Genesis 24:33

31 “Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”

32 So the man came to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and feed were brought to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of his companions.

Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak.”

34 “I am Abraham’s servant,” he replied.

35 “The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become rich. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, camels and donkeys.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak.”
KJV
And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.
WEB
Food was set before him to eat, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told my message.” Laban said, “Speak on.”
ASV
And there was set food before him to eat. But he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.
DARBY
And there was set [meat] before him to eat; but he said, I will not eat until I have made known my business. And he said, Speak on.
BLB
And [food] was set before him to eat, and he said, “I will not eat until … I have spoken my words.” And he said, “Speak.”
ÅB
Og de satte fram mat for ham; men han sa: Jeg vil ikke spise før jeg har båret fram mitt ærend. Og Laban sa: Tal!
OTB
Mat ble satt frem for ham, men han sa: "Jeg vil ikke spise før jeg har fortalt hva jeg har å si." "Tal," sa Laban.
B1930
Og de satte frem mat for ham; men han sa: Jeg vil ikke ete før jeg har båret frem mitt ærend. Og Laban sa: Tal!

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Psalms 132:3–5

    “I will not enter my house or get into my bed,

    Read in context
  • Ephesians 6:5–8

    Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

    Read in context
  • 1 Timothy 6:2

    Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.

    Read in context
  • Ecclesiastes 9:10

    Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

    Read in context
  • Job 23:12

    I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.

    Read in context
  • John 4:14

    But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.”

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 22:29

    Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

    Read in context
  • John 4:31–34

    Meanwhile the disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something.”

    Read in context