31 Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; [1] because there they sware both of them.

Other Translations of Genesis 21:31

New International Version

31 So that place was called Beersheba,"Beersheba" can mean "well of seven" and "well of the oath." because the two men swore an oath there.

English Standard Version

31 Therefore that place was called Beersheba,Beersheba means well of seven or well of the oath because there both of them swore an oath.

The Message

31 That's how the place got named Beersheba (the Oath-Well), because the two of them swore a covenant oath there.

New King James Version

31 Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because the two of them swore an oath there.

New Living Translation

31 Then he named the place Beersheba (which means "well of the oath"), because that was where they had sworn the oath.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 21:31

Commentary on Genesis 21:22-34

(Read Genesis 21:22-34)

Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expected from an honest man than that he be ready to do right, as soon as he knows he has done wrong. Abraham, being now in a good neighbourhood, stayed a great while there. There he made, not only a constant practice, but an open profession of his religion. There he called on the name of the Lord, as the everlasting God; probably in the grove he planted, which was his place of prayer. Abraham kept up public worship, in which his neighbours might join. Good men should do all they can to make others so. Wherever we sojourn, we must neither neglect nor be ashamed of the worship of Jehovah.

33 And Abraham planted a grove [2] in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God.

Other Translations of Genesis 21:33

New International Version

33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God.

English Standard Version

33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God.

The Message

33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and worshiped God there, praying to the Eternal God.

New King James Version

33 Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God.

New Living Translation

33 Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he worshiped the Lord, the Eternal God.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 21:33

Commentary on Genesis 21:22-34

(Read Genesis 21:22-34)

Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expected from an honest man than that he be ready to do right, as soon as he knows he has done wrong. Abraham, being now in a good neighbourhood, stayed a great while there. There he made, not only a constant practice, but an open profession of his religion. There he called on the name of the Lord, as the everlasting God; probably in the grove he planted, which was his place of prayer. Abraham kept up public worship, in which his neighbours might join. Good men should do all they can to make others so. Wherever we sojourn, we must neither neglect nor be ashamed of the worship of Jehovah.