Genesis 26:33
Genesis 26:33 in Multiple Translations
So he called it Shibah, and to this day the name of the city is Beersheba.
And he called it Shebah: therefore the name of the city is Beer-sheba unto this day.
And he called it Shibah: therefore the name of the city is Beer-sheba unto this day.
And he gave it the name of Shibah: so the name of that town is Beer-sheba to this day.
So Isaac named the well, “Oath,” and that's why the name of the town is “Well of the Oath” (Beersheba) to this day.
So hee called it Shibah: therefore the name of the citie is called Beer-sheba vnto this day.
and he calleth it Shebah, [oath,] therefore the name of the city [is] Beer-Sheba, [well of the oath,] unto this day.
He called it “Shibah”. Therefore the name of the city is “Beersheba” to this day.
And he called it Shebah: therefore the name of the city is Beer-sheba to this day.
Whereupon he called it Abundance: and the name of the city was called Bersabee, even to this day.
Isaac named the well Shibah, which sounds like the Hebrew word that means ‘oath’. To the present time the town there has the name Beersheba which means ‘Friendship Agreement Well’.
Then Isaac called that water-hole Sheba. That name means promise. So people kept on calling the town near there Beersheba. That name means water-hole where they made a promise. They still use that town’s name today.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 26:33
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 26:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
אֹתָ֖/הּ
שִׁבְעָ֑ה
עַל
כֵּ֤ן
שֵׁם
הָ/עִיר֙
בְּאֵ֣ר
שֶׁ֔בַע
עַ֖ד
הַ/יּ֥וֹם
הַ/זֶּֽה
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ֖/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
שִׁבְעָ֑ה
Shibʻâh
H7656
Shibah
Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּ֤ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
שֵׁם
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms
הָ/עִיר֙
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
בְּאֵ֣ר
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
Beersheba
N-proper
שֶׁ֔בַע
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
Beersheba
Adj
עַ֖ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הַ/יּ֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 26:33
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
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.
אֹתָ֖/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
שִׁבְעָ֑ה
Shibʻâh
H7656
"Shibah"
Adj
Shibah refers to a well in Palestine, also known as Shebah, which was named by Isaac and is near Beersheba, meaning oath or seven.
Definition: Shebah = "an oath" the well named by Isaac and near Beersheba Another name of be.er she.va (בְּאֵר שֶׁ֫בַע "Beersheba" H0884)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Shebah. See also: Genesis 26:33.
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.
כֵּ֤ן
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.
שֵׁם
shêm
H8034
"name"
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.
הָ/עִיר֙
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
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.
שֶׁ֔בַע
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
"Beersheba"
Adj
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.
עַ֖ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הַ/יּ֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
Study Notes — Genesis 26:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 26:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 26:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 26:33
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 26:33
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 26:33
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 26:33
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 26:33
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 26:33
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 26:33
Context — Isaac’s Covenant with Abimelech
31And they got up early the next morning and swore an oath to each other. Then Isaac sent them on their way, and they left him in peace.
32On that same day, Isaac’s servants came and told him about the well they had dug. “We have found water!” they told him.
33So he called it Shibah, and to this day the name of the city is Beersheba.
34When Esau was forty years old, he took as his wives Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite and Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. 35And they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 21:31 | So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath. |
| 2 | Genesis 26:28 | “We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you |
Genesis 26:33 Summary
Genesis 26:33 tells us that Isaac named a city Shibah, which means 'oath', because of the promise he made with Abimelech. This city is also called Beersheba, which means 'well of the oath', because of the well that Isaac's servants dug. This verse shows us that God is a God who keeps his promises, just like Isaac and Abimelech did (as seen in Genesis 26:31). It reminds us to be people of our word and to trust in God's provision, just like the well that was dug in Genesis 26:32, which is a picture of the spiritual water that Jesus offers us in John 4:14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Shibah mean in Genesis 26:33?
The name Shibah means 'oath' or 'seven' in Hebrew, which is significant because it was the location where Isaac and Abimelech made a covenant, as seen in Genesis 26:31, where they swore an oath to each other.
Why is the city called Beersheba in Genesis 26:33?
The city is called Beersheba, which means 'well of the oath', because of the well that Isaac's servants dug and the oath that Isaac and Abimelech made to each other, as mentioned in Genesis 26:31-32.
What is the significance of the well in Genesis 26:33?
The well represents a source of provision and blessing from God, as seen in other passages like Genesis 24:11-27, where a well is a place of meeting and provision.
How does Genesis 26:33 relate to the rest of the Bible?
Genesis 26:33 is part of the larger narrative of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Galatians 3:6-9, which highlights God's faithfulness and promise-keeping nature.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of keeping promises and oaths?
- How does the naming of the city Beersheba reflect the character of God and his people?
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of covenant-keeping in my own life, as seen in Genesis 26:31-33?
- How does the discovery of the well in Genesis 26:32-33 demonstrate God's provision and care for his people?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 26:33
And he called it Sheba,.... Which, according to Jerom, signifies "fulness", as if it had its name from the abundance of water in it; but rather it signifies an "oath", and was so called from the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 26:33
And it came to pass the same day, that Isaac's servants came, and told him concerning the well which they had digged, and said unto him, We have found water. Isaac's servants ... said unto him. We have found water.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 26:33
This name had been given before, either to this or a neighbouring place, by Abraham, ; but was now buried in oblivion, as his wells were; and the wells being revived, he revives and renews the name, which proved now a lasting name, unto this day, as here follows, which is not added , because then the name, though given by Abraham, was soon forgotten and neglected by others.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 26:33
Genesis 26:33 And he called it Shebah: therefore the name of the city [is] Beersheba unto this day.Ver. 33. Is Beersheba to this day.] So it was before; but the name was almost worn out, the well being stopped up. Isaac therefore newly names it, and so preserves it for a monument of God’ s mercy to his father, and to himself.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 26:33
(33) Therefore the name of the city is Beer-sheba unto this day.—There was no city at this time at Beer-sheba, but one is mentioned at the conquest of Canaan by Joshua (Joshua 15:28). This note, as is the case generally with those which speak of a thing existing “unto this day,” was added by Ezra and the men of the Great Synagogue, after the return from Babylon (comp. Genesis 22:14); and its meaning is that, whereas Abraham’s name had been forgotten while the place lay desolate, this remarkable coincidence of the water being again found, just when the covenant had been confirmed by the customary sevenfold sacrifice, so impressed the minds of the people that the title of Beer-sheba never again passed into oblivion.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 26:33
Verse 33. He called it Shebah] This was probably the same well which was called Beersheba in the time of Abraham, which the Philistines had filled up, and which the servants of Isaac had reopened. The same name is therefore given to it which it had before, with the addition of the emphatic letter ה he, by which its signification became extended, so that now it signified not merely an oath or full, but satisfaction and abundance. The name of the city is Beer-sheba] This name was given to it a hundred years before this time; but as the well from which it had this name originally was closed up by the Philistines, probably the name of the place was abolished with the well; when therefore Isaac reopened the well, he restored the ancient name of the place.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 26:33
33. Shibah] This word, denoting “oath-taking” or “swearing,” is here given as the explanation of the name “Beer-sheba.” For another tradition as to the origin of the name, see Genesis 21:31. The narrative there is from E; the narrative here from J. Shebϋah, of which shib‘ah is a rare variety, is an “oath”; sheba‘ is “seven.” Aquila and Symmachus πλησμονή; Lat. abundantiam; reading sib‘ah. unto this day] See note on Genesis 22:14.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 26:33
33. Called it Shebah — ùׁ ?áòä, Shibhah; which means both seven and oath. Compare Genesis 21:28-31. “Now the writer was aware that this place had received the same name on a former occasion.