30 He replied, "Accept these seven lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well."

Other Translations of Genesis 21:30

King James Version

30 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.

English Standard Version

30 He said, "These seven ewe lambs you will take from my hand, that thisOr you may be a witness for me that I dug this well."

The Message

30 Abraham said, "It means that when you accept these seven sheep, you take it as proof that I dug this well, that it's my well."

New King James Version

30 And he said, "You will take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that they may be my witness that I have dug this well."

New Living Translation

30 Abraham replied, "Please accept these seven lambs to show your agreement that I dug this well."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 21:30

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.