Genesis 21:23

KJV

Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: [but] according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore swear {H7650} unto me here {H2008} by God {H430} that thou wilt not deal falsely {H8266} with me, nor with my son {H5209}, nor with my son's son {H5220}: but according to the kindness {H2617} that I have done {H6213} unto thee, thou shalt do {H6213} unto me, and to the land {H776} wherein thou hast sojourned {H1481}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, swear to me here by God that you will never deal falsely with me or with my son or grandson; but according to the kindness with which I have treated you, you will treat me and the land in which you have lived as a foreigner.

Berean Standard Bible

Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.”

American Standard Version

now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Abimelech, the Philistine king of Gerar, approaches Abraham to secure a binding oath. Having observed God's manifest blessing and prosperity upon Abraham in all his undertakings, Abimelech seeks to establish a lasting covenant of peace and non-aggression. This agreement is intended to extend beyond their immediate relationship, encompassing their future descendants and addressing the status of Abraham's people as sojourners in Abimelech's territory. The request underscores the critical importance of integrity, reciprocal kindness, and secure intergenerational relationships in the ancient Near Eastern context, particularly concerning land rights and stability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Abimelech and his commander, Phichol, observe Abraham's undeniable prosperity and divine favor, leading them to conclude, "God is with thee in all that thou doest" ([Genesis 21:22](/genesis/21-22 "Abimelech's Recognition of God's Presence with Abraham")). It follows the birth of Isaac, the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael, and Abraham's establishment in Beer-sheba. The narrative flow highlights a shift from past tension—where Abraham had deceived Abimelech regarding Sarah in [Genesis 20](/genesis/20 "Abraham's Deception and Abimelech's Integrity")—to a proactive move by Abimelech to formalize a peaceful relationship based on Abraham's evident divine blessing. The oath sets the stage for the dispute over the well at Beer-sheba, which is resolved in the subsequent verses ([Genesis 21:25-31](/genesis/21-25-31 "The Covenant at Beer-sheba")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, oaths and covenants were foundational to political, social, and economic stability. They were solemn, legally binding agreements, often invoked in the name of a deity, and breaking them carried severe consequences, believed to invite divine judgment. The concept of "sojourning" (Hebrew: *gur*) was common, referring to foreigners residing in a land without full citizenship rights, yet often under the protection of the local ruler. As Abraham's household grew in size and wealth, his presence would have been perceived as a significant political and economic force. Abimelech's concern for "his son, nor with his son's son" reflects the common practice of establishing intergenerational treaties to ensure long-term peace and prevent future conflicts over land, resources, or power shifts between ruling families or clans.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 21:23](/genesis/21-23 "Abimelech's Oath Request") contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Blessing and Favor**, as God's presence with Abraham is so evident that even a pagan king recognizes it and seeks to align with him. It underscores the **Importance of Covenants and Oaths** in establishing order and peace, reflecting God's own covenantal relationship with Abraham, as seen in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call and Promise to Abraham"). The verse also highlights the theme of **Reciprocity and *Chesed*** (loyal love/kindness), emphasizing the expectation of mutual faithfulness in relationships, a concept central to biblical ethics. Finally, it touches upon **Intergenerational Responsibility and Legacy**, as the oath extends to future descendants, mirroring God's own promises to Abraham's offspring throughout [the patriarchal narratives](/genesis/12-50 "The Patriarchal Narratives of Genesis").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 21:23](/genesis/21-23 "Abimelech's Oath Request") records Abimelech's proactive step to secure peace with Abraham, driven by a clear recognition of God's blessing upon him ([Genesis 21:22](/genesis/21-22 "Abimelech's Recognition of God's Presence with Abraham")). This verse is a testament to the power of divine favor in shaping human relationships and the strategic importance of covenants in the ancient Near East.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **swear (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** (H7650) This primitive root properly means "to be complete," but is used as a denominative from the word for "seven" (שֶׁבַע). It signifies "to seven oneself," implying a solemn oath made as if by repeating a declaration seven times, or by invoking seven witnesses or symbols. To "swear by God" elevates the promise beyond mere human commitment, invoking the Almighty as guarantor and judge. Breaking such an oath was considered an offense against God Himself, highlighting the profound spiritual dimension of covenants in biblical times.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** (H430) This plural noun, often translated as "God," refers to the supreme God, but can also denote gods in a general sense, or even judges or mighty ones. In this context, Abimelech, though a pagan king, recognizes the God of Abraham as a powerful and active deity whose presence with Abraham is undeniable. His request to swear "by God" acknowledges Abraham's God as the ultimate witness and enforcer of the oath, lending it supreme authority and gravity.
* **kindness (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** (H2617) This rich theological term denotes "kindness," but more profoundly, "loyal love," "steadfast love," or "covenant faithfulness." It describes a deep, enduring commitment and loyalty within a relationship, whether human or divine. Abimelech appeals to the *chesed* he had previously shown Abraham ([Genesis 20:14-15](/genesis/20-14-15 "Abimelech's Generosity to Abraham")), invoking a moral obligation based on his past benevolent actions and expecting Abraham to demonstrate similar covenantal loyalty and enduring goodwill.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore swear unto me here by God":** Abimelech initiates the request for a solemn, binding oath. The phrase "here" (H2008, _hênnâh_) emphasizes the immediate, physical location of the agreement. By invoking "God" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_), Abimelech recognizes Abraham's deity as the ultimate witness and enforcer of the covenant, elevating the agreement beyond a mere human promise to a divinely sanctioned commitment. This signifies Abimelech's profound respect for Abraham's God and his desire for an unbreakable bond.
* **"that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son":** The core of Abimelech's concern is the prevention of future betrayal or deceit (H8266, _shâqar_). The scope of the oath is remarkably broad, extending beyond the immediate parties to their future generations ("my son," H5209, _nîyn_; "my son's son," H5220, _neked_). This demonstrates Abimelech's foresight and deep concern for the long-term security and legacy of his kingdom, reflecting a common ancient practice of establishing intergenerational treaties to ensure lasting peace and prevent conflicts arising from shifts in power or leadership.
* **"[but] according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me":** This clause introduces the principle of reciprocity, appealing to the "kindness" (H2617, _chêçêd_) Abimelech had previously shown Abraham. He refers to his past actions (H6213, _ʻâsâh_, "done"), implying a moral obligation on Abraham's part to reciprocate with similar "loyal love" and faithfulness. This highlights the foundational role of mutual respect, reciprocal obligation, and enduring commitment in maintaining healthy and stable relationships in the ancient world.
* **"and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned":** This final phrase clarifies the primary territorial concern underlying Abimelech's request. Abraham and his people were "sojourners" (H1481, _gûwr_), temporary residents, in Abimelech's land (H776, _ʼerets_). As Abraham's influence and numbers grew, Abimelech rightly perceived a potential future conflict over land rights and resources. The oath, therefore, was also a strategic move to secure his kingdom's borders and prevent future disputes over the land and its inhabitants.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is present in Abimelech, a pagan king, being the one to initiate a covenant based on a recognition of God's blessing, especially after Abraham's earlier deception regarding Sarah in [Genesis 20](/genesis/20 "Abraham's Deception of Abimelech"). This highlights the stark contrast between Abimelech's integrity and Abraham's occasional moral failings, underscoring God's ability to work through imperfect vessels. The repeated mention of "my son, nor with my son's son" serves as a form of **Anaphora** or **Emphasis**, stressing the intergenerational scope and the deep concern for legacy and future stability. The appeal to "kindness" (*chesed*) functions as a form of **Ethos** or appeal to moral character, invoking a shared understanding of reciprocal obligation and loyalty that transcends cultural boundaries, even between a sojourner and a king. The entire interaction can also be seen as a **Foreshadowing** of future land disputes and covenants that will define Israel's relationship with the surrounding nations and with God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abimelech's request for an oath from Abraham, rooted in his observation that "God is with thee in all that thou doest" ([Genesis 21:22](/genesis/21-22 "Abimelech's Recognition of God's Presence with Abraham")), profoundly underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His chosen, influencing even the perceptions and actions of non-believers. This divine favor compels a foreign king to seek peace, highlighting the transformative power of God's presence. The passage also emphasizes the sacred and binding nature of covenants in biblical thought, which were not mere contracts but solemn agreements, often with divine witnesses, establishing lasting relationships and obligations. The appeal to "kindness" (*chesed*) further illuminates the biblical principle of reciprocal loyalty and steadfast love within relationships, challenging believers to demonstrate consistent faithfulness and goodwill, reflecting God's own *chesed* towards humanity. Finally, the extension of the oath to "my son, nor with my son's son" illustrates the biblical emphasis on considering the long-term impact of present actions and decisions on future generations, a theme prevalent in God's covenants with Abraham and Israel, and a call to build legacies of peace and righteousness.

* [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "God's Promise to Abraham to Make Him a Great Nation")
* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "The Command to Keep Vows")
* [Proverbs 3:3-4](/proverbs/3-3-4 "Trust in the Lord and Find Favor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 21:23](/genesis/21-23 "Abimelech's Oath Request") offers profound lessons on the power of integrity and the importance of honoring commitments, particularly within the context of divine blessing. Abimelech's desire for an oath from Abraham, stemming from his observation of God's evident favor, reminds us that our character and the visible fruit of God's presence in our lives can inspire trust and respect in others, even those outside our immediate faith community. This passage challenges us to live with such integrity that our word is considered reliable and our promises are upheld, just as [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "The Command to Keep Vows") states, "He shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth." Furthermore, the intergenerational scope of the oath encourages us to think beyond our immediate circumstances, considering the long-term impact of our decisions on our children and grandchildren, striving to build legacies of peace, faithfulness, and good relationships. It calls us to be proactive in fostering harmony and mutual benefit, even with those who might be perceived as outsiders or potential adversaries, seeking lasting coexistence rooted in truth and *chesed*.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the evident blessing of God in Abraham's life influence Abimelech's perception and actions, and what does this teach us about the impact of our own lives on others?**
* **In what ways can we, like Abimelech, proactively seek to establish peace and build trustworthy relationships, even with those who are different from us or with whom we've had past disagreements?**
* **How does the concept of *chesed* (loyal love/kindness) challenge our understanding of "kindness" in our daily interactions, and how can we cultivate this deeper form of relational commitment?**
* **Considering the intergenerational nature of Abimelech's oath, what legacy of integrity, peace, and faithfulness are we building for our "son's son" and future generations?**

### FAQ

**Why did Abimelech ask Abraham for an oath?**

Answer: Abimelech asked for an oath because he recognized that "God is with thee in all that thou doest" ([Genesis 21:22](/genesis/21-22 "Abimelech's Recognition of God's Presence with Abraham")). He observed Abraham's consistent prosperity and divine favor, interpreting it as a sign of his growing power and influence in the land. Fearing potential future conflict over land, resources, or political dominance, Abimelech sought a formal, binding agreement to ensure lasting peace and security for himself, his kingdom, and his descendants, given Abraham's status as a powerful sojourner.

**What does it mean to "swear by God" in this context?**

Answer: To "swear by God" (Hebrew: *shaba'*) means to make a solemn promise or oath by invoking God as a witness and guarantor. This made the agreement incredibly binding, as breaking such an oath was considered an offense not just against the other party, but against God Himself. It signified placing the agreement under divine authority and judgment, ensuring its sanctity and enforceability in a way that a mere human promise could not. Abimelech, though not a worshiper of Abraham's God, acknowledged His power and authority.

**What is the significance of the word "kindness" (*chesed*) in this verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *chesed* (חסד) is far deeper than simple "kindness"; it conveys the idea of "loyal love," "steadfast love," or "covenant faithfulness." When Abimelech appeals to the "kindness that I have done unto thee," he is not just referring to past good deeds, but to an expectation of enduring loyalty and reciprocal commitment within their relationship. He is invoking a moral obligation for Abraham to demonstrate the same kind of faithful, enduring love that Abimelech had shown him, reflecting a deep, covenantal bond that transcends a simple transaction.

**Why did the oath extend to "my son, nor with my son's son"?**

Answer: The extension of the oath to future generations ("my son, nor with my son's son") highlights the ancient practice of establishing intergenerational treaties. This was crucial for ensuring long-term stability and preventing future conflicts between families, clans, or nations. It demonstrates a profound concern for legacy and the security of one's descendants, recognizing that present actions and agreements have lasting consequences that can shape the future peace or conflict for generations to come. This practice reflects the importance of familial and dynastic continuity in ancient Near Eastern societies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 21:23](/genesis/21-23 "Abimelech's Oath Request"), with its emphasis on covenant, faithfulness, and intergenerational security, powerfully points forward to the ultimate covenant established in Jesus Christ. While Abraham's oath provided temporary peace and security between two earthly parties, Christ is the fulfillment of God's eternal covenant of grace, securing not just earthly peace but eternal reconciliation with God for all who believe. He is the faithful Son who perfectly keeps all of God's promises, unlike any human oath-taker, and through His atoning work on the cross, He establishes a new covenant, sealed by His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "The New Covenant in Jesus' Blood")), that guarantees steadfast love (*chesed*) and an everlasting inheritance for His spiritual descendants ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")). This covenant extends beyond "son's son" to all generations of believers, making them co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ")) and fulfilling the promise made to Abraham that "in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed" ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "God's Oath to Abraham after Isaac's Sacrifice")) in a spiritual and eternal sense, through the ultimate Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 2:12

Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token:

Genesis 20:14

¶ And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave [them] unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife.

1 Samuel 30:15

And David said to him, Canst thou bring me down to this company? And he said, Swear unto me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will bring thee down to this company.

Deuteronomy 6:13

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

1 Samuel 24:21

Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.

1 Samuel 24:22

And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.

Jeremiah 4:2

And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.