Genesis 21:32 kjv

Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.

Genesis 21:32 nkjv

Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba. So Abimelech rose with Phichol, the commander of his army, and they returned to the land of the Philistines.

Genesis 21:32 niv

After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines.

Genesis 21:32 esv

So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Then Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army rose up and returned to the land of the Philistines.

Genesis 21:32 nlt

After making their covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech left with Phicol, the commander of his army, and they returned home to the land of the Philistines.

Genesis 21 verses

Genesis 21 32 Meaning

This verse concludes the narrative of the covenant established between Abraham and Abimelech at Beersheba. It signifies the formal completion of their solemn agreement regarding Abraham's possession and use of a well, ensuring peaceful co-existence between their peoples. Following the establishment of this pact, Abimelech, king of Gerar, along with his military commander Phicol, departed from Abraham and returned to their own territory, marking the successful resolution of their dispute and the establishment of a respectful boundary.

Genesis 21 32 Context

Genesis chapter 21 primarily details the birth and growth of Isaac, Abraham's long-promised son, and the subsequent expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael. Amidst these family events, Abraham's interaction with the powerful local king, Abimelech, introduces an important socio-political dimension. This particular verse, Genesis 21:32, concludes a brief but significant narrative segment (vv. 22-32). Abimelech, accompanied by his army commander Phicol, approached Abraham acknowledging God's evident favor upon him ("God is with you in all that you do"). Recognizing Abraham's growing strength and divine backing, Abimelech initiated a proposal for a binding covenant of peace between them, ensuring mutual non-aggression for generations. Abraham agreed, using the occasion to address a grievance concerning a disputed well that Abimelech's servants had seized. Through the gifting of seven ewe lambs, Abraham solidified his claim to the well, naming the location Beersheba, meaning "well of the oath" or "well of seven," symbolizing the sworn agreement. Verse 32 marks the resolution of this diplomatic encounter, with the parties having secured their peaceful relations and Abimelech and Phicol returning to their homeland, Gerar, a territory identified with the Philistines. This event solidifies Abraham's presence and land rights in Canaan through a recognized inter-human agreement.

Genesis 21 32 Word analysis

• Thus (וַיִּכְרְתוּ, vayikhtu): Not a separate Hebrew word but implied by the conjunction "and" beginning the verb karat, "they cut," signifying the conclusion of the preceding actions and the consummation of the covenant. It marks the successful outcome of the negotiation.
• they made: Refers collectively to Abraham, Abimelech, and Phicol, emphasizing their joint participation in forming the covenant. The verb karat (to cut/make a covenant) implies a solemn, binding agreement, often involving ritual elements like cutting animals in two (as seen in Gen 15), symbolizing the serious consequences of breaking the pact.
• a covenant (בְּרִית, berit): A solemn agreement or treaty, sworn under oath. In this context, it is an inter-human peace treaty, an alliance that established good relations and clarified territorial claims. Unlike God's unconditional covenants, human berit were reciprocal and conditional.
• at Beersheba (בִּבְאֵר שָׁבַע, bivr' sheva): This is a specific geographic location. Be'er means "well," and sheva can mean "oath" or "seven." The place's naming (verse 31) confirms its significance as the site where the oath was sworn and seven lambs were offered as witness. It becomes a pivotal and recurring location in the patriarchal narratives, representing agreement, dwelling, and worship. Its name directly embeds the memory of this specific event.
• then (וַיָּקֻם, vayakum): Hebrew vav conjunction followed by the verb kum, "arose" or "stood up." It indicates a subsequent action in time, marking the end of their negotiations and the commencement of their departure.
• Abimelech (אֲבִימֶלֶךְ, Avimelekh): The name means "my father is king" or "father of a king." He is presented as a powerful, discerning king who recognized divine blessing on Abraham and sought to establish peace, indicating Abraham's growing reputation.
• and Phicol (וּפִיכֹל, uPhikhol): Phicol's consistent presence with Abimelech (see also Gen 21:22 and Gen 26:26) underscores the official and authoritative nature of Abimelech's actions. As commander of the army, he represents military strength, giving weight to the covenant's security implications.
• the commander of his army: Specifies Phicol's rank and role, highlighting that the agreement was not just personal but also a pact between organized forces, ensuring military backing and respect for the treaty.
• arose (וַיָּקֻם, vayakum): Same as the earlier "arose." This repetitive use for both Abimelech and Phicol emphasizes their joint departure, signifying a united withdrawal after the treaty's completion.
• and returned (וַיָּשֻׁבוּ, vayashuvu): "And they returned." Indicates their departure to their point of origin, their home territory, reinforcing the conclusion of their visit.
• to the land of the Philistines: Refers to the region where Abimelech reigned, Gerar, which is identified as the territory of the Philistines. While the major Philistine invasion and settlement occurred later in history, this earlier mention of "Philistines" in Genesis context implies an earlier presence of groups sharing the land or the name, or perhaps it's a retrojection by later editors for clarity. It specifies the destination of Abimelech and Phicol, demarcating the end of Abraham's immediate diplomatic interaction.

Genesis 21 32 Bonus section

The concept of covenant (berit) is central to the entire biblical narrative, appearing repeatedly from God's pacts with Noah and Abraham to the New Covenant in Christ. This human-to-human covenant in Genesis 21:32, though not on the same theological level as God's unilateral covenants with His people, reflects a divinely approved model for resolving conflicts and establishing harmonious coexistence even with those outside the covenant community. It illustrates that followers of God can, and often should, seek peaceful resolutions and respect boundaries with neighbors. The mention of "the land of the Philistines" at this early stage of history is a subject of scholarly discussion, sometimes seen as anachronistic or indicating an earlier, distinct people inhabiting that region who later shared the name with the more well-known "Sea Peoples" of the Exodus period. Beersheba later becomes a symbol for the southernmost extent of Israelite territory ("from Dan to Beersheba"), emphasizing its importance as a significant boundary and historical marker. The entire account implicitly presents a polemic against common ancient Near Eastern beliefs where gods were seen as tied to specific locations; Abimelech's recognition that the God of Abraham was with him everywhere showcases God's omnipresence and universal sovereignty.

Genesis 21 32 Commentary

Genesis 21:32 succinctly marks the resolution of a critical dispute and the establishment of peace between Abraham, the sojourner favored by God, and Abimelech, a local, powerful king. The making of the covenant at Beersheba was not merely a territorial agreement over a well; it was a testament to God's providence over Abraham. Abimelech, a pagan king, openly acknowledged God's presence and favor upon Abraham, demonstrating that even those outside God's chosen lineage could perceive His work and respond in seeking peace. This diplomatic triumph allowed Abraham to reside securely and demonstrate a practical outworking of God's blessing, enabling him to fulfill his mission. The event established the significant name of Beersheba, linking the location to the foundational concepts of sworn agreements and witness, which would resonate throughout Israel's history. It showcases Abraham's wisdom and trust, making prudent agreements for the peaceful habitation of the land promised by God, yet never compromising his devotion to the Most High. The departure of Abimelech and Phicol signifies the successful culmination of a weighty matter, establishing boundaries and confirming stability for Abraham and his household in the land.