Commentaries:Adam Clarke
<< Genesis 24:54 Genesis 24:56 >>
Genesis 24:55
Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten - The original is very abrupt and obscure, because we are not acquainted with the precise meaning of the form of speech which is here used; yamim o asor Days or Ten, probably meaning a year or ten months, as the margin reads it, or a week or ten days. This latter is the most likely sense, as there would be no propriety after having given their consent that she should go, in detaining her for a year or ten months. In matters of simple phraseology, or in those which concern peculiar customs, the Septuagint translation, especially in the Pentateuch, where it is most accurate and pure, may be considered a legitimate judge; this translation renders the words ̔ ̔ , about ten days. Houbigant contends strongly that instead of the words yamim o asor , days or ten, we should read chodesh yamim , a month of days, i.e., a full month; without which emendation he asserts, locus explicari non possit , "the passage cannot be explained." This emendation is supported by the Syriac version, which reads here yerach yomin , a month of days, or a full month. The reader may adopt the Syriac or the Septuagint, as he judges best.
<< Genesis 24:54 Genesis 24:56 >> DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.
Join 135,000+ readers
A Verse and a Thought, Every Morning
The Berean delivers one scripture and a short, insightful commentary to your inbox each day — a starting point for reflection and study.