac, guided by faith and prayer, appears to be reaching its successful conclusion.
"Then I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to him.’ So I put the ring on her nose and the bracelets on her arms." — The servant immediately placed jewelry on Rebekah after she identified herself, not as a prelude to asking, but as a confirmation of the signs God had provided. This wasn't merely an exchange of gi…
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Last reviewed October 2026