Genesis 21:27
Genesis 21:27 in Multiple Translations
So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant.
And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.
And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and they two made a covenant.
And Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made an agreement together.
Then Abraham gave Abimelech some of his sheep and cattle, and the two of them made an agreement.
Then Abraham tooke sheepe and beeues, and gaue them vnto Abimelech: and they two made a couenant.
And Abraham taketh sheep and oxen, and giveth to Abimelech, and they make, both of them, a covenant;
Abraham took sheep and cattle, and gave them to Abimelech. Those two made a covenant.
And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them to Abimelech: and both of them made a covenant.
And Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech: and both of them made a league.
So Abraham brought some sheep and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a ◄treaty/peace agreement►.
At that time, Abraham gave Abimelek some of his sheep, and goats, and cows, and the 2 men made strong promises to each other.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:27
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 21:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח
אַבְרָהָם֙
צֹ֣אן
וּ/בָקָ֔ר
וַ/יִּתֵּ֖ן
לַ/אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ
וַ/יִּכְרְת֥וּ
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֖ם
בְּרִֽית
וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְרָהָם֙
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
צֹ֣אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs
וּ/בָקָ֔ר
bâqâr
H1241
cattle
Conj | N-cs
וַ/יִּתֵּ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לַ/אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
Ahimelech
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יִּכְרְת֥וּ
kârath
H3772
to cut
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֖ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj | Suff
בְּרִֽית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 21:27
וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אַבְרָהָם֙
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.
צֹ֣אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
וּ/בָקָ֔ר
bâqâr
H1241
"cattle"
Conj | N-cs
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
וַ/יִּתֵּ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לַ/אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
"Ahimelech"
Prep | 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.
וַ/יִּכְרְת֥וּ
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֖ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
בְּרִֽית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
Study Notes — Genesis 21:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 21:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:27
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:27
- Sermons on Genesis 21:27
Context — The Covenant at Beersheba
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.
28Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock, 29and Abimelech asked him, “Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 14:22–23 | But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ |
| 2 | Isaiah 32:8 | But a noble man makes honorable plans; he stands up for worthy causes. |
| 3 | Romans 1:31 | They are senseless, faithless, heartless, merciless. |
| 4 | Proverbs 17:8 | A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds. |
| 5 | Genesis 31:44 | Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.” |
| 6 | Genesis 26:28–31 | “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 that you will not harm us, just as we have not harmed you but have done only good to you, sending you on your way in peace. And now you are blessed by the LORD.” So Isaac prepared a feast for them, and they ate and drank. And they got up early the next morning and swore an oath to each other. Then Isaac sent them on their way, and they left him in peace. |
| 7 | Proverbs 18:24 | A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 17:13 | He took a member of the royal family and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. Then he carried away the leading men of the land, |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 18:3 | Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. |
| 10 | Proverbs 21:14 | A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath. |
Genesis 21:27 Summary
[Genesis 21:27 shows us that Abraham wanted to make things right with Abimelech, so he gave him some of his animals as a gift. This was a way of saying sorry and wanting to be friends, similar to what we see in Genesis 43:11 and 1 Samuel 10:27. By doing this, Abraham and Abimelech were able to make a covenant and establish a peaceful relationship, which is an important part of following God's teachings, as seen in Matthew 5:9 and Romans 12:18.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Abraham bringing sheep and cattle to Abimelech in Genesis 21:27?
Abraham's gift of sheep and cattle to Abimelech was a symbol of peace and a gesture of goodwill, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Genesis 43:11 and 1 Samuel 10:27, where gifts were given to establish or maintain relationships.
Why did Abraham and Abimelech make a covenant in Genesis 21:27?
The covenant between Abraham and Abimelech was a formal agreement to establish a peaceful relationship, similar to the covenant between God and Abraham in Genesis 15:18 and Genesis 17:1-14, which emphasized faithfulness and obedience.
How does Genesis 21:27 relate to the previous verses about the seized well?
The covenant in Genesis 21:27 was a response to the conflict over the well, as Abimelech had denied knowledge of his servants' actions in Genesis 21:26, and Abraham's gift and the covenant were a way to resolve the issue and establish a peaceful relationship.
What can we learn from Abraham's actions in Genesis 21:27 about resolving conflicts?
Abraham's actions in Genesis 21:27 demonstrate the importance of taking initiative to resolve conflicts and establish peace, as seen in other biblical teachings such as Matthew 5:9 and Romans 12:18, which emphasize the value of peacemaking and living in harmony with others.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can take initiative to resolve conflicts and establish peace in my own relationships, just like Abraham did in Genesis 21:27?
- How can I use gifts or acts of kindness to build bridges and establish goodwill with others, as Abraham did with Abimelech?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to make a covenant or formal commitment to God or others, and how can I follow Abraham's example in Genesis 21:27?
- How can I apply the principles of peacemaking and conflict resolution from Genesis 21:27 to my relationships with family, friends, and colleagues?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:27
And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech,.... In gratitude for former favours he had received from him, in token of the friendship that subsisted between them, and for the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:27
And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant. Both of them made a covenant.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:27
Abraham gave them unto Abimelech; partly, as an acknowledgment to him for his former favour and friendship; partly, as an assurance of his sincere friendship, both present and for the future, of his acquiescence in his answer about the well; and partly, for sacrifice, and for the usual rite in making covenants, which was, that the persons covenanting might pass through the parts of the slain beasts. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:27
Genesis 21:27 And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.Ver. 27. Abraham took sheep and oxen.] In token of true and hearty reconciliation. Reconciliationes , saith Menander, sunt vulpinae amicitiae . Let it be so among heathens. But we have not so learned Christ.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:27
Verse 27. Took sheep and oxen] Some think that these were the sacrifices which were offered on the occasion, and which Abraham furnished at his own cost, and, in order to do Abimelech the greater honour, gave them to him to offer before the Lord.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:27
27. And Abraham took sheep, &c.] Abraham makes a gift, according to the custom, at the conclusion of a treaty (cf. 1 Kings 15:19) and as a pledge of his good faith. He also acknowledges his need of protection from the king. made a covenant] Cf. Genesis 15:18, Genesis 26:31.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:27
27. Abraham took sheep — If there has been any lack of frankness on his part he will now make the first gift towards alliance.
Sermons on Genesis 21:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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3 Characteristics of God's Servants by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord and highlights three aspects of serving Him. Firstly, he warns against negative influences such as the pow |
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Abraham and Lot by Bill Randles | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the story of Abram in Genesis 13 and 14. He emphasizes the importance of going back to one's first love and calling on the name of |
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Abraham and Melchizedek by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher talks about how Abraham was watched over and protected by the great King of righteousness. Abraham's victory in battle was attributed to the interventi |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 98 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and his faithfulness to God. The sermon highlights the intense struggle Abraham faced when God asked him to sacrifice h |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 108 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Achan from Joshua chapter 7. Achan's disobedience and greed led to his downfall and caused problems for the entire community. Th |
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Genesis 14:1-24 by John Calvin | John Calvin expounds on the historical account of Abram's victory over the kings, emphasizing the divine intervention and protection granted to him as a chosen servant of God. The |
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The Ministry of Melchizedek by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the priesthood of Melchizedek, highlighting how Melchizedek knew God intimately and blessed Abraham with a prophetic word that saved him from pride and covet |