Genesis 21:24

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And Abraham said, I will swear.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Avraham said, "I swear it."

Berean Standard Bible:

And Abraham replied, “I swear it.”

American Standard Version:

And Abraham said, I will swear.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And Abraham^{H85} said^{H559}, I will swear^{H7650}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 21:24

Genesis 21:24 is part of the narrative concerning Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites, and his interactions with Abimelech, the king of Gerar. In this verse, Abraham is affirming his commitment to a covenant with Abimelech through an oath. The historical context of this verse is set in the time when Abraham was living in the Negev region, having sojourned there after being called by God to leave his native land of Haran.

Themes present in this verse and its surrounding context include:

1. **Covenant and Oath**: Abraham's willingness to swear an oath underscores the importance of keeping one's word and upholding agreements in ancient Near Eastern society. It also reflects the biblical emphasis on covenants as binding promises, a theme that is central to the covenant between God and Abraham.

2. **Hospitality and Peaceful Coexistence**: Abraham's interactions with Abimelech demonstrate a level of mutual respect and hospitality that was expected between different peoples and leaders in the ancient world. This reflects the importance of peaceful coexistence and diplomacy.

3. **Righteousness and Integrity**: Abraham's actions show his integrity and righteousness, qualities that are highly valued in the biblical narrative. His adherence to moral principles is evident as he seeks to maintain just relations with his neighbors.

4. **Land and Possessions**: The broader narrative involves Abraham's establishment of a well, which leads to the dispute with Abimelech's men. This highlights the significance of land and water rights in the ancient Near East, crucial for the survival and prosperity of tribes and nations.

5. **Divine Providence**: Throughout the Genesis account, the hand of God is seen guiding Abraham's steps, ensuring his prosperity, and leading him into right relationships with others. This verse reflects the larger theme of God's providence in the lives of the faithful.

In summary, Genesis 21:24 reflects themes of covenantal faithfulness, hospitality, integrity, the importance of land and resources, and divine oversight, all set within the context of Abraham's life as a sojourner in the land of Canaan.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H85
   There are 1159 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַבְרָהָם
   Transliteration: ʼAbrâhâm
   Pronunciation: ab-raw-hawm'
   Description: contracted from אָב and an unused root (probably meaning to be populous); father of a multitude; Abraham, the later name of Abram; Abraham.
   
2. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
3. Strong's Number: H7650
   There are 175 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁבַע
   Transliteration: shâbaʻ
   Pronunciation: shaw-bah'
   Description: a primitive root; properly to be complete, but used only as a denominative from שֶׁבַע; to seven oneself, i.e. swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times); adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for שָׂבַע), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear.