Genesis 21:25

Translations

Modern

But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized,

Traditional

And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.

Literal

And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water that the servants of Abimelech had seized.

Latin

Et increpavit Abimelech propter puteum aquæ quem vi abstulerunt servi ejus.

Interlinear

Hebrew

English

But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized,

Notes

Genesis 21:25

The theme of the well appears again (see 16:14; 21:19). God provided water, symbolizing blessing, in the dry wilderness. Later, he even brought water from a rock for Israel (Exodus 15:22–27; 17:1–7; Numbers 20:1–13).

Genesis 21:22–34

At the high point of this passage, it explains the name of Beersheba, where Abraham lived (21:31–34). The name is linked to the covenant (a binding agreement) that Abraham made with the people of the land. This agreement allowed him to live there in peace and safety.

In this way, God’s promise was beginning to come true (12:7; 13:14–17; 15:7, 18–21; 17:8).

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Isaac Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Genesis 26:15–22
So the Philistines took dirt and stopped up all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the days of his father Abraham.
Proverbs 27:5
Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed.
Proverbs 25:9
Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence,
Judges 1:15
“Give me a blessing,” she answered. “Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me springs of water as well.” So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs.
Genesis 13:7
And there was discord between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were also living in the land.
Matthew 18:15
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.
Genesis 29:8
But they replied, “We cannot, until all the flocks have been gathered and the stone has been rolled away from the mouth of the well. Then we will water the sheep.”
Proverbs 17:10
A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.
Exodus 2:15–17
When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well.

People

Abimelech: Philistine king who interacted with Abraham and Isaac Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people

Glossary

Abimelech Abraham Alliance Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Oath Patriarchs, Period of the Phichol, Phicol Well

Topics

Abimelech: King of Gerar Abraham: Lives in Gerar Abraham: Unselfishness of Alliances: Abraham and Abimelech Beer-Sheba: The Well of, Belonged to Abraham and Isaac Contracts: Between Abraham and Abimelech, Concerning Wells of Water Contracts: Modes of Ratifying by Giving Presents Covenant: Abraham and Abimelech Dishonesty: Abimelech's Servants Confiscate a Well Patriarchal Government: Exercised in Forming Treaties and Alliances Property in Real Estate: Rights In, Violated Rulers: Abraham Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Abimelech Servants: Bad: Servants of Abimelech Strife: Abimelech's Wells were a Frequent Cause of Strife Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Abraham and Abimelech Witness: To the Transfer of Land

Genesis 21:25

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