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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He replied, &#8220Accept these seven lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Abraham replied, “Please accept these seven lambs to show your agreement that I dug this well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he said, For <i>these</i> seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And he said, “You will take <i>these</i> seven ewe lambs from my hand, that they may be my witness that I have dug this well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He said, “You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand so that it may be a witness for me, that I dug this well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He said, &#8220You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand so that it may be a witness to me, that I dug this well.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And he said, “You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand in order that it may be a witness to me, that I dug this well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He said, “You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand so that it may be a witness to me, that I dug this well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Abraham said, “You are to accept these seven ewe lambs from me as a witness for me, that I dug this well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from me so that this act will serve as my witness that I dug this well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He replied, &#8220You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand so that this act will serve as my witness that I dug this well.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said, These seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that it may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Abraham replied, "I want you to accept these seven lambs as proof that I dug this well." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he said, These seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that it may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Abraham answered, "Accept these lambs from me so that they may be proof that I dug this well." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Abraham answered, "Accept these seven lambs. By doing this, you admit that I am the one who dug this well." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He replied, "You are to accept from me these seven ewe lambs as a witness that I have dug this well." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He replied, ?You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He replied, "You must take these seven ewe lambs from my hand as legal proof that I dug this well."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He said, "You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that it may be a witness to me, that I have dug this well."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he said, For these seven ewe-lambs shalt thou take from my hand, that they may be a witness to me, that I have digged this well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He said, “You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that it may be a witness to me, that I have dug this well.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he says, “For—the seven lambs you accept from my hand, so that it becomes a witness for me that I have dug this well”;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he saith, 'For -- the seven lambs thou dost accept from my hand, so that it becometh a witness for me that I have digged this well;'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will say, For the seven ewe lambs thou shalt take from my hand, in order to be to me for a testimony that I dug this well.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But he said: Thou shalt take seven ewe lambs at my hand: that they may be a testimony for me, that I dug this well. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But he said, “You will receive seven female lambs from my hand, so that they may be a testimony for me, that I dug this well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Abraham answered, “The seven ewe lambs you shall accept from me that you may be my witness that I dug this well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He said, “These seven ewe lambs you shall accept from my hand, in order that you may be a witness for me that I dug this well.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he said, For these seven ewe lambs you shall take of my hands that they may be a witness for me that I have digged this well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he said, “Take from my hands the seven ewes so that it may be a testimony to me that I have dug this well.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he said: 'Verily, these seven ewe-lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that it may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abraam said, Thou shalt receive the seven ewe-lambs of me, that they may be for me as a witness, that I dug this well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/21-30.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=4762" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm">The Covenant at Beersheba</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">29</span>and Abimelech asked him, “Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?” <span class="reftext">30</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">He replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: tiq·qaḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">“You are to accept</a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: še·ḇa‘ (Number-fs) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">the seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/3535.htm" title="3535: kə·ḇā·śōṯ (N-fp) -- Ewe lamb. Or kabsah; feminine of kebes; a ewe.">ewe lambs</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: mî·yā·ḏî (Prep-m:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">from my hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/5668.htm" title="5668: ba·‘ă·ḇūr (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Or rabur; passive participle of abar; properly, crossed, i.e. transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: tih·yeh- (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5713.htm" title="5713: lə·‘ê·ḏāh (Prep-l:: N-fs) -- Testimony, witness. Feminine of ed in its techn. Sense; testimony.">as my witness</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/2658.htm" title="2658: ḥā·p̄ar·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To dig, search for. A primitive root; properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore.">I dug</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: haz·zōṯ (Art:: Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/875.htm" title="875: hab·bə·’êr (Art:: N-fs) -- A well, pit. From ba'ar; a pit; especially a well.">well.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">31</span>So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/26-28.htm">Genesis 26:28-31</a></span><br />“We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you / that you will not harm us, just as we have not harmed you but have done only good to you, sending you on your way in peace. And now you are blessed by the LORD.” / So Isaac prepared a feast for them, and they ate and drank. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-44.htm">Genesis 31:44-54</a></span><br />Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.” / So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a pillar, / and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/24-27.htm">Joshua 24:27</a></span><br />And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/24-8.htm">Exodus 24:8</a></span><br />So Moses took the blood, splattered it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">1 Samuel 18:3-4</a></span><br />Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. / And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-16.htm">1 Samuel 20:16-17</a></span><br />So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” / And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/21-7.htm">2 Samuel 21:7</a></span><br />Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/11-4.htm">2 Kings 11:4</a></span><br />Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada sent for the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, and had them brought into the house of the LORD. There he made a covenant with them and put them under oath. He showed them the king’s son<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/50-5.htm">Psalm 50:5</a></span><br />“Gather to Me My saints, who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm">Isaiah 55:3</a></span><br />Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/34-18.htm">Jeremiah 34:18-19</a></span><br />And those who have transgressed My covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before Me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two in order to pass between its pieces. / The officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the court officials, the priests, and all the people of the land who passed between the pieces of the calf,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/17-13.htm">Ezekiel 17:13-19</a></span><br />He took a member of the royal family and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. Then he carried away the leading men of the land, / so that the kingdom would be brought low, unable to lift itself up, surviving only by keeping his covenant. / But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending his envoys to Egypt to ask for horses and a large army. Will he flourish? Will the one who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-28.htm">Matthew 26:28</a></span><br />This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-20.htm">Luke 22:20</a></span><br />In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-53.htm">John 6:53-56</a></span><br />So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man, you have no life in you. / Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. / For My flesh is real food, and My blood is real drink. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shall you take of my hand, that they may be a witness to me, that I have dig this well.</p><p class="hdg">a witness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-44.htm">Genesis 31:44-48,52</a></b></br> Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/22-27.htm">Joshua 22:27,28</a></b></br> But <i>that</i> it <i>may be</i> a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/24-27.htm">Joshua 24:27</a></b></br> And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/14-24.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/romans/11-3.htm">Digged</a> <a href="/romans/11-3.htm">Dug</a> <a href="/genesis/21-29.htm">Ewe</a> <a href="/genesis/21-29.htm">Ewe-Lambs</a> <a href="/genesis/21-18.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/21-29.htm">Lambs</a> <a href="/genesis/21-29.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/genesis/18-20.htm">Verily</a> <a href="/genesis/21-25.htm">Water-Hole</a> <a href="/revelation/22-20.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/23-13.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/genesis/26-15.htm">Digged</a> <a href="/genesis/26-15.htm">Dug</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-10.htm">Ewe</a> <a href="/genesis/21-28.htm">Ewe-Lambs</a> <a href="/genesis/22-6.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/30-32.htm">Lambs</a> <a href="/genesis/23-1.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/genesis/42-21.htm">Verily</a> <a href="/genesis/26-21.htm">Water-Hole</a> <a href="/genesis/30-13.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Isaac is born, and circumcised.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-6.htm">Sarah's joy.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-8.htm">Isaac is weaned.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-9.htm">Hagar and Ishmael sent away.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-15.htm">Hagar in distress.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-17.htm">The angel relieves and comforts her.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-23.htm">Abimelech's covenant with Abraham at Beersheba.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He replied</b><br>This phrase indicates a response, suggesting a dialogue or negotiation. In the context of <a href="/genesis/21.htm">Genesis 21</a>, Abraham is speaking to Abimelech, the king of Gerar. This interaction follows a dispute over a well, highlighting the importance of water rights in the ancient Near East, a region where water was a precious and often contested resource.<p><b>You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand</b><br>The offering of seven ewe lambs serves as a symbolic gesture of covenant and peace. The number seven often represents completeness or perfection in biblical texts, seen in the creation narrative and other covenantal contexts. Ewe lambs, being valuable livestock, signify a significant offering, underscoring Abraham's sincerity and the importance of the well. This act of giving also reflects the cultural practices of gift-giving to seal agreements or treaties.<p><b>as my witness</b><br>The use of the term "witness" here is legal and covenantal. In ancient times, physical objects or actions often served as witnesses to agreements, much like a signed contract today. The seven ewe lambs are a tangible testimony to the agreement between Abraham and Abimelech, ensuring that future generations would recognize the legitimacy of Abraham's claim to the well.<p><b>that I dug this well</b><br>Wells were vital for survival and prosperity, especially in arid regions. The act of digging a well was labor-intensive and signified ownership and rights to the water. This phrase emphasizes Abraham's initiative and effort in securing resources for his family and flocks. The well at Beersheba becomes a significant location in biblical history, later associated with the patriarchs and serving as a boundary marker in Israel's territory. The well also symbolizes God's provision and faithfulness, as seen in other biblical narratives where wells are places of divine encounter and blessing.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelites, who is making a covenant with Abimelech in this passage. He is a central figure in Genesis, known for his faith and obedience to God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a></b><br>The king of Gerar, who enters into a covenant with Abraham. He previously interacted with Abraham in <a href="/bsb/genesis/20.htm">Genesis 20</a>, where he took Sarah into his household, believing she was Abraham's sister.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/beersheba.htm">Beersheba</a></b><br>The location where this covenant is made. It becomes a significant place in the biblical account, often associated with oaths and covenants.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_well.htm">The Well</a></b><br>A source of water that Abraham claims to have dug, which becomes a point of contention and is central to the covenant between him and Abimelech.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/seven_ewe_lambs.htm">Seven Ewe Lambs</a></b><br>These are given by Abraham to Abimelech as a witness to the covenant, symbolizing peace and agreement.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_covenants.htm">The Importance of Covenants</a></b><br>Covenants are foundational in the biblical account, representing commitments and promises. Abraham's covenant with Abimelech shows the importance of clear agreements and peaceful resolutions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_the_seven_ewe_lambs.htm">Symbolism of the Seven Ewe Lambs</a></b><br>The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible. Abraham's offering of seven ewe lambs signifies a complete and sincere commitment to the covenant.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_and_faithfulness.htm">God's Provision and Faithfulness</a></b><br>The well represents God's provision for Abraham and his descendants. Trusting in God's provision is a recurring theme in the life of Abraham.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/peacemaking_and_conflict_resolution.htm">Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution</a></b><br>Abraham's approach to resolving the dispute over the well is a model for handling conflicts with integrity and generosity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'by_my_spirit'_mean.htm">Where is Beersheba mentioned in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_biblical_meaning_of_7.htm">What is the biblical significance of the number seven?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_beersheba_well_in_genesis.htm">Where is the historical or archaeological evidence for the well at Beersheba mentioned in Genesis 21:25-31?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_foods_are_mentioned_in_the_bible.htm">What foods are mentioned in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/21-30.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He replied,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֕אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“You are to accept</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּקַּ֖ח</span> <span class="translit">(tiq·qaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the seven</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֣בַע</span> <span class="translit">(še·ḇa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ewe lambs</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּבָשֹׂ֔ת</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ḇā·śōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3535.htm">Strong's 3535: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ewe lamb</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from my hand</span><br /><span class="heb">מִיָּדִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(mî·yā·ḏî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as my witness</span><br /><span class="heb">לְעֵדָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(lə·‘ê·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5713.htm">Strong's 5713: </a> </span><span class="str2">Testimony, witness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֚י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I dug</span><br /><span class="heb">חָפַ֖רְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·p̄ar·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2658.htm">Strong's 2658: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pry into, to delve, to explore</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזֹּֽאת׃</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, </span><br /><br /><span class="word">well.”</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבְּאֵ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bə·’êr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_875.htm">Strong's 875: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pit, a well</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/21-30.htm">Genesis 21:30 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/21-30.htm">Genesis 21:30 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/21-30.htm">Genesis 21:30 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/21-30.htm">Genesis 21:30 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/21-30.htm">Genesis 21:30 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/21-30.htm">Genesis 21:30 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/21-30.htm">Genesis 21:30 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/21-30.htm">Genesis 21:30 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/21-30.htm">Genesis 21:30 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/21-30.htm">Genesis 21:30 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/21-30.htm">OT Law: Genesis 21:30 He said You shall take these seven (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/21-29.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 21:29"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:29" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/21-31.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 21:31"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:31" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>