Genesis 24:33

33 Then Laban brought out food. But the man said, "I won't eat until I tell my story." Laban said, "Go ahead; tell us."

Genesis 24:33 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 24:33

And there was set [meat] before them to eat
By the order of Bethuel or Laban, or both; or, "afterwards was set" ^F12; that is after care had been taken the camels, then food being provided was set before the men to refresh them: but he said, I will not eat until I have told mine errand;
or, "spoke my words" ^F13; delivered the message he was sent with, and declared the business he came about; which shows him to be a diligent faithful servant, who had his master's interest at heart, and preferred it to his necessary food: and he said;
either Bethuel or Laban, for both were present, to whom the servant directed his discourse, ( Genesis 24:47 Genesis 24:50 ) ; perhaps Laban spoke in the name of his father, and bid him speak on;
go on with his discourse until he had said all he had to say, signifying that they were ready to give attention to him.

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FOOTNOTES:

F12 (Mvyyw) "post appositum", Drusius, Schmidt.
F13 (yrbd ytrbd) "donec loquar sermones meos", V. L. "vel mea verba", Pagninus, Montanus, Piscator.

Genesis 24:33 In-Context

31 Laban welcomed him: "Come on in, blessed of God! Why are you standing out here? I've got the house ready for you; and there's also a place for your camels."

32 So the man went into the house. The camels were unloaded and given straw and feed. Water was brought to bathe the feet of the man and the men with him.

33 Then Laban brought out food. But the man said, "I won't eat until I tell my story." Laban said, "Go ahead; tell us."

34 The servant said, "I'm the servant of Abraham.

35 God has blessed my master - he's a great man; God has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, servants and maidservants, camels and donkeys.