Devine Scripture

Genesis 21:33

What does Genesis 21:33 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 21:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 21:33 means

Abraham established a permanent marker by planting a 'tamarisk tree' in Beer-sheba, a long-lived tree symbolizing endurance and stability. More significantly, he 'called there on the name of Jehovah, the Everlasting God.' This act of worship demonstrated Abraham’s continued reliance on God amidst his dealings with men. It affirmed his faith in God’s eternal faithfulness as his ultimate source of blessing and protection, even after securing a human covenant of peace.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beer-sheba, and called there on the name of Jehovah, the Everlasting God.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Abraham planted a grove in Beer–sheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beer-sheba, and called there on the name of Jehovah, the Everlasting God.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Abraham, after planting a holy tree in Beer-sheba, gave worship to the name of the Lord, the Eternal God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and <FI>Abraham<Fi> planteth a tamarisk in Beer-Sheba, and preacheth there in the name of Jehovah, God age-during;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Abimelech and Phicol, the general of his army, arose and returned to the land of the Palestines. But Abraham planted a grove in Bersabee, and there called upon the name of the Lord God eternal.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And [Abraham] planted a tamarisk in Beer-sheba, and called there on the name of Jehovah, the EternalGod.

Context

Following the departure of Abimelech and the completion of the earthly covenant (verse 32), this verse shifts to Abraham's spiritual actions. His planting of a tree and, more importantly, his calling upon the name of Jehovah, the Everlasting God, highlight his enduring faith and worship. This act serves as a spiritual anchor for the chapter's end, showing Abraham's ultimate trust in God even as he navigates human relationships.

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.

v.33This passage

v.34And Abraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines many days.

Cross references

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

  • Jeremiah 10:10

    But Jehovah is the true God; he is the living God, and an everlasting King: at his wrath the earth trembleth, and the nations are not able to abide his indignation.

  • Romans 1:20

    For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse:

  • Deuteronomy 33:27

    The eternal God isthy dwelling-place, And underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy from before thee, And said, Destroy.

  • Amos 8:14

    They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, As thy god, O Dan, liveth; and, As the way of Beer-sheba liveth; they shall fall, and never rise up again.

  • Genesis 26:23

    And he went up from thence to Beer-sheba.

  • Isaiah 57:15

    For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

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