Genesis 24:32

32 So the man went into the house, and Laban unloaded the camels and gave them straw and fodder. Then he brought water for Abraham's servant and his men to wash their feet.

Genesis 24:32 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 24:32

And the man came into the house
Upon the pressing instance made unto him; for so it may be rendered, "wherefore the man came" ^F11 and he ungirded his camels;
took off their bridles, which hindered them from eating, as the Targum of Jonathan and Jarchi; or loosed their girts and took off their burdens, that they might have rest: this may be interpreted either of the servant and of his men by his order doing this, it being the first thing that travellers do when they come to an inn to take care of their cattle; or rather of Laban, as what follows must be interpreted of him: and gave straw and provender for the camels;
straw for their litter, and provender to eat; this Laban did, or ordered to be done: the Targum of Jonathan expresses his name, and no doubt he is intended, for who should give these but he? and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that [were] with him:
which was usually done to strangers and travellers in those hot countries, see ( Genesis 18:4 ) . The Vulgate Latin version is, "and water to wash the feet of the camels"; which, though it is possible might be done, yet is without any foundation in the text.

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FOOTNOTES:

F11 (abyw) "intravit itaque", Tigurine version, Piscator; "quare", Schmidt.

Genesis 24:32 In-Context

30 Laban had seen the nose ring and the bracelets on his sister's arms and had heard her say what the man had told her. He went to Abraham's servant, who was standing by his camels at the well,

31 and said, "Come home with me. You are a man whom the Lord has blessed. Why are you standing out here? I have a room ready for you in my house, and there is a place for your camels."

32 So the man went into the house, and Laban unloaded the camels and gave them straw and fodder. Then he brought water for Abraham's servant and his men to wash their feet.

33 When food was brought, the man said, "I will not eat until I have said what I have to say." Laban said, "Go on and speak."

34 "I am the servant of Abraham," he began.