King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them.
Complete Jewish Bible:
This is why that place was called Be'er-Sheva [well of seven, well of an oath] - because they both swore an oath there.
Berean Standard Bible:
So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath.
American Standard Version:
Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba; because there they sware both of them.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Wherefore he called{H7121} that place{H4725} Beersheba{H884}; because there they sware{H7650} both of them{H8147}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Genesis 26:33
- And he called it Shebah: therefore the name of the city [is] Beersheba unto this day.
Genesis 21:14
- ¶ And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave [it] unto Hagar, putting [it] on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
2 Samuel 17:11
- Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that [is] by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.
1 Kings 4:25
- And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.
Joshua 15:28
- And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,
Genesis 26:23
- And he went up from thence to Beersheba.
Judges 20:1
- ¶ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Genesis 21:31
Genesis 21:31 is part of the narrative involving Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites, and Abimelech, the king of Gerar. The verse is set in the context of a covenant made between the two men. Here's a brief summary of the themes and historical context:
**Themes:**
1. **Covenant Making:** The act of making a covenant was a common practice in the ancient Near East to establish alliances, settle disputes, and ensure peace. This verse highlights the solemnity of the agreement between Abraham and Abimelech.
2. **Naming as Significant:** Naming places after significant events was a common practice in the biblical world. The naming of Beersheba (meaning "well of the oath" or "well of seven") signifies the importance of the oath taken there and serves as a lasting reminder of the covenant.
3. **Divine Providence:** The context of the verse suggests that God is involved in the affairs of Abraham, ensuring that he prospers and is treated fairly by his neighbors.
4. **Hospitality and Reciprocity:** The covenant includes an exchange of goods, with Abraham giving sheep and oxen to Abimelech, which reflects the cultural importance of hospitality and reciprocal gift-giving.
**Historical Context:**
- **Patriarchal Period:** The events are set during the Patriarchal period, which is generally considered to be around the early second millennium BCE. This period is characterized by the lives and travels of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- **Wells and Water Rights:** Water was a precious resource in the ancient Near East, and control over wells was significant for the survival of people and their flocks. The conflict and subsequent covenant over the well at Beersheba reflect the importance of water rights in this arid region.
- **Relations with Neighbors:** The story illustrates the type of interactions that occurred between the early Hebrews and their Canaanite neighbors. It shows a level of mutual respect and the need for coexistence and cooperation despite differences in social structure and religion.
In summary, Genesis 21:31 reflects the themes of covenant-making, the significance of naming, divine providence, and hospitality within the historical context of the Patriarchal period, emphasizing the importance of peaceful relations and water rights in the ancient Near East.
*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: H7121
There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָרָא
Transliteration: qârâʼ
Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. - Strong's Number: H4725
There are 379 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מָקוֹם
Transliteration: mâqôwm
Pronunciation: maw-kome'
Description: or מָקֹם; also (feminine) מְקוֹמָה; or מְקֹמָה; from קוּם; properly, a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind); country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). - Strong's Number: H884
There are 33 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע
Transliteration: Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
Pronunciation: be-ayr' sheh'-bah
Description: from בְּאֵר and שֶׁבַע (in the sense of שָׁבַע); well of an oath; Beer-Sheba, a place in Palestine; Beer-shebah. - 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. - Strong's Number: H8147
There are 647 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שְׁנַיִם
Transliteration: shᵉnayim
Pronunciation: shen-ah'-yim
Description: dual of שֵׁנִי; feminine שְׁתַּיִם; two; also (as ordinal) twofold; both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two.