The servant ran to meet her: ran translates the same verb used to describe Abraham’s action in 18.7 when he prepared a meal for the three guests. The idea is also conveyed by Revised English Bible “hurried.”

And said may need to be translated here “and asked her,” that is, “requested.”

Pray give me a little water to drink: the word used here for drink is not the same as in verse 14. In verse 17 the idea expressed is “give me a few sips.” The expression tends toward understatement in order to express politeness and social distance between the servant and the girl. An equivalent expression should reflect the same degree of courtesy and social distance in the translation.

From your jar: in this request we do not know how the servant will drink. If it is necessary to state this, see the comments on the next verse.

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 .