Done speaking: that is, finished saying the words in verse 14, which are addressed to the LORD as a prayer.

Behold signals that the following event happens quickly, even surprisingly. We may translate “Before he finished praying he suddenly saw Rebekah.”

Translators will note that Revised Standard Version and some other versions retain approximately the Hebrew spelling of Rebekah’s name. Other modern English translations use the English spelling “Rebecca.” The Handbook will follow the Revised Standard Version spelling in the comments and recommended translations, except when quoting English language printed editions that use the other form.

Who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother: the identification of Rebekah interrupts her sudden appearance and should most often be placed at the end of the verse, as in Good News Translation. Since Rebekah has been introduced by name in verse 15, some translations prefer to use her name in place of “she” in the verses that follow. It may be necessary to make the relationships clearer by following Good News Translation.

Came out: that is, came out of the city, not out of the well area. Good News Translation and others say “arrived.” We may also say “He suddenly saw Rebekah coming [approaching].”

Water jar upon her shoulder: water jar refers to a clay pot or jar. In some cases it may be necessary to translate more generally by saying, for example, “water container,” “thing for carrying water in.” Although in many areas a water jar is carried on the head or back, it is probably best to keep the picture as stated. Readers generally realize that the customs of other people differ from their own.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .