Genesis 21:31 (KJV)

What does Genesis 21:31 mean?

Genesis 21:31 explains that the place was named Beersheba because both parties made an oath there. The verse highlights the significance of the location as the site where Abraham and Abimelech swore an agreement together.

Abraham is speaking with Abimelech, a local ruler, after a dispute over a well. By naming the place Beersheba, which is closely tied to the Hebrew word for "oath" and "seven," the verse marks the spot as a reminder of their sworn promise and peaceful resolution. This naming sets the stage for Beersheba’s importance in later biblical stories.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 21:31

• בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (Beersheba, transliteration: Be'er Sheva) means "well of the oath" or "well of seven." The name ties directly to the oath made and possibly to the seven ewe lambs given earlier in the story, emphasizing both the agreement and the number seven as significant.
• שָׁבַע (shava, transliteration: shava) means "to swear" or "to take an oath." The verse notes that both Abraham and Abimelech swore (made an oath) at this spot, making the act of swearing central to the place’s identity.

Why Genesis 21:31 matters

• Genesis 21:31 clarifies the origin of the name Beersheba, connecting it to a specific event of peace and agreement rather than just a random naming.
• The verse shows the importance of oaths and formal agreements in ancient relationships, especially between different peoples.
• This moment helps explain why Beersheba becomes a significant location in later biblical narratives, often associated with covenants and encounters with God.