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.

GENESIS 21:30KJV
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Genesis 21:30 (KJV)

What does Genesis 21:30 mean?

Genesis 21:30 describes Abraham explaining to Abimelech that the seven ewe lambs he is giving are meant to serve as a witness or proof that Abraham himself dug the well in question. The animals act as a sign of agreement and acknowledgment between the two men about the ownership of the well.

In this scene, Abraham is speaking to Abimelech, a local ruler, during a time when disputes over water sources were common. Abraham offers seven female lambs as a symbolic gesture to confirm that he is the rightful digger of the well, making the agreement official and public. This act helps prevent future arguments about the well’s ownership.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 21:30

  • עֵדָה (ʿedah, "witness"): This word means a testimony or evidence. Here, it shows that the lambs are not just a gift but serve as a lasting sign or legal proof of Abraham’s claim to the well.
  • כָּרָה (karah, "digged"): This verb specifically means to dig, especially a well or pit. It emphasizes Abraham’s personal effort in creating the well, not just finding or inheriting it.
  • בְּאֵר (be’er, "well"): This word refers to a well or water source, which was extremely valuable in the ancient world. The use of this word highlights the importance of the agreement.

Why Genesis 21:30 matters

  • Genesis 21:30 clarifies that the exchange of animals was not just a gift but a formal, witnessed transaction to settle a potential dispute over property rights.
  • The verse shows how agreements in ancient times were often sealed with visible, memorable actions rather than written contracts, helping both parties remember the terms.
  • This moment connects to the larger story of Abraham’s life, showing his desire for peaceful relationships and clear boundaries with his neighbors, which was important for his family’s future in the land.

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.

“that” Hebrew H5668 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Exodus 13:8 And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.
  • 2 Samuel 10:3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?

“digged” Hebrew H2658 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 26:15 For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth.
  • Exodus 7:24 And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river.
  • Job 11:18 And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.

“witness” Hebrew H5713 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 31:52 This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm.
  • Psalms 99:7 He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.
  • Psalms 119:119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.