Genesis 21:30 kjv

And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.

Genesis 21:30 nkjv

And he said, "You will take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that they may be my witness that I have dug this well."

Genesis 21:30 niv

He replied, "Accept these seven lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well."

Genesis 21:30 esv

He said, "These seven ewe lambs you will take from my hand, that this may be a witness for me that I dug this well."

Genesis 21:30 nlt

Abraham replied, "Please accept these seven lambs to show your agreement that I dug this well."

Genesis 21 verses

Genesis 21 30 Meaning

Abraham presents Abimelech with seven ewe lambs, stipulating that their acceptance will serve as a definitive and tangible witness, formally acknowledging Abraham's sole right to the ownership of the well, which he had personally dug. This act validates his claim and seals the peace agreement between them concerning the well and their dwelling in the land.

Genesis 21 30 Context

Genesis chapter 21 opens with the long-awaited birth of Isaac, highlighting God's faithfulness to Abraham's lineage. Following this joyous event, the narrative transitions to a more challenging domestic situation with the sending away of Hagar and Ishmael. Immediately after this, the focus shifts to a dispute over water rights with Abimelech, the Philistine king. Verses 22-24 describe Abimelech acknowledging God's blessing on Abraham and proposing a sworn alliance. The contention over a well, dug by Abraham's servants but seized by Abimelech's, then arises in verse 25. Verse 30 is Abraham's proposal for a ritualistic exchange that formalizes and witnesses the resolution of this well dispute, confirming Abraham's ownership. This agreement establishes a clear boundary and relationship, leading to the naming of the place Beer-sheba and Abraham's continued dwelling in the land. The chapter thus moves from promise fulfillment to challenges requiring trust, wise action, and peaceful diplomacy, demonstrating Abraham's developing walk of faith.

Genesis 21 30 Word analysis

• He replied (ויאמר, vayyō’mer): Literally "And he said." Indicates Abraham's direct response, clarifying the meaning behind his previous action of setting aside the lambs. It signifies an authoritative declaration within the negotiation.
• “You are to accept (קח, qaḥ)”: A strong imperative, "Take!" or "Receive!" While an imperative, it functions as a directive within the agreement, compelling Abimelech's specific action which validates the entire transaction. Abimelech's active role in taking completes the witnessed act.
• these seven (שבע, sheva): The numeral "seven" holds profound theological and symbolic significance in the Bible. It frequently denotes completion, perfection, divine establishment, and covenantal sealing. In this context, it marks the seriousness and binding nature of the agreement, invoking a sense of sacred oath.
• ewe lambs (כבשת, keḇaśōṯ): Keḇaś refers to a lamb, with keḇaśōṯ being the feminine plural, specifying ewe lambs. These animals were valuable possessions, representing wealth, reproductive potential, and a vital resource in an agrarian society. Their sacrifice or exchange symbolized a costly commitment and enduring pledge.
• from my hand (מידי, miyyāḏî): Directly states the origin of the lambs, asserting Abraham's ownership and the act of his personal giving. "Hand" signifies agency, power, and the direct nature of the transfer. It underlines that this is a gift from Abraham, not a demand.
• that it may be a witness (לעדה, lĕʿēḏâ): Le (for/as) and ʿēḏâ (witness/testimony). This phrase explains the core purpose of the offering. The act of Abimelech receiving the lambs, rather than the lambs themselves being slaughtered, becomes a permanent, undeniable testimonial act, solidifying the agreement's terms publicly. It served as a legal and ceremonial confirmation, binding both parties through an unspoken, but clearly understood, compact.
• to me (לי, lî): The witness is specifically for Abraham, affirming his legal claim and preventing future disputes. It provides irrefutable evidence for his entitlement to the well.
• that I dug (כי חפרתי, kî ḥāfaṟtî): Kî (that/because/indeed) introduces the reason for the witness. ḥāfaṟtî (I dug) emphasizes Abraham's personal labor and initiative as the basis for his rightful possession. This grounds the covenant in a demonstrable historical fact, confirming that the claim isn't arbitrary but earned.
• this well (הבאר הזאת, habbĕʾēr hazzōʾṯ): Bĕʾēr refers to a well, an invaluable resource in arid regions, making its ownership critical for survival and prosperity. The demonstrative "this" emphasizes the specific well that was the subject of the dispute, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity in the agreement.

Words-group Analysis:

• "You are to accept these seven ewe lambs from my hand": This clause sets forth the explicit conditions for validating the covenant. It outlines Abimelech's essential reciprocal action – the act of accepting – transforming the lambs from mere gifts into ceremonial tokens of a sealed agreement. The distinct mention of "seven" elevates the transaction beyond a common exchange, indicating a solemn oath or completed action under divine observation. The "from my hand" ensures that the transfer is direct and acknowledges Abraham as the rightful initiator and claimant.
• "that it may be a witness to me": This explains the overarching purpose of the offering. The chosen ewe lambs, once received, would physically and permanently serve as an incontestable testament. This mechanism of using a tangible act as a "witness" or "proof" was a common ancient Near Eastern practice to make agreements legally binding and publicly recognized. It authenticates Abraham's specific claim ("to me") by external acknowledgment, protecting his rights in the future.
• "that I dug this well": This crucial statement establishes the foundation of Abraham's right to the disputed property. His labor ("I dug") provides the irrefutable, historical basis for his ownership claim. By stating this as the reason for the "witness," the agreement solidifies the principle of acquisition by effort and formalizes Abimelech's assent to this truth. The clear identification of "this well" pinpoints the specific asset, preventing any future misunderstandings or further disputes.

Genesis 21 30 Bonus section

• Linguistic Punning (Beer-sheba): The place name Beer-sheba (be'er sheva') beautifully encapsulates the event described. It can mean "well of seven" (referencing the seven ewe lambs) or "well of the oath" (referencing the solemn oath taken). This double meaning reflects the core elements of the agreement: the specific offering and the binding nature of the covenant established. The text supports both interpretations, creating a rich etymological history for a significant biblical location.
• Cultural Context of Wells: In a largely arid region, wells were absolute lifelines. They represented sustenance, a permanent dwelling place, and control over territory. Disputes over water were common and often violent. This agreement at Beer-sheba highlights a peaceful, diplomatic way of establishing and maintaining property rights crucial for stable community life, contrasting with later disputes (e.g., in Isaac's time, Gen 26).
• Abraham as a Figure of Faith and Action: While Abraham is commended for his faith in God's promises, this event shows that his faith was not passive. He actively engaged in securing his rights through accepted cultural practices and astute diplomacy. This demonstrates a harmonious blend of divine trust and responsible human action, necessary for practical living in God's will.
• Contrast to Legalism: This is not a transaction for salvation, nor is it about a ritual needing precise performance for magical efficacy. It is a culturally understood means of ensuring justice and establishing verifiable truth for mutual benefit, setting a precedent for orderly interactions among people.

Genesis 21 30 Commentary

Genesis 21:30 marks a pivotal point in Abraham's establishment in Canaan, shifting from a contentious claim to a formally acknowledged right of possession over a vital water source. Abraham's giving of the seven ewe lambs to Abimelech is not a purchase price but a symbolic act designed to serve as a perpetual "witness" to Abraham's rightful ownership of the well, which he had dug. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a covenant often required a visible sign or specific action to be binding and publicly recognized. The number seven, frequently symbolizing completion, perfection, or an oath (sheva in Hebrew meaning both "seven" and "to swear an oath"), imbues the transaction with profound solemnity. This exchange elevates the agreement from a mere handshake to a consecrated pact.

The "witness" was critical. In a time before written deeds were commonplace or universally respected across tribal lines, a physical act understood by both parties and the community served as concrete proof of ownership, preventing future disputes. Abimelech's acceptance of the lambs implicitly affirms Abraham's prior labor and legitimate claim. This peaceful resolution demonstrates Abraham's wisdom and his reliance on orderly processes to secure his position in the land God had promised him. This act secured for Abraham and his descendants access to a vital resource, essential for sustenance and pastoral living. Ultimately, the place derived its name, Beer-sheba ("Well of the Oath" or "Well of Seven"), from this very event, immortalizing the agreement and the foundation of peaceful coexistence it forged.

• Examples:
  • Legal precedent: Similar to how witnesses sign a contract or document today to validate an agreement.
  • Ceremonial exchange: A formal "handing over" or exchange of tokens (like a key or a scepter in some cultures) to symbolize transfer of authority or ownership.
  • Traditional gifts: Certain traditional gifts given in exchange, beyond monetary value, that signify a binding pledge or recognition between parties.