Genesis 21:31

Translation
King James Version
Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Wherefore he called H7121 that place H4725 Beersheba H884; because there they sware H7650 both of them H8147.
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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.
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Berean Standard Bible
So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath.
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American Standard Version
Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba; because there they sware both of them.
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World English Bible Messianic
Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because they both swore there.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Wherefore the place is called Beer-sheba, because there they both sware.
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Young's Literal Translation
therefore hath he called that place `Beer-Sheba,' for there have both of them sworn.
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See also
Genesis 26:33Genesis 21:142 Samuel 17:111 Kings 4:25Joshua 15:28Genesis 26:23Judges 20:1
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All Genesis Sites (Canaan)
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All Genesis Sites (Middle East)
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Genesis 21:22-34, Genesis 22:1-18
Genesis 21:22-34, Genesis 22:1-18 View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 545 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Genesis 21:31 formally names the significant location of Beersheba, commemorating the solemn covenant established between Abraham and Abimelech, king of Gerar. This act solidified Abraham's claim to a vital water source and secured a peaceful resolution to their dispute, marking the place as a perpetual memorial to their sworn agreement and God's providential care.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse concludes a significant episode in Abraham's narrative, immediately following the birth of Isaac and the subsequent expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael. The dispute over the well at Beersheba, detailed in Genesis 21:25, highlights Abraham's precarious position as a sojourner in the land promised to him. Abimelech, recognizing God's blessing on Abraham (Genesis 21:22), initiates a covenant to ensure peace and secure their respective claims. The formal naming of the place in Genesis 21:31 serves as the climax and permanent record of this crucial agreement, ensuring Abraham's access to vital resources and establishing a foundation for his future dwelling in the land, leading directly into the subsequent narrative of Abraham's extended stay in Gerar and the ultimate test of his faith in Genesis 22.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, water sources were indispensable for survival, particularly for nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples like Abraham and his household. Control over wells often led to conflict, making formal agreements like the one at Beersheba vital for maintaining peace and securing land rights. Covenants were solemn, legally binding agreements, often sealed with oaths, sacrifices, or the exchange of gifts, and frequently involved divine invocation as a witness. The act of naming a place after a significant event or person was a common practice, serving as a permanent historical marker and a mnemonic device for future generations. The "seven ewe lambs" (Genesis 21:28) functioned as a tangible witness to the oath, reinforcing the agreement's validity and the number seven often carried symbolic weight, signifying completeness or a sworn agreement.
  • Key Themes: Genesis 21:31 contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis. Firstly, it underscores the theme of God's faithfulness in providing for Abraham, even amidst disputes and challenges, securing his access to water and land. Secondly, it highlights the importance and sanctity of covenants and oaths in biblical thought, demonstrating how human agreements, when made with integrity, can reflect divine order and establish peace. Thirdly, the naming of Beersheba emphasizes the theme of commemoration and memory, as places are named to perpetually recall significant events and God's dealings with His people. Finally, it subtly reinforces the theme of Abraham's gradual possession of the Promised Land, as he secures specific claims through negotiation and divine favor, moving him closer to the fulfillment of God's grand promise from Genesis 12:1-3.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • called (Hebrew, qârâʼ', H7121): A primitive root meaning "to call out to," "address by name," or "to name." In this context, it signifies the act of formally bestowing a name upon a place, thereby establishing its identity and commemorating the event that transpired there. This act of naming is not merely descriptive but performative, making the place a perpetual memorial.
  • place (Hebrew, mâqôwm', H4725): Properly "a standing," referring to a specific "spot" or "locality." This word emphasizes the tangible, geographical nature of Beersheba, grounding the abstract concept of an oath in a concrete, identifiable location that would become a significant landmark throughout biblical history.
  • sware (Hebrew, shâbaʻ', H7650): A primitive root meaning "to seven oneself," implying to swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times). This term highlights the solemn and binding nature of the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, indicating that their agreement was sealed with a formal oath, likely invoking divine witness, making it an unbreakable commitment.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Wherefore he called that place Beersheba": This clause establishes the purpose of the naming – to memorialize a significant event. "He" refers to Abraham, who takes the initiative in formally naming the location. The name "Beersheba" (Hebrew: בְּאֵר שָׁבַע, Be'er Shava) itself is a compound, traditionally understood to mean either "Well of the Oath" (from be'er 'well' and shava 'to swear') or "Well of Seven" (from be'er 'well' and sheva 'seven'). Both interpretations are highly fitting: the "oath" refers to the solemn covenant, while "seven" alludes to the seven ewe lambs Abraham presented as a witness to the agreement (Genesis 21:28).
  • "because there they sware both of them": This phrase provides the direct justification for the naming. The act of "swearing" (making an oath) signifies a binding covenant. "They" refers to Abraham and Abimelech, emphasizing the bilateral nature of the agreement. This oath at the well secured Abraham's rights to the water source and established a peaceful coexistence between his people and Abimelech's, transforming a point of contention into a place of peace and agreement.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several significant literary devices. Eponymous Naming is central, where the name of a place (Beersheba) is derived directly from an event (the swearing of an oath and the seven ewe lambs) that occurred there. This device serves to embed history and meaning into the very geography, making the land itself a testament to past events. The Covenant Formula is evident in the description of the oath-taking, which follows established patterns of ancient Near Eastern treaty-making, underscoring the legal and theological weight of the agreement. Furthermore, there is subtle Symbolism in the number seven and the act of swearing. The number seven often represents completeness, perfection, or a divine seal, reinforcing the binding and enduring nature of the covenant. The act of swearing an oath, particularly in the presence of a well (a life-sustaining resource), symbolizes the profound commitment and the desire for a lasting, life-giving peace.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The naming of Beersheba stands as a powerful testament to the sanctity of covenants and the importance of integrity in human dealings, reflecting God's own faithfulness to His promises. This event underscores that even in a fallen world, peace and justice can be established through solemn agreements, which, when honored, bring order and security. While an earthly agreement, it subtly affirms God's overarching promise to Abraham regarding the land and his descendants, demonstrating how God works through human interactions and agreements to advance His redemptive plan. The act of naming also highlights the biblical emphasis on remembering foundational events, ensuring that the legacy of faith and God's providential care is passed down through generations.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Genesis 21:31 offers profound lessons on the enduring value of integrity, truthfulness, and the power of solemn commitments. Abraham's meticulousness in establishing a clear, witnessed agreement with Abimelech underscores the vital importance of keeping one's word and setting clear, just boundaries in all relationships and transactions. For believers today, this passage encourages us to be people of unwavering integrity, understanding that our spoken and written commitments carry significant weight and reflect the very character of God, who is faithful to His covenants. Just as Beersheba became a lasting memorial to a foundational agreement, our honest dealings can build trust, establish lasting peace in our communities, and serve as a tangible witness to the trustworthiness of God. This narrative calls us to consider how our words and actions contribute to a legacy of faithfulness and peace, recognizing that even seemingly small agreements can have lasting significance in God's grand design.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does Abraham's commitment to a clear, witnessed agreement challenge our own approach to commitments and promises in daily life?
  • In what ways can we, as believers, embody the integrity and trustworthiness demonstrated in this passage within our personal and professional relationships?
  • How does the concept of naming places to remember significant events encourage us to reflect on and memorialize God's faithfulness in our own lives?

FAQ

Why is the naming of a place like Beersheba significant in the Bible?

Answer: The naming of places in the Bible, particularly in the patriarchal narratives, often serves as a perpetual memorial to significant events, covenants, or divine encounters. It acts as a mnemonic device, ensuring that future generations remember the foundational acts of God and humanity at that location. In the case of Beersheba, the name itself encapsulates the dual significance of the solemn oath and the sevenfold witness, embedding the memory of Abraham's covenant with Abimelech into the very geography of the land and serving as a historical marker for future generations.

What is the symbolic significance of the "seven ewe lambs" in the covenant at Beersheba?

Answer: The "seven ewe lambs" (Genesis 21:28) are crucial to the etymology of Beersheba, connecting to the "Well of Seven" interpretation. Beyond the literal count, the number seven frequently symbolizes completeness, perfection, or a sworn oath (from the Hebrew root shava, related to both "oath" and "seven") in biblical contexts. Thus, the seven lambs served not just as a witness but as a symbolic representation of the covenant's binding, complete, and permanent nature, affirming Abraham's rightful claim to the well and emphasizing the solemnity and finality of the agreement.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The covenant established at Beersheba, securing Abraham's right to a well and establishing peace through a solemn oath, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Abraham secured a physical place and vital resource through a sworn agreement, Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, established the New Covenant, securing for all believers an eternal inheritance and access to the "living water" (John 4:10) of the Holy Spirit. He is the ultimate "well of the oath," the one who perfectly fulfilled all covenant requirements, becoming the mediator of a better covenant founded on better promises (Hebrews 8:6). Through His sacrifice, He brought true and lasting peace between God and humanity (Ephesians 2:14), reconciling us to God and securing our eternal dwelling place in His kingdom. The unbreakable promises of God, sealed by the blood of Christ, are the ultimate witness to this new and everlasting covenant, providing a secure and permanent spiritual reality far surpassing any earthly agreement.

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Commentary on Genesis 21 verses 22–32

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

We have here an account of the treaty between Abimelech and Abraham, in which appears the accomplishment of that promise (Gen 12:2) that God would make his name great. His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites.

I. The league is proposed by Abimelech, and Phichol his prime-minister of state and general of his army.

1.The inducement to it was God's favour to Abraham (Gen 21:22): "God is with thee in all that thou doest, and we cannot but take notice of it." Note, (1.) God in his providence sometimes shows his people such tokens for good that their neighbours cannot but take notice of it, Psa 86:17. Their affairs do so visibly prosper, and they have such remarkable success in their undertakings, that a confession is extorted from all about them of God's presence with them. (2.) It is good being in favour with those that are in favour with God, and having an interest in those that have an interest in heaven, Zac 8:23. We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. We do well for ourselves if we have fellowship with those that have fellowship with God, Jo1 1:3.

2.The tenour of it was, in general, that there should be a firm and constant friendship between the two families, which should not upon any account be violated. This bond of friendship must be strengthened by the bond of an oath, in which the true God was appealed to, both as a witness of their sincerity and an avenger in case either side were treacherous, Gen 21:23. Observe, (1.) He desires the entail of this league upon his posterity and the extension of it to his people. He would have his son, and his son's son, and his land likewise, to have the benefit of it. Good men should secure an alliance and communion with the favourites of Heaven, not for themselves only, but for theirs also. (2.) He reminds Abraham of the fair treatment he had found among them: According to the kindness I have done unto thee. As those that have received kindness must return it, so those that have shown kindness may expect it.

II. It is consented to by Abraham, with a particular clause inserted about a well. In Abraham's part of this transaction observe,

1.He was ready to enter into this league with Abimelech, finding him to be a man of honour and conscience, and that had the fear of God before his eyes: I will swear, Gen 21:24. Note, (1.) Religion does not make men morose and unconversable; I am sure it ought not. We must not, under colour of shunning bad company, be sour to all company, and jealous of every body. (2.) An honest mind does not startle at giving assurances: if Abraham say that he will be true to Abimelech, he is not afraid to swear it; an oath is for confirmation.

2.He prudently settled the matter concerning a well, about which Abimelech's servants had quarrelled with him. Wells of water, it seems, were choice goods in that country: thanks be to God, that they are not so scarce in ours. (1.) Abraham mildly told Abimelech of it, Gen 21:25. Note, If our brother trespass against us, we must, with the meekness of wisdom, tell him his fault, that the matter may be fairly accommodated and an end made of it, Mat 18:15. (2.) He acquiesced in Abimelech's justification of himself in this matter: I wot not who has done this thing, Gen 21:26. Many are suspected of injustice and unkindness that are perfectly innocent, and we ought to be glad when they clear themselves. The faults of servants must not be imputed to their masters, unless they know of them and justify them; and no more can be expected from an honest man than that he be ready to do right as soon as he knows that he has done wrong. (3.) He took care to have his title to the well cleared and confirmed, to prevent any disputes or quarrels for the future, Gen 21:30. It is justice, as well as wisdom, to do thus, in perptuam rei memoriam - that the circumstance may be perpetually remembered.

3.He made a very handsome present to Abimelech, Gen 21:27. It was not any thing curious or fine that he presented to him, but that which was valuable and useful - sheep and oxen, in gratitude for Abimelech's kindness to him, and in token of hearty friendship between them. The interchanging of kind offices is the improving of love: that which is mine is my friend's.

4.He ratified the covenant by an oath, and registered it by giving a new name to the place (Gen 21:31), Beer-sheba, the well of the oath, in remembrance of the covenant they swore to, that they might be ever mindful of it; or the well of seven, in remembrance of the seven lambs given to Abimelech, as a consideration for his confirming Abraham's title to that well. Note, Bargains made must be remembered, that we may make them good, and may not break our word through oversight.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 22–32. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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