Devine Scripture

Genesis 21:31

What does Genesis 21:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 21:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 21:31 means

Because of the oath sworn there by both Abraham and Abimelech, Abraham named the place Beer-sheba, which means 'well of the oath' or 'well of seven.' This renaming permanently commemorated the covenant made and the dispute resolved over the well of water. The name encapsulates the essence of their agreement, solidifying the location as a place of witnessed truth and peaceful resolution, a significant landmark in the ongoing narrative.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba; because there they sware both of them.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Wherefore he called that place Beer–sheba; because there they sware both of them.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba; because there they sware both of them.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So he gave that place the name Beer-sheba, because there the two of them had given their oaths.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

therefore hath he called that place `Beer-Sheba,' for there have both of them sworn.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Therefore that place was called Bersabee; because there both of them did swear.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Therefore he called that place Beer-sheba, because there they had sworn, both of them.

Context

This verse provides the etymological origin of 'Beer-sheba,' directly linking the place name to the covenant and the seven lambs and the well. This act of naming solidifies the significance of the event and the location as a perpetual memorial. It concludes the specific details of the agreement with Abimelech, establishing a permanent marker of this important interaction.

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.

v.31This passage

v.32So they made a covenant at Beer-sheba: and Abimelech rose up, and Phicol the captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 26:33

    And he called it Shibah: therefore the name of the city is Beer-sheba unto this day.

  • Joshua 15:28

    and Hazar-shual, and Beer-sheba, and Biziothiah,

  • Genesis 21:14

    And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and gave her the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beer-sheba.

  • 1 Kings 4:25

    And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig-tree, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, all the days of Solomon.

  • Genesis 26:23

    And he went up from thence to Beer-sheba.

  • Judges 20:1

    Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was assembled as one man, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, with the land of Gilead, unto Jehovah at Mizpah.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Genesis 21

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Genesis 21.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Genesis 21:31.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary