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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 21:26 Abimelech replied, "I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, so I have not heard about it until today."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/21-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/01_Gen_21_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 21:26 - The Covenant at Beersheba" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Abimelech replied, I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, so I have not heard about it until today." /><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/21-26.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/21-26.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 26</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="/ad6.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/21-25.htm" title="Genesis 21:25">◄</a> Genesis 21:26 <a href="/genesis/21-27.htm" title="Genesis 21:27">►</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 />But Abimelek said, &#8220I don&#8217t know who has done this. You did not tell me, and I heard about it only today.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“This is the first I’ve heard of it,” Abimelech answered. “I have no idea who is responsible. You have never complained about this before.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, and I have not heard of it until today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I <i>of it</i>, but to day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor had I heard <i>of it</i> until today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor did I hear of it until today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And Abimelech said, &#8220I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor did I hear of it until today.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; neither did you tell me, nor did I hear of it until today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor did I hear of it until today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech said, “I do not know who did this thing. Indeed, you did not tell me, and I did not hear of it until today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech replied, “I don’t know who did this thing. You didn’t report anything to me, so I hadn’t heard about it until today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech replied, &#8220I don&#8217t know who did this thing. You didn&#8217t report anything to me, so I hadn&#8217t heard about it until today.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech said, I know not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to-day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"This is the first I've heard about it," Abimelech replied. "Why haven't you said something before? I don't have any idea who did it." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech said, I know not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but today.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Abimelech replied, "I don't know who did this. You didn't tell me, and I didn't hear about it until today."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Abimelech said, "I don't know who did this. You didn't tell me about it, and this is the first I have heard of it." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"I don't know who did this thing," Abimelech replied. "You didn't report this to me, and I didn't hear about it until today."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"I do not know who has done this thing," Abimelech replied. "Moreover, you did not tell me. I did not hear about it until today." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech said, "I do not know who has done this thing. Neither did you tell me, neither did I hear of it, until today."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech said, I know not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet have I heard of it, but to-day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech said, “I don’t know who has done this thing. You didn’t tell me, and I didn’t hear of it until today.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Abimelech says, “I have not known who has done this thing, and even you did not declare to me, and I also, I have not heard except today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Abimelech saith, 'I have not known who hath done this thing, and even thou didst not declare to me, and I also, I have not heard save to-day.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech will say, I knew not who did this thing; and also thou didst not announce to me, and also I heard not except this day.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Abimelech answered: I knew not who did this thing: and thou didst not tell me, and I heard not of it till to day. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech responded, “I do not know who did this thing, but you also did not reveal it to me, nor have I heard of it, before today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“I have no idea who did that,” Abimelech replied. “In fact, you never told me about it, nor did I ever hear of it until now.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this; you did not tell me, and I have not heard of it until today.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Abimeleck said, I do not know who has done this thing; neither did you tell me, nor have I heard of it until today.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abimelek said, “I did not know who did this matter, also you did not show me, neither had I heard except only today.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Abimelech said: 'I know not who hath done this thing; neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to-day.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech said to him, I know not who has done this thing to thee, neither didst thou tell it me, neither heard I it but only to-day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/21-26.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=4738" 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">25</span>But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized, <span class="reftext">26</span><span class="highl"><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</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“I do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">know</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">has done</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/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: wə·ḡam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">You</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: hig·gaḏ·tā (V-Hifil-Perf-2ms) -- To be conspicuous. ">tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: wə·ḡam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">so I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">have not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šā·ma‘·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">heard</a> <a href="/hebrew/1115.htm" title="1115: bil·tî (Prep) -- Constructive feminine of balah; properly, a failure of, i.e. not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until, etc.">about it until today.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative."></a> </span><span class="reftext">27</span>So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant.…<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/20-9.htm">Genesis 20:9-10</a></span><br />Then Abimelech called Abraham and asked, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought such tremendous guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should not be done.” / Abimelech also asked Abraham, “What prompted you to do such a thing?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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/31-36.htm">Genesis 31:36-42</a></span><br />Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me? / You have searched all my goods! Have you found anything that belongs to you? Put it here before my brothers and yours, that they may judge between the two of us. / I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. ...<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="/genesis/39-8.htm">Genesis 39:8-9</a></span><br />But he refused. “Look,” he said to his master’s wife, “with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he has entrusted everything he owns to my care. / No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2</a></span><br />But Pharaoh replied, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/32-21.htm">Exodus 32:21-24</a></span><br />“What did this people do to you,” Moses asked Aaron, “that you have led them into so great a sin?” / “Do not be enraged, my lord,” Aaron replied. “You yourself know that the people are intent on evil. / They told me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him!’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/22-34.htm">Numbers 22:34</a></span><br />“I have sinned,” Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “for I did not realize that you were standing in the road to confront me. And now, if this is displeasing in your sight, I will go back home.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/7-19.htm">Joshua 7:19-21</a></span><br />So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.” / “It is true,” Achan replied, “I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did: / When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3-5</a></span><br />Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” / “You have not cheated us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.” / Samuel said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/12-5.htm">2 Samuel 12:5-7</a></span><br />David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan: “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! / Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.” / Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/5-25.htm">2 Kings 5:25-27</a></span><br />When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied. / But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? / Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/31-5.htm">Job 31:5-8</a></span><br />If I have walked in falsehood or my foot has rushed to deceit, / let God weigh me with honest scales, that He may know my integrity. / If my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has followed my eyes, or if impurity has stuck to my hands, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/15-1.htm">Psalm 15:1-5</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy mountain? / He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart, / who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Proverbs 28:13</a></span><br />He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Abimelech said, I know not who has done this thing; neither did you tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day.</p><p class="hdg">I wot.</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="/2_kings/5-20.htm">2 Kings 5:20-24</a></b></br> But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, <i>as</i> the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/21-25.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/genesis/21-25.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/revelation/22-18.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/genesis/21-6.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/genesis/21-17.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/genesis/4-9.htm">Idea</a> <a href="/genesis/14-24.htm">Save</a> <a href="/genesis/19-38.htm">Today</a> <a href="/james/4-13.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/genesis/20-8.htm">Word</a> <a href="/philippians/1-22.htm">Wot</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/21-27.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/genesis/21-27.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/genesis/24-23.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/genesis/23-6.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/genesis/24-30.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/genesis/38-16.htm">Idea</a> <a href="/genesis/32-11.htm">Save</a> <a href="/genesis/24-12.htm">Today</a> <a href="/genesis/24-42.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/genesis/24-21.htm">Word</a> <a href="/genesis/44-15.htm">Wot</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>Abimelech replied</b><br>Abimelech, the king of Gerar, is a significant figure in the narrative of Genesis. His interactions with Abraham highlight themes of integrity and divine intervention. Abimelech's response here is part of a dialogue concerning a dispute over a well, which underscores the importance of water rights in the ancient Near East. This interaction also reflects the broader theme of God's protection and provision for Abraham and his descendants.<p><b>I do not know who has done this.</b><br>Abimelech's claim of ignorance suggests a lack of direct involvement or awareness of the actions of his servants. This statement can be seen as an assertion of his integrity, aligning with his previous encounter with Abraham in <a href="/genesis/20.htm">Genesis 20</a>, where God warned him in a dream. The phrase emphasizes the importance of truth and transparency in leadership, a principle that resonates throughout Scripture.<p><b>You did not tell me,</b><br>This part of the dialogue indicates a breakdown in communication between Abraham and Abimelech. It highlights the necessity of clear communication in resolving conflicts, a theme that is prevalent in biblical narratives. The lack of prior notification could suggest a misunderstanding or oversight, which is a common human experience addressed in various biblical teachings.<p><b>so I have not heard about it until today.</b><br>Abimelech's statement underscores the immediacy of the issue and his willingness to address it once informed. This reflects a proactive approach to conflict resolution, which is a valued trait in biblical leadership. The timing of the revelation is significant, as it allows for the resolution of the dispute and the establishment of a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, furthering God's plan for Abraham's lineage.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a></b><br>A Philistine king who interacts with Abraham. He is involved in a covenant with Abraham and is concerned about maintaining peaceful relations.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelites, who has settled in the region and is in a covenant relationship with God. He is involved in a dispute over a well with Abimelech.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/well_of_water.htm">Well of Water</a></b><br>The central issue in this passage is a dispute over a well that Abraham claims was seized by Abimelech's servants. Wells were vital for survival and prosperity in the ancient Near East.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/beersheba.htm">Beersheba</a></b><br>The location where this event takes place. It becomes significant as a place of covenant and oath between Abraham and Abimelech.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a></b><br>The broader context involves a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, emphasizing peace and mutual respect.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/importance_of_communication.htm">Importance of Communication</a></b><br>Abimelech's response highlights the need for clear communication to resolve conflicts. Misunderstandings can be avoided by addressing issues directly and promptly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_relationships.htm">Integrity in Relationships</a></b><br>The passage underscores the importance of integrity and honesty in dealings with others. Abimelech's willingness to address the issue shows a commitment to righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_and_protection.htm">God's Provision and Protection</a></b><br>The dispute over the well reminds us of God's provision and the need to trust Him for our needs. Abraham's life demonstrates God's faithfulness in providing for His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/peacemaking.htm">Peacemaking</a></b><br>The resolution of the conflict through a covenant reflects the biblical principle of peacemaking. Believers are called to pursue peace and reconciliation in their relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/stewardship_of_resources.htm">Stewardship of Resources</a></b><br>The well represents a critical resource, and the passage encourages responsible stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us.<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/why_do_philistines_in_genesis_contradict_history.htm">Why does the existence of Philistines in Genesis contradict the historical record, as they arrived centuries later?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_doesn't_god_stop_evil_acts.htm">Why doesn't God stop evil people from doing harm?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_gen_21_22-24_show_abimelech's_respect.htm">Does Genesis 21:22-24 align with any external sources suggesting Abimelech acknowledged Abraham's authority in that region?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_abimelech_in_genesis_26_8_related.htm">How do we reconcile the figure called Abimelech here (Genesis 26:8) with the Abimelech who interacted with Abraham generations earlier?</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>(26) <span class= "bld">I</span> <span class= "bld">wot</span> <span class= "bld">not.</span>--This explains the reason of Abimelech's visit. The king's herdsmen had robbed Abraham of a well, a species of property jealously defended in the East because of its great value, and Abraham in some way had made his displeasure felt. Abimelech, ever friendly towards Abraham, by whose nobleness of character he had been greatly impressed, comes to learn the cause of the coolness, and to enter into a more close and lasting alliance with the patriarch. With Oriental indirectness, he makes no complaint, and speaks only of his wish for continued friendship, but by his allusion to his past kindness hints that this had not been received as it ought. Abraham fully understands his real meaning, and tells him what had happened; whereupon the matter is set right, and Abraham requites his previous generosity with gifts of cattle.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 26.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Abimelech said, I wet not who hath done this thing</span>. There is no reason to question the sincerity of the Philistine monarch in disclaiming all knowledge of the act of robbery committed by his servants. <span class="cmt_word">Neither didst thou toll me, neither yet heard I of it, but today.</span> The prince rather complains that Abraham had done him an injustice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/21-26.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">Abimelech</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ</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">replied,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֣אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“I do not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">know</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדַ֔עְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏa‘·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has done</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשָׂ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·śāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזֶּ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You</span><br /><span class="heb">אַתָּ֞ה</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">did not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tell</span><br /><span class="heb">הִגַּ֣דְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(hig·gaḏ·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִּ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">so I</span><br /><span class="heb">אָנֹכִ֛י</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·nō·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heard</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(šā·ma‘·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">about it until today.”</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּלְתִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(bil·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1115.htm">Strong's 1115: </a> </span><span class="str2">A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/21-26.htm">Genesis 21:26 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/21-26.htm">Genesis 21:26 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/21-26.htm">Genesis 21:26 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/21-26.htm">Genesis 21:26 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/21-26.htm">Genesis 21:26 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/21-26.htm">Genesis 21:26 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/21-26.htm">Genesis 21:26 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/21-26.htm">Genesis 21:26 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/21-26.htm">Genesis 21:26 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/21-26.htm">Genesis 21:26 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/21-26.htm">OT Law: Genesis 21:26 Abimelech said I don't know who has (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/21-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 21:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/21-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 21:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:27" /></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>