Devine Scripture

Genesis 22:20

What does Genesis 22:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 22:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 22:20 means

After these significant events concerning Isaac, the narrative shifts to provide genealogical information about Abraham's brother, Nahor. This verse introduces a report being brought to Abraham, detailing that Milcah, Nahor's wife, has also borne children. This seemingly abrupt transition is important because it begins to lay the groundwork for future key figures in the patriarchal narrative, particularly by introducing the lineage that will eventually connect to Rebekah, Isaac's future wife.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold, Milcah, she also hath borne children unto thy brother Nahor:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold, Milcah, she hath also born children unto thy brother Nahor;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold, Milcah, she also hath borne children unto thy brother Nahor:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

After these things, Abraham had news that Milcah, the wife of his brother Nahor, had given birth to children;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And it cometh to pass after these things that it is declared to Abraham, saying, `Lo, Milcah hath borne, even she, sons to Nahor thy brother:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

After these things, it was told Abraham, that Melcha also had borne children to Nachor his brother.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold, Milcah, she also has borne sons to thy brother Nahor:

Context

This verse marks a distinct shift in the chapter's focus, moving from the intense narrative of Abraham and Isaac to providing genealogical details. It immediately follows Abraham's return to Beer-sheba, initiating an account of his brother Nahor's descendants. This information is not incidental but prepares the reader for later developments in the patriarchal story, particularly concerning the choice of a wife for Isaac.

v.19So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beer-sheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beer-sheba.

v.20This passage

v.21Uz his first-born, and Buz his brother, and Kemuel the father of Aram,

Cross references

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

  • Proverbs 25:25

    Ascold waters to a thirsty soul, So is good news from a far country.

  • Genesis 31:53

    The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the Fear of his father Isaac.

  • Genesis 11:26

    And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.

  • Genesis 24:24

    And she said unto him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, whom she bare unto Nahor.

  • Genesis 24:10

    And the servant took ten camels, of the camels of his master, and departed, having all goodly things of his master’s in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.

  • Genesis 24:15

    And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

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