Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He replied, “Accept these seven lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well.” New Living Translation Abraham replied, “Please accept these seven lambs to show your agreement that I dug this well.” English Standard Version He said, “These seven ewe lambs you will take from my hand, that this may be a witness for me that I dug this well.” Berean Standard Bible He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well.” Berean Literal Bible And he said, “For these seven ewe lambs you will take from my hand, that it may be a witness for me that I have dug this well.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version And he said, “You will take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that they may be my witness that I have dug this well.” New American Standard Bible He said, “You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand so that it may be a witness for me, that I dug this well.” NASB 1995 He said, “You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand so that it may be a witness to me, that I dug this well.” NASB 1977 And he said, “You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand in order that it may be a witness to me, that I dug this well.” Legacy Standard Bible He said, “You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand so that it may be a witness to me, that I dug this well.” Amplified Bible Abraham said, “You are to accept these seven ewe lambs from me as a witness for me, that I dug this well.” Berean Annotated Bible He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well. Christian Standard Bible He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from me so that this act will serve as my witness that I dug this well.” Holman Christian Standard Bible He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand so that this act will serve as my witness that I dug this well.” American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version Abraham replied, "I want you to accept these seven lambs as proof that I dug this well." English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation Abraham answered, "Accept these lambs from me so that they may be proof that I dug this well." Good News Translation Abraham answered, "Accept these seven lambs. By doing this, you admit that I am the one who dug this well." International Standard Version He replied, "You are to accept from me these seven ewe lambs as a witness that I have dug this well." NET Bible He replied, "You must take these seven ewe lambs from my hand as legal proof that I dug this well." New Heart English Bible 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." Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well.” World English Bible 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.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he says, “For—the seven lambs you accept from my hand, so that it becomes a witness for me that I have dug this well”; Berean Literal Bible And he said, “For these seven ewe lambs you will take from my hand, that it may be a witness for me that I have dug this well.” Young's Literal Translation 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;' Smith's Literal Translation And he will say, For the seven ewe lambs thou shalt take from my hand, in order to be to me for a testimony that I dug this well. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut he said: Thou shalt take seven ewe lambs at my hand: that they may be a testimony for me, that I dug this well. Catholic Public Domain Version But he said, “You will receive seven female lambs from my hand, so that they may be a testimony for me, that I dug this well.” New American Bible Abraham answered, “The seven ewe lambs you shall accept from me that you may be my witness that I dug this well.” New Revised Standard Version He said, “These seven ewe lambs you shall accept from my hand, in order that you may be a witness for me that I dug this well.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said, For these seven ewe lambs you shall take of my hands that they may be a witness for me that I have digged this well. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he said, “Take from my hands the seven ewes so that it may be a testimony to me that I have dug this well.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he said: 'Verily, these seven ewe-lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that it may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Abraam said, Thou shalt receive the seven ewe-lambs of me, that they may be for me as a witness, that I dug this well. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Covenant at Beersheba…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.… Cross References He replied, Genesis 23:13-16 and said to Ephron in their presence, “If you will please listen to me, I will pay you the price of the field. Accept it from me, so that I may bury my dead there.” / Ephron answered Abraham, / “Listen to me, my lord. The land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.” … 2 Samuel 24:24 “No,” replied the king, “I insist on paying a price, for I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand Genesis 33:10-11 But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably. / Please accept my gift that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” So Jacob pressed him until he accepted. 1 Samuel 25:27-28 Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow you. / Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live. 2 Kings 5:15-16 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” / But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused. as my witness Genesis 31:48-52 Then Laban declared, “This mound is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore the place was called Galeed. / It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other. / If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.” … 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.” Deuteronomy 31:26 “Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, so that it may remain there as a witness against you. that I dug this well.” Genesis 26:18-22 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. … 1 Chronicles 4:39-40 and they journeyed to the entrance of Gedor, to the east side of the valley, in search of pasture for their flocks. / There they found rich, good pasture, and the land was spacious, peaceful, and quiet; for some Hamites had lived there formerly. 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. … Genesis 31:44-54 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. … Exodus 24:8 So Moses took the blood, splattered it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.” 1 Samuel 18:3-4 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. / And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt. 1 Samuel 20:16-17 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” / And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. 2 Samuel 21:7 Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul. Treasury of Scripture And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shall you take of my hand, that they may be a witness to me, that I have dig this well. a witness. Genesis 31:44-48,52 Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee… Joshua 22:27,28 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD… Joshua 24:27 And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God. Jump to Previous Accept Digged Dug Ewe Ewe-Lambs Hand Lambs Seven Verily Water-Hole WitnessJump to Next Accept Digged Dug Ewe Ewe-Lambs Hand Lambs Seven Verily Water-Hole WitnessGenesis 21 1. Isaac is born, and circumcised.6. Sarah's joy. 8. Isaac is weaned. 9. Hagar and Ishmael sent away. 15. Hagar in distress. 17. The angel relieves and comforts her. 23. Abimelech's covenant with Abraham at Beersheba. He replied This phrase indicates a response, suggesting a dialogue or negotiation. In the context of Genesis 21, Abraham is speaking to Abimelech, the king of Gerar. This interaction follows a dispute over a well, highlighting the importance of water rights in the ancient Near East, a region where water was a precious and often contested resource. You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, who is making a covenant with Abimelech in this passage. He is a central figure in Genesis, known for his faith and obedience to God. 2. Abimelech The king of Gerar, who enters into a covenant with Abraham. He previously interacted with Abraham in Genesis 20, where he took Sarah into his household, believing she was Abraham's sister. 3. Beersheba The location where this covenant is made. It becomes a significant place in the biblical account, often associated with oaths and covenants. 4. The Well A source of water that Abraham claims to have dug, which becomes a point of contention and is central to the covenant between him and Abimelech. 5. Seven Ewe Lambs These are given by Abraham to Abimelech as a witness to the covenant, symbolizing peace and agreement. Teaching Points The Importance of CovenantsCovenants are foundational in the biblical account, representing commitments and promises. Abraham's covenant with Abimelech shows the importance of clear agreements and peaceful resolutions. Symbolism of the Seven Ewe Lambs The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible. Abraham's offering of seven ewe lambs signifies a complete and sincere commitment to the covenant. God's Provision and Faithfulness The well represents God's provision for Abraham and his descendants. Trusting in God's provision is a recurring theme in the life of Abraham. Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution Abraham's approach to resolving the dispute over the well is a model for handling conflicts with integrity and generosity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 21:30?2. How does Genesis 21:30 illustrate the importance of covenant in our relationships? 3. What does Abraham's action in Genesis 21:30 teach about resolving conflicts biblically? 4. How can we apply the principle of witness from Genesis 21:30 in our lives? 5. In what ways does Genesis 21:30 connect to Jesus' teachings on honesty and integrity? 6. How can Genesis 21:30 guide us in making peace with others today? 7. Why did Abraham give Abimelech seven ewe lambs in Genesis 21:30? 8. What is the significance of the number seven in Genesis 21:30? 9. How does Genesis 21:30 reflect ancient covenant practices? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 21? 11. Where is Beersheba mentioned in the Bible? 12. What is the biblical significance of the number seven? 13. Where is the historical or archaeological evidence for the well at Beersheba mentioned in Genesis 21:25-31? 14. What foods are mentioned in the Bible? What Does Genesis 21:30 Mean He replied- Abimelek’s immediate response to Abraham (Genesis 21:28-29) shows he takes the matter seriously, just as Pharaoh promptly answered Joseph in Genesis 41:16. - Scripture consistently portrays dialogue in covenants as purposeful; replies seal understanding (cf. Genesis 24:50). You are to accept - Acceptance establishes agreement, not mere courtesy (Genesis 33:11; 1 Samuel 25:35). - Abraham is not bargaining but instructing, underscoring his God-given authority to secure what is rightfully his (Genesis 12:7; 13:17). The seven ewe lambs - The number seven signals completeness throughout Scripture (Genesis 7:2; Leviticus 4:6). - Ewe lambs are valuable sacrificial animals (Leviticus 4:32), emphasizing costliness. - By choosing “seven,” Abraham publicly ties the well to an oath of fullness and peace. From my hand - Personal transfer eliminates question of ownership (Genesis 43:9; 2 Samuel 24:24). - Abraham’s hand, not a servant’s, conveys accountability and integrity. As my witness - Tangible witnesses were customary in covenants (Genesis 31:48-52; Joshua 24:27). - The lambs stand as perpetual testimony; anyone seeing the flock would recall the agreement. That I dug this well - Wells represented life and inheritance in the arid south (Genesis 26:18-25). - Abraham’s labor is acknowledged; no dispute can arise later. - Centuries afterward, the Samaritan woman referred to Jacob’s well for similar reasons of ancestral claim (John 4:12). summary Genesis 21:30 records Abraham giving Abimelek seven ewe lambs so the king will publicly acknowledge that Abraham himself dug the well at Beersheba. Each phrase advances a formal covenant: a direct reply, an instruction to accept valuable animals, a personal transfer, a living witness, and final affirmation of ownership. The passage models how God’s people secure peace and property with integrity, using clear agreements that honor both parties and stand the test of time. Hebrew He replied,וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “You are to accept תִּקַּ֖ח (tiq·qaḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take the seven שֶׁ֣בַע (še·ḇa‘) Number - feminine singular Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number ewe lambs כְּבָשֹׂ֔ת (kə·ḇā·śōṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 3535: Ewe lamb from my hand מִיָּדִ֑י (mî·yā·ḏî) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 3027: A hand as my witness לְעֵדָ֔ה (lə·‘ê·ḏāh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5713: Testimony, witness that כִּ֚י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I dug חָפַ֖רְתִּי (ḥā·p̄ar·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 2658: To pry into, to delve, to explore this הַזֹּֽאת׃ (haz·zōṯ) Article | Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, well.” הַבְּאֵ֥ר (hab·bə·’êr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 875: A pit, a well Links Genesis 21:30 NIVGenesis 21:30 NLT Genesis 21:30 ESV Genesis 21:30 NASB Genesis 21:30 KJV Genesis 21:30 BibleApps.com Genesis 21:30 Biblia Paralela Genesis 21:30 Chinese Bible Genesis 21:30 French Bible Genesis 21:30 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 21:30 He said You shall take these seven (Gen. 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