Devine Scripture

Genesis 21:29

What does Genesis 21:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 21:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 21:29 means

Abimelech, noticing the separate placement of the seven ewe lambs, directly questioned Abraham about their meaning. This inquiry signals his understanding that these particular animals held a symbolic or legal significance beyond the general covenant gift. Abimelech's curiosity allows Abraham to fully explain the purpose of this unique gesture, ensuring complete clarity and agreement regarding the terms of their established covenant.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Abimelech said, What are these seven lambs which you have put on one side?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Abimelech saith unto Abraham, `What <FI>are<Fi> they--these seven lambs which thou hast set by themselves?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Abimelech said to him: What mean these seven ewelambs which thou hast set apart?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Abimelech said to Abraham, What [mean] these seven ewe-lambs, these which thou hast set by themselves?

Context

Following Abraham's action of setting aside the seven lambs in verse 28, this verse captures Abimelech's natural and necessary question regarding their purpose. This direct inquiry provides the perfect opportunity for Abraham to clarify the specific intent behind this gesture, leading directly to the explanation that formalizes their agreement concerning the well.

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

v.29This passage

v.30And he said, These seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that it may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Samuel 15:14

    And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?

  • Genesis 33:8

    And he said, What meanest thou by all this company which I met? And he said, To find favor in the sight of my lord.

  • Exodus 12:26

    And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?

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