And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?

GENESIS 21:29KJV
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Genesis 21:29 (KJV)

What does Genesis 21:29 mean?

Genesis 21:29 shows Abimelech asking Abraham about the meaning of the seven ewe lambs Abraham has set apart by themselves. Abimelech wants to understand why Abraham has separated these particular animals from the rest.

In this scene, Abimelech, a local ruler, is speaking directly to Abraham after they have made an agreement about a well. Abraham has set aside seven young female sheep, which catches Abimelech’s attention and prompts his question. The verse highlights a moment of clarification in their interaction, setting up the explanation Abraham will give in the next verse about the significance of this gesture.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 21:29

  • "Seven" — שֶׁבַע (sheva): This word specifically means "seven," and its use here draws attention to the exact number of lambs, suggesting a deliberate and symbolic choice rather than a random one.
  • "Lambs" — כִּבְשָׂה (kivsah): This word refers to young female sheep, which were valuable animals in ancient times, often used in agreements or offerings.
  • "Set" — יָצַב (yatsav): This word means to set, place, or station something deliberately. Abraham’s action is intentional, emphasizing that the separation of the lambs is meant to communicate something specific to Abimelech.

Why Genesis 21:29 matters

  • The verse draws attention to the careful, intentional actions Abraham takes in his dealings with Abimelech, showing that their agreement is being marked in a visible, memorable way.
  • By asking about the seven lambs, Abimelech gives Abraham the chance to explain their meaning, which helps clarify the terms of their agreement for both men and for anyone reading the story.
  • This moment sets up the following explanation, making it clear that the animals are not just a gift but a sign or witness to the agreement about the well, deepening the reader’s understanding of ancient customs and covenants.

Where else these words appear

“lambs” Hebrew H3535 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 21:28 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
  • Leviticus 14:10 And on the eighth day he shall take two he lambs without blemish, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish, and three tenth deals of fine flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and one log of oil.
  • 2 Samuel 12:3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.

“What” Hebrew H2008 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 15:16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
  • Numbers 14:19 Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.
  • 2 Kings 8:7 And Elisha came to Damascus; and Benhadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come hither.

“Abimelech” Hebrew H40 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 20:2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.
  • Genesis 26:16 And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.
  • Judges 9:34 And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.

“set” Hebrew H5324 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • Numbers 23:17 And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken?
  • 1 Kings 9:23 These were the chief of the officers that were over Solomon's work, five hundred and fifty, which bare rule over the people that wrought in the work.