Genesis 21:24 kjv

And Abraham said, I will swear.

Genesis 21:24 nkjv

And Abraham said, "I will swear."

Genesis 21:24 niv

Abraham said, "I swear it."

Genesis 21:24 esv

And Abraham said, "I will swear."

Genesis 21:24 nlt

Abraham replied, "Yes, I swear to it!"

Genesis 21 verses

Genesis 21 24 Meaning

In Genesis 21:24, Abraham affirms his willingness to enter into a solemn agreement with Abimelech. His declaration, "I will swear," signifies his personal commitment to the proposed oath. This act establishes a binding covenant between them, marked by mutual promise and the invocation of divine witness, solidifying a peaceful relationship and resolving disputes over water rights.

Genesis 21 24 Context

Genesis chapter 21 primarily details the birth of Isaac, the sending away of Hagar and Ishmael, and concludes with Abraham's covenant with Abimelech at Beersheba. This specific verse (21:24) follows Abimelech's appeal to Abraham, recognizing God's favor upon him, and asking Abraham to swear an oath of non-aggression and loyalty towards his descendants (21:22-23). The request arises from a prior dispute over a well that Abraham's servants had dug but Abimelech's servants had seized. Abraham first expresses his grievance regarding the well, and then, after settling the matter (which is described subsequently in 21:25-32), he agrees to Abimelech's demand to formalize their peaceful coexistence through an oath. His brief affirmation "I will swear" acts as a direct positive response to the binding proposal, setting the stage for the ceremonial sealing of their agreement.

Genesis 21 24 Word analysis

• And Abraham said: (וַיֹּאמֶר אַבְרָהָם, Vay-yō-mer ’Av-rā-hām)

  • וַיֹּאמֶר (vay-yō-mer): "And he said." This is a common Hebrew waw-consecutive imperfect verb form, indicating sequential narrative action. It smoothly transitions from Abimelech's request to Abraham's response, marking Abraham's immediate reply.
  • אַבְרָהָם (Avraham): "Abraham." The name signifies "father of a multitude." His role as the patriarch chosen by God to inherit the land and bless nations adds significant weight to his words and commitments. His agreement here underscores his integrity and leadership, even when dealing with non-covenant peoples.

• 'I will swear': (אָנֹכִי אִשָּׁבֵֽעַ, ’ā-nō-ḵî ’iš-šā-ḇê-a‘)

  • אָנֹכִי (’ā-nō-ḵî): "I." This is the first-person singular independent pronoun, an emphatic form. While simply saying "I will swear" (without אָנֹכִי) would convey the meaning, the inclusion of אָנֹכִי adds emphasis, indicating Abraham's personal and determined resolve to take the oath. It underscores his direct, unreserved commitment.
  • אִשָּׁבֵֽעַ (’iš-šā-ḇê-a‘): "I will swear" or "I will take an oath." This is the Nifal stem of the root verb שָׁבַע (shava‘).
    • The root שׁבע (shava‘) means "to swear, to take an oath."
    • Significance: In ancient Near Eastern (ANE) culture, an oath was a highly serious and binding agreement, often made in the presence of or by invoking a deity. Swearing by God (as Abimelech requested) made the oath divinely sanctioned and incredibly potent.
    • Linguistic Connection: Interestingly, the root שָׁבַע is also connected to the number "seven" (שֶׁבַע, sheva‘), which signifies completeness, wholeness, or perfection in Hebrew thought. This linguistic link can imply that an oath is a complete and perfected promise, binding the individual fully and involving God as the ultimate witness and enforcer. Taking an oath, therefore, wasn't casual but a profound act of pledging one's complete integrity and calling upon divine witness for its fulfillment.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • וַיֹּאמֶר אַבְרָהָם ("And Abraham said"): This phrase highlights Abraham's direct agency and immediate response to Abimelech's solemn request. It emphasizes his authoritative role and willingness to engage in the proposed covenant. The narrative progression suggests a moment of decisive agreement following a crucial negotiation.
  • אָנֹכִי אִשָּׁבֵֽעַ ("I will swear"): This short, impactful declaration showcases Abraham's integrity and commitment. The emphatic "I" (אָנֹכִי) conveys a personal, unreserved promise. In a culture where oaths invoked divine witness and were highly binding, Abraham's simple but firm acceptance ensures the integrity and strength of the forthcoming covenant. It signifies not merely a verbal assent, but a deep commitment to fulfill his word before God.

Genesis 21 24 Bonus section

• The willingness of both Abraham and Abimelech to swear oaths involving divine invocation highlights the pervasive belief in a divine order that governs human agreements in the ancient world. Abimelech, a Philistine king, recognized Abraham's God, underscoring the universal aspect of a divine presence.
• While the immediate context resolves a specific land/well dispute, the practice of covenant-making through oaths is a foundational theme throughout Genesis, foreshadowing God's greater covenants with Abraham and his descendants. Just as human covenants bind people, so too does God's sworn word bind Him in faithfulness to His promises.
• This act also positions Abraham as a trustworthy figure in the eyes of neighboring rulers, fostering diplomatic relations based on shared understanding of covenant loyalty and divine oversight. This integrity was crucial for his lineage to inhabit and eventually control the promised land.

Genesis 21 24 Commentary

Genesis 21:24 is a concise but profoundly significant verse that serves as Abraham's direct assent to Abimelech's demand for an oath. After Abimelech explicitly invokes "God" in his request in the preceding verse, Abraham's affirmation, "I will swear," implies that he is willing to take the oath in the name of his God, the one true God who he knows. This establishes a covenant based on truth and integrity, as Abimelech acknowledged God's presence with Abraham.

The simplicity of Abraham's reply belies the immense weight it carries. In ancient societies, oaths were not trivial matters; they were sacred vows, often invoking divine judgment upon transgressors. Abraham's ready consent signifies his character of truthfulness and his commitment to honorable conduct, even with those outside his direct covenant community. It demonstrates that for Abraham, disputes could be resolved through respectful agreement and divinely-witnessed promises, laying a foundation for peace and coexistence. His willingness to swear by God confirms that his agreements would be divinely sanctioned and reliable, contributing to his reputation as a man of integrity and one truly blessed by God. It also illustrates a key principle: even the people of God engage in solemn commitments with others, upholding righteousness and faithfulness in all their dealings.