King James Version

What Does Genesis 21:25 Mean?

Genesis 21:25 in the King James Version says “And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 21:25 · KJV

Context

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.

26

And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day.

27

And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.

Read Genesis 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently ... 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. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְהוֹכִ֥חַ1 of 12

“reproved”

H3198

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

אַבְרָהָ֖ם2 of 12

“And Abraham”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

אֶת3 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ׃4 of 12

“Abimelech”

H40

abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites

עַל5 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֹדוֹת֙6 of 12

“because”

H182

turnings (i.e., occasions); (adverb) on account of

בְּאֵ֣ר7 of 12

“of a well”

H875

a pit; especially a well

הַמַּ֔יִם8 of 12

“of water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 12
H834

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

גָּֽזְל֖וּ10 of 12

“had violently taken away”

H1497

to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob

עַבְדֵ֥י11 of 12

“servants”

H5650

a servant

אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ׃12 of 12

“Abimelech”

H40

abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites

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 21:25 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 21:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 26:15-22Genesis 13:7Matthew 18:15Genesis 29:8Exodus 2:15-17Proverbs 25:9

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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