Genesis 21:31
Genesis 21:31 in Multiple Translations
So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath.
Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba; because there they sware both of them.
Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba; because there they sware both of them.
So he gave that place the name Beer-sheba, because there the two of them had given their oaths.
That's why he called the place Beersheba, because the two of them swore an oath to each other.
Wherefore the place is called Beer-sheba, because there they both sware.
therefore hath he called that place 'Beer-Sheba,' for there have both of them sworn.
Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because they both swore an oath there.
Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba: because there they swore both of them.
Therefore that place was called Bersabee: because there both of them did swear.
So Abimelech accepted the animals, and as a result they called that place Beersheba, which means ‘Friendship Agreement Well’, because there the two of them made that agreement.
From that time on, that place was called Beersheba. That name means water-hole where they made a promise. It was where Abraham and Abimelek made strong promises to each other.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:31
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 21:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַל
כֵּ֗ן
קָרָ֛א
לַ/מָּק֥וֹם
הַ/ה֖וּא
בְּאֵ֣ר
שָׁ֑בַע
כִּ֛י
שָׁ֥ם
נִשְׁבְּע֖וּ
שְׁנֵי/הֶֽם
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּ֗ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
קָרָ֛א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לַ/מָּק֥וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
בְּאֵ֣ר
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
Beersheba
N-proper
שָׁ֑בַע
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
Beersheba
N-proper
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שָׁ֥ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
נִשְׁבְּע֖וּ
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
שְׁנֵי/הֶֽם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 21:31
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּ֗ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
קָרָ֛א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לַ/מָּק֥וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Prep | N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
הַ/ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
בְּאֵ֣ר
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
"Beersheba"
N-proper
Beersheba was a city in Palestine, located at the south edge of Israel, and its name means 'well of the sevenfold oath'. It was an important place in the Bible.
Definition: § Beer-sheba = "well of the sevenfold oath" a city at the south edge of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Beer-shebah. See also: Genesis 21:14; 2 Samuel 17:11; Amos 8:14.
שָׁ֑בַע
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
"Beersheba"
N-proper
Beersheba was a city in Palestine, located at the south edge of Israel, and its name means 'well of the sevenfold oath'. It was an important place in the Bible.
Definition: § Beer-sheba = "well of the sevenfold oath" a city at the south edge of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Beer-shebah. See also: Genesis 21:14; 2 Samuel 17:11; Amos 8:14.
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׁ֥ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
נִשְׁבְּע֖וּ
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
שְׁנֵי/הֶֽם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
Study Notes — Genesis 21:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 21:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:31
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:31
- Sermons on Genesis 21:31
Context — The Covenant at Beersheba
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.”
31So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath.
32After they had made the covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army got up and returned to the land of the Philistines. 33And Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 26:33 | So he called it Shibah, and to this day the name of the city is Beersheba. |
| 2 | Genesis 21:14 | Early in the morning, Abraham got up, took bread and a skin of water, put them on Hagar’s shoulders, and sent her away with the boy. She left and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 4:25 | Throughout the days of Solomon, Judah and Israel dwelt securely from Dan to Beersheba, each man under his own vine and his own fig tree. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 17:11 | Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beersheba—a multitude like the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, and that you yourself lead them into battle. |
| 5 | Genesis 26:23 | From there Isaac went up to Beersheba, |
| 6 | Joshua 15:28 | Hazar-shual, Beersheba, Biziothiah, |
| 7 | Judges 20:1 | Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came out, and the congregation assembled as one man before the LORD at Mizpah. |
Genesis 21:31 Summary
[Genesis 21:31 tells us that the place where Abraham and Abimelech made a promise to each other was called Beersheba. This promise, or oath, was a serious commitment that they made to each other, similar to the kind of promise that God makes to us in Jeremiah 31:3. By keeping their word, Abraham and Abimelech showed that they valued honesty and integrity, and we can learn from their example. Just like Abraham, we can trust in God's faithfulness and provision, as seen in Genesis 22:14, and strive to be people who keep our word and uphold our commitments.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the place called Beersheba?
The place was called Beersheba because it was there that Abraham and Abimelech swore an oath, as indicated in Genesis 21:31. This oath was a significant event, as it marked a covenant between the two men, similar to the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 15:18.
What is the significance of oaths in the Bible?
In the Bible, oaths are considered sacred and binding, as seen in Hebrews 6:16, where it is written that an oath is used to confirm a matter. In Genesis 21:31, the oath sworn by Abraham and Abimelech served as a witness to their agreement and a reminder of their commitment to each other.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Genesis 21?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Genesis 21, as it marks the end of the dispute between Abraham and Abimelech over the well, as mentioned in Genesis 21:25-26. The oath sworn by the two men brings a sense of closure and resolution to the conflict.
What can we learn from the example of Abraham and Abimelech in this verse?
We can learn the importance of keeping our word and being truthful in our interactions with others, as seen in Psalm 15:4, where it is written that a righteous person keeps their oath even when it hurts. The example of Abraham and Abimelech serves as a reminder to be people of our word and to uphold our commitments.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more intentional about keeping my word and upholding my commitments?
- How can I, like Abraham, use my interactions with others as opportunities to witness to God's faithfulness and provision?
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of swearing an oath, as seen in Genesis 21:31, to my own relationships and interactions with others?
- How can I, like Abraham, trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the face of conflict or uncertainty, as seen in Genesis 21:22-24?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:31
Wherefore he called that place Beersheba,.... Either Abraham or Abimelech, or both, called it so; or it may be read impersonally, "therefore the place was called Beersheba" (t), for two reasons, one
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:31
Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them. Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba - [Hebrew, Beer-shaba here, and Beer-sheba in Genesis 26:33.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:31
Which name was communicated unto a city adjoining: of which see 24:2.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:31
Genesis 21:31 Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them.Ver. 31. They sware both of them.] Or, they were sworn. The Hebrew is passive ( πשׁας). To show that an oath is not rashly to he undertaken, but by a kind of necessity imposed. It comes of a root that signifies to satisfy; because he, to whom we swear, must therewith be contented. An oath is an end of strife, saith the apostle. The Greeks call it ορχοςψυασιερχος, a hedge, which a man may not break.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:31
(31) Beer-sheba.—That is, the well of seven, but with a covert allusion to the seven lambs having been used for the ratification of an oath. Robinson found the exact site in the Wady-es-Seba, with its name still preserved as Bir-es-Seba. There are there two wells of solid construction, the first twelve and a half feet in diameter; the other, situated about 200 yards to the south, much smaller, being only five feet in diameter. Both are lined with solid masonry, and reach down to never-failing springs in the rock. Around are stone troughs for watering the cattle, and the parapet of the larger well is worn into deep indentations, by the ropes used in drawing the water (Finn, Bye-ways in Palestine, p. 190).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:31
Verse 31. He called that place Beer-sheba] באר שבע Beer-shaba, literally, the well of swearing or of the oath, because they both sware there-mutually confirmed the covenant.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:31
31. Beer-sheba] LXX φρέαρὁρκισμοῦ: the derivation here given is “because there they sware both of them.” The word in Heb. “they sware” (nishb‘u) is the reflexive form of the verb shaba‘. This derivation of Beer-sheba, as “the well of swearing,” is clearly not a complete explanation of the word. The correct derivation—“the well of seven”—is probably hinted at in Abraham’s pledge of the seven lambs. At Beer sheba, there were also “seven” wells, which can even now be identified. But there is a close connexion between the Heb. word “seven,” and the Heb. word “to swear”; and if, as seems probable, the Heb. nishba‘ “to swear” meant originally “to bind oneself by staking, or pledging, seven things,” we can see that the well of “seven” and the well of “swearing” were practically identical in significance. Beer-sheba stood on the southernmost boundary of Palestine, at the edge of the desert, about 50 miles S.W. of Jerusalem. In later days it was famous as a sacred place of pilgrimage, Amos 5:5; Amos 8:14.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:31
31. Beer-sheba — Which means well of the oath, or, well of the seven, in allusion to the seven lambs by which Abraham here confirmed his covenant with Abimelech. In a broad valley, some twelve hours’ travel south of Hebron, Dr.
Sermons on Genesis 21:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Angel of the Lord) 01 - Hagar by Ed Miller | Ed Miller emphasizes the significance of the Angel of the Lord's first appearance to Hagar, a Gentile slave in distress, highlighting God's compassion and care for the marginalized |
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God’s Awful Judgment in the Breaking and Withering of the Strong Rods of a Community by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the awful judgment of God when strong rulers in a community, symbolized as strong rods, are broken and withered by death. He emphasizes the importan |
|
(2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of David and his trusted advisors during a time of conflict with Absalom. Jonathan and Ahimaz risk their lives to gather informati |
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Election and Reprobation #9 Concerning Jacob and Esau by John Calvin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of meditating on God's word and holding onto His promises, even in the midst of suffering and afflictions. He encourages beli |