Genesis 26:31 kjv

And they rose up betimes in the morning, and sware one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.

Genesis 26:31 nkjv

Then they arose early in the morning and swore an oath with one another; and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.

Genesis 26:31 niv

Early the next morning the men swore an oath to each other. Then Isaac sent them on their way, and they went away peacefully.

Genesis 26:31 esv

In the morning they rose early and exchanged oaths. And Isaac sent them on their way, and they departed from him in peace.

Genesis 26:31 nlt

Early the next morning, they each took a solemn oath not to interfere with each other. Then Isaac sent them home again, and they left him in peace.

Genesis 26 verses

Genesis 26 31 Meaning

Genesis 26:31 describes the solemnization and conclusion of a peace treaty between Isaac and Abimelech along with his officials. After spending time discussing and recognizing the Lord's blessing upon Isaac, both parties demonstrated diligence by rising early to formalize their agreement with an oath. Isaac then formally dismissed them, and they departed from him in a state of holistic well-being, signifying genuine reconciliation and the restoration of harmonious relations.

Genesis 26 31 Context

Genesis chapter 26 chronicles Isaac's sojourn during a famine in Gerar, a land of the Philistines. Despite God's reaffirmation of the Abrahamic covenant with Isaac, promising blessing, prosperity, and the land, Isaac mimics his father's deception regarding his wife Rebekah out of fear. Upon discovery, Abimelech, the king of Gerar, protects Isaac. However, as Isaac grows exceedingly wealthy through divine blessing, the Philistines become envious and fill in his wells. This leads Isaac to repeatedly move and re-dig wells, asserting his right to the land's resources. Eventually, he settles in Beersheba, where the Lord appears to him again, reassuring him. It is at Beersheba that Abimelech, accompanied by his chief minister Ahuzzath and army commander Phichol, initiates a visit to Isaac. They confess that they have seen "that the LORD is with you," seeking to establish a binding oath of non-aggression with Isaac. Genesis 26:31 directly follows Isaac's agreement to this treaty, demonstrating the culmination of the conflict with peace and Abimelech's acknowledgement of Isaac's divinely-granted favor. The context highlights Isaac's journey from fear and conflict to recognized blessing and peace through divine guidance.

Genesis 26 31 Word analysis

• So they rose up early:
  • Hebrew: vayyashkīmū (וַיַּשְׁכִּ֧ימוּ). From the root shakam (שָׁכַם), meaning "to rise early" or "to get up early."
  • Significance: This indicates urgency, diligence, and the high importance both parties placed on finalizing the agreement. It wasn't a casual meeting but a matter requiring swift action and seriousness, often associated with important events or journeys in the biblical narrative.
• in the morning:
  • Emphasizes the diligence; the task was prioritized to be the first order of the day.
• and swore an oath:
  • Hebrew: vayyishshāvʿū (וַיִּשָּׁבְע֞וּ). From the root shava' (שָׁבַע), meaning "to swear," "to take an oath," or "to bind oneself by an oath." This word is closely related to sheva (שֶׁבַע), the number seven, which can denote completion, fullness, or perfection in Hebrew thought, implying a complete and binding agreement.
  • Significance: Oaths in ancient Near Eastern cultures were solemn, legally binding acts, often involving a ritual and calling upon a deity as a witness. This meant invoking God to confirm the agreement, adding sacred weight to the human pledge.
• to one another:
  • Highlights the mutuality and reciprocal nature of the covenant. Both parties committed themselves equally to the terms of the peace.
• Then Isaac sent them away:
  • Hebrew: vayeshallᵉḥēm (וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֣ם). From the root shalach (שָׁלַח), meaning "to send," "to dismiss," "to send forth."
  • Significance: This signifies a formal dismissal, indicating the official conclusion of their diplomatic interaction. It was a polite and respectful gesture, confirming the completion of the business at hand.
• and they departed from him:
  • Hebrew: vayēlkū mēʾittô (וַיֵּלְכ֣וּ מֵאִתּ֖וֹ). From the root halakh (הָלַךְ), meaning "to go" or "to walk."
  • Simple action of leaving, yet the preceding and succeeding words elevate its meaning.
• in peace:
  • Hebrew: bᵉshālōm (בְּשָׁלֽוֹם). From shalom (שָׁלוֹם). Shalom is more than just the absence of conflict. It conveys a deep sense of wholeness, completeness, well-being, health, safety, prosperity, harmony, and reconciliation.
  • Significance: This concluding phrase underlines the true and full restoration of positive relations. Abimelech and his party left without malice, feeling secure and prosperous in their agreement with Isaac, indicating a successful and God-blessed resolution.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "rose up early...and swore an oath": This phrase highlights the intentionality and solemnity with which both parties approached the covenant. It wasn't a reluctant agreement but a diligent pursuit of a binding resolution. It speaks to the seriousness of commitment.
• "sent them away, and they departed from him in peace": This emphasizes the successful and harmonious conclusion of the negotiations. Isaac's hospitality in dismissing them combined with their departure b'shalom confirms that true reconciliation was achieved, reflecting the power of God's blessing in establishing peace for Isaac even with former adversaries.

Genesis 26 31 Bonus section

• This event serves as a strong parallel and thematic continuity with Abraham's covenant with an earlier Abimelech (Gen 21:22-34) at Beersheba, demonstrating that God's blessings and covenant relationships transcend generations, securing prosperity and peace for Abraham's lineage.
• The entire account of Genesis 26 showcases Isaac's walk by faith despite his weaknesses, and ultimately how God works all things together for his good, ensuring his fruitfulness and honor, proving Him trustworthy.
• The recognition by Abimelech ("We have surely seen that the LORD is with you") prior to the oath in the preceding verses is crucial. It reveals a clear theological statement: pagan rulers are compelled to acknowledge the living God's activity when He powerfully blesses His chosen ones, thereby serving as a polemic against the idols and ineffective gods of the surrounding nations.

Genesis 26 31 Commentary

Genesis 26:31 beautifully encapsulates the divine providence overseeing Isaac's life and the importance of covenants in ancient society. The proactive diligence of both parties—rising early—underscores the high value placed on forging this alliance. For Abimelech, it was an acknowledgment of Isaac's undeniable prosperity, which he correctly attributed to the presence of Isaac's God. For Isaac, it was an affirmation of God's faithfulness in granting him not only material blessings but also security and respect among his neighbors, turning potential enemies into treaty partners. The act of swearing an oath invoked divine witness, making the covenant a sacred commitment. The final phrase, "departed from him in peace," is critical. It implies more than merely leaving without conflict; it conveys shalom—a comprehensive state of well-being, wholeness, and harmonious relations that marked the successful outcome of the reconciliation, facilitated by Isaac's adherence to God's ways. This verse stands as a testament to how God brings peace and recognition even through challenging circumstances for His people.