Genesis 21:24
Genesis 21:24 in Multiple Translations
And Abraham replied, “I swear it.”
And Abraham said, I will swear.
And Abraham said, I will swear.
And Abraham said, I will give you my oath.
“I so swear,” Abraham replied.
Then Abraham said, I will sweare.
And Abraham saith, 'I — I do swear.'
Abraham said, “I will swear.”
And Abraham said, I will swear.
And Abraham said: I will swear.
So Abraham promised to do that.
So Abraham made that promise to Abimelek. He said those words in the way that Abimelek wanted.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:24
BAB
Word Study
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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 21:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
אַבְרָהָ֔ם
אָנֹכִ֖י
אִשָּׁבֵֽעַ
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְרָהָ֔ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
אָנֹכִ֖י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
אִשָּׁבֵֽעַ
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
V-Niphal-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 21:24
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אַבְרָהָ֔ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
N-proper
Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.
אָנֹכִ֖י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
אִשָּׁבֵֽעַ
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
V-Niphal-Imperf-1cs
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 21:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Covenant at Beersheba
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, 26Abimelech replied, “I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, so I have not heard about it until today.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 6:16 | Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument. |
| 2 | Genesis 14:13 | Then an escapee came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the Oaks of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and Aner, all of whom were bound by treaty to Abram. |
| 3 | Romans 12:18 | If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. |
Genesis 21:24 Summary
In Genesis 21:24, Abraham agrees to swear an oath to Abimelech, which means he promises to keep his word and be truthful. This shows that Abraham is a man of integrity and honesty, and he wants to make sure Abimelech knows he can trust him. Just like Abraham, we should strive to be people of our word, keeping our promises and being truthful in all we do, as taught in Psalm 15:4 and Matthew 5:33-37. By doing so, we reflect the character of God, who always keeps His promises, as seen in Hebrews 6:13-14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abraham agree to swear an oath to Abimelech?
Abraham agreed to swear an oath to Abimelech as a sign of his commitment to their agreement, demonstrating his integrity and trustworthiness, as seen in Genesis 21:24, and this action reflects the importance of keeping one's word, as emphasized in Psalm 15:4.
What does it mean for Abraham to say 'I swear it'?
When Abraham says 'I swear it', he is making a solemn promise before God to uphold his end of the agreement with Abimelech, which is a significant commitment, as noted in Hebrews 6:13-14, where God Himself swears by His own name.
Is swearing an oath still relevant today?
While the specific context of swearing an oath may vary, the principle of making commitments and keeping one's word remains essential, as taught in Matthew 5:33-37, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of integrity in our words and actions.
How does Abraham's response reflect his character?
Abraham's willingness to swear an oath demonstrates his honesty, reliability, and respect for Abimelech, showcasing his strong character, as highlighted in Genesis 20:11, where Abraham is described as a man who fears God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to demonstrate my commitment to integrity and honesty, just like Abraham?
- How can I apply the principle of keeping my word in my relationships with others?
- What are some ways I can show respect and kindness to those around me, as Abimelech showed to Abraham?
- In what ways can I follow Abraham's example of trusting God in the midst of uncertain circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:24
And Abraham said, I will swear. Sensible of the many favours he had received from Abimelech in times past, and was still indulged with, he very readily agreed to his proposal; and the rather, as he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:24
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 21:24
Quest. How could Abraham lawfully swear this, when Canaan was given by God to him and his seed for ever? Answ. Neither Abraham nor his seed had any present and actual right to the possession of the land, but only the promise of a right in it, and possession of it after some hundreds of years, and therefore he gave away none of his right by this oath. For this oath did only oblige Abraham, and not his posterity; and Abimelech extended that obligation no further than to his son’ s son.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:24
Genesis 21:24 And Abraham said, I will swear.Ver. 24. I will swear.] Abraham quickly consents to so reasonable a request, from so honourable a person. The wisdom from above is "easy to be entreated". The churl Nabal holds it a goodly thing to hold off. It is but manners to reciprocate: very publicans can find in their hearts to do good to those that have been good to them.
Sermons on Genesis 21:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Purpose, Principles, and the Person: A Personal Testimony by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his 60 years of ministry and shares a basic lesson on God's purpose as depicted in the book of Genesis. He emphasizes that God not only has |