Devine Scripture

Genesis 21:27

What does Genesis 21:27 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 21:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 21:27 means

To solidify their covenant, Abraham presented Abimelech with a gift of 'sheep and oxen.' This act of giving represented a traditional covenant ratification, demonstrating Abraham’s good faith and commitment to the agreement. Following this exchange, the two men officially 'made a covenant,' establishing a formal, divinely-witnessed treaty of peace and mutual respect between them, ensuring peaceful coexistence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made an agreement together.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Abraham taketh sheep and oxen, and giveth to Abimelech, and they make, both of them, a covenant;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them to Abimelech: and both of them made a league.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them to Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.

Context

Following the resolution of the well dispute in verses 25-26, this verse shows Abraham initiating the formal covenant-making process. The offering of sheep and oxen is a customary act in ancient covenants, signifying the sealing of the agreement. This action publicly establishes a bond between Abraham and Abimelech, and further details of this agreement are elaborated in the following verses.

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.

v.27This passage

v.28And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.

Cross references

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

  • Romans 1:31

    without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, unmerciful:

  • 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 31:44

    And now come, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.

  • 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,

  • Proverbs 21:14

    A gift in secret pacifieth anger; And a present in the bosom, strong wrath.

  • Isaiah 32:8

    But the noble deviseth noble things; and in noble things shall he continue.

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