Devine Scripture

Genesis 21:26

What does Genesis 21:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 21:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 21:26 means

Abimelech denied any knowledge of the well being taken, stating he had not been informed until that very day. His response suggests a lack of oversight regarding his servants' actions and implies he was genuinely unaware of the injustice. This denial, coupled with his willingness to listen to Abraham's complaint, indicates Abimelech’s desire for an honest and fair resolution, preserving the integrity of their potential covenant.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Abimelech said, I have no idea who has done this thing; you never gave me word of it, and I had no knowledge of it till this day.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Abimelech saith, `I have not known who hath done this thing, and even thou didst not declare to me, and I also, I have not heard save to-day.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Abimelech answered: I knew not who did this thing: and thou didst not tell me, and I heard not of it till today.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Abimelech said, I do not know who has done this, neither hast thou told me [of it], neither have I heard [of it] but to-day.

Context

This verse provides Abimelech's defensive but plausible response to Abraham's accusation regarding the well (verse 25). His denial of prior knowledge clears his name of direct responsibility and sets the stage for an amicable resolution. This explanation allows the covenant negotiations to continue without the obstacle of Abimelech's perceived malice, leading to a new exchange to finalize their agreement.

v.25And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of the well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.

v.26This passage

v.27And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and they two made a covenant.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 13:7

    And there was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdsmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelt then in the land.

  • 2 Kings 5:20

    But Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: as Jehovah liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.

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