Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So that place was called Beersheba, because the two men swore an oath there. New Living Translation Then he named the place Beersheba (which means “well of the oath”), because that was where they had sworn the oath. English Standard Version Therefore that place was called Beersheba, because there both of them swore an oath. Berean Standard Bible So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath. King James Bible Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them. New King James Version Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because the two of them swore an oath there. New American Standard Bible Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because there the two of them took an oath. NASB 1995 Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because there the two of them took an oath. NASB 1977 Therefore he called that place Beersheba; because there the two of them took an oath. Legacy Standard Bible Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because there the two of them swore an oath. Amplified Bible Therefore that place was called Beersheba (Well of the Oath or Well of the Seven), because there the two of them swore an oath. Christian Standard Bible Therefore that place was called Beer-sheba because it was there that the two of them swore an oath. Holman Christian Standard Bible Therefore that place was called Beer-sheba because it was there that the two of them swore an oath. American Standard Version Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba; because there they sware both of them. Contemporary English Version So they called the place Beersheba, because they made a treaty there. English Revised Version Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba; because there they sware both of them. GOD'S WORD® Translation This is why that place is called Beersheba, because both of them swore an oath there. Good News Translation And so the place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them made a vow. International Standard Version Therefore that place was called Beer-sheba, because the two of them swore an oath. NET Bible That is why he named that place Beer Sheba, because the two of them swore an oath there. New Heart English Bible Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because they both swore there. Webster's Bible Translation Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba: because there they swore both of them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath. World English Bible Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because they both swore an oath there. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versiontherefore he has called that place “Beer-Sheba,” for both of them have sworn there. Young's Literal Translation therefore hath he called that place 'Beer-Sheba,' for there have both of them sworn. Smith's Literal Translation For this he called that place, The well of the oath, for there they two aware. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTherefore that place was called Bersabee: because both of them did swear. Catholic Public Domain Version For this reason, that place was called Beersheba, because there both of them did swear. New American Bible This is why the place is called Beer-sheba; the two of them took an oath there. New Revised Standard Version Therefore that place was called Beer-sheba; because there both of them swore an oath. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore he called that place Beer-sheba, because there they swore both of them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because of this he called that place Beersheba, because there both of them had sworn. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Wherefore that place was called Beer-sheba; because there they swore both of them. Brenton Septuagint Translation Therefore he named the name of that place, The Well of the Oath, for there they both swore. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible 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.… Cross References Genesis 26:33 So he called it Shibah, and to this day the name of the city is Beersheba. Genesis 26:20-22 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. / Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah. / He moved on from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. He named it Rehoboth and said, “At last the LORD has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land.” Genesis 16:14 Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi. It is located between Kadesh and Bered. Genesis 28:10 Meanwhile Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. Genesis 12:8 From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD, and he called on the name of the LORD. Genesis 13:3 From the Negev he journeyed from place to place toward Bethel, until he came to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been pitched, Genesis 22:19 Abraham went back to his servants, and they got up and set out together for Beersheba. And Abraham settled in Beersheba. Genesis 24:62 Now Isaac had just returned from Beer-lahai-roi, for he was living in the Negev. Genesis 31:47-48 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 33:17 but Jacob went on to Succoth, where he built a house for himself and shelters for his livestock; that is why the place was called Succoth. Genesis 35:7 There Jacob built an altar, and he called that place El-bethel, because it was there that God had revealed Himself to Jacob as he fled from his brother. Genesis 46:1 So Israel set out with all that he had, and when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. Exodus 17:7 He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?” Joshua 5:9 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So that place has been called Gilgal to this day. 1 Samuel 7:12 Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” Treasury of Scripture Why he called that place Beersheba; because there they swore both of them. called. Genesis 26:33 And he called it Shebah: therefore the name of the city is Beersheba unto this day. Beer-sheba. Genesis 21:14 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. Genesis 26:23 And he went up from thence to Beersheba. Joshua 15:28 And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah, Jump to Previous Beersheba Beer-Sheba Oath Oaths Sware Swore Sworn WhereforeJump to Next Beersheba Beer-Sheba Oath Oaths Sware Swore Sworn WhereforeGenesis 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. So that place was called Beersheba The name "Beersheba" is derived from two Hebrew words: "beer," meaning "well," and "sheba," meaning "oath" or "seven." This location is significant in biblical history as a site of covenant-making. Beersheba is situated in the southern part of Israel, marking the boundary of the Promised Land. It became a central location for the patriarchs, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Archaeological evidence suggests that Beersheba was an important settlement during the time of the patriarchs, with remains of ancient wells and fortifications. because it was there that the two of them swore an oath Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, who made a covenant with Abimelech at Beersheba. 2. Abimelech The king of Gerar, who entered into a covenant with Abraham to ensure peaceful relations. 3. Beersheba The location where Abraham and Abimelech made their covenant, named for the oath sworn there. The name "Beersheba" is derived from the Hebrew words "be'er" (well) and "sheba" (oath or seven), indicating the well of the oath or the well of seven. 4. The Oath A formal agreement between Abraham and Abimelech, signifying peace and mutual respect. 5. The Well A significant resource in the arid region, symbolizing sustenance and life, and the subject of the covenant. Teaching Points The Importance of CovenantsCovenants are foundational in biblical accounts, representing commitments and relationships. They remind us of the seriousness of our promises to God and others. God's Faithfulness Just as God was faithful to Abraham in securing peace and provision, He remains faithful to His promises to us today. The Significance of Names Naming places and events in the Bible often carries deep meaning. Beersheba serves as a reminder of God's provision and the importance of peace. The Role of Peace in Relationships Abraham and Abimelech's covenant highlights the importance of seeking peace and reconciliation in our relationships. Resource Stewardship The well at Beersheba symbolizes the importance of managing and valuing the resources God provides us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 21:31?2. How does Genesis 21:31 illustrate the importance of making covenants before God? 3. What does the naming of Beersheba signify about God's faithfulness to His promises? 4. How can we apply the principle of peaceful resolution from Genesis 21:31 today? 5. In what ways does Genesis 21:31 connect to other biblical covenants? 6. How does Abraham's action in Genesis 21:31 demonstrate obedience and trust in God? 7. Why is the location Beersheba significant in Genesis 21:31 and biblical history? 8. How does Genesis 21:31 reflect God's covenantal promises? 9. What does the naming of Beersheba reveal about Abraham's relationship with Abimelech? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 21? 11. Where is Beersheba mentioned in the Bible? 12. Where is Beersheba mentioned in the Bible? 13. Joshua 19:2–8: How can we reconcile the extensive list of Simeon’s towns with the limited archaeological evidence for these places? 14. In Isaiah 51:2, how can Abraham be considered the sole origin of a great nation if other historical accounts suggest multiple ancestral lines for Israel? What Does Genesis 21:31 Mean So that place was called– Naming in Scripture is never random; it fixes a literal event in collective memory (Genesis 28:19; Genesis 35:15). – Abraham marks the well to testify to God’s tangible provision of water in the desert, just as God had promised to care for him (Genesis 21:19). – Like the twelve stones at the Jordan (Joshua 4:7), the name becomes a standing reminder for future generations that God acts in history and keeps His word. Beersheba, – Literally “well of the oath” or “well of seven,” pointing to the seven ewe lambs Abraham set apart (Genesis 21:28–30). – The city later frames Israel’s length: “from Dan to Beersheba” (Judges 20:1; 1 Samuel 3:20), showing this covenant site remained a geographic and spiritual landmark. – It becomes a place of worship for patriarchs (Genesis 26:25; 46:1), reinforcing that God’s past faithfulness invites ongoing fellowship. because it was there – Scripture locates God’s dealings in real space and time; the covenant is not abstract but rooted “there,” by a specific well Abraham dug (Genesis 21:25). – This anchors faith to God’s concrete interventions, echoing Paul’s reminder that the gospel rests on facts “seen by many” (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). – Physical reminders guard against forgetfulness (Deuteronomy 6:12; 2 Peter 1:13). that the two of them – Abraham and Abimelech stand together, illustrating that God can use covenant to bring peace even between believer and pagan ruler (Proverbs 16:7; Romans 12:18). – Both parties acknowledge a higher Witness; their joint action validates the agreement much like Jacob and Laban’s Mizpah (Genesis 31:44–48). – God’s people are called to honest dealings, respecting the rights of others while trusting the Lord to defend them (Proverbs 11:1). swore an oath. – An oath invokes God’s name, making Him the guarantor of the promise (Deuteronomy 23:21–23). – By swearing, Abraham secures uncontested access to the well, safeguarding God-given resources needed for the covenant line. – Oaths foreshadow God’s own sworn promises: “Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear… He confirmed it with an oath” (Hebrews 6:17). – Bullet points: • Establishes peace after conflict (Genesis 21:25–26). • Protects the weak (Abraham as resident alien) by binding the strong (king Abimelech). • Prefigures Christ, whose blood is “the blood of the covenant” (Matthew 26:28), sealing eternal peace. summary Genesis 21:31 records a literal covenant ceremony: Abraham and Abimelech jointly name the site “Beersheba” to commemorate their sworn oath over a well. The name fixes the event in geography and history, reminding every generation that God provides, protects, and honors truthful agreements. From that single well, the region’s future identity emerges, and the scene points forward to God’s own oath-bound faithfulness fulfilled in Christ. (31) Beer-sheba.--That is, the well of seven, but with a covert allusion to the seven lambs having been used for the ratification of an oath. Robinson found the exact site in the Wady-es-Seba, with its name still preserved as Bir-es-Seba. There are there two wells of solid construction, the first twelve and a half feet in diameter; the other, situated about 200 yards to the south, much smaller, being only five feet in diameter. Both are lined with solid masonry, and reach down to never-failing springs in the rock. Around are stone troughs for watering the cattle, and the parapet of the larger well is worn into deep indentations, by the ropes used in drawing the water (Finn, Bye-ways in Palestine, p. 190).Verse 31. - Wherefore he called that place Beersheba. I.e. "the well of the oath," φρέαρ ὁρκισμοῦ (LXX., Gesenius, Furst, Rosenmüller), or the well of the seven (Keil), rather than the seven wells (Lange); discovered by Robinson in Bir-es-seba, in the Wady-es-seba, twelve miles to the south of Hebron, with two deep wells of excellent water. "The great well has an internal diameter at the mouth of twelve feet six inches, or a circumference of nearly forty feet. The shaft is formed of excellent masonry to a great depth until it reaches the rock, and at this juncture a spring trickles perpetually. Around the mouth of the well is a circular course of masonry, topped by a circular parapet of about a foot high; and at a distance of ten or twelve feet are stone troughs placed in a concentric circle with the well, the sides of which have deep indentions made by the wear of ropes on the upper edges The second well, about 200 yards farther south, is not more than five feet in diameter, but is formed of equally good masonry, and furnishes equally good water" (vide 'Byeways in Palestine,' by James Finn, M.R.A.S., p. 190). Because there they aware both of them.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Soעַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against that הַה֖וּא (ha·hū) Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are place לַמָּק֥וֹם (lam·mā·qō·wm) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition was called קָרָ֛א (qā·rā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read Beersheba, שָׁ֑בַע (šā·ḇa‘) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 884: Beersheba -- 'well of seven', a place in the Negev because כִּ֛י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction it was there שָׁ֥ם (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither that the two שְׁנֵיהֶֽם׃ (šə·nê·hem) Number - mdc | third person masculine plural Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) of them swore an oath. נִשְׁבְּע֖וּ (niš·bə·‘ū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear Links Genesis 21:31 NIVGenesis 21:31 NLT Genesis 21:31 ESV Genesis 21:31 NASB Genesis 21:31 KJV Genesis 21:31 BibleApps.com Genesis 21:31 Biblia Paralela Genesis 21:31 Chinese Bible Genesis 21:31 French Bible Genesis 21:31 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 21:31 Therefore he called that place Beersheba because (Gen. 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