Genesis 21:25
Genesis 21:25 in Multiple Translations
But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized,
And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.
And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of the well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.
But Abraham made a protest to Abimelech because of a water-hole which Abimelech's servants had taken by force.
Then Abraham raised an issue with Abimelech of a well that Abimelech's servants had taken by force.
And Abraham rebuked Abimelech for a well of water, which Abimelechs seruants had violently taken away.
And Abraham reasoned with Abimelech concerning the matter of a well of water which Abimelech's servants have taken violently away,
Abraham complained to Abimelech because of a water well, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.
And Abraham reproved Abimelech, because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.
And he reproved Abimelech for a well of water, which his servants had taken away by force.
Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about one of Abraham’s wells that Abimelech’s servants had seized.
But then Abraham also complained to Abimelek. He said, “I’ve got a problem. Some of your workers took one of my water-holes, and then they stopped my workers from getting any water there.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:25
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 21:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הוֹכִ֥חַ
אַבְרָהָ֖ם
אֶת
אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ
עַל
אֹדוֹת֙
בְּאֵ֣ר
הַ/מַּ֔יִם
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
גָּזְל֖וּ
עַבְדֵ֥י
אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ
וְ/הוֹכִ֥חַ
yâkach
H3198
to rebuke
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
אַבְרָהָ֖ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
Ahimelech
N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אֹדוֹת֙
ʼôwdôwth
H182
because
N-fp
בְּאֵ֣ר
bᵉʼêr
H875
well
N-fs
הַ/מַּ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
גָּזְל֖וּ
gâzal
H1497
to plunder
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עַבְדֵ֥י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp
אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
Ahimelech
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 21:25
וְ/הוֹכִ֥חַ
yâkach
H3198
"to rebuke"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to rebuke or correct, and is used in the Bible to describe arguing, judging, or convincing someone of their wrongdoings. It is seen in the KJV translation as rebuke or reprove. The word is used in various forms, including to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to prove, decide, judge, rebuke, reprove, correct, be right 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to decide, judge 1a2) to adjudge, appoint 1a3) to show to be right, prove 1a4) to convince, convict 1a5) to reprove, chide 1a6) to correct, rebuke 1b) (Hophal) to be chastened 1c) (Niphal) to reason, reason together 1d) (Hithp) to argue
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: appoint, argue, chasten, convince, correct(-ion), daysman, dispute, judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove(-r), surely, in any wise. See also: Genesis 20:16; Psalms 38:2; Psalms 6:2.
אַבְרָהָ֖ם
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
"Ahimelech"
N-proper
Abimelech was the name of two Philistine kings and two Israelites in the Bible, including a king who met Abraham and a priest who helped David. The name means 'my father is king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17; son of: Abiathar (H0054); brother of: Jonathan (H3083I) Another spelling of a.chi.me.lekh (אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Ahimelech" H0288I) § Abimelech = "Melek is father" or "my father is king" 1) king of Gerar in Abraham's time 2) king of Gath in David's time; maybe title of Philistine kings 3) son of Gideon by a concubine 4) priest, son of Abiathar
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: Abimelech. See also: Genesis 20:2; Judges 9:20; Psalms 34:1.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֹדוֹת֙
ʼôwdôwth
H182
"because"
N-fp
This Hebrew word means because or on account of, referring to a cause or reason for something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Genesis and Isaiah. It helps explain why something happens.
Definition: 1) cause 1a) cause, reason for 1b) the occasion of
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (be-) cause, concerning, sake. See also: Genesis 21:11; Numbers 13:24; Jeremiah 3:8.
בְּאֵ֣ר
bᵉʼêr
H875
"well"
N-fs
A well or pit, like a water source, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a spring, and is often translated as a well or pit in the Bible.
Definition: well, pit, spring
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: pit, well. See also: Genesis 14:10; Genesis 29:3; Psalms 55:24.
הַ/מַּ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
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.
גָּזְל֖וּ
gâzal
H1497
"to plunder"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to take something by force, like plundering or robbing, and is used in stories like David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. It can also mean to strip or flay something, and is often associated with violence.
Definition: 1) to tear away, seize, plunder, tear off, pull off, rob, take away by force 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tear away, rob 1a2) to seize, plunder (with acc cognate) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be robbed 1b2) to be taken away
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: catch, consume, exercise (robbery), pluck (off), rob, spoil, take away (by force, violence), tear. See also: Genesis 21:25; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:10.
עַבְדֵ֥י
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
"Ahimelech"
N-proper
Abimelech was the name of two Philistine kings and two Israelites in the Bible, including a king who met Abraham and a priest who helped David. The name means 'my father is king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17; son of: Abiathar (H0054); brother of: Jonathan (H3083I) Another spelling of a.chi.me.lekh (אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Ahimelech" H0288I) § Abimelech = "Melek is father" or "my father is king" 1) king of Gerar in Abraham's time 2) king of Gath in David's time; maybe title of Philistine kings 3) son of Gideon by a concubine 4) priest, son of Abiathar
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: Abimelech. See also: Genesis 20:2; Judges 9:20; Psalms 34:1.
Study Notes — Genesis 21:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 21:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:25
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:25
- Sermons on Genesis 21:25
Context — The Covenant at Beersheba
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.” 27So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 26:15–22 | So the Philistines took dirt and stopped up all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the days of his father Abraham. Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “Depart from us, for you are much too powerful for us.” So Isaac left that place and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died. And he gave these wells the same names his father had given them. Then Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found a well of fresh water there. But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him. Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah. He moved on from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. He named it Rehoboth and said, “At last the LORD has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land.” |
| 2 | Genesis 29:8 | But they replied, “We cannot, until all the flocks have been gathered and the stone has been rolled away from the mouth of the well. Then we will water the sheep.” |
| 3 | Proverbs 25:9 | Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, |
| 4 | Genesis 13:7 | And there was discord between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were also living in the land. |
| 5 | Exodus 2:15–17 | When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well. Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock. |
| 6 | Matthew 18:15 | If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. |
| 7 | Proverbs 27:5 | Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. |
| 8 | Proverbs 17:10 | A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool. |
| 9 | Judges 1:15 | “Give me a blessing,” she answered. “Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me springs of water as well.” So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs. |
Genesis 21:25 Summary
[Genesis 21:25 shows us that Abraham was a man who stood up for what was rightfully his, but he did so in a peaceful and respectful manner. He complained to Abimelech about the well that had been taken, and this led to a resolution, as Abimelech replied and they made a covenant, similar to the advice given in Romans 12:18 to live at peace with everyone. This teaches us the importance of communicating openly and honestly in our relationships, as also encouraged in Ephesians 4:29. By following Abraham's example, we can learn to address conflicts in a way that honors God and promotes peace, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abraham complain to Abimelech about the well?
Abraham complained to Abimelech about the well because it had been seized by Abimelech's servants, and Abraham wanted to resolve the issue, as seen in Genesis 21:25. This action shows Abraham's desire to maintain peace and resolve conflicts in a fair manner, similar to what is taught in Matthew 5:9.
What can we learn from Abraham's approach to conflict resolution?
From Abraham's approach, we can learn the importance of addressing issues directly and seeking resolution in a peaceful manner, as also encouraged in Ephesians 4:32. Abraham's complaint to Abimelech demonstrates how to stand up for one's rights without escalating the situation.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of Abraham's life?
This verse is part of the story of Abraham's interactions with Abimelech, which showcases Abraham's faith and trust in God, even in difficult situations, as seen in Genesis 21:22-34. It highlights Abraham's character and his commitment to following God's guidance, as mentioned in Genesis 12:1-3.
What does this verse teach us about the importance of communication in relationships?
This verse emphasizes the importance of open and honest communication in relationships, as Abraham directly addresses the issue with Abimelech, leading to a resolution, as also advised in Proverbs 15:1. Effective communication helps prevent misunderstandings and promotes peaceful coexistence.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I need to address conflicts or issues directly, and how can I apply Abraham's approach to resolve them?
- How can I balance standing up for my rights with maintaining peace and avoiding conflict, as Abraham did in this situation?
- What role does faith and trust in God play in my approach to conflict resolution, and how can I grow in this area, as Abraham did throughout his life?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of honest communication and seeking resolution, as seen in Genesis 21:25, to my personal and professional relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:25
And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water,.... Before he swore and entered into covenant with him, he thought it advisable to inform him of an affair that had happened concerning a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:25
And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away. Abraham reproved ... because of a well.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:25
That the foundation of true friendship might be firmly laid, and the peace inviolably observed, he removes an impediment to it, an occasion of quarrel and just exception on Abraham’ s part. A well of water in those hot and dry countries was of great esteem and necessity. Compare . Besides, a well may be put for wells, as the Greeks render it, and as may seem probable by comparing this with ,18; it being an ordinary thing to use the singular number for the plural, as hath been showed. See 4:20.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:25
Genesis 21:25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech’ s servants had violently taken away.Ver. 25. And Abraham reproved Abimelech.] Inferiors may reprove their superiors, so they do it wisely and modestly.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:25
Verse 25. Abraham reproved Abimelech] Wells were of great consequence in those hot countries, and especially where the flocks were numerous, because the water was scarce, and digging to find it was accompanied with much expense of time and labour.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:25
25. Abraham reproved] Disputes about wells are some of the most common causes of strife among the Bedouin tribes. Abraham’s complaint is that his servants had dug wells; that Abimelech’s servants had taken violent possession of them; that there had been no redress. The occasion of the treaty favoured a settlement of the dispute. The verbs in Genesis 21:25-26 are best rendered as frequentatives = “as often as Abraham complained to Abimelech, Abimelech used to reply he was entirely ignorant.” Gesen. Hebr. Gr. § 112 rr.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:25
25. Reproved — The same word used in Genesis 20:16, where it is said that Sarah was reproved by Abimelech. There was an outstanding difficulty which must be settled before Abraham will swear.
Sermons on Genesis 21:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Epistle 275 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of not quenching the spirit of God within oneself or in others, as it can lead to spiritual deadness and questioning due to false fear. He urge |
|
|
Epistle 300 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of standing in the power of God, which is the keeper unto the day of salvation, emphasizing that the kingdom stands in power and not in wor |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 29:6-10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob arriving in a new land and encountering his cousin Rachel. Jacob immediately takes charge and instructs the shepherds on h |
|
A Series of Proverbs Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the inevitability of death and the inability to escape it. He also discusses the misuse of authority and how those in power often suff |
|
The Ministry of the Church by R. Edward Miller | In this sermon, the pastor shares a story about a new pastor who constantly hears comparisons to the previous pastor's sermons and services. One day, the new pastor visits a young |
|
Homily 14 by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome preaches about the baptism of Mattidia in a secret place by the sea, highlighting the importance of privacy and reverence in spiritual practices. Peter encounters a |
|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 13:5-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the importance of love and unity among believers. He shares a personal story about his uncle who never came to the Lord because of the figh |