Genesis 21:30
Genesis 21:30 in Multiple Translations
He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well.”
And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.
And he said, These seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that it may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.
And he said, Take these seven lambs from me as a witness that I have made this water-hole.
“I'm giving you these seven female lambs in return for your admission that I dug this well,” Abraham replied.
And he answered, Because thou shalt receiue of mine hand these seuen lambes, that it may be a witnes vnto me, that I haue digged this well.
And he saith, 'For — the seven lambs thou dost accept from my hand, so that it becometh a witness for me that I have digged this well;'
He said, “You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that it may be a witness to me, that I have dug this well.”
And he said, For these seven ewe-lambs shalt thou take from my hand, that they may be a witness to me, that I have digged this well.
But he said: Thou shalt take seven ewe lambs at my hand: that they may be a testimony for me, that I dug this well.
Abraham replied, “I want you truly to accept these female lambs from me [SYN], so that it may be a ◄public witness/proof► that this well belongs to me because I dug it.”
Abraham said, “I want to give you these sheep as a special present. Take them. That’s how you can show people that you agree with me, that I dug that water-hole and that I own it.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:30
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 21:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
כִּ֚י
אֶת
שֶׁ֣בַע
כְּבָשֹׂ֔ת
תִּקַּ֖ח
מִ/יָּדִ֑/י
בַּ/עֲבוּר֙
תִּֽהְיֶה
לִּ֣/י
לְ/עֵדָ֔ה
כִּ֥י
חָפַ֖רְתִּי
אֶת
הַ/בְּאֵ֥ר
הַ/זֹּֽאת
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
כְּבָשֹׂ֔ת
kibsâh
H3535
ewe-lamb
N-fp
תִּקַּ֖ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
מִ/יָּדִ֑/י
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
בַּ/עֲבוּר֙
ʻâbûwr
H5668
for the sake of
Prep | N-ms
תִּֽהְיֶה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
לִּ֣/י
Prep | Suff
לְ/עֵדָ֔ה
ʻêdâh
H5713
witness
Prep | N-fs
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
חָפַ֖רְתִּי
châphar
H2658
to search
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/בְּאֵ֥ר
bᵉʼêr
H875
well
Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּֽאת
zôʼth
H2063
this
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 21:30
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
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.
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
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.
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
כְּבָשֹׂ֔ת
kibsâh
H3535
"ewe-lamb"
N-fp
An ewe-lamb is a young female sheep, often used in sacrifices in the Old Testament. In 1 Samuel 7:9, Samuel offers a lamb to God to ask for His help. This word is also used in 2 Samuel 12:3 to describe a poor man's only lamb.
Definition: ewe-lamb, lamb
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: (ewe) lamb. See also: Genesis 21:28; Numbers 6:14; 2 Samuel 12:6.
תִּקַּ֖ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
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.
מִ/יָּדִ֑/י
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
בַּ/עֲבוּר֙
ʻâbûwr
H5668
"for the sake of"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means for the sake of or because of something, like in Genesis when God acts on account of his people's needs. It shows a reason or purpose behind an action. The KJV often translates it as because of or for someone's sake.
Definition: prep 1) for the sake of, on account of, because of, in order to conj 2) in order that
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: because of, for (...'s sake), (intent) that, to. See also: Genesis 3:17; 2 Samuel 5:12; Psalms 105:45.
תִּֽהְיֶה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לִּ֣/י
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/עֵדָ֔ה
ʻêdâh
H5713
"witness"
Prep | N-fs
This word refers to a divine testimony or witness, always in the plural form, and is used to describe God's laws. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, emphasizing God's instructions. The word is about God's guidance.
Definition: testimony, witness
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: testimony, witness. Compare H5712 (עֵדָה). See also: Genesis 21:30; Psalms 119:24; Psalms 25:10.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
חָפַ֖רְתִּי
châphar
H2658
"to search"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word châphar means to search or dig, often used to describe seeking something deeply. In Psalm 139:1, David asks God to search him, knowing God already knows everything. It implies a thorough examination.
Definition: 1) to dig, search for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dig 1a2) to search, search out, explore
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: dig, paw, search out, seek. See also: Genesis 21:30; Deuteronomy 23:14; Psalms 7:16.
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.
הַ/בְּאֵ֥ר
bᵉʼêr
H875
"well"
Art | 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/זֹּֽאת
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
Study Notes — Genesis 21:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 21:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:30
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:30
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:30
- Sermons on Genesis 21:30
Context — The Covenant at Beersheba
28Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock,
29and Abimelech asked him, “Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?”
30He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well.”
31So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath. 32After they had made the covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army got up and returned to the land of the Philistines.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 31:52 | This mound is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not go past this mound to harm you, and you will not go past this mound and pillar to harm me. |
| 2 | Joshua 24:27 | And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.” |
| 3 | Joshua 22:27–28 | Rather, let it be a witness between us and you and the generations to come, that we will worship the LORD in His presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings.’ Then in the future, your descendants cannot say to ours, ‘You have no share in the LORD!’ Therefore we said, ‘If they ever say this to us or to our descendants, we will answer: Look at the replica of the altar of the LORD that our fathers made, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you.’ |
| 4 | Genesis 31:44–48 | Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.” So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a pillar, and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, and Jacob called it Galeed. Then Laban declared, “This mound is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore the place was called Galeed. |
Genesis 21:30 Summary
In Genesis 21:30, Abraham gives Abimelech seven ewe lambs as a witness to his claim of digging a well, demonstrating his commitment to his word and his faith in God's provision. This act shows that Abraham trusted in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of uncertainty or conflict (as seen in Genesis 15:1-6). Abraham's actions remind us of the importance of being faithful witnesses for God and standing up for what is rightfully ours. By trusting in God's promises and provision, we can, like Abraham, demonstrate our commitment to Him and His plan for our lives (Romans 4:20-22).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the seven ewe lambs in Genesis 21:30?
The seven ewe lambs served as a witness to Abraham's claim of digging the well, similar to how a covenant or agreement is sealed with a witness in Genesis 31:44-53, and this act of setting apart the lambs demonstrated Abraham's commitment to his word and his faith in God's provision.
Why did Abraham need to provide a witness to Abimelech?
Abraham provided the seven ewe lambs as a witness to ensure that Abimelech would acknowledge Abraham's ownership of the well, which was essential for his family's survival, as seen in Genesis 21:25-26 where Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that his servants had seized.
How does this verse relate to the concept of covenant in the Bible?
In Genesis 21:30, Abraham and Abimelech's agreement is sealed with the exchange of the seven ewe lambs, illustrating the idea of covenant-making that is prevalent throughout the Bible, such as in Genesis 15:9-21 where God makes a covenant with Abraham, promising to give him the land of Canaan.
What can we learn from Abraham's actions in this verse about being a witness for God?
Abraham's actions demonstrate the importance of being a faithful witness and standing up for what is rightfully ours, just as God stands up for us, as seen in Isaiah 43:12, where God says 'You are my witnesses,' declaring that believers have the privilege of testifying to God's power and love in their lives.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I, like Abraham, demonstrate my commitment to God's promises and provision in my life?
- How can I be a faithful witness to God's love and redemption, just as the seven ewe lambs served as a witness to Abraham's claim?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to stand up for what is rightfully mine, just as Abraham stood up for the well that his servants had dug?
- In what ways can I, like Abraham, trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of uncertainty or conflict?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:30
And he said,.... That is, Abraham replied to Abimelech: for these seven ewe lambs shall thou take of my hand; as a present from him, to be retained as his own: that they may be a witness to me that I
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:30
And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well. These seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:30
That this care of Abraham’ s was not superfluous may appear from .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:30
Genesis 21:29 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What [mean] these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves? Genesis 21:30 And he said, For [these] seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.Ver. 29, 30. These seven ewe-lambs.] Wherewith I will buy my peaceable enjoyment of this well, for the future. That they may be a witness.] A means to prevent contention, which is sooner stirred than stinted. And I have not observed, saith one, that many have been healed by going into troubled waters, though moved by the best angels of the Church.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:30
30. that it may be a witness] Abimelech’s question and Abraham’s answer are probably the technical terms of the usual transaction. The transfer of the seven lambs having taken place, it was a “witness” to the fact that Abraham was acknowledged by Abimelech to have digged the well. There is no mention of document or writing in the compact.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:30
30. Seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand — These seem to have been an additional present to bind the treaty at the well. The receiving of this gift would bind Abimelech by a most solemn stipulation.
Sermons on Genesis 21:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 29:15-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his love for Rachel. Jacob serves his uncle Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachel, as his love for her is so |