King James Version

What Does Genesis 21:23 Mean?

Genesis 21:23 in the King James Version says “Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son:...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned. that thou: Heb. if thou shalt lie unto me”

Genesis 21:23 · KJV

Context

21

And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

22

And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:

23

Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned. that thou: Heb. if thou shalt lie unto me

24

And Abraham said, I will swear.

25

And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.

Read Genesis 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, no... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How should this truth about Beersheba Covenant shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְעַתָּ֗ה1 of 21
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

הִשָּׁ֨בְעָה2 of 21

“Now therefore swear”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

לִּ֤י3 of 21
H0
בֵֽאלֹהִים֙4 of 21

“by God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הֵ֔נָּה5 of 21

“unto me here”

H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

אִם6 of 21
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תִּשְׁקֹ֣ר7 of 21

“that thou wilt not deal falsely”

H8266

to cheat, i.e., be untrue (usually in words)

לִ֔י8 of 21
H0
וּלְנִינִ֖י9 of 21

“with me nor with my son”

H5209

progeny

וּלְנֶכְדִּ֑י10 of 21

“nor with my son's son”

H5220

offspring

כַּחֶ֜סֶד11 of 21

“but according to the kindness”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

אֲשֶׁר12 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה13 of 21

“that I have done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עִמְּךָ֙14 of 21
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה15 of 21

“that I have done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עִמָּדִ֔י16 of 21
H5978

along with

וְעִם17 of 21
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הָאָ֖רֶץ18 of 21

“unto me and to the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁר19 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

גַּ֥רְתָּה20 of 21

“wherein thou hast sojourned”

H1481

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

בָּֽהּ׃21 of 21
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 21:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 21:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 2:12Genesis 20:14Hebrews 6:161 Samuel 20:421 Samuel 30:15Genesis 26:28

Test Your Knowledge

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