King James Version

What Does Genesis 26:31 Mean?

Genesis 26:31 in the King James Version says “And they rose up betimes in the morning, and sware one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they rose up betimes in the morning, and sware one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.”

Genesis 26:31 · KJV

Peace

Context

29

That thou wilt do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee, and as we have done unto thee nothing but good, and have sent thee away in peace: thou art now the blessed of the LORD. That: Heb. If thou shalt

30

And he made them a feast, and they did eat and drink.

31

And they rose up betimes in the morning, and sware one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.

32

And it came to pass the same day, that Isaac's servants came, and told him concerning the well which they had digged, and said unto him, We have found water.

33

And he called it Shebah: therefore the name of the city is Beersheba unto this day. Shebah: That is, an oath Beersheba: that is, the well of the oath

Read Genesis 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they rose up betimes in the morning, and sware one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and the... 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 contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיַּשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ1 of 10

“And they rose up betimes”

H7925

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

בַבֹּ֔קֶר2 of 10

“in the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וַיִּשָּֽׁבְע֖וּ3 of 10

“and sware”

H7650

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

אִ֣ישׁ4 of 10

“one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְאָחִ֑יו5 of 10

“to another”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֣ם6 of 10

“sent them away”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יִצְחָ֔ק7 of 10

“and Isaac”

H3327

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

וַיֵּֽלְכ֥וּ8 of 10
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

מֵֽאִתּ֖וֹ9 of 10
H853

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

בְּשָׁלֽוֹם׃10 of 10

“from him in peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

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 26:31 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 26:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 21:31-32Hebrews 6:161 Samuel 30:15Genesis 25:33Genesis 31:441 Samuel 20:16-17

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