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Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/21-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/01_Gen_21_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 21:23 - The Covenant at Beersheba" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/21-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/21-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/21-22.htm" title="Genesis 21:22">◄</a> Genesis 21:23 <a href="/genesis/21-24.htm" title="Genesis 21:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/genesis/21.htm">New International Version</a> Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Show to me and the country where you now reside as a foreigner the same kindness I have shown to you.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/genesis/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Swear to me in God’s name that you will never deceive me, my children, or any of my descendants. I have been loyal to you, so now swear that you will be loyal to me and to this country where you are living as a foreigner.” <a href="/esv/genesis/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my descendants or with my posterity, but as I have dealt kindly with you, so you will deal with me and with the land where you have sojourned.” <a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.” <a href="/kjv/genesis/21.htm">King James Bible</a> Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/21.htm">New King James Version</a> Now therefore, swear to me by God that you will not deal falsely with me, with my offspring, or with my posterity; but that according to the kindness that I have done to you, you will do to me and to the land in which you have dwelt.” <a href="/nasb_/genesis/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> so now, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my offspring or with my descendants, but according to the kindness that I have shown to you, you shall show to me and to the land in which you have resided.” <a href="/nasb/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> now therefore, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my offspring or with my posterity, but according to the kindness that I have shown to you, you shall show to me and to the land in which you have sojourned.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> now therefore, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me, or with my offspring, or with my posterity; but according to the kindness that I have shown to you, you shall show to me, and to the land in which you have sojourned.” <a href="/lsb/genesis/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> so now, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my offspring or with my posterity, but according to the lovingkindness that I have shown you, you shall show me and the land in which you have sojourned.” <a href="/amp/genesis/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> so now, swear to me here by God that you will not deal unfairly with me [by breaking any agreements we have] or with my son or with my descendants, but as I have treated you with kindness, you shall do the same to me and to the land in which you have sojourned (temporarily lived).” <a href="/csb/genesis/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Swear to me by God here and now, that you will not break an agreement with me or with my children and descendants. As I have been loyal to you, so you will be loyal to me and to the country where you are a resident alien.” <a href="/hcsb/genesis/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Swear to me by God here and now, that you will not break an agreement with me or with my children and descendants. As I have been loyal to you, so you will be loyal to me and to the country where you are a foreign resident.&#8221 <a href="/asv/genesis/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned. <a href="/cev/genesis/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Now I want you to promise in the name of God that you will always be loyal to me and my descendants, just as I have always been loyal to you in this land where you have lived as a foreigner." <a href="/erv/genesis/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned. <a href="/gwt/genesis/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Now, swear an oath to me here in front of God that you will never cheat me, my children, or my descendants. Show me and the land where you've been living the same kindness that I have shown you." <a href="/gnt/genesis/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> So make a vow here in the presence of God that you will not deceive me, my children, or my descendants. I have been loyal to you, so promise that you will also be loyal to me and to this country in which you are living." <a href="/isv/genesis/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> Therefore swear an oath here by God that you won't deal falsely with me, my sons, or my descendants. Just as I've dealt graciously with you, won't you do so with me and with the land in which you live as a foreigner?" <a href="/msb/genesis/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.? <a href="/net/genesis/21.htm">NET Bible</a> Now swear to me right here in God's name that you will not deceive me, my children, or my descendants. Show me, and the land where you are staying, the same loyalty that I have shown you." <a href="/nheb/genesis/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now, therefore, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son. But according to the kindness that I have done to you, you shall do to me, and to the land in which you have lived as a foreigner." <a href="/wbt/genesis/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now therefore swear to me here by God, that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done to thee, thou shalt do to me, and to the land in which thou hast sojourned. <a href="/web/genesis/21.htm">World English Bible</a> Now, therefore, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son. But according to the kindness that I have done to you, you shall do to me, and to the land in which you have lived as a foreigner.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and now, swear to me by God here: you do not lie to me, or to my continuator, or to my successor; according to the kindness which I have done with you—do with me, and with the land in which you have sojourned.” <a href="/ylt/genesis/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and now, swear to me by God here: thou dost not lie to me, or to my continuator, or to my successor; according to the kindness which I have done with thee thou dost with me, and with the land in which thou hast sojourned.' <a href="/slt/genesis/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And now swear to me in God, whether if thou shalt lie to me and to my progeny, and to my progenies; according to the kindness which I did to thee, thou shalt do to me, and to the land in which thou didst sojourn in it.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Swear therefore by God, that thou wilt not hurt me, nor my posterity, nor my stock: but according to the kindness that I have done to thee, thou shalt do to me, and to the land wherein thou hast lived a stranger. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, swear by God that you will do no harm to me, and to my posterity, and to my stock. But according to the mercy that I have done to you, you will do to me and to the land, to which you have turned as a newcomer.” <a href="/nabre/genesis/21.htm">New American Bible</a> So now, swear to me by God at this place that you will not deal falsely with me or with my progeny and posterity, but will act as loyally toward me and the land in which you reside as I have acted toward you.” <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my offspring or with my posterity, but as I have dealt loyally with you, you will deal with me and with the land where you have resided as an alien.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now therefore swear to me by God in this place that you will never deal falsely with me, nor with my family, nor with my descendants; but according to the kindness that I have done to you, you shall do to me and to the land wherein you have sojourned. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And now swear to me by God here, that you will not lie to me and to my family and to my descendants, and according to the favor that I have done with you, do with me and with the land in which you dwell.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son; but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.' <a href="/sep/genesis/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Now therefore swear to me by God that thou wilt not injure me, nor my seed, nor my name, but according to the righteousness which I have performed with thee thou shalt deal with me, and with the land in which thou hast sojourned. <a href="/parallel/genesis/21-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=4714" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm">The Covenant at Beersheba</a> 22At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. 23<a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: wə·‘at·tāh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">Now, therefore,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7650.htm" title="7650: hiš·šā·ḇə·‘āh (V-Nifal-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- A primitive root; propr. To be complete, but used only as a denominative from sheba'; to seven oneself, i.e. Swear.">swear</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">to me</a> <a href="/hebrew/2008.htm" title="2008: hên·nāh (Adv) -- Hither. From hen; hither or thither.">here</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ḇê·lō·hîm (Prep-b:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">before God</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">that you will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8266.htm" title="8266: tiš·qōr (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To do or deal falsely. A primitive root; to cheat, i.e. Be untrue.">deal falsely</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">with me</a> <a href="/hebrew/5209.htm" title="5209: ū·lə·nî·nî (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Offspring, posterity. From nuwn; progeny.">or my children</a> <a href="/hebrew/5220.htm" title="5220: ū·lə·neḵ·dî (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Progeny, posterity. From an unused root meaning to propagate; offspring.">or descendants.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ta·‘ă·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">Show</a> <a href="/hebrew/5978.htm" title="5978: ‘im·mā·ḏî (Prep:: 1cs) -- Along with, against, by, from">to me</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: wə·‘im- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">to the country</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">in which</a> <a href="/hebrew/1481.htm" title="1481: gar·tāh (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to turn aside from the road, i.e. Sojourn; also to shrink, fear; also to gather for hostility.">you reside</a> <a href="/hebrew/bāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2617.htm" title="2617: ka·ḥe·seḏ (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty. From chacad; kindness; by implication piety: rarely reproof, or Beauty.">the same kindness</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">I have shown</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">to you.”</a> 24And Abraham replied, “I swear it.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/26-28.htm">Genesis 26:28-31</a> “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. ... <a href="/joshua/2-12.htm">Joshua 2:12-14</a> Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign / that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will deliver us from death.” / “Our lives for your lives!” the men agreed. “If you do not report our mission, we will show you kindness and faithfulness when the LORD gives us the land.” <a href="/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14-17</a> And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, / and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” / So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/24-21.htm">1 Samuel 24:21-22</a> So now, swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s house.” / So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold. <a href="/2_samuel/21-7.htm">2 Samuel 21:7</a> 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. <a href="/2_kings/11-4.htm">2 Kings 11:4</a> 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 <a href="/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4</a> who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath, <a href="/psalms/89-34.htm">Psalm 89:34</a> I will not violate My covenant or alter the utterance of My lips. <a href="/proverbs/11-21.htm">Proverbs 11:21</a> Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape. <a href="/isaiah/33-15.htm">Isaiah 33:15-16</a> He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears against murderous plots and shuts his eyes tightly against evil— / he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured. <a href="/jeremiah/42-5.htm">Jeremiah 42:5</a> Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act upon every word that the LORD your God sends you to tell us. <a href="/matthew/5-37.htm">Matthew 5:37</a> Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one. <a href="/matthew/26-72.htm">Matthew 26:72-74</a> And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man!” / After a little while, those standing nearby came up to Peter. “Surely you are one of them,” they said, “for your accent gives you away.” / At that he began to curse and swear to them, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. <a href="/luke/1-72.htm">Luke 1:72-73</a> to show mercy to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, / the oath He swore to our father Abraham, to grant us <a href="/john/8-58.htm">John 8:58</a> “Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am!”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done to you, you shall do to me, and to the land wherein you have sojourned.swear.<a href="/genesis/14-22.htm">Genesis 14:22,23</a> And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, … <a href="/genesis/24-3.htm">Genesis 24:3</a> And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:<a href="/genesis/26-28.htm">Genesis 26:28</a> And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;<a href="/genesis/20-14.htm">Genesis 20:14</a> And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/19-9.htm">Alien</a> <a href="/genesis/21-7.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/20-1.htm">Country</a> <a href="/genesis/19-9.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/genesis/16-6.htm">Dealt</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-2.htm">Deceitfully</a> <a href="/genesis/21-12.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-35.htm">False.</a> <a href="/1_john/1-6.htm">Falsely</a> <a href="/genesis/20-1.htm">Foreigner</a> <a href="/genesis/21-16.htm">Good</a> <a href="/genesis/20-13.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/colossians/4-11.htm">Loyally</a> <a href="/genesis/14-22.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/genesis/21-13.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-18.htm">Posterity</a> <a href="/genesis/20-13.htm">Show</a> <a href="/genesis/19-19.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/genesis/20-1.htm">Sojourned</a> <a href="/genesis/21-11.htm">Son's</a> <a href="/revelation/10-6.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/genesis/20-9.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/genesis/20-4.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/23-4.htm">Alien</a> <a href="/genesis/22-20.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/21-34.htm">Country</a> <a href="/genesis/24-12.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/genesis/33-11.htm">Dealt</a> <a href="/genesis/27-35.htm">Deceitfully</a> <a href="/genesis/22-17.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/genesis/34-13.htm">False.</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-2.htm">Falsely</a> <a href="/genesis/21-34.htm">Foreigner</a> <a href="/genesis/24-10.htm">Good</a> <a href="/genesis/24-12.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/genesis/24-49.htm">Loyally</a> <a href="/genesis/21-24.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/genesis/22-18.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/genesis/45-7.htm">Posterity</a> <a href="/genesis/24-12.htm">Show</a> <a href="/genesis/24-14.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/genesis/21-34.htm">Sojourned</a> <a href="/genesis/22-6.htm">Son's</a> <a href="/genesis/21-24.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/genesis/28-4.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/genesis/23-13.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 21</div>1. <a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Isaac is born, and circumcised.</a> 6. <a href="/genesis/21-6.htm">Sarah's joy.</a> 8. <a href="/genesis/21-8.htm">Isaac is weaned.</a> 9. <a href="/genesis/21-9.htm">Hagar and Ishmael sent away.</a> 15. <a href="/genesis/21-15.htm">Hagar in distress.</a> 17. <a href="/genesis/21-17.htm">The angel relieves and comforts her.</a> 23. <a href="/genesis/21-23.htm">Abimelech's covenant with Abraham at Beersheba.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Now, therefore, swear to me here before God This phrase highlights the solemnity and seriousness of the oath being requested. In ancient Near Eastern culture, swearing an oath before God was a binding and sacred act, indicating the importance of truthfulness and integrity. The invocation of God in the oath underscores the belief in divine witness and accountability. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God as a witness to covenants, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/genesis/31-50.htm">Genesis 31:50</a>, where Laban and Jacob make a similar agreement.that you will not deal falsely with me The request for honesty and integrity is central to maintaining peaceful relations. In the context of Genesis, Abraham had previously deceived Abimelech regarding Sarah (Genesis 20), which may have prompted this request for assurance. The emphasis on not dealing falsely is a recurring biblical principle, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/12-22.htm">Proverbs 12:22</a>, which states that lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.or my children or descendants This phrase extends the request for honesty beyond the immediate parties to future generations, highlighting the importance of long-term peace and trust. In the ancient world, familial and tribal relationships were crucial, and agreements often included provisions for descendants. This reflects the biblical theme of generational blessings and curses, as seen in <a href="/exodus/20-5.htm">Exodus 20:5-6</a>.Show to me and to the country in which you reside Abimelech's request for kindness extends to the land, indicating the interconnectedness of people and their environment. This reflects the biblical understanding of stewardship and the responsibility to care for the land, as seen in <a href="/genesis/2-15.htm">Genesis 2:15</a>. The mention of the country also underscores the importance of hospitality and fair treatment of sojourners, a theme reiterated in <a href="/leviticus/19-34.htm">Leviticus 19:34</a>.the same kindness that I have shown to you. Abimelech appeals to the principle of reciprocity, a common cultural norm in the ancient Near East. This reflects the biblical ethic of treating others as one wishes to be treated, as articulated in <a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12</a>. The kindness shown by Abimelech likely refers to his previous interactions with Abraham, including the resolution of the conflict over Sarah and the granting of land rights. This principle of reciprocal kindness is foundational to covenant relationships throughout scripture.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a> The patriarch of the Israelites, who is living in the land of the Philistines at this time. 2. <a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a> The king of Gerar, who seeks a covenant with Abraham to ensure mutual honesty and kindness. 3. <a href="/topical/p/phicol.htm">Phicol</a> The commander of Abimelech's army, present as a witness to the covenant. 4. <a href="/topical/g/gerar.htm">Gerar</a> The region where Abimelech rules and where Abraham is residing temporarily. 5. <a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a> A formal agreement or promise made between Abraham and Abimelech to ensure peaceful relations and mutual respect.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_integrity.htm">The Importance of Integrity</a> Abraham is called to live with integrity, reflecting God's character. As Christians, we are to be truthful and honest in all our dealings. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_covenants.htm">The Role of Covenants</a> Covenants are serious commitments that require faithfulness. Our relationship with God is based on His covenant promises, and we are called to uphold our commitments to others. <a href="/topical/k/kindness_as_a_witness.htm">Kindness as a Witness</a> Abimelech's request for kindness reflects the impact of Abraham's witness. Our actions should demonstrate God's love and kindness to those around us. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_reconciliation.htm">The Power of Reconciliation</a> Despite past deception, Abraham and Abimelech seek reconciliation. We are called to pursue peace and reconciliation in our relationships. <a href="/topical/g/generational_impact.htm">Generational Impact</a> The covenant extends to future generations, reminding us that our actions and commitments affect those who come after us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 21</a> <a href="/q/how_were_days_counted_before_the_sun.htm">If Genesis describes the creation of the sun on the fourth day, how were there 'days' before the sun existed?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_the_pledge_align_with_god.htm">How does the Pledge align with allegiance to God?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_respond_to_those_who_wrong_us.htm">How should we respond to those who wrong us?</a> <a href="/q/swear_oaths__leviticus_vs._matthew.htm">Should we swear oaths? (Leviticus 19:12 vs. Matthew 5:34)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) Nor with my son, nor with my son's son.--The words are not those commonly used for son and grandson, but a Hebrew phrase signifying my kith and kin. They might be translated, "nor with mine offshoot nor mine offspring." The words occur again in the same proverbial way in <a href="/job/18-19.htm" title="He shall neither have son nor nephew among his people, nor any remaining in his dwellings.">Job 18:19</a>; <a href="/isaiah/14-22.htm" title="For I will rise up against them, said the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, said the LORD.">Isaiah 14:22</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - Now therefore swear unto me here by God - the verb to swear is derived from the Hebrew numeral seven, inasmuch as the septennary number was sacred, and oaths were confirmed either by seven sacrifices (<a href="/genesis/21-28.htm">Genesis 21:28</a>) or by seven witnesses and pledges - that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, - literally, if thou shalt lie unto me; a common form of oath in Hebrew, in which the other member of the sentence is for emphasis left unexpressed (cf. <a href="/ruth/1-17.htm">Ruth 1:17</a>, and vide <a href="/genesis/14-23.htm">Genesis 14:23</a>). As a prince, Abimelech was afraid of Abraham's growing power; as a good man, he insures the safety of himself and his dominions not by resorting to war, but by forming an amicable treaty with his neighbor - nor with my son, nor with my son's son: - σπέρμα καὶ ὅνομα (LXX.); posteri et stirps (Vulgate); offspring and progeny (Kalisch); kith and kin (Murphy) - but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee (vide <a href="/genesis/20-15.htm">Genesis 20:15</a>), thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned - the land being put for the people (cf. <a href="/numbers/14-13.htm">Numbers 14:13</a>). <a href="/commentaries/genesis/21-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now, therefore, וְעַתָּ֗ה (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> At this time swear הִשָּׁ֨בְעָה (hiš·šā·ḇə·‘āh) Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7650.htm">Strong's 7650: </a> To seven oneself, swear to me לִּ֤י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> here הֵ֔נָּה (hên·nāh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2008.htm">Strong's 2008: </a> Hither, thither before God בֵֽאלֹהִים֙ (ḇê·lō·hîm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative that you will not אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not deal falsely תִּשְׁקֹ֣ר (tiš·qōr) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8266.htm">Strong's 8266: </a> To do or deal falsely with me לִ֔י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> or my children וּלְנִינִ֖י (ū·lə·nî·nî) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5209.htm">Strong's 5209: </a> Offspring, posterity or descendants. וּלְנֶכְדִּ֑י (ū·lə·neḵ·dî) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5220.htm">Strong's 5220: </a> Progeny, posterity Show תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה (ta·‘ă·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make to me עִמָּדִ֔י (‘im·mā·ḏî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5978.htm">Strong's 5978: </a> Against, by, from, me, mine, of, that I take, unto, and וְעִם־ (wə·‘im-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with to the country הָאָ֖רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land in which אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you reside גַּ֥רְתָּה (gar·tāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1481.htm">Strong's 1481: </a> To turn aside from the road, sojourn, to shrink, fear, to gather for, hostility the same kindness כַּחֶ֜סֶד (ka·ḥe·seḏ) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2617.htm">Strong's 2617: </a> Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty that אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that I have shown עָשִׂ֤יתִי (‘ā·śî·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make to you.” עִמְּךָ֙ (‘im·mə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/21-23.htm">Genesis 21:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/21-23.htm">Genesis 21:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/21-23.htm">Genesis 21:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/21-23.htm">Genesis 21:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/21-23.htm">Genesis 21:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/21-23.htm">Genesis 21:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/21-23.htm">Genesis 21:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/21-23.htm">Genesis 21:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/21-23.htm">Genesis 21:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/21-23.htm">Genesis 21:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/21-23.htm">OT Law: Genesis 21:23 Now therefore swear to me here (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/21-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 21:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/21-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 21:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:24" /></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>