Genesis 21 34

Genesis 21:34 kjv

And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days.

Genesis 21:34 nkjv

And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines many days.

Genesis 21:34 niv

And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time.

Genesis 21:34 esv

And Abraham sojourned many days in the land of the Philistines.

Genesis 21:34 nlt

And Abraham lived as a foreigner in Philistine country for a long time.

Genesis 21 verses

Genesis 21 34 meaning

Genesis 21:34 states, "And Abraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines many days." This verse signifies Abraham's continued status as a temporary resident or alien in the promised land, specifically in the region governed by Abimelech, king of Gerar. Despite receiving a divine promise of this land, he lived as a foreigner, relying on agreements rather than possessing the territory. The phrase "many days" emphasizes a significant, peaceful, and extended period of residence.

Genesis 21 34 Context

Genesis 21:34 concludes the narrative of Abraham's establishment in Beer-sheba, following a pivotal series of events. Earlier in the chapter, Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael away, demonstrating the specific, miraculous nature of the promise through Isaac. Immediately preceding verse 34, Abraham resolves a dispute over a well with Abimelech, the Philistine king, through a formal covenant or oath. This covenant (recorded in Genesis 21:22-33) grants Abraham peace and secure access to the well in Beer-sheba, solidifying his temporary residency. The act of calling on the name of the Lord (Gen 21:33) shows Abraham's deep faith and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over even these earthly affairs. Historically, the Philistines of Abraham's time were likely distinct proto-Philistine groups rather than the established sea-faring empire of later periods, although the biblical text applies the later known term. Abraham, as a wandering patriarch, navigated this landscape by divine guidance and through diplomatic ties, underscoring his reliance on God's protection in a foreign land.

Genesis 21 34 Word analysis

• וַיָּ֣גָר (Wayégār): "And he sojourned" / "And he resided"
  • This is from the Hebrew root גּוּר (gûr), which means "to sojourn," "to dwell as a foreigner," or "to live as a temporary resident." It denotes a non-native, transient status.
  • Significance: Despite the divine promise of the entire land to Abraham and his descendants, he did not possess it as an owner. This term consistently emphasizes his alien status and highlights that his residence was provisional, granted through treaty or permission, not outright ownership or conquest. It prefigures Israel's later experience as a sojourning people in Egypt and the wilderness, and even within the Promised Land (Lev 25:23).
• אַבְרָהָ֗ם (Abraham): "Abraham"
  • The patriarch, chosen by God to be the father of many nations (Gen 17:5).
  • Significance: His actions in this verse embody faith and reliance on God's providence, even when residing in lands promised to him but not yet possessed.
• בְּאֶ֙רֶץ֙ (bé’erets): "in the land of"
  • אֶרֶץ ('erets) means "land" or "earth." The prefix בְּ (be) means "in" or "in the."
  • Significance: Refers to the specific geographical area, reinforcing that Abraham was physically present in the promised land, but not as its sovereign.
• פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (Pelištīm): "Philistines"
  • The name given to the people inhabiting the region. While some scholars debate the anachronistic use of "Philistines" for Abraham's time, referring to earlier inhabitants like the "Caphtorim" (Deut 2:23), the text consistently uses this term. It implies the early presence of people group that would become known by this name.
  • Significance: Living among non-Israelite, likely polytheistic, peoples demonstrates God's ability to protect and bless Abraham even in potentially hostile environments. It foreshadows future conflicts but, in this context, highlights peace achieved through divine favor and covenant.
• יָמִ֣ים רַבִּֽים׃ (yāmīm rabbı̄m): "many days" / "a long time"
  • יָמִים (yāmîym) means "days." רַבִּים (rabı̂ym) means "many" or "numerous."
  • Significance: This phrase denotes an extended period, suggesting stability and a peaceful, rather than temporary, stay, even though he remained a sojourner. It underscores the reliability of the covenant with Abimelech and God's sustained blessing and protection upon Abraham in this foreign context. It's not a fleeting visit, but a settled residency of indefinite duration, contrasting with his more nomadic life prior.

Word-group analysis

• "And Abraham sojourned": This phrase underlines the foundational truth of Abraham's calling: he was always a pilgrim. It signals that despite establishing roots or making treaties, his true citizenship was heavenly. It is not an active conquest but a humble existence by faith.
• "in the land of the Philistines": This specifies the environment where Abraham's sojourning occurred. It highlights God's providence that Abraham could dwell peacefully among a distinct people, indicating divine favor that transcended ethnic boundaries or land claims. It prepares for the idea that God can secure blessings even within foreign territories for His chosen ones.
• "many days": This signifies an extended period of peaceful co-existence. It emphasizes the success and reliability of the covenant made between Abraham and Abimelech. It demonstrates God's provision for Abraham's security and prosperity during his long stay, reinforcing his role as a blessed patriarch even as a transient.

Genesis 21 34 Bonus section

The naming of "Beer-sheba" (the well of the oath/seven) immediately prior to this verse connects Abraham's sustained peace in the land of the Philistines to his integrity and God-given favor in securing resources. The act of "calling upon the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God" (Gen 21:33) right before sojourning underscores that his continued residence and security were fundamentally rooted in his relationship with God, rather than merely human treaties. This implies that Abraham's long peaceful stay was less about Abimelech's generosity and more about divine protection and blessing active in his life.

Genesis 21 34 Commentary

Genesis 21:34 provides a quiet yet profound conclusion to Abraham's time in Gerar. It crystallizes his paradoxical existence: the heir of a magnificent land promise, yet a "sojourner" within that very land. This isn't a failure of the promise but a demonstration of its phased fulfillment and Abraham's profound faith. His "sojourning for many days" reveals a period of stable and extended peace, not through military might, but through the divine favor and diplomatic skill, evidenced by the treaty with Abimelech. This reflects the sovereign hand of God providing security and provision for Abraham, even among non-covenant people. For believers, this verse echoes the truth that earthly life, even with its blessings and comforts, is a temporary residency. We are spiritual pilgrims in a world not our ultimate home, constantly looking towards the eternal city promised by God, much like Abraham (Heb 11:10, 13). This perspective cultivates trust in God's providence, acknowledging that even in seemingly secure earthly arrangements, our true hope lies beyond them.