The Church Fathers on this verse

Genesis 24:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And pouring out the pitcher into the troughs, she ran back to the well to draw water; and having drawn, she gave to all the camels.

Douay-Rheims

וַתְּמַהֵ֗ר וַתְּעַ֤ר כַּדָּהּ֙ אֶל־הַשֹּׁ֔קֶת וַתָּ֥רָץ ע֛וֹד אֶֽל־הַבְּאֵ֖ר לִשְׁאֹ֑ב וַתִּשְׁאַ֖ב לְכָל־גְּמַלָּֽיו׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

Consider the significance of the gentle damsel who drew water. Not only did she graciously fulfill the request of the servant, placing the pitcher down to ease the burden from her shoulders, but she also offered a drink to a stranger and even ensured that all the camels were quenched. This act serves as a testament to the nobility of her spirit. Are you unaware that many husbands might refuse even such simple requests? Reflect on the situation of those who hold lit candles; often they hesitate to assist others who wish to light their own, despite the fire remaining unchanged, even with countless hands eager to use it.

Read more (215 words)

Yet here stands a maiden, diligently carrying a water pitcher, who not only welcomed the servant's petition but exceeded it by generously providing water for both him and his camels.

This remarkable event was orchestrated by God, who heard the prayers of the patriarch and dispatched His angel ahead, ensuring that every request of the servant was fulfilled. Consequently, the servant witnessed the efficacy of the prayers offered by the forefather, encountered the maiden he sought, and recognized her astounding kindness. It is written that he "tried to draw water," impacting not just his own experience, but that of the entire household. Observe her ready assistance; the very fact that she "tried and failed to put the water pitcher in the drinker" highlights her remarkable willingness to help. She did not turn away from the servant as if he were a stranger, nor did she deny his request under the guise of modesty. Instead, with great humility, she offered, "Drink, sir."

Consider this: at her tender age, she displayed both a profound sense of purity and a humble spirit along with extraordinary affection. Such qualities far surpass any material wealth. What treasures would any of us not long for in comparison? Here lies the finest dowry, a wealth beyond measure, a treasure that remains eternal.

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

The Church is well-equipped and ready to embrace the life-giving message ‘from the fountain of salvation,’ as it is written in Isaiah 12:3. She possesses an abundance of knowledge and compassion, enabling her to share what is essential for life with others. Just as Rebekah offered drink to the servant and his camels, the servant symbolizes the children of Israel. This community has long been guided by the law as a tutor, experiencing the foreshadowing of Christ, yet many remain only partially enlightened regarding the full mystery. In contrast, the Gentiles, likened to untrained animals, bear resemblance to camels, classified as unclean according to the law. Indeed, those who are unfamiliar with Him, who is truly and inherently God, fall into this category. Thus, the Church has ample opportunity to provide the holy and divine waters to both those from the Jewish tradition who are receptive to the love of Christ and to others from the Gentiles who are likewise called.