Keraia
Genesis 21

Genesis 21:26

The Covenant at Beersheba · Genesis 21:22–34
Read Genesis 21

Translations

Modern
Abimelech replied, “I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, so I have not heard about it until today.”
Traditional
And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day.
Literal
And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing, and you did not tell me, and I has not heard of it until today.”
Latin
Responditque Abimelech: Nescivi quis fecerit hanc rem: sed et tu non indicasti mihi, et ego non audivi præter hodie.

Original

Hebrew
English
Abimelech replied, “I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, so I have not heard about it until today.”

Notes

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

People

Abimelech: Philistine king who interacted with Abraham and Isaac

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 Patriarchal Government: Exercised in Forming Treaties and Alliances Rulers: Abraham Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Abraham and Abimelech Witness: To the Transfer of Land