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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.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/21-24.htm" title="Genesis 21:24">◄</a> Genesis 21:25 <a href="/genesis/21-26.htm" title="Genesis 21:26">►</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"><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 />Then Abraham complained to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimelek&#8217s servants had seized.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had taken by force from Abraham’s servants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When Abraham reproved Abimelech about a well of water that Abimelech’s servants had seized,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Abraham rebuked Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had seized.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Abraham complained to Abimelech because of the well of water which the servants of Abimelech had seized.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But Abraham complained to Abimelech because of the well of water which the servants of Abimelech had seized.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But Abraham complained to Abimelech because of the well of water which the servants of Abimelech had seized.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But Abraham reproved Abimelech about the well of water which the servants of Abimelech had seized.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well of water which the servants of Abimelech had [violently] seized [from him],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Abraham complained to Abimelech because of the well that Abimelech’s servants had seized.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Abraham complained to Abimelech because of the water well that Abimelech&#8217s servants had seized. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of the well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />One day, Abraham told Abimelech, "Some of your servants have taken over one of my wells." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of the well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well which Abimelech's servants had seized.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well which the servants of Abimelech had seized. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well of water that Abimelech's servants had seized.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech?s servants had seized,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But Abraham lodged a complaint against Abimelech concerning a well that Abimelech's servants had seized.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Abraham complained to Abimelech because of a water well, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Abraham reproved Abimelech, because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Abraham complained to Abimelech because of a water well, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away. <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 reasoned with Abimelech concerning the matter of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants have violently taken away,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Abraham reasoned with Abimelech concerning the matter of a well of water which Abimelech's servants have taken violently away,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Abraham rebuked Abimelech on account of the well of waters which Abimelech's servants took away by force.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he reproved Abimelech for a well of water, which his servants had taken away by force. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which his servants had taken away by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Abraham, however, reproached Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized by force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well of water that Abimelech’s servants had seized,<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 reproved Abimeleck because of a well which Abraham's servants had dug and which Abimeleck's servants had seized.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abraham reproved Abimelek concerning a matter of a well of waters that the Servants of Abraham had dug and the Servants of Abimelek had taken it.<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 reproved Abimelech because of the well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abraam reproved Abimelech because of the wells of water, which the servants of Abimelech took away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/21-25.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=4732" 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">24</span>And Abraham replied, “I swear it.” <span class="reftext">25</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.">But when Abraham</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/3198.htm" title="3198: wə·hō·w·ḵi·aḥ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To decide, adjudge, prove. A primitive root; to be right; reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict.">complained</a> <a href="/hebrew/40.htm" title="40: ’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ (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/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">about</a> <a href="/hebrew/182.htm" title="182: ’ō·ḏō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- A cause. Or rodowth; from the same as 'uwd; turnings; on account of."></a> <a href="/hebrew/875.htm" title="875: bə·’êr (N-fsc) -- A well, pit. From ba'ar; a pit; especially a well.">a well</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: ham·ma·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen."></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/40.htm" title="40: ’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ (N-proper-ms) -- From 'ab and melek; father of king; Abimelek, the name of two Philistine kings and of two Israelites.">Abimelech’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·ḏê (N-mpc) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/1497.htm" title="1497: gā·zə·lū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To tear away, seize, rob. A primitive root; to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob.">had seized,</a> </span><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.”…<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/26-15.htm">Genesis 26:15-22</a></span><br />So the Philistines took dirt and stopped up all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the days of his father Abraham. / Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “Depart from us, for you are much too powerful for us.” / So Isaac left that place and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-25.htm">Genesis 31:25-30</a></span><br />Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there as well. / Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war! / Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/13-7.htm">Genesis 13:7-9</a></span><br />And there was discord between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were also living in the land. / So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are kinsmen. / Is not the whole land before you? Now separate yourself from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/34-30.htm">Genesis 34:30</a></span><br />Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble upon me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people of this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/2-17.htm">Exodus 2:17</a></span><br />And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-33.htm">Exodus 21:33-34</a></span><br />If a man opens or digs a pit and fails to cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls into it, / the owner of the pit shall make restitution; he must pay its owner, and the dead animal will be his.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/20-19.htm">Numbers 20:19</a></span><br />“We will stay on the main road,” the Israelites replied, “and if we or our herds drink your water, we will pay for it. There will be no problem; only let us pass through on foot.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-15.htm">1 Samuel 25:15-16</a></span><br />Yet these men were very good to us. When we were in the field, we were not harassed, and nothing of ours went missing the whole time we lived among them. / They were a wall around us, both day and night, the whole time we were herding our sheep near them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/21-3.htm">1 Kings 21:3</a></span><br />But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/3-25.htm">2 Kings 3:25</a></span><br />They destroyed the cities, and each man threw stones on every good field until it was covered. They stopped up every spring and cut down every good tree. Only Kir-haraseth was left with stones in place, but men with slings surrounded it and attacked it as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-8.htm">Proverbs 25:8-10</a></span><br />do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame? / Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, / lest the one who hears may disgrace you, and your infamy never go away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-7.htm">Isaiah 5:7</a></span><br />For the vineyard of the LORD of Hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the plant of His delight. He looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard a cry of distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Matthew 5:25-26</a></span><br />Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. / Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15-17</a></span><br />If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-58.htm">Luke 12:58-59</a></span><br />Make every effort to reconcile with your adversary while you are on your way to the magistrate. Otherwise, he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and the officer may throw you into prison. / I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.</p><p class="hdg">reproved.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/26-15.htm">Genesis 26:15-22</a></b></br> For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/29-8.htm">Genesis 29:8</a></b></br> And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and <i>till</i> they roll the stone from the well's mouth; then we water the sheep.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/2-15.htm">Exodus 2:15-17</a></b></br> Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well… </p><p class="hdg">because.</p><p class="hdg">servants.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/13-7.htm">Genesis 13:7</a></b></br> And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/26-15.htm">Genesis 26:15-22</a></b></br> For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/2-16.htm">Exodus 2:16,17</a></b></br> Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew <i>water</i>, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/genesis/20-18.htm">Abimelech's</a> <a href="/judges/9-53.htm">Abim'elech's</a> <a href="/genesis/21-24.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Complained</a> <a href="/revelation/6-13.htm">Force</a> <a href="/genesis/21-17.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/titus/3-10.htm">Protest</a> <a href="/genesis/20-16.htm">Reasoned</a> <a href="/genesis/20-16.htm">Reproved</a> <a href="/genesis/19-16.htm">Seized</a> <a href="/genesis/20-17.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/revelation/18-21.htm">Violently</a> <a href="/genesis/21-19.htm">Water</a> <a href="/luke/14-5.htm">Water-Hole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/21-26.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/genesis/21-26.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/9-53.htm">Abimelech's</a> <a href="/judges/9-53.htm">Abim'elech's</a> <a href="/genesis/21-27.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/numbers/11-1.htm">Complained</a> <a href="/genesis/31-31.htm">Force</a> <a href="/genesis/24-9.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/genesis/43-3.htm">Protest</a> <a href="/matthew/16-7.htm">Reasoned</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-21.htm">Reproved</a> <a href="/genesis/22-13.htm">Seized</a> <a href="/genesis/22-5.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/27-33.htm">Violently</a> <a href="/genesis/24-11.htm">Water</a> <a href="/genesis/21-30.htm">Water-Hole</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>But when Abraham complained to Abimelech</b><br>Abraham, a key patriarch in biblical history, is depicted here in a moment of conflict resolution. This interaction with Abimelech, the king of Gerar, highlights the importance of maintaining peaceful relations with neighboring leaders. The context of this complaint is rooted in the covenantal relationship established earlier in <a href="/genesis/20.htm">Genesis 20</a>, where Abraham and Abimelech had previously interacted. This encounter underscores the ongoing need for diplomacy and negotiation in maintaining peace and justice, reflecting the broader biblical theme of living peaceably with others (<a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a>).<p><b>about a well</b><br>Wells were vital in the ancient Near East, serving as essential sources of water for survival, agriculture, and livestock. The mention of a well signifies the importance of water rights and the sustenance it provided for Abraham's growing household. In biblical times, wells were often sites of contention, as seen in other narratives such as Isaac's disputes over wells in <a href="/genesis/26.htm">Genesis 26</a>. This particular well represents God's provision and the sustenance of His promises to Abraham, as water is often symbolic of life and blessing in Scripture (<a href="/john/4-14.htm">John 4:14</a>).<p><b>that Abimelech’s servants had seized</b><br>The seizure of the well by Abimelech's servants indicates a breach of the earlier peace agreement between Abraham and Abimelech. This act of taking control of the well could be seen as a challenge to Abraham's rights and God's promises to him. The cultural context of the time often involved disputes over land and resources, which were resolved through negotiation or conflict. This incident foreshadows future conflicts over land and resources in the biblical narrative, such as the Israelites' later struggles to claim the Promised Land. It also points to the need for vigilance in protecting what God has entrusted to His people, a theme echoed in the New Testament's call to guard one's faith and inheritance in Christ (<a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">1 Timothy 6:20</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this passage, he is addressing a grievance regarding a well.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a></b><br>The king of Gerar, who previously had interactions with Abraham, including a covenant. He represents the local authority and is involved in the dispute over the well.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/well.htm">Well</a></b><br>A vital resource in the arid region, symbolizing sustenance and survival. The well's seizure represents a significant conflict over resources.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/abimelech's_servants.htm">Abimelech’s Servants</a></b><br>They are the ones who seized the well, causing the dispute between Abraham and Abimelech.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/gerar.htm">Gerar</a></b><br>The region where Abimelech ruled and where Abraham sojourned. It is significant as a place of interaction between Abraham and the local inhabitants.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/conflict_resolution.htm">Conflict Resolution</a></b><br>Abraham's approach to addressing the dispute with Abimelech highlights the importance of direct communication and seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_resources.htm">Value of Resources</a></b><br>The well represents essential resources, reminding us of the need to steward God's provisions wisely and justly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_relationships.htm">Integrity in Relationships</a></b><br>Abraham's complaint to Abimelech underscores the importance of honesty and integrity in our dealings with others, especially in matters of justice and fairness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>Abraham's actions demonstrate faith in God's promises, trusting that God will provide and protect even in disputes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/covenantal_relationships.htm">Covenantal Relationships</a></b><br>The interaction between Abraham and Abimelech reflects the significance of maintaining and honoring covenants and agreements with others.<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/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'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_of_abimelech's_gerar_in_genesis_20.htm">Is there any archaeological or historical evidence to support the presence of Abimelech or a kingdom in Gerar at the time of Genesis 20? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_esau_sell_his_birthright.htm">Why did Esau sell his birthright to Jacob?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 25.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Abraham reproved</span> (literally, <span class="accented">reasoned with</span>, and proved to the satisfaction of) <span class="cmt_word">Abimelech</span> (who was, until informed, entirely unacquainted with the action of his servants) <span class="cmt_word">because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.</span> The greatest possible injury of a material kind that could be done to a nomads chief was the all faction of his water supplies. Hence "the ownership of wells m Palestine was as jealously guarded as the possession of a mine in our own" (Inglis). Contests for wells "<span class="accented">are</span> now very common all over the country, but more especially in the southern deserts" (Thomson, 'Land and Book,' p. 559). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/21-25.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">But when Abraham</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְרָהָ֖ם</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">complained</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהוֹכִ֥חַ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hō·w·ḵi·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3198.htm">Strong's 3198: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convict</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Abimelech</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">about</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a well</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאֵ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’êr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<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 /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abimelech’s</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">servants</span><br /><span class="heb">עַבְדֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḇ·ḏê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had seized,</span><br /><span class="heb">גָּזְל֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(gā·zə·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1497.htm">Strong's 1497: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pluck off, to flay, strip, rob</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/21-25.htm">Genesis 21:25 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/21-25.htm">Genesis 21:25 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/21-25.htm">Genesis 21:25 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/21-25.htm">Genesis 21:25 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/21-25.htm">Genesis 21:25 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/21-25.htm">Genesis 21:25 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/21-25.htm">Genesis 21:25 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/21-25.htm">Genesis 21:25 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/21-25.htm">Genesis 21:25 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/21-25.htm">Genesis 21:25 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/21-25.htm">OT Law: Genesis 21:25 Abraham complained to Abimelech because (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/21-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 21:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/21-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 21:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:26" /></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>