And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.

GENESIS 21:33KJV
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Genesis 21:33 (KJV)

What does Genesis 21:33 mean?

Genesis 21:33 describes Abraham planting a grove in Beersheba and calling on the name of the LORD, recognizing God as everlasting. This verse shows Abraham marking a place with trees and worshiping God there, acknowledging God’s unending nature.

Abraham is the main figure here, acting in the region of Beersheba after making a treaty with Abimelech. Planting a grove was likely a way to establish a lasting landmark or place of worship. By calling on the name of the LORD, Abraham is publicly honoring God, using a title that emphasizes God’s eternal existence.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 21:33

  • "Planted" (נָטַע, nata‘) means to set or establish something living, like a tree or grove, suggesting Abraham intended this place to endure.
  • "Grove" (אֵשֶׁל, ’eshel) is often understood as a tamarisk tree or a small group of trees, which could provide shelter and mark a significant spot.
  • "Called" (קָרָא, qara’) means to proclaim or invoke, showing Abraham’s act was public and intentional.
  • "Everlasting" (עוֹלָם, ‘olam) means without end or eternal, highlighting Abraham’s recognition of God as not just powerful, but unending in time.

Why Genesis 21:33 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Abraham’s relationship with God involved public acts and lasting symbols, not just private faith.
  • The use of "everlasting God" connects Abraham’s worship to a belief in God’s eternal nature, which is a key theme in the wider story of Genesis.
  • The mention of Beersheba and the grove links this event to later stories, as Beersheba becomes an important place in the lives of Isaac and Jacob.

Where else these words appear

“grove” Hebrew H815 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Samuel 22:6 When Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with him,(now Saul abode in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him;)
  • 1 Samuel 31:13 And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.

“Beersheba” Hebrew H884 · used in 33 verses

  • 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.
  • Joshua 19:2 And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,
  • 2 Kings 12:1 In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba.

“planted” Hebrew H5193 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
  • Psalms 104:16 The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;
  • Jeremiah 12:2 Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.