Genesis 21:24

KJV

And Abraham said, I will swear.

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Abraham's succinct yet profoundly significant declaration, "And Abraham said, I will swear." This statement serves as Abraham's immediate and unreserved affirmation to Abimelech's request for a solemn oath, thereby formalizing a covenant of peace and integrity between their respective peoples. This pivotal agreement directly addresses and resolves the contentious issue of a disputed well, which will subsequently be named Beer-sheba, marking the location of this sacred vow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Abraham's interactions with Abimelech, the Philistine king of Gerar, following the birth of Isaac and the expulsion of Ishmael. The preceding verses ([Genesis 21:22-23](/genesis/21-22-23 "Abimelech's approach to Abraham and request for an oath")) describe Abimelech, accompanied by his chief captain Phichol, initiating contact with Abraham. Abimelech acknowledges God's evident favor and blessing upon Abraham in all his undertakings, a recognition that forms the basis for his appeal. He then requests that Abraham swear by God not to deal falsely with him, his offspring, or his country, but rather to show the same kindness Abraham has received. Abraham's brief but decisive response in [Genesis 21:24](/genesis/21-24 "Abraham's affirmation to swear") sets the stage for the formalization of this covenant, culminating in the naming of Beer-sheba, "the well of the oath," in [Genesis 21:31](/genesis/21-31 "The naming of Beer-sheba"). This interaction highlights themes of land ownership, resource management, and inter-group relations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, oaths were not mere promises but sacred, legally binding agreements, often invoked in the name of a deity to ensure their solemnity and enforceability. Such vows were considered indispensable for establishing trust and formalizing covenants between individuals, families, or even nations, particularly in the absence of centralized legal systems. The act of "swearing" (often involving a ritual like touching the thigh or raising a hand) placed the swearer under divine judgment if the oath was broken. Disputes over vital resources like water wells were common and could easily escalate into conflict; therefore, formal agreements, witnessed by God, were crucial for maintaining peace and order. Abraham, as a sojourner in a foreign land, needed such an agreement to secure his rights and ensure the safety of his people and livestock.
* **Key Themes:** The immediate context of [Genesis 21](/genesis/21 "Genesis 21 - The Birth of Isaac and Covenant with Abimelech") underscores several key themes. The theme of **Divine Faithfulness** is prominent, as God's promise of a son to Abraham is fulfilled with Isaac's birth ([Genesis 21:1-7](/genesis/21-1-7 "The Birth of Isaac")). This divine faithfulness is recognized even by Abimelech ([Genesis 21:22](/genesis/21-22 "Abimelech's recognition of God's blessing on Abraham")), prompting his desire for a covenant. The passage also emphasizes **Integrity and Trust**, as Abraham's character as a man of God, whose word is reliable, is affirmed. Furthermore, **Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution** are central, demonstrating how disputes, even over essential resources like wells, can be resolved through formal, God-witnessed agreements rather than violence. Finally, the establishment of **Covenant** is a foundational theme throughout Genesis, and this specific oath-covenant with Abimelech contributes to the broader narrative of God's covenant relationship with Abraham and his descendants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root is broadly used to convey the act of speaking, declaring, or commanding. In this context, Abraham's "saying" is not a mere utterance but a deliberate and authoritative declaration of intent. It signifies his full and immediate agreement to the terms proposed by Abimelech, indicating a conscious and willing decision to enter into a binding agreement. The directness of the verb emphasizes the straightforwardness of Abraham's character and his readiness to engage in a formal commitment.
* **swear (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** Properly meaning "to be complete," this root is used as a denominative from the word for "seven" (שֶׁבַע). It literally means "to seven oneself," implying a solemn declaration made as if by repeating a statement seven times, or by invoking seven witnesses/objects, signifying completeness, truthfulness, and binding commitment. To "swear" an oath was to invoke divine witness and judgment upon oneself if the oath were broken. Abraham's use of this verb signifies his solemn pledge, elevating his promise from a simple word to a sacred, divinely sanctioned vow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abraham said,"**: This opening clause establishes the speaker and the initiation of his response. It signifies Abraham's direct engagement with Abimelech's request. The brevity here highlights the immediate and unhesitating nature of his reply, indicating a man of integrity who does not equivocate when a solemn commitment is requested. It sets the stage for the weighty declaration that follows.
* **"I will swear."**: This is Abraham's direct, affirmative, and binding declaration. It is a commitment to take the oath requested by Abimelech in the preceding verse, which involved swearing "by God" ([Genesis 21:23](/genesis/21-23 "Abimelech requests an oath from Abraham")). This phrase signifies Abraham's willingness to place himself under divine obligation and judgment, confirming his intent to uphold the terms of the covenant with truthfulness and integrity. It is the crucial moment of assent that formalizes the agreement.

#### Literary Devices
The conciseness of [Genesis 21:24](/genesis/21-24 "Abraham's affirmation to swear") is a powerful **Literary Device**. Abraham's response, "I will swear," is remarkably brief, yet it conveys immense weight and resolve. This **Conciseness** underscores the immediate and unwavering nature of Abraham's commitment, reflecting a character of integrity who does not need many words to make a solemn vow. The verse also employs **Direct Speech**, allowing Abraham's voice to be heard clearly and without ambiguity, emphasizing the personal nature of his pledge. Furthermore, this declaration serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the naming of Beer-sheba ("well of the oath") later in the chapter ([Genesis 21:31](/genesis/21-31 "The naming of Beer-sheba")), linking Abraham's spoken word to a lasting geographical and historical marker. The act of swearing itself carries deep **Symbolism**, representing not just a human promise but a divine witness to the agreement, elevating the human interaction to a sacred level.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abraham's ready affirmation to swear an oath underscores the profound biblical principle of the sanctity of vows and the importance of integrity in speech. In a world where promises are often lightly made, this passage reminds us that God takes our words seriously, especially when they involve solemn commitments. The act of swearing by God acknowledges Him as the ultimate witness and enforcer of truth, reflecting a deep theological understanding that human agreements, particularly those involving oaths, are made under divine oversight. This commitment to truthfulness, even with a non-covenant partner like Abimelech, demonstrates Abraham's character as a man whose life reflected the faithfulness of the God he served. It highlights how righteous living, including adherence to one's word, can foster peace and trust even across cultural and religious divides.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "The sanctity of vows")
* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Fulfilling vows to the Lord")
* [Psalm 15:4](/psalms/15-4 "The righteous person keeps their oath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abraham's immediate and unequivocal "I will swear" in response to Abimelech's request for an oath serves as a powerful model for believers today regarding the sanctity of our word and the importance of integrity. In an age where commitments are often fluid and promises easily broken, this verse calls us to a higher standard. Our "yes" should mean yes, and our "no" should mean no, as taught by Jesus in [Matthew 5:37](/matthew/5-37 "Jesus' teaching on oaths"). This isn't merely about avoiding falsehoods, but about cultivating a character so deeply rooted in truth that our simple word is sufficient, making elaborate oaths unnecessary. Whether in our personal relationships, professional dealings, or spiritual commitments, maintaining our integrity builds trust, fosters genuine peace, and ultimately honors God, whose very nature is truth and faithfulness. Abraham's willingness to uphold a sacred promise, even with a non-believing king, exemplifies a life lived in accordance with God's principles, demonstrating how God's blessing on Abraham extended not just to his prosperity but also to the respect he garnered from those outside his immediate family and faith ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's blessing to Abraham")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I take my spoken commitments and promises in daily life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to be less than fully truthful or to break a promise?**
* **How does my commitment to integrity reflect my walk with God and influence my relationships with others?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my "yes" is truly "yes" and my "no" is truly "no"?**

### FAQ
**Why is swearing an oath important in the Bible?**

Answer: In the biblical context, swearing an oath was a deeply serious and binding act, often invoking God as a witness to the truthfulness of a statement or the commitment to a promise. It was not a casual promise but a solemn vow that carried significant moral, legal, and spiritual weight, reflecting the integrity of the swearer and establishing trust. It was a way to elevate a human promise to a divine covenant, placing the swearer under divine judgment if the oath were broken.

**Does Abraham's oath here contradict Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:34-37?**

Answer: No, it does not. Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 5:34-34](/matthew/5-34 "Jesus' teaching on oaths") primarily condemns frivolous or insincere oaths, and the practice of swearing by various created things (heaven, earth, Jerusalem, one's head) to avoid the full weight of a direct oath to God. He advocates for such radical integrity that one's simple "yes" or "no" is sufficient, making elaborate oaths unnecessary. Abraham's oath, made in a specific covenantal context and explicitly invoking God as requested by Abimelech ([Genesis 21:23](/genesis/21-23 "Abimelech requests an oath from Abraham")), reflects the Old Testament understanding of a solemn, necessary, and sincere commitment, which aligns with the spirit of absolute truthfulness Jesus promotes. Jesus' teaching elevates the standard, calling for a life of such consistent truthfulness that oaths become redundant, rather than forbidding all oaths in all circumstances.

**What is the significance of Beer-sheba in this context?**

Answer: Beer-sheba, meaning "well of the oath" or "well of seven," becomes a geographical marker and a lasting memorial of this significant covenant between Abraham and Abimelech. The naming of the place solidifies the agreement, serving as a perpetual reminder of the sworn pact, the resolution of conflict over a vital resource, and the establishment of peace and clear boundaries between their peoples. It highlights the importance of the well as a critical resource in an arid land and the oath as a foundational element for future relations and peaceful coexistence. The place itself embodies the integrity of the agreement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's willingness to swear a solemn oath, upholding truth and integrity in a covenant with a Gentile king, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate faithfulness of God Himself, perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ. While Abraham's oath-keeping established a limited, human-witnessed peace and secured earthly rights, Christ is the very "Amen, the faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Christ as the faithful witness")), whose entire life and ministry are the perfect fulfillment of God's eternal promises and covenants. He is the one who perfectly kept every divine word and oath, not merely by speaking, but by living a life of perfect obedience and offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. Through His atoning work and resurrection, Jesus secured an eternal covenant of peace and reconciliation for all humanity, making God's "yes" to His redemptive plan irrevocably true and certain for all who believe ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Unlike human oaths that can be broken, Christ's faithfulness ensures the permanence and efficacy of the new covenant, establishing a peace that transcends earthly disputes and offers eternal reconciliation with 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

Genesis 14:13

¶ And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these [were] confederate with Abram.

Romans 12:18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Hebrews 6:16

For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation [is] to them an end of all strife.