Genesis 21:27

Translations

Modern

So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant.

Traditional

And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.

Literal

And Abraham took flock and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them cut a covenant.

Latin

Tulit itaque Abraham oves et boves, et dedit Abimelech: percusseruntque ambo fœdus.

Interlinear

Hebrew

English

So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant.

Notes

Genesis 21:27–31

Abraham gave gifts to Abimelec (compare 20:14). These gifts helped confirm his legal right to live peacefully in the land and to claim the well as his own. Beersheba marked another step toward the fulfillment (completion) of God’s promise.

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 God’s Covenants Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Proverbs 17:8
A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.
Romans 1:31
They are senseless, faithless, heartless, merciless.
Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
Genesis 26:28–31
“We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you
Proverbs 21:14
A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.
Genesis 14:22–23
But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,
1 Samuel 18:3
Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
Isaiah 32:8
But a noble man makes honorable plans; he stands up for worthy causes.
Genesis 31:44
Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.”
Ezekiel 17:13
He took a member of the royal family and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. Then he carried away the leading men of the land,
Galatians 3:15
Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended.
Proverbs 18:16
A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.

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 Contracts: Between Abraham and Abimelech, Concerning Wells of Water Contracts: Modes of Ratifying by Giving Presents Covenant of Men with Men by Giving Presents Covenant: Abraham and Abimelech Covenants: Presents Given As Tokens Patriarchal Government: Exercised in Forming Treaties and Alliances Rulers: Abraham Token: Presents Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Abraham and Abimelech Witness: To the Transfer of Land

Genesis 21:27

Translations?

Interlinear?

Notes?

Related verses?