Genesis 26:25

Genesis 26:25 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD, and he pitched his tent there. His servants also dug a well there.

King James Version KJV

And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac’s servants digged a well.

American Standard Version ASV

And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of Jehovah, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac’s servants digged a well.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then he made an altar there, and gave worship to the name of the Lord, and he put up his tents there, and there his servants made a water-hole.

Free Bible Version FBV

Isaac built an altar and worshiped the Lord. He also set up his tent, and his servants dug a well there.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then he builte an altar there, and called vpon the Name of the Lord, and there spred his tent: where also Izhaks seruauntes digged a well.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and he buildeth there an altar, and preacheth in the name of Jehovah, and stretcheth out there his tent, and there Isaac's servants dig a well.

World English Bible WEB

He built an altar there, and called on the LORD’s name, and pitched his tent there. There Isaac’s servants dug a well.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he built an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac's servants digged a well.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he built there an altar: and called upon the name of the Lord, and pitched his tent: and commanded his servants to dig a well.

Translation for Translators T4T

So Isaac built a stone altar there and offered a sacrifice to worship Yahweh. He and his servants set up their tents there, and his servants started to dig a well.

Plain English Version PEV

Then Isaac wanted to show respect to God, so he piled up stones to make a table with a flat top. It was a special place for him to burn animals to show right respect to God. Then Isaac prayed to God, and he called God by his special name Yahweh. After that, Isaac set up his camp, and he sent his workers to go and dig a water-hole.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 26:25

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 26:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּ֧בֶן שָׁ֣ם מִזְבֵּ֗חַ וַ/יִּקְרָא֙ בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם יְהוָ֔ה וַ/יֶּט שָׁ֖ם אָהֳל֑/וֹ וַ/יִּכְרוּ שָׁ֥ם עַבְדֵי יִצְחָ֖ק בְּאֵֽר

וַ/יִּ֧בֶן bânâh H1129 to build Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שָׁ֣ם shâm H8033 there Adv

מִזְבֵּ֗חַ mizbêach H4196 altar N-ms

וַ/יִּקְרָא֙ qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם shêm H8034 name Prep | N-ms

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וַ/יֶּט nâṭâh H5186 to stretch Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שָׁ֖ם shâm H8033 there Adv

אָהֳל֑/וֹ ʼôhel H168 tent N-ms | Suff

וַ/יִּכְרוּ kârâh H3738 to dig Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

שָׁ֥ם shâm H8033 there Adv

עַבְדֵי ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp

יִצְחָ֖ק Yitschâq H3327 Isaac N-proper

בְּאֵֽר bᵉʼêr H875 well N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 26:25

וַ/יִּ֧בֶן bânâh H1129 "to build" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)

Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.

שָׁ֣ם 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.

מִזְבֵּ֗חַ mizbêach H4196 "altar" N-ms

An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.

Definition: altar

Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.

וַ/יִּקְרָא֙ qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.

בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם shêm H8034 "name" Prep | N-ms

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וַ/יֶּט nâṭâh H5186 "to stretch" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.

Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away

Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.

שָׁ֖ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

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.

אָהֳל֑/וֹ ʼôhel H168 "tent" N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.

Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)

Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.

וַ/יִּכְרוּ kârâh H3738 "to dig" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This verb means to dig or pierce, and is used in various contexts, including excavating the earth or plotting against someone, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: 1) to dig, excavate, dig through, cut 1a) (Qal) to dig

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: dig, [idiom] make (a banquet), open. See also: Genesis 26:25; Psalms 22:17; Psalms 7:16.

שָׁ֥ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

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.

עַבְדֵי ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

יִצְחָ֖ק Yitschâq H3327 "Isaac" N-proper

Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah, means 'he laughs' and is the father of Esau and Israel. He is first mentioned in Genesis 17:19. Isaac is a key figure in the Bible, playing a role in the patriarchal stories.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.17.19; son of: Abraham (H0085) and Sarah (H8283); half-brother of: Ishmael (H3458), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); married to Rebekah (H7259); father of: Esau (H6215) and Israel (H3478) § Isaac = "he laughs" son of Abraham by Sarah his wife and father of Jacob and Esau

Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Isaac. Compare H3446 (יִשְׂחָק). See also: Genesis 17:19; Genesis 27:30; 2 Chronicles 30:6.

בְּאֵֽר bᵉʼêr H875 "well" N-fs

A well or pit, like a water source, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a spring, and is often translated as a well or pit in the Bible.

Definition: well, pit, spring

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: pit, well. See also: Genesis 14:10; Genesis 29:3; Psalms 55:24.

Study Notes — Genesis 26:25

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 26:25 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 26:25
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 26:25
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 26:25
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 26:25
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 26:25
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 26:25
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 26:25
Sermons on Genesis 26:25

Context — Isaac’s Prosperity

23From there Isaac went up to Beersheba, 24and that night the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for the sake of My servant Abraham.”

25So Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD, and he pitched his tent there. His servants also dug a well there.

26Later, Abimelech came to Isaac from Gerar, with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army. 27“Why have you come to me?” Isaac asked them. “You hated me and sent me away.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 13:18	So Abram moved his tent and went to live near the Oaks of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD.
2	Psalms 116:17	I will offer to You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.
3	Genesis 12:7–8	Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring. ” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD, and he called on the name of the LORD.
4	Genesis 13:4	to the site where he had built the altar. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD.
5	Genesis 33:20	There he set up an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel.
6	Genesis 8:20	Then Noah built an altar to the LORD. And taking from every kind of clean animal and clean bird, he offered burnt offerings on the altar.
7	Exodus 17:15	And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner.
8	Genesis 35:1	Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.”
9	Genesis 22:9	When they arrived at the place God had designated, Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar, atop the wood.

Genesis 26:25 Summary

In Genesis 26:25, Isaac built an altar to worship God and pitched his tent to stay in one place, trusting in God's promise and provision. This shows us that we can trust in God's presence and promises, just like Isaac did, and that He will provide for our needs, as seen in Matthew 6:33 and Philippians 4:19. By trusting in God, we can establish a sense of peace and stability, even in uncertain times. We can build our own 'altars' by taking time to worship and pray, and by trusting in God's goodness and love for us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Isaac build an altar in Genesis 26:25?

Isaac built an altar to worship and call on the name of the LORD, following the example of his father Abraham, as seen in Genesis 12:7-8 and Genesis 22:9, demonstrating his faith and trust in God's presence and promise.

What is the significance of pitching his tent in Genesis 26:25?

By pitching his tent, Isaac was establishing a temporary dwelling place, symbolizing his commitment to stay and trust in God's provision, much like Abraham did in Genesis 12:8 and Genesis 18:1-10, where he also received visitors and worshiped God.

Why did Isaac's servants dig a well in Genesis 26:25?

The well likely provided a source of fresh water for Isaac, his family, and his livestock, as seen in Genesis 24:11-20, where a well was a crucial meeting place and a symbol of God's provision, highlighting the importance of access to life-giving resources.

How does Genesis 26:25 relate to the promises of God?

This verse shows Isaac's response to God's promise in Genesis 26:24, where God reassured Isaac of His presence and blessing, demonstrating Isaac's faith and trust in God's word, as seen in Hebrews 11:8-10, which highlights the faith of Abraham and his descendants, including Isaac.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can build an 'altar' in my life to worship and call on God's name, just like Isaac did in Genesis 26:25?
How can I, like Isaac, trust in God's presence and provision, especially when faced with uncertainty or challenges, as seen in Genesis 26:24?
What are some 'wells' in my life that God has provided, and how can I use them to nourish and refresh others, as Isaac's servants did in Genesis 26:25?
In what ways can I establish my 'tent' in a place of trust and worship, making God my dwelling place, as Isaac did in Genesis 26:25?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 26:25

And he builded an altar there,.... At Beersheba, where his father Abraham had planted a grove before, and very probably had built an altar also, though it might not be now standing, Genesis 21:33;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 26:25

And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 26:25

Genesis 26:25 And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac’ s servants digged a well.Ver. 25. And called upon the name of the Lord.] That had made room for him; and now, by his presence and promise, comforted him. Let the streams of God’ s bounty lead us, as the watercourse doth, either to the spring upward, or downward to the main ocean, to the source and fountain whence they flow. Let God taste of the fruit of his own planting. Otherwise, it is no better than the refreshing of him that standeth by a good fire, "and crieth, Aha, I am warm". We are no better than brute beasts, if, contenting ourselves with a natural use of the creatures, we rise not up to the Author; if, instead of being temples of his praise, we become graves of his benefits. Isaac first built an altar, and then digged a well.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 26:25

(23-25) He went up from thence to Beer-sheba.—This was a very serious act on Isaac’s part He leaves the solitudes where he had found a refuge from the enmity of the Philistines, and returns to a place scarcely five leagues distant from their city. Should the old rancour revive, it may now take the form of actual war. And next, he does not go back to the well Lahai-Roi, where he had so long resided, but to Beer-sheba, his father’s favourite home. It was a claim on his part to the rights and inheritance of Abraham, and the claim was admitted. The same night Jehovah appears to him, bids him put away his fears, and renews to him the promises which were his by the right of his birth. My servant Abraham.—A title of high honour and significance, given to Moses repeatedly, to Joshua (Joshua 24:29), to Israel (Isaiah 41:8), and to the Messiah (Isaiah 52:13). It means God’s prime minister and vicegerent. He builded an altar.—In returning to Beer-sheba, Isaac had apparently faced the dangers of his position, through confidence in the promises made to his father, with whom he identified himself by taking up his abode at his home. And no sooner are the promises confirmed to him than he restores the public worship of God in the very place where Abraham had established it (Genesis 21:33). Digged a well.—The word is not that previously used in the chapter, but one that signifies the re-opening of the well which Abraham had dug, but which had become stopped by violence or neglect.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 26:25

Verse 25. Builded an altar there] That he might have a place for God's worship, as well as a place for himself and family to dwell in. And called upon the name of the Lord] And invoked in the name of Jehovah. See Clarke on Genesis 12:8; "Genesis 13:15".

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 26:25

25. builded … there] As Abraham had done, Genesis 12:7, Genesis 13:18. called … Lord] See notes on Genesis 4:26, Genesis 21:33. digged a well] According to Genesis 21:30 a well had already been digged by Abraham. The word in the Hebrew is not the same as that used in Genesis 26:22; see Genesis 50:5.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 26:25

25. Altar… tent… well — Mark the order; first the altar, God’s worship before all else; next his tent, and then the well.

Sermons on Genesis 26:25

	Sermon	Description
	Only One Altar by G.W. North	G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the altar in the relationship between God and humanity, illustrating how God established a singular altar as the official means of access
	Abrahams' Journey by Jacob Prasch	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not wasting one's life and youth by going back to worldly ways. He uses the example of Abraham and the prodigal son to illu
	Where Would You Pitch Your Tent? by Percy Ray	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing and following the word of God without being influenced by those who try to undermine it. He encourages the congr
	Old Testament Survey - Part 8 by Dick Woodward	This sermon delves into the story of Abraham in the book of Genesis, highlighting the importance of faith in pleasing God and the journey of surrendering everything to Him. It expl
	The Life of Abraham - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Abraham in the Book of Genesis. He emphasizes the theme of restoration and how God can bring us out of the mess we create for o
	The Committed Life by Watchman Nee	Watchman Nee emphasizes the significance of a committed life through the example of Abraham, who was called by God during a time of great moral decline. God revealed Himself to Abr
	Thanksgiving Time! by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson shares a powerful message on the importance of thanksgiving, especially during times of personal trials and burdens. He recounts a moment of despair when the Holy S