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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 21:27 So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/21-27.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/01_Gen_21_27.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 21:27 - The Covenant at Beersheba" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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/21-27.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/21-27.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 27</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="/ad1.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/21-26.htm" title="Genesis 21:26">◄</a> Genesis 21:27 <a href="/genesis/21-28.htm" title="Genesis 21:28">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div 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 />So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelek, and the two men made a treaty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Abraham then gave some of his sheep, goats, and cattle to Abimelech, and they made a treaty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them to Abimelech; and the two of them made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them cut a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant (binding agreement).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Abraham took flocks and herds and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Abraham took sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and they two made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Abraham gave Abimelech some sheep and cattle, then the two men made a peace treaty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and they two made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Abraham took some sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made an agreement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then Abraham gave some sheep and cattle to Abimelech, and the two of them made an agreement. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So Abraham took sheep and oxen and presented them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Abraham took some sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech. The two of them made a treaty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Abraham took sheep and cattle, and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them to Abimelech: and both of them made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Abraham took sheep and cattle, and gave them to Abimelech. Those two made a covenant. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abraham takes sheep and oxen, and gives to Abimelech, and they make, both of them, a covenant;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Abraham taketh sheep and oxen, and giveth to Abimelech, and they make, both of them, a covenant;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Abraham will take sheep and oxen, and give to Abimelech; and they two made a covenant.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech: and both of them made a league. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so Abraham took sheep and oxen, and he gave them to Abimelech. And both of them struck a pact.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then Abraham took sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech and the two made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimeleck; and both of them made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abraham took sheep and oxen and he gave to Abimelek and both of them established a covenant.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and they two made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abraam took sheep and calves, and gave them to Abimelech, and both made a covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/21-27.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=4746" 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">26</span>Abimelech replied, “I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, so I have not heard about it until today.” <span class="reftext">27</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/85.htm" title="85: ’aḇ·rā·hām (N-proper-ms) -- Contracted from 'ab and an unused root; father of a multitude; Abraham, the later name of Abram.">So Abraham</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·qaḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">brought</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: ṣōn (N-cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">sheep</a> <a href="/hebrew/1241.htm" title="1241: ū·ḇā·qār (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Cattle, herd, an ox. From baqar; beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of either gender; collectively, a herd.">and cattle</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: way·yit·tên (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">and gave them</a> <a href="/hebrew/40.htm" title="40: la·’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- From 'ab and melek; father of king; Abimelek, the name of two Philistine kings and of two Israelites.">to Abimelech,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·nê·hem (Number-mdc:: 3mp) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">and the two men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3772.htm" title="3772: way·yiḵ·rə·ṯū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To cut off, cut down. A primitive root; to cut; by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant.">made</a> <a href="/hebrew/1285.htm" title="1285: bə·rîṯ (N-fs) -- A covenant. From barah (like bara'); a compact.">a covenant.</a> </span><span class="reftext">28</span>Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock,…<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="/genesis/23-16.htm">Genesis 23:16-20</a></span><br />Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants. / So Ephron’s field at Machpelah near Mamre, the cave that was in it, and all the trees within the boundaries of the field were deeded over / to Abraham’s possession in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/14-13.htm">Genesis 14:13</a></span><br />Then an escapee came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the Oaks of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and Aner, all of whom were bound by treaty to Abram.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/34-8.htm">Genesis 34:8-10</a></span><br />But Hamor said to them, “My son Shechem longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as his wife. / Intermarry with us; give us your daughters and take our daughters for yourselves. / You may settle among us, and the land will be open to you. Live here, move about freely, and acquire your own property.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-32.htm">Exodus 23:32</a></span><br />You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/9-15.htm">Joshua 9:15</a></span><br />And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">1 Samuel 18:3</a></span><br />Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/5-12.htm">1 Kings 5:12</a></span><br />And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him. There was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/16-3.htm">2 Chronicles 16:3</a></span><br />“Let there be a treaty between me and you as there was between my father and your father. See, I have sent you silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4</a></span><br />who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/33-8.htm">Isaiah 33:8</a></span><br />The highways are deserted; travel has ceased. The treaty has been broken, the witnesses are despised, and human life is disregarded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/34-18.htm">Jeremiah 34:18</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/17-13.htm">Ezekiel 17:13-16</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/5-37.htm">Matthew 5:37</a></span><br />Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them to Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.</p><p class="hdg">took.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/14-22.htm">Genesis 14:22,23</a></b></br> 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, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Proverbs 17:8</a></b></br> A gift <i>is as</i> a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16,24</a></b></br> A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men… </p><p class="hdg">made.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/26-28.htm">Genesis 26:28-31</a></b></br> And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, <i>even</i> betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-44.htm">Genesis 31:44</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="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">1 Samuel 18:3</a></b></br> Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/21-26.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/genesis/21-26.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/genesis/21-25.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/genesis/17-21.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/genesis/20-14.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/genesis/17-21.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/genesis/20-14.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/genesis/20-14.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/genesis/14-16.htm">Together</a> <a href="/hosea/12-1.htm">Treaty</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/21-29.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/genesis/21-29.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/genesis/21-28.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/genesis/26-28.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/genesis/24-35.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/genesis/21-32.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/genesis/32-5.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/genesis/22-7.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/genesis/22-6.htm">Together</a> <a href="/genesis/26-28.htm">Treaty</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 /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/genesis/21.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>So Abraham</b><br />The name "Abraham" is derived from the Hebrew "Avraham," meaning "father of many." This name change from Abram to Abraham signifies God's promise to make him a father of many nations (<a href="/genesis/17-5.htm">Genesis 17:5</a>). Abraham is a central figure in the Bible, known for his faith and obedience to God. His actions in this verse reflect his role as a patriarch and a man of integrity, willing to establish peace and mutual respect with his neighbors.<p><b>brought sheep and cattle</b><br />The act of bringing "sheep and cattle" is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context. Livestock was a primary measure of wealth and a means of sustenance. By offering these animals, Abraham demonstrates generosity and a willingness to invest in a peaceful relationship. This gesture is not merely transactional but symbolic of goodwill and the desire for lasting harmony.<p><b>and gave them to Abimelech</b><br />Abimelech, whose name means "my father is king," was a Philistine king. The giving of livestock to Abimelech signifies a gesture of reconciliation and respect. In the cultural context, such gifts were often used to seal agreements and demonstrate sincerity. Abraham's actions here reflect a commitment to peaceful coexistence and the importance of maintaining good relations with neighboring peoples.<p><b>and the two men</b><br />The phrase "the two men" emphasizes the personal nature of this covenant. It is not just a political or economic agreement but a personal commitment between two leaders. This highlights the importance of personal integrity and trust in relationships, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible.<p><b>made a covenant</b><br />The Hebrew word for "covenant" is "berit," which implies a solemn and binding agreement. Covenants in the Bible are significant, often involving promises and commitments before God. This covenant between Abraham and Abimelech is a precursor to the many covenants God makes with His people, underscoring the importance of faithfulness and mutual respect. It serves as a reminder of the power of agreements made in good faith and the divine expectation of honoring one's word.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 27.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech As the usual covenant presents</span> (cf. <a href="/1_kings/15-19.htm">1 Kings 15:19</a>; <a href="/isaiah/30-6.htm">Isaiah 30:6</a>; <a href="/isaiah/39-1.htm">Isaiah 39:1</a>). <span class="cmt_word">And both of them made a covenant</span>. As already Mature, Aner, and Eshcol had formed a league with the patriarch (<span class="accented">vide</span> <a href="/genesis/14-13.htm">Genesis 14:13</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/21-27.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">So Abraham</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְרָהָם֙</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·rā·hām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_85.htm">Strong's 85: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brought</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקַּ֤ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·qaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third 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">sheep</span><br /><span class="heb">צֹ֣אן</span> <span class="translit">(ṣōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> </span><span class="str2">Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and cattle</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבָקָ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇā·qār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1241.htm">Strong's 1241: </a> </span><span class="str2">Beef cattle, ox, a herd</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and gave</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּתֵּ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(way·yit·tên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them to Abimelech,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַאֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(la·’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the two men</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(šə·nê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - mdc | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">made</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּכְרְת֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiḵ·rə·ṯū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a covenant.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרִֽית׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·rîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1285.htm">Strong's 1285: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covenant</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/21-27.htm">Genesis 21:27 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/21-27.htm">Genesis 21:27 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/21-27.htm">Genesis 21:27 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/21-27.htm">Genesis 21:27 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/21-27.htm">Genesis 21:27 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/21-27.htm">Genesis 21:27 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/21-27.htm">Genesis 21:27 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/21-27.htm">Genesis 21:27 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/21-27.htm">Genesis 21:27 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/21-27.htm">Genesis 21:27 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/21-27.htm">OT Law: Genesis 21:27 Abraham took sheep and cattle and gave (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/21-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 21:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/21-28.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 21:28"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:28" /></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>