Genesis 21:34
Genesis 21:34 in Multiple Translations
And Abraham resided in the land of the Philistines for a long time.
And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines’ land many days.
And Abraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines many days.
And Abraham went on living in the land of the Philistines as in a strange country.
Abraham lived in the country of the Philistines for a long time.
And Abraham was a stranger in the Philistims land a long season.
and Abraham sojourneth in the land of the Philistines many days.
Abraham lived as a foreigner in the land of the Philistines many days.
And Abraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines many days.
And he was a sojourner in the land of the Palestines many days.
Abraham lived in the land of the Philistine people-group for a long time.
Abraham and all his people lived for a long time in the country that belonged to the Philistia mob.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:34
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 21:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֧גָר
אַבְרָהָ֛ם
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
יָמִ֥ים
רַבִּֽים
וַ/יָּ֧גָר
gûwr
H1481
to sojourn
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְרָהָ֛ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
יָמִ֥ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
רַבִּֽים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 21:34
וַ/יָּ֧גָר
gûwr
H1481
"to sojourn"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.
Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.
אַבְרָהָ֛ם
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.
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | 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.
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
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.
יָמִ֥ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
רַבִּֽים
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
Study Notes — Genesis 21:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Covenant at Beersheba
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 | 1 Chronicles 29:15 | For we are foreigners and strangers in Your presence, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 2:11 | Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul. |
| 3 | Hebrews 11:9 | By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. |
| 4 | Hebrews 11:13 | All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. |
| 5 | Genesis 20:1 | Now Abraham journeyed from there to the region of the Negev and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he was staying in Gerar, |
| 6 | Psalms 39:12 | Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. For I am a foreigner dwelling with You, a stranger like all my fathers. |
Genesis 21:34 Summary
[Abraham lived in the land of the Philistines for a long time, which shows that he was willing to trust God and be a witness for Him, even in unfamiliar surroundings. This can encourage us to do the same, as we are called to be lights for God in our own communities, as seen in Matthew 5:14-16. By trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as Abraham did in Genesis 21:33, we can confidently share our faith and live out our values, even when faced with challenges or uncertainties. As we reflect on Abraham's example, we can ask ourselves how we can be a positive influence for God in our own lives and relationships, and trust Him to guide and empower us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abraham choose to reside in the land of the Philistines?
Abraham may have chosen to reside in the land of the Philistines because of the covenant he had made with Abimelech, as seen in Genesis 21:32, which would have provided a sense of security and stability for him and his family, as noted in Genesis 26:28.
How long is a 'long time' in Genesis 21:34?
The exact length of time Abraham resided in the land of the Philistines is not specified, but it is likely that it was several years, given the context of his life and the events that unfolded, as seen in Genesis 25:7-11.
Was it wise for Abraham to live among the Philistines, given their pagan beliefs?
While the Philistines did have pagan beliefs, Abraham's presence among them may have provided an opportunity for him to share his faith and be a witness for the one true God, as seen in Genesis 21:33, where he calls upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God.
What can we learn from Abraham's decision to reside in the land of the Philistines?
Abraham's decision to reside in the land of the Philistines can teach us about the importance of being a good neighbor and a witness for God, even in unfamiliar or potentially hostile environments, as encouraged in Matthew 5:16 and Luke 10:25-37.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can be a witness for God in my own community, even if I am surrounded by people with different beliefs?
- How can I balance the need to be a light for God with the potential risks and challenges of living among those who do not share my faith?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper sense of trust and faith in God, even in uncertain or unfamiliar circumstances, as Abraham did in Genesis 21:33?
- How can I use my own experiences and relationships to share the love and truth of God with those around me, as Abraham may have done during his time in the land of the Philistines?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:34
And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days. Even many years, days being sometimes put for years; having entered into covenant with Abimelech, the king of the country, and settled a good
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:34
And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days. Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:34
Genesis 21:34 And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines’ land many days.Ver. 34. Many days.] Twenty-five years at least: for so old was Isaac when he went to be sacrificed. Some halcyons God vouchsafes to his "afflicted, and tossed with tempest"; some rest and repose to his poor pilgrims. Laus Deo .
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:34
(34) In the Philistines’ land—In Genesis 21:32 Abimelech on returning to Gerar is said to have gone back “into the land of the Philistines!’ But Beer-sheba also in a general way belonged to his dominions, and Abraham dwelt there in peace by reason of the treaty which existed between him and the Philistine king.
Sermons on Genesis 21:34
| Sermon | Description | |
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Integrity of Heart by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and how he tried to cover up his sins until God exposed him. The preacher then shares a story about a little girl who had |
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Rev. 12:6. Strangership and Pilgrimage by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the Christian's identity as a stranger and pilgrim in this world, drawing parallels between the journey of the Church and the experiences of biblical figu |
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Our Days on the Earth Are as a Shadow, And by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the transient nature of human life, comparing it to shadows and fleeting moments, yet emphasizes that even brief lives can leave a lasting impact. He draws o |
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Epistle 405 by George Fox | George Fox encourages his friends to actively engage in spreading the truth of the Gospel, emphasizing the importance of not hiding their gifts and talents. He urges them to be dil |
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(1 Peter - Part 21): As Strangers & Pilgrims, Abstain From Fleshly Lusts by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as Christians, we are pilgrims journeying home and our only real enemies are within us. God has changed the external world and protecte |
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Surrender or Else by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose behind our actions and decisions. He challenges listeners to consider why they are in their curre |
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Flee the Lusts of the Flesh - Escape for Your Life by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a righteous and pure life. He encourages listeners to flee from bad talk, foul mouthing, and stealing, and instead, |