Genesis 21:25 kjv

And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.

Genesis 21:25 nkjv

Then Abraham rebuked Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech's servants had seized.

Genesis 21:25 niv

Then Abraham complained to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimelek's servants had seized.

Genesis 21:25 esv

When Abraham reproved Abimelech about a well of water that Abimelech's servants had seized,

Genesis 21:25 nlt

Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech's servants had taken by force from Abraham's servants.

Genesis 21 verses

Genesis 21 25 Meaning

This verse describes a pivotal moment where Abraham directly confronted Abimelech, the king of Gerar, about a serious injustice committed by Abimelech's servants. The grievance concerned a specific well of water that Abraham's household depended on, which had been forcibly seized. This act of "reproving" highlights Abraham's commitment to justice and his willingness to stand firm on his rights and divine blessings, even before a powerful ruler, setting the stage for formal resolution and a covenant.

Genesis 21 25 Context

Genesis chapter 21 primarily details the fulfillment of God's promise concerning Isaac's birth and the subsequent joy and conflict within Abraham's household (Ishmael's mocking and Hagar's dismissal). Following this, the narrative shifts to Abraham's interaction with Abimelech. Directly preceding verse 25, Abimelech and Phicol, his commander, initiated contact with Abraham, recognizing that "God is with thee in all that thou doest" (Gen 21:22). They proposed making a covenant with Abraham to ensure peace and fair dealing between their peoples, particularly regarding the land where Abraham resided. Abraham agreed to this alliance. It is within this nascent stage of building trust and formalizing relations that Abraham brings up the significant unresolved issue of the stolen well, which needed to be addressed before any true peace could be established. The immediate follow-up to this verse is Abimelech's surprised denial of knowledge and the subsequent agreement between Abraham and Abimelech concerning the well, leading to the naming of Beer-sheba.

Historically and culturally, wells were indispensable lifelines in the semi-arid ancient Near East. Ownership of a well meant control over a critical resource for survival and livestock, establishing a permanent claim to land, even for nomadic peoples like Abraham. Disputes over wells were common and serious, often leading to conflict. Abraham, as a wealthy patriarch with many dependents and livestock, relied heavily on such water sources. His decision to confront Abimelech directly, rather than resorting to violence or passive acceptance, reflects both his faith in God's backing and a common diplomatic practice of the time: establishing terms of agreement between powerful figures.

Genesis 21 25 Word analysis

• And Abraham reproved (וְהוֹכִחַ אַבְרָהָם - wəhōkhiaḥ Avraham)

  • וְהוֹכִחַ (wəhōkhiaḥ): Derived from the Hebrew root יָכַח (yākhaḥ), meaning "to argue," "to rebuke," "to admonish," "to correct," "to dispute," "to decide." It implies more than mere scolding; it's a reasoned presentation of a case, seeking to convince or bring about justice. It suggests an open and frank dialogue aiming for resolution, rather than secret grumbling or passive aggression. It often has a legal or judicial connotation of establishing guilt or innocence. In this context, Abraham is formally laying out a complaint to Abimelech, proving his claim and highlighting the injustice.
  • אַבְרָהָם (Avraham): "Father of a multitude." Abraham's action demonstrates his role not only as a spiritual leader but also as a practical patriarch responsible for his household's well-being and justice. He is bold in his faith to confront a king.

• Abimelech (אֲבִימֶלֶךְ - Avimelekh)

  • אֲבִימֶלֶךְ (Avimelekh): "My father is king." This is likely a royal title rather than a personal name, similar to "Pharaoh" for Egyptian kings. It indicates Abimelech's position of authority and power as the king of Gerar, representing a significant challenge for Abraham to confront directly.

• concerning the well of water (עַל־אֹדוֹת בְּאֵר הַמָּיִם - ‘al-’odōṯ bə’er hammāyim)

  • בְּאֵר (bə’er): "well." Specifically refers to an excavated, artificial shaft that reaches deep into the water table, providing a continuous supply. This differentiates it from a temporary spring or cistern. A well signifies permanent settlement and ownership claims in the ancient world, as its construction required significant effort and resources. Its importance cannot be overstated in a desert climate; it's a matter of life or death for people and livestock.
  • הַמָּיִם (hammāyim): "the water." The definite article emphasizes the preciousness and essential nature of this particular resource.

• which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away (אֲשֶׁר גָּזְלוּ עַבְדֵי אֲבִימֶלֶךְ אֹתָהּ - ’ăšer gāzlû ‘aḇdəy ’Ăḇîmelekh ’ōtāh)

  • גָּזְלוּ (gāzlû): Derived from the Hebrew root גָּזַל (gāzal), meaning "to tear away," "to rob," "to plunder," "to violently take away," "to extort." This verb implies a forceful, unjust seizure, not merely a misunderstanding or a simple taking. It indicates an act of aggression or theft that violates established rights or implicit agreements. It highlights the severity of the offense.
  • עַבְדֵי אֲבִימֶלֶךְ (‘aḇdəy ’Ăḇîmelekh): "Abimelech’s servants." This detail is crucial. It points the finger of blame at the servants, not Abimelech directly. This provides Abimelech with an honorable way out – he can claim ignorance and address the misconduct of his subordinates, maintaining his royal dignity while still being held accountable for actions done under his authority. It signifies a breach of proper conduct within his domain.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And Abraham reproved Abimelech": This phrase encapsulates a direct, purposeful confrontation. Abraham initiates the discourse, not out of passive complaint but active demand for justice. It signals Abraham's righteous indignation and his willingness to enforce his rights even against a superior earthly power. The use of "reproved" shows that Abraham is making a formal complaint, expecting a reasoned response and resolution, reflecting a covenantal approach rather than raw power dynamics.
• "concerning the well of water": This specifies the absolute centrality of the resource in dispute. The well is not just property; it is the essence of life and livelihood for Abraham's extensive camp. It implies the vital economic and existential implications of the seizure. This underscores that Abraham is addressing a fundamental breach of sustenance.
• "which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away": This clarifies the source of the injustice and the nature of the act. The responsibility falls on Abimelech's household, implying a breakdown in his control or awareness, and the use of "violently taken away" makes it an act of injustice rather than a mere trespass. It removes ambiguity regarding the well's original ownership and the wrongful manner of its seizure, giving Abraham a solid case for reproof.

Genesis 21 25 Bonus section

• The verb yakach ("reproved") in this context can be seen as Abraham setting a legal precedent. He is making a case based on customary law and righteousness, asserting his claim to the well that his servants dug (Gen 21:30).
• The incident here, immediately before the formal covenant at Beer-sheba, shows that resolving existing grievances is a prerequisite for forming a genuine and lasting alliance or partnership.
• The fact that Abimelech had to be reproved, despite coming to Abraham recognizing God's blessing, indicates that divine favor on Abraham did not negate the need for practical wisdom and vigilance in earthly dealings to maintain rights and peace.
• The story foreshadows similar conflicts over wells and land that Isaac, Abraham's son, will face with Abimelech's people in Gen 26, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for control over vital resources in the land God promised.
• This act of "violent taking" also highlights the fragility of Abraham's semi-nomadic existence despite his wealth; he was still vulnerable to the actions of more established powers around him, necessitating a clear articulation and defense of his rights.

Genesis 21 25 Commentary

Genesis 21:25 provides a snapshot of Abraham's character and the principles of justice in early biblical narrative. Faced with a serious grievance, Abraham does not resort to vengeance or silent suffering, nor does he ignore the insult. Instead, he courageously confronts Abimelech directly and truthfully. The word "reproved" (Hebrew: yakach) implies more than a simple accusation; it suggests a process of presenting facts and seeking rectification, aligning with biblical concepts of conflict resolution that prioritize truth and reconciliation (Lev 19:17, Matt 18:15).

The dispute over the well highlights the absolute critical value of water rights in the ancient Near East, where wells signified ownership and sustenance. The "violent" taking of the well by Abimelech’s servants was an act of trespass and theft, a serious offense that could jeopardize Abraham's survival and sovereignty over his resources. That the king's servants, not the king himself, are blamed for the deed is a recurring theme, allowing the ruler to maintain honor while still being accountable for the actions of those under his authority.

This confrontation, even in the midst of Abimelech's overtures of peace and covenant-making, demonstrates that true peace cannot be built on unresolved injustice. Abraham insists on clarity and a just resolution for a stable relationship to proceed. This passage subtly teaches the importance of addressing wrongs, standing for one's rights (rooted in God's provision and promises), and seeking righteous arbitration even with those in power. It reflects Abraham’s integrity, his reliance on a just God, and the need for truth to precede any lasting peace or covenant.

• Example for practical usage: When a dispute arises, whether personal or professional, confronting the issue directly and truthfully, but respectfully, can often be more fruitful than avoidance or indirect gossip, fostering real resolution.
• Example for practical usage: Leaders and managers bear responsibility for the actions of their subordinates, even if unaware, and are expected to rectify injustices that occur under their authority.