Genesis 21 33

Genesis 21:33 kjv

And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.

Genesis 21:33 nkjv

Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God.

Genesis 21:33 niv

Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Eternal God.

Genesis 21:33 esv

Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God.

Genesis 21:33 nlt

Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he worshiped the LORD, the Eternal God.

Genesis 21 verses

Genesis 21 33 meaning

This verse portrays Abraham establishing a symbolic marker and publicly proclaiming the character of God as the Everlasting God at Beersheba. It signifies an act of worship, spiritual claiming of the land promised by God, and an affirmation of God's enduring nature and covenant faithfulness. It marks a period of peace and the patriarch's deep devotion following a land dispute resolution.

Genesis 21 33 Context

Genesis chapter 21 chronicles the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the birth of Isaac. After Isaac is weaned, Hagar and Ishmael are sent away. Immediately preceding this verse (Gen 21:22-32), Abraham secures a covenant with Abimelech, king of Gerar, regarding a well at Beersheba. This agreement establishes Abraham's rights to the well and his presence in the land. Verse 33 follows this moment of peace and legal resolution, marking it with a profound act of spiritual affirmation and worship by Abraham, solidifying his claim to the land not merely by human treaty but by divine acknowledgement.

Genesis 21 33 Word analysis

• And Abraham planted: This is an active and intentional act. וַיִּטַּע (wayyiṭṭa‘) means "and he planted." In the ancient Near East, planting a tree, especially a long-living one, often symbolized making a permanent settlement or marking possession of a land. It implied an act of hopeful waiting and permanence.

• a tamarisk tree: Hebrew אֶשֶׁל (eshel). This is a specific type of tree, known for its deep root system, longevity, and ability to survive in arid climates, providing shade. Its enduring nature resonates with the "Everlasting God." Some interpretations suggest it could also be a type of tree associated with hospitality, a grove, or an oasis. It signifies more than a mere landmark; it is a living symbol of permanence.

• in Beersheba: Hebrew בִּבְאֵר שָׁבַע (bibə’ēr shāḇa‘). The name itself means "Well of the Oath" or "Well of Seven," linking it directly to the covenant made with Abimelech earlier in the chapter. This location becomes a significant patriarchal site where covenants are made and worship is offered, serving as a landmark for future generations.

• and called there on the name of the LORD: Hebrew וַיִּקְרָא שָׁם בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה (wayyiqrā’ shām bəshēm YHWH). "To call on the name of the LORD" is a profound act of worship, public invocation, and declaration of allegiance. It's an appeal to God's presence, power, and character. It implies not just utterance but sincere, public prayer and praise. It's a statement of reliance and acknowledgment of His sovereignty over that place and Abraham's life. YHWH (rendered "LORD" in all caps) is the personal, covenant name of God, revealing His self-existent, faithful nature.

• the Everlasting God: Hebrew אֵל עוֹלָם (El Olam). El is a common Semitic term for God, often signifying strength and power. Olam means "eternity," "perpetuity," or "ancient time." Together, El Olam speaks of God as the God who endures forever, unchanging, without beginning or end. He is the God of all ages, whose covenant promises are eternal and whose faithfulness is unending. This title emphasizes God's constancy, reliability, and infinite nature.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba: This phrase signifies Abraham's establishment and rooting in the land promised by God. The act of planting a tree, particularly a long-lived one, visually reinforced his long-term intention and commitment to inhabit this specific location. It was a tangible marker of his presence and future expectation, even though he was a sojourner.
  • and called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God: This second clause describes the spiritual culmination of Abraham's settlement. It transcends a mere physical act by transforming the site into a place of divine worship and encounter. Calling on God's covenant name (YHWH) shows deep reverence and personal relationship, while identifying Him as El Olam acknowledges His eternal nature and faithfulness, aligning Abraham's earthly settlement with God's unending covenant promises. This pairing connects human action with divine attributes.

Genesis 21 33 Bonus section

This verse offers insights into the concept of worship in the patriarchal period, illustrating it as an integrated act involving physical markers (the tree) and spiritual declarations (calling on God's name). It also presents one of the first explicit theological titles of God in Genesis that speaks directly to His eternal nature (El Olam), building upon earlier revelations of His covenant name, YHWH. The establishment of this worship site at Beersheba further sanctifies a key location within the promised land, foreshadowing its importance throughout Israelite history as a southern border and a place of significant events for Abraham's descendants. This public display of monotheistic worship stood as a powerful witness to the surrounding polytheistic cultures.

Genesis 21 33 Commentary

Genesis 21:33 stands as a pivotal statement about Abraham's faith and his relationship with God, particularly in the context of his semi-nomadic life and recent treaty with Abimelech. The planting of the tamarisk tree symbolizes Abraham's act of rooting himself in Beersheba, establishing a physical marker of his presence. This permanence is not based solely on human agreement (the well covenant), but fundamentally on a deeper, spiritual foundation. His public invocation of "the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God," (YHWH El Olam) transforms Beersheba from a simple watering hole into a place of worship and divine declaration. It expresses Abraham's trust in a God whose existence and promises transcend time and circumstance. This worship reflects Abraham's recognition that his possession and future in the land rested ultimately on God's eternal faithfulness rather than temporary human treaties. It serves as a reminder that earthly settlements for God's people are intrinsically tied to an eternal relationship with their divine Benefactor.