King James Version

What Does Genesis 21:31 Mean?

Genesis 21:31 in the King James Version says “Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them. Beersheba: that is, The well of the oat...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them. Beersheba: that is, The well of the oath”

Genesis 21:31 · KJV

Context

29

And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?

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.

31

Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them. Beersheba: that is, The well of the oath

32

Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.

33

And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God. grove: or, tree

Read Genesis 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba; because there they sware both of them.... 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 can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
עַל1 of 11
H5921

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

כֵּ֗ן2 of 11
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

קָרָ֛א3 of 11

“Wherefore he called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לַמָּק֥וֹם4 of 11

“that place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַה֖וּא5 of 11
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בְּאֵ֣ר6 of 11
H0
שָׁ֑בַע7 of 11

“Beersheba”

H884

beer-sheba, a place in palestine

כִּ֛י8 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁ֥ם9 of 11
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

נִשְׁבְּע֖וּ10 of 11

“because there they sware”

H7650

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

שְׁנֵיהֶֽם׃11 of 11

“both of them”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

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 21:31 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 21:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 26:33Genesis 21:14Genesis 26:23Judges 20:12 Samuel 17:111 Kings 4:25

Places in This Verse

Beersheba 2Settlement · Modern: Tel Beer Sheva · 31.24°N, 34.84°E10 verses across 1 book
View all places in Genesis 21 →

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