The Church Fathers on this verse

Genesis 24:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The servant answered: If the woman will not come with me into this land, must I bring thy son back again to the place from whence thou camest out?

Douay-Rheims

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָיו֙ הָעֶ֔בֶד אוּלַי֙ לֹא־תֹאבֶ֣ה הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה לָלֶ֥כֶת אַחֲרַ֖י אֶל־הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֑את הֶֽהָשֵׁ֤ב אָשִׁיב֙ אֶת־בִּנְךָ֔ אֶל־הָאָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יָצָ֥אתָ מִשָּֽׁם׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

3 Church Fathers comment on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

Let us examine the wisdom of the householder, particularly his zeal for the righteous love of his master. When he perceived that the just man spoke to him with such authority, he queried the patriarch: 'Perhaps the woman will not wish to accompany me; do you want me to return your son to the land from which you originally came?' If any hindrances should arise in this matter, he expressed a desire to know how to proceed without disobeying your command. He inquired whether it would be acceptable for Isaac himself to journey there, take a wife, and then return with her, should she refuse to come with me, as you instructed.

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Now, let us also consider the discernment of the servant. He did not question the reasoning behind this mission, pondering why, with so many nations and numerous noble and admirable women nearby, he was sent to a distant land inhabited by strangers. Who would he speak to there? Who would recognize him? What if they hatched plots against him or deceived him? After all, a stranger is most vulnerable. Yet he voiced none of these doubts; instead, disregarding such concerns, he focused on what truly mattered. In his silence, he demonstrated obedience, and by asking only the crucial question, he revealed his wisdom. What did he ask of his master? 'What if the woman does not wish to accompany me to this land? Should I return your son to the place from which you came?'

Ambrose of Milan

4th centuryChurch Father

When the servant inquired if he should bring his master's son to that place if the girl refused to go with him, Abraham cautioned, “Be careful not to take my son back there! The Lord God of heaven and the God of earth brought me out from my father's house and the land of my birth. He spoke to me and made a vow, declaring, ‘I will give this land to you and your descendants.’ He will send His angel ahead of you, and you shall obtain a wife for my son from there. If the woman won’t accompany you to this land, you will be released from this promise. Take heed of where this path leads. You must not choose a wife from those of another man’s lineage. If she embraces the faith, she will bring you glory; yet if she declines, do not let your desire for marriage lead you away from your faith.

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This is the essence of the reading. Abraham directed his servant to seek a woman willing to follow him, instructing that one who resists should not be summoned, nor should his son return there. The Lord, who had delivered him from his homeland, would surely provide guidance for those eager to find and unite with the girl’s spirit. As a prophet, Abraham spoke concerning his son’s endeavors, and as a moral guide, he encouraged trust in the Lord, who supports those striving to deepen their faith.

Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)

19th centuryChurch Father

It is possible that the woman may not consent, among other considerations. It is a wise and righteous measure to carefully evaluate the specific reasons behind the commitments that arise before making vows.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.