Genesis 24:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Abraham binds his servant by oath not to choose a Canaanite bride for Isaac, appealing to God's authority over all creation.
The Context of Genesis 24:3
The first condition of the covenant oath is stated: no Canaanite wives.
What Does Genesis 24:3 Mean?
Abraham invokes the God of heaven and earth—the God with absolute authority—to solemnize the oath. His refusal to allow Isaac to marry Canaanite women is grounded in religious and cultural separation, not in inherent superiority of his own lineage but in maintaining distinctiveness and continuity of faith and family practice.
This restriction places the servant on sacred ground: he is not merely running an errand but stewarding the covenant line, bound by the Lord's own name and dominion over creation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 24:3
What does Genesis 24:3 mean?
Abraham binds his servant by oath not to choose a Canaanite bride for Isaac, appealing to God's authority over all creation.
What is the context of Genesis 24:3?
The first condition of the covenant oath is stated: no Canaanite wives.