Devine Scripture

Genesis 21:22

What does Genesis 21:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 21:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 21:22 means

At this time, Abimelech, the Philistine king whom Abraham had previously encountered (Genesis 20), approached Abraham with Phicol, his army commander. Abimelech recognized God's evident blessing upon Abraham in all his endeavors. This observation highlights Abraham's reputation and the visible favor of God in his life, prompting Abimelech to seek a secure relationship with him for mutual benefit and peace.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now at that time, Abimelech and Phicol, the captain of his army, said to Abraham, I see that God is with you in all you do.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And it cometh to pass at that time that Abimelech speaketh--Phichol also, head of his host--unto Abraham, saying, `God <FI>is<Fi> with thee in all that thou art doing;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

At the same time Abimelech, and Phicol the general of his army, said to Abraham: God is with thee in all that thou dost.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech, and Phichol the captain of his host, spoke to Abraham, saying,God is with thee in all that thou doest.

Context

Having completed the narrative of Hagar and Ishmael, the chapter now shifts back to Abraham's ongoing life in Canaan. This verse introduces a significant encounter between Abraham and Abimelech, picking up on a prior relationship (Genesis 20). Abimelech's acknowledgement of God's blessing on Abraham sets the stage for a covenant proposal, signaling a period of peace and stability.

v.21And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

v.22This passage

v.23now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 3:9

    Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

  • Genesis 39:2

    And Jehovah was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

  • Matthew 1:23

    Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us.

  • Genesis 26:28

    And they said, We saw plainly that Jehovah was with thee: and we said, Let there now be an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee,

  • Genesis 20:2

    And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.

  • Genesis 20:17

    And Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maid-servants; and they bare children.

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