Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They answered, “We saw clearly that the LORD was with you; so we said, ‘There ought to be a sworn agreement between us’—between us and you. Let us make a treaty with you New Living Translation They replied, “We can plainly see that the LORD is with you. So we want to enter into a sworn treaty with you. Let’s make a covenant. English Standard Version They said, “We see plainly that the LORD has been with you. So we said, let there be a sworn pact between us, between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you, Berean Standard Bible “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 King James Bible And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee; New King James Version But they said, “We have certainly seen that the LORD is with you. So we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, between you and us; and let us make a covenant with you, New American Standard Bible They said, “We have seen plainly that the LORD has been with you; so we said, ‘An oath must now be taken by us,’ that is, by you and us. So let us make a covenant with you, NASB 1995 They said, “We see plainly that the LORD has been with you; so we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, even between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you, NASB 1977 And they said, “We see plainly that the LORD has been with you; so we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, even between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you, Legacy Standard Bible Then they said, “We see plainly that Yahweh has been with you; so we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us—between you and us—and let us cut a covenant with you, Amplified Bible They said, “We see clearly that the LORD has been with you; so we said, ‘There should now be an oath between us [with a curse for the one who breaks it], that is, between you and us, and let us make a covenant (binding agreement, solemn promise) with you, Christian Standard Bible They replied, “We have clearly seen how the LORD has been with you. We think there should be an oath between two parties—between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you: Holman Christian Standard Bible They replied, “We have clearly seen how the LORD has been with you. We think there should be an oath between two parties—between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you: American Standard Version And they said, We saw plainly that Jehovah was with thee: and we said, Let there now be an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee, Contemporary English Version They answered, "We now know for certain that the LORD is with you, and we have decided there needs to be a peace treaty between you and us. So let's make a solemn agreement English Revised Version And they said, We saw plainly that the LORD was with thee: and we said, Let there now be an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee; GOD'S WORD® Translation They answered, "We have seen that the LORD is with you. So we thought, 'There should be a solemn agreement between us.' We'd like to make an agreement with you Good News Translation They answered, "Now we know that the LORD is with you, and we think that there should be a solemn agreement between us. We want you to promise International Standard Version "We've seen that the LORD is with you," they responded, "so we're proposing an agreement between us—between us and you. Allow us to make a treaty with you NET Bible They replied, "We could plainly see that the LORD is with you. So we decided there should be a pact between us--between us and you. Allow us to make a treaty with you New Heart English Bible They said, "We saw plainly that God was with you. We said, 'Let there now be an oath between us, even between us and you, and let us make a covenant with you, Webster's Bible Translation And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“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 World English Bible They said, “We saw plainly that Yahweh was with you. We said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, even between us and you, and let’s make a covenant with you, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they say, “We have certainly seen that YHWH has been with you, and we say, Now let there be an oath between us, between us and you, and let us make a covenant with you; Young's Literal Translation And they say, 'We have certainly seen that Jehovah hath been with thee, and we say, 'Let there be, we pray thee, an oath between us, between us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee; Smith's Literal Translation And they will say, Seeing we saw that Jehovah was with thee: and we will say, There shall be an oath between us, between us and between thee, and we will make a covenant with thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they answered: We saw that the Lord is with thee, and therefore we said: Let there be an oath between us, and let us make a covenant, Catholic Public Domain Version And they responded: “We saw that the Lord is with you, and therefore we said: Let there be an oath between us, and let us initiate a pact, New American Bible They answered: “We clearly see that the LORD has been with you, so we thought: let there be a sworn agreement between our two sides—between you and us. Let us make a covenant with you: New Revised Standard Version They said, “We see plainly that the LORD has been with you; so we say, let there be an oath between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they said, We saw certainly that the LORD is with you; so we said, Let there be now an oath between us and you, and let us make a covenant with you, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they said to him, “Observing, we see that LORD JEHOVAH has been with you and we were saying that there should be an oath between us and you, and we will make a covenant with you; OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And they said: 'We saw plainly that the LORD was with thee; and we said: Let there now be an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee; Brenton Septuagint Translation And they said, We have surely seen that the Lord was with thee, and we said, Let there be an oath between us and thee, and we will make a covenant with thee, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Isaac's Covenant with Abimelech…27“Why have you come to me?” Isaac asked them. “You hated me and sent me away.” 28“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 29that 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.”… Cross References Genesis 21:22-32 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. / Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.” / And Abraham replied, “I swear it.” ... 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. ... Joshua 9:15-20 And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them. / Three days after they had made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites learned that they were neighbors, living among them. / So the Israelites set out and on the third day arrived at their cities—Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. ... 1 Samuel 20:14-17 And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, / and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” / So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” ... 1 Samuel 24:17-22 and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil. / And you have declared this day how you have treated me well, for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me. / When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go away unharmed? May the LORD reward you with good for what you have done for me this day. ... 1 Kings 5:12 And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him. There was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty. 2 Kings 11:4 Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada sent for the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, and had them brought into the house of the LORD. There he made a covenant with them and put them under oath. He showed them the king’s son 2 Chronicles 23:1 Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself and made a covenant with the commanders of hundreds—with Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zichri. Psalm 133:1 A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him. Isaiah 32:17-18 The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever. / Then my people will dwell in a peaceful place, in safe and secure places of rest. Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Jeremiah 29:7 Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:24 leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Treasury of Scripture And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with you: and we said, Let there be now an oath between us, even between us and you, and let us make a covenant with you; We saw certainly. Genesis 21:22,23 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest: … Genesis 39:5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. Joshua 3:7 And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. Let there. Genesis 21:31,32 Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them… Genesis 24:3,41 And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: … Genesis 31:49-53 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another… Jump to Previous Agreement Betwixt Clearly Covenant Oath Ought Plainly Sworn TreatyJump to Next Agreement Betwixt Clearly Covenant Oath Ought Plainly Sworn TreatyGenesis 26 1. Isaac, because of famine, sojourns in Gerar, and the Lord blesses him.7. He is reproved by Abimelech for denying his wife. 12. He grows rich, and the Philistines envy his prosperity. 18. He digs wells. 23. God appears to him at Beersheba, and blesses him; 26. and Abimelech makes a covenant with him. 34. Esau's wives. We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you, This acknowledgment by Abimelech and his officials highlights the visible evidence of God's favor upon Isaac. In the biblical context, God's presence often manifests in prosperity and protection, as seen in Isaac's successful endeavors (Genesis 26:12-14). This mirrors God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3, where blessings and divine presence are assured. The recognition by outsiders underscores the testimony of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. they replied. We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaacThe son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac is the central figure in this chapter. He is a patriarch of Israel and is known for his faith and obedience to God. 2. Abimelech The king of the Philistines in Gerar, who recognizes God's blessing on Isaac and seeks a peace treaty with him. 3. Phicol The commander of Abimelech's army, who accompanies the king to make a covenant with Isaac. 4. Ahuzzath An advisor to Abimelech, present during the negotiation of the covenant. 5. Gerar The region where Isaac settles and prospers, leading to envy and eventual peace negotiations with the Philistines. Teaching Points God's Presence and BlessingRecognize that God's presence in our lives can be evident to others, as it was with Isaac. Our actions and the resulting blessings can serve as a testimony to God's faithfulness. The Importance of Peace Like Isaac, we should strive to live at peace with others, even when there is conflict or envy. Making peace can lead to opportunities for witness and reconciliation. Covenants and Commitments The making of covenants in biblical times was a serious commitment. In our lives, we should honor our commitments and seek to build relationships based on trust and integrity. Witness to Others Our lives should reflect God's work in us, prompting others to seek peace and understanding. We should be prepared to explain the hope and blessings we have in Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 26:28?2. How does Genesis 26:28 demonstrate God's faithfulness in Isaac's relationships with others? 3. What can we learn about conflict resolution from Genesis 26:28? 4. How does Genesis 26:28 connect with Jesus' teachings on peacemaking? 5. How can we apply the principle of seeking peace in our daily lives? 6. What role does God's presence play in fostering peace, as seen in Genesis 26:28? 7. How does Genesis 26:28 demonstrate God's role in human alliances and covenants? 8. What historical evidence supports the events described in Genesis 26:28? 9. How does Genesis 26:28 reflect the theme of reconciliation in the Bible? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 26? 11. Where is Beersheba mentioned in the Bible? 12. What is the Dispensation of Promise? 13. Why was Israel chosen by God? 14. Who was Abimelech in the Bible? What Does Genesis 26:28 Mean We can plainly see that the LORD has been with youIsaac’s pagan neighbors look at his flourishing herds, his wells that keep yielding water, and his unshakable peace and conclude, “the LORD has been with you.” Their testimony echoes earlier moments when outsiders recognized God’s hand: Laban saw that “the LORD has blessed me because of you” (Genesis 30:27), Potiphar noted that “the LORD was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:3), and even Rahab confessed that the LORD fought for Israel (Joshua 2:9–11). • God’s presence is visible; blessing radiates outward so plainly that unbelievers must acknowledge it (Psalm 67:1–2). • The promise to Abraham—“I will bless you… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2–3)—is already being fulfilled in Isaac’s life. • For today’s believer, Jesus echoes the same principle: “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). they replied Abimelech and his officers act because conviction demands a response. Seeing God’s activity leaves them no neutral ground (1 Samuel 18:28; Acts 4:16). • Observation turns into dialogue; testimony invites conversation. • When God’s work is evident, even skeptics feel compelled to engage. • Their respectful tone hints at reverence; they speak not of “a god” but “the LORD,” using Israel’s covenant name for God. We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you The Philistines move from observation to negotiation. They seek formal, binding peace—an oath. Earlier, Abimelech made a similar pact with Abraham (Genesis 21:22–32). • Oaths acknowledge accountability before God (Hebrews 6:16). • They admit that harming Isaac would mean opposing the LORD Himself (Zechariah 2:8). • Timing matters: only after Isaac patiently reopened wells and showed meekness (Genesis 26:17–22) do they approach; godly character paves the way for reconciliation (Romans 12:18). Let us make a covenant with you A covenant goes beyond a cease-fire; it pledges enduring peace rooted in mutual recognition of God’s authority (Joshua 9:15). • Covenants reflect God’s own pattern—He binds Himself to people in grace (Genesis 15:18; Luke 22:20). • Isaac’s table fellowship that follows (Genesis 26:30) pictures harmony, foreshadowing the ultimate table of fellowship Christ offers (Revelation 19:9). • The scene affirms that when God blesses His children, even enemies seek friendship (Proverbs 16:7). summary Genesis 26:28 shows outsiders openly acknowledging God’s unmistakable presence with Isaac, then seeking lasting peace through a covenant. Isaac’s steady obedience and evident blessing confirm God’s faithfulness to His promises, turning potential hostility into harmony and witness. The passage challenges believers to live so transparently under God’s favor that the watching world is moved to recognize Him and pursue peace. (28, 29) Let there be now an oath.--The word literally signifies a curse. Each side uttered an imprecation, with the prayer that it might fall upon himself if he broke the terms of the covenant.Let us make a covenant.--Heb., cut. (See Note on Genesis 15:10; Genesis 15:18; where also see the explanation of this use of the word curse.) The Lord was with thee . . . blessed of the Lord.--This use of the word "Lord," that is, Jehovah, is very remarkable. In Genesis 21:22-23 Abimelech uses the term Elohim, God, in accordance with the careful discrimination in the use of the names of the Deity often previously referred to. By the long residence, first of Abraham and then of Isaac, in their territory, the Philistines would indeed have become better acquainted with the religion of the patriarchs; but as Jehovah was not their special title for the Deity (Exodus 6:3), we must conclude, with Rosenmller, that it was Moses who wrote Jehovah in the place of the word actually employed by Abimelech. We gather, however, that the king did not use any generic or heathen names of the Deity, but that whereby the patriarchs worshipped their covenant God, and his so doing was probably intended as an act of homage to Him. Verse 28. - And they said, We saw certainly - literally, seeing we saw, i.e. we assuredly perceived, or, we have indeed discovered (vide Ewald's 'Hebrews Synt.,' § 312). Abimelech and his ministers first explain the motive which has impelled them to solicit a renewal of the old alliance - that the Lord was with thee: - the use of Jehovah instead of Elohim, as in Genesis 21:22, does not prove that this is a Jehovistic elaboration of the earlier legend. Neither is it necessary to suppose that the term Jehovah is a Mosaic translation of the epithet employed by Abimelech (Rosenmüller). The long-continued residence of Abraham in Gemr and Beersheba afforded ample opportunity for Abimelech becoming acquainted with the patriarch's God. The introduction of Jehovah into the narrative may be noted as a third point of dissimilarity between this and the previous account - and we said, Let there he now an oath - i.e. a treaty secured by an oath or self-imprecation on the transgressor (cf. Genesis 24:41; Deuteronomy 29:11, 13) - betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, - a farther particularization of the parties to the covenant for the sake of emphasis - and let us make a covenant with thee. The phrase "to cut a covenant," here used in a so-called Jehovistic portion of the history, occurs in Genesis 21:27, 32, which confessedly belongs to the fundamental document.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “We can plainly seeרָא֣וֹ (rā·’ōw) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 7200: To see that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the LORD יְהוָ֣ה ׀ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel has been הָיָ֣ה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be with you,” עִמָּךְ֒ (‘im·māḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with they replied. וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say “We think וַנֹּ֗אמֶר (wan·nō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 559: To utter, say there should be תְּהִ֨י (tə·hî) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be an oath אָלָ֛ה (’ā·lāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 423: An imprecation between two parties— בֵּינוֹתֵ֖ינוּ (bê·nō·w·ṯê·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's 996: An interval, space between between us and you. בֵּינֵ֣ינוּ (bê·nê·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's 996: An interval, space between Let us make וְנִכְרְתָ֥ה (wə·niḵ·rə·ṯāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant a covenant בְרִ֖ית (ḇə·rîṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1285: A covenant with you עִמָּֽךְ׃ (‘im·māḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with Links Genesis 26:28 NIVGenesis 26:28 NLT Genesis 26:28 ESV Genesis 26:28 NASB Genesis 26:28 KJV Genesis 26:28 BibleApps.com Genesis 26:28 Biblia Paralela Genesis 26:28 Chinese Bible Genesis 26:28 French Bible Genesis 26:28 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 26:28 They said We saw plainly that Yahweh (Gen. 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