Genesis 24:33

33 Then food was served. But Abraham’s servant said, “I don’t want to eat until I have told you why I have come.” “All right,” Laban said, “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 said to him, “Come and stay with us, you who are blessed by the LORD ! Why are you standing here outside the town when I have a room all ready for you and a place prepared for the camels?”

32 So the man went home with Laban, and Laban unloaded the camels, gave him straw for their bedding, fed them, and provided water for the man and the camel drivers to wash their feet.

33 Then food was served. But Abraham’s servant said, “I don’t want to eat until I have told you why I have come.” “All right,” Laban said, “tell us.”

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

35 “And the LORD has greatly blessed my master; he has become a wealthy man. The LORD has given him flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, a fortune in silver and gold, and many male and female servants and camels and donkeys.