Genesis 21:23
What does Genesis 21:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 21:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 21:23 means
Abimelech requested a solemn oath from Abraham, sworn by God, to ensure loyalty and kindness towards him, his descendants, and his land. He sought a reciprocal relationship, expecting Abraham to treat him with the same kindness he had shown to Abraham. This appeal reflects Abimelech's desire for a lasting, peaceful alliance founded on mutual trust and divine ratification, acknowledging Abraham's favored status with God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000now 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901now 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now, then, give me your oath, in the name of God, that you will not be false to me or to my sons after me, but that as I have been good to you, so you will be to me and to this land where you have been living.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and now, swear to me by God here: thou dost not lie to me, or to my continuator, or to my successor; according to the kindness which I have done with thee thou dost with me, and with the land in which thou hast sojourned.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Swear therefore by God, that thou wilt not hurt me, nor my posterity, nor my stock: but according to the kindness that I have done to thee, thou shalt do to me, and to the land wherein thou hast lived a stranger.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And now swear to me here byGod that thou wilt not deal deceitfully with me, nor with my son, nor with my grandson. According to the kindness that I have done to thee, thou shalt do to me, and to the land in which thou sojournest.
Context
Following Abimelech's acknowledgement of God's presence with Abraham in verse 22, this verse details Abimelech's specific request for a covenant. His desire for a sworn oath underscores the gravity of the proposed agreement and his wish for lasting peace. This sets up the terms of the covenant and provides the backdrop for Abraham's subsequent complaint regarding a well.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Samuel 20:17
And Jonathan caused David to swear again, for the love that he had to him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
- Deuteronomy 6:13
Thou shalt fear Jehovah thy God; and him shalt thou serve, and shalt swear by his name.
- Genesis 14:22
And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up my hand unto Jehovah, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,
- Jeremiah 4:2
and thou shalt swear, As Jehovah liveth, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.
- Genesis 31:44
And now come, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.
- 1 Samuel 30:15
And David said to him, Wilt thou bring me down to this troop? And he said, Swear unto me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me up into the hands of my master, and I will bring thee down to this troop.
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