That thou wilt do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee, and as we have done unto thee nothing but good, and have sent thee away in peace: thou art now the blessed of the LORD.

GENESIS 26:29KJV
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Genesis 26:29 (KJV)

What does Genesis 26:29 mean?

Genesis 26:29 records Abimelech and his officials asking Isaac not to harm them, reminding him that they have not harmed him, have only done good to him, and have sent him away in peace. They acknowledge that Isaac is now recognized as being blessed by the LORD.

In this verse, Abimelech, the Philistine king, is speaking to Isaac after sending him away from Gerar. The king and his men want to make a peace agreement with Isaac, emphasizing that they have treated him well and want no conflict. Their statement highlights their respect for Isaac’s relationship with God and their desire to stay on good terms with someone they see as divinely favored.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 26:29

  • "hurt" (רָעָה, ra‘a): This word often means "evil" or "harm." Abimelech is asking Isaac not to do them any harm, showing concern for safety and goodwill.
  • "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom): This word means more than just the absence of conflict; it suggests wholeness, safety, and well-being. Abimelech’s claim that they sent Isaac away "in peace" underlines their intent for a positive relationship.
  • "blessed" (בָּרוּךְ, baruch): This word means to be favored or endowed with good by God. Abimelech recognizes that Isaac is blessed by the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH), which is a significant acknowledgment from a foreign king.

Why Genesis 26:29 matters

  • Genesis 26:29 clarifies that the Philistines wanted to avoid conflict with Isaac because they saw God's blessing on him, not just out of fear or politics.
  • The verse shows that even outsiders recognized God's work in Isaac’s life, which is a major theme in the story of the patriarchs.
  • This request for peace connects to earlier moments in Genesis where similar covenants are made, highlighting the importance of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect in the ancient world.

Where else these words appear

“now” Hebrew H6258 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:11 For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
  • Isaiah 48:6 Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.

“but” Hebrew H7535 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
  • Judges 3:2 Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;
  • 1 Kings 11:13 Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

“touched” Hebrew H5060 · used in 142 verses

  • Genesis 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
  • Numbers 19:21 And it shall be a perpetual statute unto them, that he that sprinkleth the water of separation shall wash his clothes; and he that toucheth the water of separation shall be unclean until even.
  • Psalms 73:14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.