Devine Scripture

Genesis 21:25

What does Genesis 21:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 21:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 21:25 means

Before proceeding with the oath, Abraham confronted Abimelech about a well of water that Abimelech’s servants had 'violently taken away.' This reproof highlights a practical and vital issue in the arid land—access to water was crucial. Abraham's willingness to address this grievance directly, even in the midst of a covenant negotiation, shows his assertiveness in defending his rights and ensuring justice, which was foundational for true peace.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of the well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of the well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Abraham made a protest to Abimelech because of a water-hole which Abimelech's servants had taken by force.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Abraham reasoned with Abimelech concerning the matter of a well of water which Abimelech's servants have taken violently away,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he reproved Abimelech for a well of water, which his servants had taken away by force.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water that Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.

Context

Despite agreeing to the oath in verse 24, Abraham paused to address a specific grievance with Abimelech. This act of confronting the issue of the stolen well introduces a practical conflict that needed resolution before the covenant could be fully established. It reveals a specific instance of injustice and sets the stage for the negotiation of terms beyond merely swearing an oath of kindness.

v.24And Abraham said, I will swear.

v.25This passage

v.26And Abimelech said, I know not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to-day.

Cross references

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

  • Exodus 2:15

    Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.

  • Proverbs 25:9

    Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself, And disclose not the secret of another;

  • Proverbs 17:10

    A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool.

  • Matthew 18:15

    And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

  • Proverbs 27:5

    Better is open rebuke Than love that is hidden.

  • Genesis 26:15

    Now all the wells which his father’s servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped, and filled with earth.

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