King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Avraham put seven female lambs from the flock by themselves.
Berean Standard Bible:
Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock,
American Standard Version:
And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And Abraham{H85} set{H5324} seven{H7651} ewe lambs{H3535} of the flock{H6629} by themselves.
Cross-References (KJV):
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Genesis 21:28
Genesis 21:28 is a verse that captures a moment in the life of Abraham, one of the patriarchs of the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths. This verse is part of the narrative concerning the binding of Isaac, also known as the Akedah, and the subsequent events. In the broader context, God had instructed Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac as a test of his faith, but at the last moment, provided a ram to be sacrificed in Isaac's place.
The specific act of Abraham setting aside seven ewe lambs is symbolic and has layers of meaning. In the immediate historical context, the setting aside of these lambs could be seen as a gesture of gratitude or as a peace offering. The number seven often represents perfection or completeness in the Bible, suggesting that Abraham's offering was wholehearted and without reservation. Additionally, the ewe lambs, being female, may symbolize the purity and innocence of the sacrifice, emphasizing the significance of the moment and the covenant between God and Abraham.
The themes present in this verse include faith, obedience, and covenant. Abraham's willingness to follow God's command, even to the point of sacrificing his own son, is a powerful demonstration of his faith. By setting aside the seven ewe lambs, Abraham not only closes the chapter of the sacrifice but also reaffirms his commitment to God's covenant, which promised him descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. This act also serves as a precursor to the establishment of a tradition of sacrifice and worship that would be central to the religious practices of the Israelites.
In summary, Genesis 21:28 reflects the themes of faith, divine testing, covenant, and worship. It illustrates Abraham's unwavering obedience to God and the establishment of a pattern of sacrifice that would become integral to the religious identity of his descendants. The verse encapsulates a moment of profound religious significance, marking the end of a trial and the reaffirmation of a divine promise that would shape the history of the people of Israel.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- 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. - Strong's Number: H5324
There are 75 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָצַב
Transliteration: nâtsab
Pronunciation: naw-tsab'
Description: a primitive root; to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively); appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. - Strong's Number: H7651
There are 345 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֶׁבַע
Transliteration: shebaʻ
Pronunciation: sheh'-bah
Description: or (masculine) (שִׁבְעָה); from שָׁבַע; a primitive cardinal number; seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number; ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare שִׁבְעָנָה. - Strong's Number: H3535
There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כִּבְשָׂה
Transliteration: kibsâh
Pronunciation: kib-saw'
Description: or כַּבְשָׂה; feminine of כֶּבֶשׂ; a ewe; (ewe) lamb. - Strong's Number: H6629
There are 247 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: צֹאן
Transliteration: tsôʼn
Pronunciation: tsone
Description: or צאוֹן; (Psalm 144:13), from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men); (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds).