Genesis 21:32
Genesis 21:32 in Multiple Translations
After 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.
Thus they made a covenant at Beer-sheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.
So they made a covenant at Beer-sheba: and Abimelech rose up, and Phicol the captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.
So they made an agreement at Beer-sheba, and Abimelech and Phicol, the captain of his army, went back to the land of the Philistines.
After making the agreement at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army left and went home to the country of the Philistines.
Thus made they a couenant at Beer-sheba: afterward Abimelech and Phichol his chiefe captaine rose vp, and turned againe vnto the land of the Philistims.
And they make a covenant in Beer-Sheba, and Abimelech riseth — Phichol also, head of his host — and they turn back unto the land of the Philistines;
So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Abimelech rose up with Phicol, the captain of his army, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.
Thus they made a covenant at Beer-sheba: Then Abimelech arose, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.
And they made a league for the well of oath.
After they made the agreement at Beersheba, Abimelech and his army commander, Phicol, left, and returned to the land of the Philistine people-group.
After they made those promises, Abimelek and Ficol went back to their home, in Philistia country.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:32
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 21:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּכְרְת֥וּ
בְרִ֖ית
בִּ/בְאֵ֣ר
שָׁ֑בַע
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ
וּ/פִיכֹל֙
שַׂר
צְבָא֔/וֹ
וַ/יָּשֻׁ֖בוּ
אֶל
אֶ֥רֶץ
פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים
וַ/יִּכְרְת֥וּ
kârath
H3772
to cut
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְרִ֖ית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs
בִּ/בְאֵ֣ר
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
Beersheba
Prep | N-proper
שָׁ֑בַע
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
Beersheba
N-proper
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
Ahimelech
N-proper
וּ/פִיכֹל֙
Pîykôl
H6369
Phicol
Conj | N-proper
שַׂר
sar
H8269
ruler
N-ms
צְבָא֔/וֹ
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cs | Suff
וַ/יָּשֻׁ֖בוּ
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 21:32
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.
בְרִ֖ית
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.
בִּ/בְאֵ֣ר
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
"Beersheba"
Prep | N-proper
Beersheba was a city in Palestine, located at the south edge of Israel, and its name means 'well of the sevenfold oath'. It was an important place in the Bible.
Definition: § Beer-sheba = "well of the sevenfold oath" a city at the south edge of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Beer-shebah. See also: Genesis 21:14; 2 Samuel 17:11; Amos 8:14.
שָׁ֑בַע
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
"Beersheba"
N-proper
Beersheba was a city in Palestine, located at the south edge of Israel, and its name means 'well of the sevenfold oath'. It was an important place in the Bible.
Definition: § Beer-sheba = "well of the sevenfold oath" a city at the south edge of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Beer-shebah. See also: Genesis 21:14; 2 Samuel 17:11; Amos 8:14.
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ
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.
וּ/פִיכֹל֙
Pîykôl
H6369
"Phicol"
Conj | N-proper
Phicol was a Philistine, the chief captain of King Abimelech's army. His name means strong and he lived during the time of Abraham and Isaac.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.21.22 § Phichol = "strong" chief captain of the army of king Abimelech of the Philistines of Gerar in the days of Abraham and Isaac
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Phichol. See also: Genesis 21:22; Genesis 21:32; Genesis 26:26.
שַׂר
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-ms
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
צְבָא֔/וֹ
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
וַ/יָּשֻׁ֖בוּ
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
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.
פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
Study Notes — Genesis 21:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 21:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:32
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:32
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:32
- Sermons on Genesis 21:32
Context — The Covenant at Beersheba
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.
33And Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. 34And Abraham resided in the land of the Philistines for a long time.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 13:17 | When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them along the road through the land of the Philistines, though it was shorter. For God said, “If the people face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” |
| 2 | Genesis 21:27 | So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant. |
| 3 | Judges 13:1 | Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, so He delivered them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | Genesis 26:8 | When Isaac had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked down from the window and was surprised to see Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah. |
| 7 | Genesis 26:14 | He owned so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 18:3 | Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. |
| 9 | Genesis 10:14 | the Pathrusites, the Casluhites (from whom the Philistines came), and the Caphtorites. |
Genesis 21:32 Summary
[Genesis 21:32 tells us that after Abraham and Abimelech made a promise to each other, Abimelech and his army commander Phicol went back to their home in the land of the Philistines. This shows that Abraham was able to live in peace with the people around him, which is important for all of us to strive for, just like Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5:9. By making this covenant, Abraham was able to secure a place to live and worship God, as seen in Genesis 21:33 where he plants a tamarisk tree and calls upon the name of the Lord.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the covenant made at Beersheba in Genesis 21:32?
The covenant made at Beersheba signifies a promise of peace and mutual agreement between Abraham and Abimelech, as seen in Genesis 21:27, where they made a covenant and Abraham gave Abimelech seven ewe lambs as a witness to their agreement, similar to the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 15:18.
Who is Phicol the commander of Abimelech's army in Genesis 21:32?
Phicol is the commander of Abimelech's army, and his presence alongside Abimelech in Genesis 21:32 indicates the importance of their visit to Abraham and the significance of their covenant, as also seen in Genesis 26:26 where he appears again with Abimelech.
Why did Abimelech and Phicol return to the land of the Philistines after making the covenant?
Abimelech and Phicol returned to the land of the Philistines after making the covenant because their duties and responsibilities lay in their own land, similar to how Abraham remained in the land of the Philistines for a long time as stated in Genesis 21:34.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Abraham's life?
This verse marks a significant moment in Abraham's life, as it shows him making peace with his neighbors and securing a place to live, which is a testament to God's promise to him in Genesis 12:7, where God promises to give Abraham the land of Canaan.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of keeping our promises and making peace with others, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does Abraham's actions in this verse demonstrate his trust in God's promises, and what can we learn from his example?
- What role does covenant-making play in the Bible, and how does it relate to our relationship with God, as seen in verses like Genesis 15:18 and Exodus 19:5?
- How can we, like Abraham, strive to be peacemakers in our own communities and with our neighbors, as encouraged in verses like Matthew 5:9 and Romans 12:18?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:32
Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba,.... Which took its name from the oath annexed to the covenant there made; and which is observed for the sake of what follows, to show that when they finished
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:32
Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines. Thus they made a covenant at Beer-sheba.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:32
1891 i.e. Into their part of that land, to wit, Gerar, which was not far from this place. It is a usual synecdoche, whereby the whole land is put for a part of it; otherwise they were at this time in that land.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:32
Genesis 21:32 Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.Ver. 32. A covenant.] Foedus , παρατοπεποιθεναι Sic fidus , παρατοπειθειν
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:32
32. returned into the land of the Philistines] The reference to the Philistines is an anachronism. It is doubtful whether the Philistines occupied S. E. Palestine before the reign of Raamses III (1202–1172 b.c.). See Genesis 26:1.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:32
32. Returned into the land of the Philistines — That is, into its more central part.
Sermons on Genesis 21:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 21:11-34 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael from the book of Genesis. He highlights how God promised Abraham that Ishmael would become a great |
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(Exodus) Exodus 13:14-19 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. The Israelites were not initially prepared for warfare, so G |
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A Temporary, God-Appointed Wilderness by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of being in the wilderness, both in the biblical sense and in our own lives. He references the story of the children of Israel in |
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A Temporary, God Appointed Wilderness by Carter Conlon | This sermon focuses on the concept of a temporary God-appointed wilderness, emphasizing the purpose of challenges and trials in preparing individuals for their divine calling. It e |
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Ezekiel's Valley of Dry Bones - Part 1 by Steve Evans | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones. He emphasizes that God uses ordinary people for His purposes, as seen in the life of Moses |
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God's Provision and Route by Francois Carr | This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God has a purpose and plan for each individual's life, even in the midst of challenges and dead ends. It highlights the ne |
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Total Destruction by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of deliverance from sin and the importance of recognizing the enemy in one's life. The speaker emphasizes that God reveals the ene |