Genesis 21:31

Translations

Modern

So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath.

Traditional

Wherefore he called that place Beer–sheba; because there they sware both of them.

Literal

Upon thus, he called that place Beersheba, because there the two of them swore an oath.

Latin

Idcirco vocatus est locus ille Bersabee: quia ibi uterque juravit.

Interlinear

Hebrew

English

So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath.

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 Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Genesis 26:33
So he called it Shibah, and to this day the name of the city is Beersheba.
Genesis 21:14
Early in the morning, Abraham got up, took bread and a skin of water, put them on Hagar’s shoulders, and sent her away with the boy. She left and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba.
Joshua 15:28
Hazar-shual, Beersheba, Biziothiah,
Judges 20:1
Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came out, and the congregation assembled as one man before the LORD at Mizpah.
1 Kings 4:25
Throughout the days of Solomon, Judah and Israel dwelt securely from Dan to Beersheba, each man under his own vine and his own fig tree.
Genesis 26:23
From there Isaac went up to Beersheba,
2 Samuel 17:11
Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beersheba—a multitude like the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, and that you yourself lead them into battle.

Places

Beersheba: Important city in southern Israel, associated with the patriarchs

Glossary

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

Topics

Abimelech: King of Gerar Abraham: Lives in Gerar Alliances: Abraham and Abimelech Beer-Sheba: The Most Southern City of Palestine: Named by Abraham, Who Lived There Contracts: Between Abraham and Abimelech, Concerning Wells of Water Covenant: Abraham and Abimelech Covenants: Conditions of Conformed by Oath Covenants: Names Given to Places where Made Patriarchal Government: Exercised in Forming Treaties and Alliances Rulers: Abraham Wells: Beer-Sheba Wells: Names often Given To

Genesis 21:31

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