Genesis 24:55

Genesis 24:55, in plain English

The next morning, Rebekah's mother and brother asked if she could stay with them for another ten days before leaving.

Why it's here

This is the emotional reality setting in. Rebekah is about to leave her family forever and travel to a distant land to marry a man she's never met. Her mother and brother wanted more time with her. It's a human moment—people reluctant to say goodbye.

Who's speaking

Rebekah's mother and brother

Where it sits in the story

Even though God's will is clear and the family has agreed, there's still the weight of what this means. Rebekah is leaving home, and the people who love her want to hold on a little longer.

The scholarly reading

The next morning, Rebekah's brother and mother ask that she remain with them for ten more days before departing with the servant.

Language and setting

The request—'Let the girl remain with us...ten days' (tishvi itanu yamim...asarah)—represents a mother's natural hesitation at losing her daughter to a distant marriage. The ten-day period would allow for mourning customs, family farewell, and preparation. Critically, they address this to the girl's relatives, not directly to the servant—a cultural acknowledgment that women's fates were determined by their male kinfolk. The delay represents the human dimension of farewell that covenant-making doesn't eliminate.

Voice

Rebekah's brother and mother, making a countervailing request

Significance

This moment of resistance introduces realistic family emotion into the providential narrative. Even when God's will is recognized, human bonds create legitimate claims for temporary delay.

53Then he brought out jewels of silver and gold, and articles of clothing, and he gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious gifts to her brother and her mother.

54Then he and the men with him ate and drank and spent the night there.

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.”

57So they said, “We will call the girl and ask her opinion.”

Read all of Genesis 24 — A servant, a prayer, a woman at a well. One of the Bible's most beautiful stories of providence unfolds in the smallest details.