Genesis 21:29
New International Version
and Abimelek asked Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves?”

New Living Translation
Abimelech asked, “Why have you set these seven apart from the others?”

English Standard Version
And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs that you have set apart?”

Berean Standard Bible
and Abimelech asked him, “Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?”

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

New King James Version
Then Abimelech asked Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs which you have set by themselves?”

New American Standard Bible
Then Abimelech said to Abraham, “What do these seven ewe lambs mean, which you have set by themselves?”

NASB 1995
Abimelech said to Abraham, “What do these seven ewe lambs mean, which you have set by themselves?”

NASB 1977
And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What do these seven ewe lambs mean, which you have set by themselves?”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What do these seven ewe lambs mean, which you have set by themselves?”

Amplified Bible
and Abimelech said to Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs which you have set apart?”

Christian Standard Bible
And Abimelech said to Abraham, “Why have you separated these seven ewe lambs? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And Abimelech said to Abraham, “Why have you separated these seven ewe lambs?”

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

Contemporary English Version
and Abimelech asked, "Why have you done this?"

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Abimelech asked him, "What is the meaning of these seven female lambs you have set apart?"

Good News Translation
and Abimelech asked him, "Why did you do that?"

International Standard Version
so Abimelech asked Abraham, "What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs that you have set aside?"

Majority Standard Bible
and Abimelech asked him, “Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?”

NET Bible
Abimelech asked Abraham, "What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs that you have set apart?"

New Heart English Bible
Abimelech said to Abraham, "What do these seven ewe lambs which you have set by themselves mean?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And Abimelech said to Abraham, What mean these seven ewe-lambs, which thou hast set by themselves?

World English Bible
Abimelech said to Abraham, “What do these seven ewe lambs, which you have set by themselves, mean?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Abimelech says to Abraham, “What [are] they—these seven lambs which you have set by themselves?”

Young's Literal Translation
And Abimelech saith unto Abraham, 'What are they -- these seven lambs which thou hast set by themselves?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Abimelech will say to Abraham, What here these seven ewe lambs which thou didst set alone?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Abimelech said to him: What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set apart?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Abimelech said to him, “What purpose have these seven female lambs, which you have caused to stand separately?”

New American Bible
and Abimelech asked him, “What is the purpose of these seven ewe lambs that you have set apart?”

New Revised Standard Version
And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs that you have set apart?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Abimeleck said to Abraham, What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs of the flock which you have set by themselves?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Abimelek said to Abraham, “What are these seven ewes of sheep that you have set by themselves?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Abimelech said unto Abraham: 'What mean these seven ewe-lambs which thou hast set by themselves?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abimelech said to Abraam, What are these seven ewe-lambs which thou hast set alone?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Covenant at Beersheba
28Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock, 29and Abimelech asked him, “Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?” 30He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well.”…

Cross References
Genesis 26:15-18
So the Philistines took dirt and stopped up all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the days of his father Abraham. / Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “Depart from us, for you are much too powerful for us.” / So Isaac left that place and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. ...

Genesis 31:44-54
Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.” / So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a pillar, / and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. ...

Genesis 33:8-11
“What do you mean by sending this whole company to meet me?” asked Esau. “To find favor in your sight, my lord,” Jacob answered. / “I already have plenty, my brother,” Esau replied. “Keep what belongs to you.” / But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably. ...

Genesis 34:20-24
So Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of their city and addressed the men of their city: / “These men are at peace with us. Let them live and trade in our land; indeed, it is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters in marriage and give our daughters to them. / But only on this condition will the men agree to dwell with us and be one people: if all our men are circumcised as they are. ...

Genesis 47:27
Now the Israelites settled in the land of Egypt, in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and became fruitful and increased greatly in number.

Exodus 12:32
Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also.”

Exodus 23:31
And I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the Euphrates. For I will deliver the inhabitants into your hand, and you will drive them out before you.

Joshua 21:43-45
Thus the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled in it. / And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their fathers. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. / Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel had failed; everything was fulfilled.

1 Samuel 7:12
Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”

2 Samuel 24:24
“No,” replied the king, “I insist on paying a price, for I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

1 Kings 21:2
So Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard to use as a vegetable garden, since it is next to my palace. I will give you a better vineyard in its place—or if you prefer, I will give you its value in silver.”

2 Kings 3:4
Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder, and he would render to the king of Israel a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams.

Nehemiah 9:8
You found his heart faithful before You, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites and Hittites, of the Amorites and Perizzites, of the Jebusites and Girgashites—to give it to his descendants. You have kept Your promise, because You are righteous.

Psalm 105:9-11
the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath He swore to Isaac. / He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: / “I will give you the land of Canaan as the portion of your inheritance.”

Isaiah 51:2
Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him.


Treasury of Scripture

And Abimelech said to Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which you have set by themselves?

Genesis 33:8
And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord.

Exodus 12:26
And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?

1 Samuel 15:14
And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?

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Abimelech Abim'elech Abraham Apart Ewe Ewe-Lambs Lambs Mean Meaning Seven Side Themselves
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Abimelech Abim'elech Abraham Apart Ewe Ewe-Lambs Lambs Mean Meaning Seven Side Themselves
Genesis 21
1. Isaac is born, and circumcised.
6. Sarah's joy.
8. Isaac is weaned.
9. Hagar and Ishmael sent away.
15. Hagar in distress.
17. The angel relieves and comforts her.
23. Abimelech's covenant with Abraham at Beersheba.














and Abimelech asked Abraham
The name "Abimelech" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "my father is king." This title was often used for Philistine kings, suggesting a position of authority and respect. Abimelech's interaction with Abraham highlights the diplomatic relationships between the patriarchs and surrounding nations. Abraham, whose name means "father of many," is a central figure in God's covenantal promises. This encounter underscores the importance of communication and understanding between God's chosen people and the world around them.

What is the meaning
The phrase "What is the meaning" indicates a quest for understanding and clarity. In the Hebrew context, questions often serve as a means to reveal deeper truths or to establish covenants. Abimelech's inquiry reflects a desire to comprehend Abraham's actions, which is crucial in maintaining peace and mutual respect. This moment invites readers to consider the significance of seeking understanding in our own relationships and the importance of clear communication in fulfilling God's purposes.

of these seven ewe lambs
The "seven ewe lambs" are significant both numerically and symbolically. The number seven in Hebrew culture often represents completeness or perfection, as seen in the creation narrative. Ewe lambs, being young female sheep, symbolize innocence, purity, and the potential for future growth and prosperity. Abraham's offering of these lambs is a gesture of goodwill and a tangible sign of his commitment to the covenant with Abimelech. This act serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and generosity in our dealings with others.

you have set apart by themselves
The act of setting apart the lambs "by themselves" signifies a deliberate and intentional action. In Hebrew, the concept of setting apart is closely related to holiness and consecration. Abraham's separation of the lambs indicates a special purpose, distinguishing them from the rest of the flock. This mirrors the biblical theme of God's people being set apart for His purposes. It challenges believers to consider how they are called to live distinctively in the world, dedicated to God's service and His covenantal promises.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and Abimelech
אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 40: Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name

asked
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

[him],
אַבְרָהָ֑ם (’aḇ·rā·hām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85: Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation

“Why
מָ֣ה (māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

have you set apart
הִצַּ֖בְתָּ (hiṣ·ṣaḇ·tā)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5324: To take one's stand, stand

these
הָאֵ֔לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

seven
שֶׁ֤בַע (še·ḇa‘)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

ewe lambs?”
כְּבָשֹׂת֙ (kə·ḇā·śōṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 3535: Ewe lamb


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OT Law: Genesis 21:29 Abimelech said to Abraham What do these (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 21:28
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