King James Version

What Does Genesis 26:25 Mean?

Genesis 26:25 in the King James Version says “And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac's serva...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac's servants digged a well.”

Genesis 26:25 · KJV

Context

23

And he went up from thence to Beersheba.

24

And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.

25

And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac's servants digged a well.

26

Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the chief captain of his army.

27

And Isaac said unto them, Wherefore come ye to me, seeing ye hate me, and have sent me away from you?

Read Genesis 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there: and... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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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 deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיִּ֧בֶן1 of 14

“And he builded”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

שָׁ֣ם2 of 14
H8033

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

מִזְבֵּ֗חַ3 of 14

“an altar”

H4196

an altar

וַיִּקְרָא֙4 of 14

“there and called”

H7121

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

בְּשֵׁ֣ם5 of 14

“upon the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֔ה6 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיֶּט7 of 14

“and pitched”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

שָׁ֖ם8 of 14
H8033

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

אָֽהֳל֑וֹ9 of 14

“his tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

וַיִּכְרוּ10 of 14

“digged”

H3738

properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open

שָׁ֥ם11 of 14
H8033

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

עַבְדֵי12 of 14

“servants”

H5650

a servant

יִצְחָ֖ק13 of 14

“there and there Isaac's”

H3327

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

בְּאֵֽר׃14 of 14

“a well”

H875

a pit; especially a well

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 26:25 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 26:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 116:17Genesis 13:18Genesis 12:7-8Genesis 33:20Genesis 8:20Genesis 22:9

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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