Genesis 21:23

Genesis 21:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.”

King James Version 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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now, then, give me your oath, in the name of God, that you will not be false to me or to my sons after me, but that as I have been good to you, so you will be to me and to this land where you have been living.

Free Bible Version FBV

“So swear to me right here and now that you won't betray me, my children, or my descendants. In the same way I've proved I'm trustworthy to you, do the same to me and my country where you're currently living.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Nowe therefore sweare vnto me here by God, that thou wilt not hurt me, nor my children, nor my childrens children: thou shalt deale with me, and with the countrey, where thou hast bene a stranger, according vnto the kindnesse that I haue shewed thee.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and now, swear to me by God here: thou dost not lie to me, or to my continuator, or to my successor; according to the kindness which I have done with thee thou dost with me, and with the land in which thou hast sojourned.'

World English Bible WEB

Now, therefore, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son. But according to the kindness that I have done to you, you shall do to me, and to the land in which you have lived as a foreigner.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Now therefore swear to 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 to thee, thou shalt do to me, and to the land in which thou hast sojourned.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Swear therefore by God, that thou wilt not hurt me, nor my posterity, nor my stock: but according to the kindness that I have done to thee, thou shalt do to me, and to the land wherein thou hast lived a stranger.

Translation for Translators T4T

So now ◄solemnly promise/swear► to me here, as God is listening, that you will ◄not deceive/act fairly to► me and my children and my descendants, in return for my being kind to you. Be kind to me and to all the people here in the country where you are now living.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:23

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 21:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/עַתָּ֗ה הִשָּׁ֨בְעָ/ה לִּ֤/י בֵֽ/אלֹהִים֙ הֵ֔נָּה אִם תִּשְׁקֹ֣ר לִ֔/י וּ/לְ/נִינִ֖/י וּ/לְ/נֶכְדִּ֑/י כַּ/חֶ֜סֶד אֲשֶׁר עָשִׂ֤יתִי עִמְּ/ךָ֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה עִמָּדִ֔/י וְ/עִם הָ/אָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁר גַּ֥רְתָּה בָּֽ/הּ

וְ/עַתָּ֗ה ʻattâh H6258 now Conj | Adv

הִשָּׁ֨בְעָ/ה shâbaʻ H7650 to swear V-Niphal-Impv-2ms | Suff

לִּ֤/י Prep | Suff

בֵֽ/אלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Prep | N-mp

הֵ֔נָּה hênnâh H2008 here/thus Adv

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

תִּשְׁקֹ֣ר shâqar H8266 to deal V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

לִ֔/י Prep | Suff

וּ/לְ/נִינִ֖/י nîyn H5209 offspring Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff

וּ/לְ/נֶכְדִּ֑/י neked H5220 progeny Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff

כַּ/חֶ֜סֶד chêçêd H2617 kindness Prep | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עָשִׂ֤יתִי ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-1cs

עִמְּ/ךָ֙ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

עִמָּדִ֔/י ʻimmâd H5978 with me Prep | Suff

וְ/עִם ʻim H5973 with Conj | Prep

הָ/אָ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

גַּ֥רְתָּה gûwr H1481 to sojourn V-Qal-Perf-2ms

בָּֽ/הּ Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 21:23

וְ/עַתָּ֗ה ʻattâh H6258 "now" Conj | Adv

This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases

Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.

הִשָּׁ֨בְעָ/ה shâbaʻ H7650 "to swear" V-Niphal-Impv-2ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.

Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure

Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.

לִּ֤/י "" Prep | Suff

בֵֽ/אלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Prep | N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

הֵ֔נָּה hênnâh H2008 "here/thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means a location or direction, like here or there, and can also refer to a point in time, such as now. It is used in various contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'here' or 'hither'.

Definition: here, there, now, hither

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: here, hither(-to), now, on this (that) side, [phrase] since, this (that) way, thitherward, [phrase] thus far, to...fro, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 15:16; 2 Samuel 20:16; Psalms 71:17.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

תִּשְׁקֹ֣ר shâqar H8266 "to deal" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

This Hebrew word means to cheat or deceive, often through lying or false words. It's used in the Bible to describe dishonest behavior, like in Leviticus 19:11, where God commands against dealing falsely with others.

Definition: 1) to do or deal falsely, be false, trick, cheat 1a) (Piel) to deal falsely 1b) (Qal) to deal falsely

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: fail, deal falsely, lie. See also: Genesis 21:23; Psalms 44:18; Psalms 89:34.

לִ֔/י "" Prep | Suff

וּ/לְ/נִינִ֖/י nîyn H5209 "offspring" Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff

This term refers to offspring or descendants, often used to describe a son or child. It emphasizes the idea of progeny or family lineage, as seen in biblical genealogies.

Definition: offspring, posterity

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: son. See also: Genesis 21:23; Job 18:19; Isaiah 14:22.

וּ/לְ/נֶכְדִּ֑/י neked H5220 "progeny" Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff

This word means offspring or progeny, describing a person's descendants. It's used in the Bible to describe family relationships, like a nephew or grandson.

Definition: progeny, posterity

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: nephew, son's son. See also: Genesis 21:23; Job 18:19; Isaiah 14:22.

כַּ/חֶ֜סֶד chêçêd H2617 "kindness" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.

Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness

Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עָשִׂ֤יתִי ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

עִמְּ/ךָ֙ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

עִמָּדִ֔/י ʻimmâd H5978 "with me" Prep | Suff

Means 'with me', showing accompaniment, like in Psalm 23:4 where David says God is with him even in difficult times.

Definition: with A grammatical form of im (עִם "with" H5973A) § 1) with

Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: against, by, from, [phrase] me, [phrase] mine, of, [phrase] that I take, unto, upon, with(-in.) See also: Genesis 3:12; 1 Samuel 20:28; Psalms 23:4.

וְ/עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Conj | Prep

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

הָ/אָ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

גַּ֥רְתָּה gûwr H1481 "to sojourn" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.

Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself

Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.

בָּֽ/הּ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Genesis 21:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 21:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:23
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:23
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:23
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:23
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:23
Sermons on Genesis 21:23

Context — The Covenant at Beersheba

21And while he was dwelling in the Wilderness of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt. 22At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do.

23Now, 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.”

24And Abraham replied, “I swear it.” 25But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Joshua 2:12	Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign
2	Genesis 20:14	So Abimelech brought sheep and cattle, menservants and maidservants, and he gave them to Abraham and restored his wife Sarah to him.
3	Hebrews 6:16	Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument.
4	1 Samuel 20:42	And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.
5	1 Samuel 20:13	But if my father intends to bring evil on you, then may the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if I do not tell you and send you on your way in safety. May the LORD be with you, just as He has been with my father.
6	1 Samuel 20:17	And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.
7	Jeremiah 4:2	and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.”
8	Genesis 26:28	“We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you
9	Genesis 31:53	May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac.
10	2 Corinthians 1:23	I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.

Genesis 21:23 Summary

In this verse, Abimelech asks Abraham to promise to always be honest and kind to him and his people, just as Abraham has been in the past. This shows that Abimelech values their relationship and wants to keep the peace, much like we are called to in Matthew 5:9. Abraham's response in the next verse demonstrates his commitment to integrity and honesty, reflecting his trust in God. By showing kindness and respect to others, we can build strong relationships and reflect God's love, as seen in Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Abimelech asking Abraham to swear an oath before God?

Abimelech recognizes God's presence and blessing in Abraham's life, as stated in Genesis 21:22, and wants to ensure a peaceful relationship, appealing to Abraham's faith and commitment to God, similar to the covenant in Genesis 15:18.

Why does Abimelech ask Abraham to show kindness to him and the country where he resides?

Abimelech acknowledges the kindness Abraham has shown him and wants the same treatment in return, demonstrating the importance of reciprocity and goodwill in relationships, as seen in Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12.

What does this verse reveal about Abraham's character and faith?

Abraham's response to Abimelech's request, as seen in Genesis 21:24, shows his commitment to integrity and honesty, reflecting his trust in God and desire to live a life pleasing to Him, as expressed in Genesis 17:1 and Psalm 37:3-4.

How does this interaction between Abimelech and Abraham relate to our relationships with others?

This verse emphasizes the value of treating others with kindness and respect, just as Abraham did, and seeking to maintain peaceful relationships, as encouraged in Romans 12:18 and Matthew 5:9.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can show kindness to those around me, just as Abraham did, and how can I reflect God's love in my relationships?
In what situations do I need to seek God's guidance and wisdom, like Abimelech did, to navigate complex relationships or challenging circumstances?
How can I, like Abraham, demonstrate integrity and honesty in my interactions with others, and what are the consequences of failing to do so?
What can I learn from Abimelech's recognition of God's presence in Abraham's life, and how can I acknowledge and respect the faith of those around me?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:23

Now therefore swear unto me here by God,.... By the true and living God, by whom only an oath is to be taken, who was Abraham's God, and whom Abimelech seems to have known and to have been a

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:23

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:23

That thou wilt not deal falsely with me; that thou wilt not do me any hurt or injury; Heb. That thou wilt not lie unto me; i.e. as thou hast formerly professed kindness and friendship to me, give me thy oath to assure me that thou wilt be true and constant to thy own professions.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:23

Genesis 21:23 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.Ver. 23. Swear unto me here by God, &c.] This visit, we see, was more of fear than of love: there can be no hearty love, indeed, but between true Christians. Kings, then, have their cares, crowns their crosses: thistles in their arms, and thorns in their sides. This made one cry out of his diadem, O vilis pannus ,& c. And Canutus set his crown upon the crucifix. Frederick, the Elector of Saxony, is said to have been born with the sign of a cross upon his back. And the next night after that Rodulphus Rufus was crowned emperor of Germany, anno Dom. 1273, over the temple, where the crown was set upon his head, a golden cross was seen to shine, like a star, to the admiration of all that beheld it. These were the same emperor’ s verses concerning his crown imperial: - “ Nobilis es fateor, rutilisque onerata lapillis: Innumeris curis sed comitata venis; Quod bene si nossent omnes expendere, nemo Nemo foret, qui te tollere vellet humo .” Scultet. Annal. Dan. Pare., Hist. Profan. Medulla., 723, 728.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:23

(23) Nor with my son, nor with my son’s son.—The words are not those commonly used for son and grandson, but a Hebrew phrase signifying my kith and kin. They might be translated, “nor with mine offshoot nor mine offspring.” The words occur again in the same proverbial way in Job 18:19; Isaiah 14:22.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:23

Verse 23. Now therefore swear unto me] The oath on such occasions probably meant no more than the mutual promise of both the parties, when they slew an animal, poured out the blood as a sacrifice to God, and then passed between the pieces. See this ceremony, Genesis 15:18, and on Genesis 15:9; Genesis 15:10. According to the kindness that I have done] The simple claims of justice were alone set up among virtuous people in those ancient times, which constitute the basis of the famous lex talionis, or law of like for like, kind office for kind office, and breach for breach.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:23

23. here] The reference is to the name of Beer-sheba and its popular etymology from the Hebrew word “to swear.” Abraham’s departure from Gerar is not recorded, but was doubtless included in the E narrative which is only fragmentarily preserved. my son, &c.] R.V. marg. my offspring, nor with my posterity. The words which are not usual are found together in Job 18:19; Isaiah 14:22; LXX μηδὲτὸσπέρμαμουμηδέτὸὄνομάμου, Lat. posteris stirpique meae. The original phrase is alliterative, like our “neither kith nor kin.” the kindness] Referring to the gifts to Abraham in Genesis 20:14, and the free welcome extended to Abraham in Genesis 20:15. Abimelech is desirous to seal these friendly relations by a definite compact. There is an abrupt transition, in Genesis 21:25-26, to occasions of friction.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:23

23. Not deal falsely — Perhaps Abraham’s duplicity in the matter of Sarah had somewhat to do with inciting Abimelech to seek this oath. He feared his overreaching cunning and sagacity.

Sermons on Genesis 21:23

	Sermon	Description
	Apostasy in the Church by Dwight Pentecost	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of apostasy and its origin. He emphasizes that faith cannot be blind and that it is based on knowledge and understanding of the wo
	Our Anchor Within the Veil by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having an anchor in life. He shares his personal experience of being converted and how his priorities shifted from sports
	Heaven: Its Hope by D.L. Moody	The preacher delves into the concept of hostility, describing it as a word spoken against or defiance against authority, often involving strife and enmity. The term 'antilogia' is
	Ideals and Realities by G.H. Lang	G.H. Lang preaches about the importance of understanding the conditional nature of God's covenants with His people, emphasizing that while God's promises are sure in His purpose an
	Gathered to His People by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer reflects on the life and legacy of Abraham, emphasizing his profound faith and the virtues that stemmed from it, such as courage, knowledge, self-control, patience, godl
	Three More Twisted Jewish Sayings Refuted by Timothy Tow	Timothy Tow preaches on the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:33-48, where Jesus refutes twisted Jewish sayings regarding oath-taking, honoring parents, revenge, and love for enemies
	America's Greatest Need by B.R. Lakin	Dr. B. R. Lakin delivers a powerful sermon titled 'America’s Greatest Need,' emphasizing the importance of patriotism, gratitude, responsibility, and faith in God for the nation's