Genesis 21:28
Genesis 21:28 in Multiple Translations
Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock,
And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
And Abraham put seven young lambs of the flock on one side by themselves.
Abraham also separated out seven female lambs from the flock.
And Abraham set seuen lambes of the flocke by themselues.
and Abraham setteth seven Lambs of the flock by themselves.
Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
And Abraham set seven ewe-lambs of the flock by themselves.
And Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs of the flock.
Abraham separated seven female lambs from his flock.
Then Abraham also picked out 7 young female sheep from his animals, and he put them to one side.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:28
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 21:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּצֵּ֣ב
אַבְרָהָ֗ם
אֶת
שֶׁ֛בַע
כִּבְשֹׂ֥ת
הַ/צֹּ֖אן
לְ/בַדְּ/הֶֽן
וַ/יַּצֵּ֣ב
nâtsab
H5324
to stand
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְרָהָ֗ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שֶׁ֛בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
כִּבְשֹׂ֥ת
kibsâh
H3535
ewe-lamb
N-fp
הַ/צֹּ֖אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Art | N-cs
לְ/בַדְּ/הֶֽן
bad
H905
alone
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 21:28
וַ/יַּצֵּ֣ב
nâtsab
H5324
"to stand"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.
Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.
אַבְרָהָ֗ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
N-proper
Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שֶׁ֛בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
כִּבְשֹׂ֥ת
kibsâh
H3535
"ewe-lamb"
N-fp
An ewe-lamb is a young female sheep, often used in sacrifices in the Old Testament. In 1 Samuel 7:9, Samuel offers a lamb to God to ask for His help. This word is also used in 2 Samuel 12:3 to describe a poor man's only lamb.
Definition: ewe-lamb, lamb
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: (ewe) lamb. See also: Genesis 21:28; Numbers 6:14; 2 Samuel 12:6.
הַ/צֹּ֖אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
לְ/בַדְּ/הֶֽן
bad
H905
"alone"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
Study Notes — Genesis 21:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Genesis 21:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:28
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:28
Context — The Covenant at Beersheba
26Abimelech replied, “I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, so I have not heard about it until today.”
27So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant.
28Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock,
29and Abimelech asked him, “Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?” 30He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well.”Genesis 21:28 Summary
[Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from his flock as a way of making a promise to Abimelech that he would keep his word. This was a way of showing that he was committed to their agreement, just like we might shake hands or sign a contract today (Genesis 21:30). By doing this, Abraham was demonstrating his trust in God to provide for him and guide him in his relationships with others (Psalm 37:3-4). This verse reminds us of the importance of keeping our word and being honest in our relationships with others.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abraham separate seven ewe lambs from the flock?
Abraham separated the seven ewe lambs as a witness to his covenant with Abimelech, as seen in Genesis 21:30, where he explains that the lambs are a sign that he dug the well.
What is the significance of the number seven in this verse?
The number seven is often associated with completeness or perfection in the Bible, as seen in Genesis 2:2-3, where God rested on the seventh day after creation, and in Deuteronomy 15:1, where every seventh year is a year of release.
How does this verse relate to the concept of covenant in the Bible?
This verse illustrates the practice of making a covenant, as seen in Genesis 15:9-10, where God makes a covenant with Abraham, and in Exodus 24:3-8, where the Israelites make a covenant with God.
What can we learn from Abraham's actions in this verse?
Abraham's actions demonstrate his commitment to keeping his word and making amends, as seen in Genesis 21:27, where he gives sheep and cattle to Abimelech, and in Genesis 13:8-9, where he separates from Lot to avoid conflict.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my commitment to keeping my word, just like Abraham did in this verse?
- How can I use everyday actions to witness to others about my faith, like Abraham used the seven ewe lambs as a witness to his covenant?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to make amends or restore relationships, like Abraham did with Abimelech?
- How can I trust God to provide for me, just like Abraham trusted God to provide for him in the wilderness?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of integrity and honesty in my relationships with others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:28
And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. Separate from the sheep and oxen he gave to Abimelech, and from those that were used in making the covenant.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:28
And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:28
Genesis 21:28 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.Ver. 28. By themselves.] Because for a distinct use; nothing concerning the covenant aforementioned.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:28
(28) Seven ewe lambs.—The word in Hebrew for swearing is a passive verb, literally signifying “to be sevened,” that is, done or confirmed by seven. In this ancient narrative we see a covenant actually thus made binding. Seven ewe lambs are picked out and placed by themselves, and by accepting these Abimelech bound himself to acknowledge and respect Abraham’s title to the well. Apparently this manner of ratifying an oath was unknown to the Philistines, as Abimelech asks, “What mean these seven ewe lambs?” but it is equally possible that this question was dictated by the rules of Oriental courtesy. When Abraham had picked out the lambs, it became Abimelech’s duty to ask what was the purpose of the act, which was then explained, and as soon as the lambs were accepted, the ratification was complete,
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:28
Verse 28. Seven ewe lambs] These were either given as a present, or they were intended as the price of the well; and being accepted by Abimelech, they served as a witness that he had acknowledged Abraham's right to the well in question.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:28
28. seven ewe lambs] The seven lambs which Abraham here sets apart are to be handed over to Abimelech, if he acknowledges Abraham as the possessor of the well, and ratifies the compact with an oath. The number “seven” (sheba‘) is one of the explanations of the name “Beer-sheba.”