Genesis 21:22 kjv
And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:
Genesis 21:22 nkjv
And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, "God is with you in all that you do.
Genesis 21:22 niv
At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, "God is with you in everything you do.
Genesis 21:22 esv
At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, "God is with you in all that you do.
Genesis 21:22 nlt
About this time, Abimelech came with Phicol, his army commander, to visit Abraham. "God is obviously with you, helping you in everything you do," Abimelech said.
Genesis 21 22 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 12:2-3 | "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you..." | God's promise to bless Abraham extensively |
| Gen 20:6-7 | God warns Abimelech not to harm Abraham, whom He calls a prophet. | God's direct intervention for Abraham. |
| Gen 26:28 | "We saw clearly that the Lord was with you [Isaac]." | Similar recognition by Abimelech's successors concerning Isaac. |
| Gen 28:15 | "I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go..." | God's promise of presence to Jacob. |
| Gen 39:2-3 | "The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered..." | Joseph's success due to God's presence. |
| Gen 39:21 | "...the Lord was with him [Joseph]; he showed him kindness..." | God's presence bringing favor to Joseph. |
| Exod 3:12 | "I will be with you." (to Moses) | God promises His presence for Moses's mission. |
| Num 14:9 | "The Lord is with us; do not be afraid..." | Assurance of God's presence in battle. |
| Deut 31:6 | "The Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you..." | Moses encourages Israel with God's presence. |
| Josh 1:5 | "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you..." | God's promise of constant presence to Joshua. |
| Judg 6:12 | "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." (to Gideon) | Divine encouragement of God's presence for Gideon. |
| 1 Sam 18:12,14 | "Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with David..." | Outsider's recognition of God's favor on David. |
| 1 Kgs 1:37 | "As the Lord was with my lord the king, so may he be with Solomon..." | Prayer for God's continued presence. |
| 2 Kgs 18:7 | "And the Lord was with him [Hezekiah]; he was successful..." | God's presence brings success to Hezekiah. |
| Ps 1:3 | "...whatever he does prospers." (referring to the righteous) | Prosperity as a sign of God's blessing. |
| Isa 41:10 | "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God." | Comfort and assurance from God's presence. |
| Jer 1:8 | "Do not be afraid... for I am with you..." | God promises His presence to Jeremiah. |
| Matt 1:23 | "Immanuel—which means, ‘God with us.’" | Prophecy of Christ, emphasizing God's presence. |
| Matt 28:20 | "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." | Jesus's promise of perpetual presence to believers. |
| Rom 8:31 | "If God is for us, who can be against us?" | Confidence in God's support and presence. |
| Phil 4:13 | "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." | Strength and capability through Christ. |
| Heb 13:5 | "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." | Assurance of God's enduring presence. |
| Jam 1:17 | "Every good and perfect gift is from above..." | All blessings originate from God. |
Genesis 21 verses
Genesis 21 22 Meaning
Genesis 21:22 signifies the pivotal moment when Abimelech, the Philistine king of Gerar, and Phicol, his chief military commander, acknowledge Abraham's extraordinary prosperity and success, explicitly attributing it to the presence and favor of God with him in all his endeavors. This recognition by powerful non-believers serves as a powerful validation of God's covenant blessings upon Abraham.
Genesis 21 22 Context
Genesis 21:22 occurs immediately after the account of Isaac's birth and the subsequent expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael. This separation resolves internal conflict within Abraham's household. This verse shifts the focus externally, illustrating how Abraham's divine blessing impacts his relationships with surrounding powerful entities. Abimelech's acknowledgement follows a previous encounter (Gen 20) where God intervened on Abraham's behalf and warned Abimelech in a dream, causing Abimelech to return Sarah and give Abraham gifts. This history underlines that Abimelech's words in Genesis 21:22 are born not from mere politeness but from profound observation and previous divine warning, indicating a deeper recognition of Abraham's God and His power. The stage is then set for a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech over a well (Beer-sheba), symbolizing a practical outcome of this recognized divine favor.
Genesis 21 22 Word analysis
- At that time: A common biblical transition (וַיְהִי, vay'hi). It links the previous narrative (birth of Isaac, dismissal of Hagar) with this new diplomatic encounter. It signifies a notable turning point in the unfolding events for Abraham.
- Abimelech: (אֲבִימֶלֶךְ, Avimelekh) - King of Gerar, a Philistine city-state. The name means "My father is king" or "Father of the King," likely a royal title. His position signifies political authority. His presence shows diplomatic gravity.
- and Phicol: (פִיכֹל, Piykhol) - His exact name meaning is debated but implies "mouth of all" or "all-speaking."
- the commander of his army: (צַר צְבָאוֹ, sar tz’va’o) - A high-ranking military official. Phicol's inclusion highlights that this is a matter of strategic observation and concern, not just personal interaction. It implies a recognition of Abraham's power from a military perspective.
- said to Abraham: Indicates a direct approach and formal address. This isn't an incidental meeting.
- God: (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) - This general term for God is used by a non-Hebrew, indicating a recognition of Abraham's specific deity. It acknowledges a supreme, powerful deity rather than a lesser idol. Abimelech perceives a singular, potent divine force at work.
- is with you: (עִמְּךָ, imm’kha) - Denotes divine presence, favor, and assistance. It implies that God is actively supporting, protecting, and empowering Abraham. This is a foundational theme of covenant relationship.
- in everything you do: (בְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר אַתָּה עֹשֶׂה, b'khol asher attah oseh) - A comprehensive statement indicating success and blessing in all of Abraham's endeavors, both personal and in terms of his growing influence and wealth. This reflects the reality of God's blessing on Abraham, as promised (Gen 12:2-3). This broad success makes God's favor undeniable to outsiders.
Words-group analysis:
- Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army: This joint address underscores the official and governmental nature of the recognition. The king, accompanied by his chief military officer, shows the Philistine state's acknowledgement of Abraham's divine backing as a significant political factor. It is a sign of both respect and strategic caution.
- "God is with you in everything you do": This phrase encapsulates a central biblical truth: divine presence leads to tangible blessing and success for the faithful. It is a powerful affirmation from an external source, proving God's active involvement in Abraham's life is observable and impactful.
Genesis 21 22 Bonus section
- The acknowledgment by Abimelech and Phicol serves as an early example of the impact God's people have on surrounding nations. Their prosperity, peace, and protection reveal the power of the living God, sometimes leading even outsiders to acknowledge Him, albeit in a general sense.
- This verse prefigures the greater truth of "God with us" (Immanuel), culminating in the person of Jesus Christ, who fully embodies God's presence and blessing among humanity.
- The scene suggests a paradigm of divine favor: God's presence leads to demonstrable success and respect from both friends and foes. This outcome, rather than Abraham's own shrewdness, is recognized as the ultimate source of his power and peace.
Genesis 21 22 Commentary
Genesis 21:22 presents a profound declaration from Abimelech and Phicol, observing Abraham's comprehensive success and attributing it directly to God's accompanying presence. This is more than a polite greeting; it is an acknowledgment stemming from careful observation, possibly influenced by previous divine interventions in Abimelech's life concerning Abraham (Gen 20). The pagan king recognizes Elohim's active involvement, signaling the universal nature of Abraham's God, whose power transcends tribal deities. This discernment by an unbeliever testifies to the visible reality of God's blessings upon those He chooses. It lays the groundwork for peace and a formal treaty, demonstrating how divine favor translates into practical security and influence, even in a hostile world. Believers, through their obedience, can also exhibit God's accompanying presence, drawing respect and peace from unexpected quarters.