Genesis 21:31

31 And so the place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them made a vow.

Genesis 21:31 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 21:31

Wherefore he called that place Beersheba
Either Abraham or Abimelech, or both, called it so; or it may be read impersonally, "therefore the place was called Beersheba" ^F20, for two reasons, one implied, the other expressed; one was, because of the seven lambs before mentioned; so the Targum of Jonathan,

``and therefore he called the well the well of seven lambs;''

"Beer" signifying a well, and "sheba" seven; the other, and which is more certain, being expressed, is as follows; because there they sware both of them;
by the living God, to keep the covenant inviolably they had made between them.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F20 (arqy) "vocatus", V. L. Calvin, Piscator.

Genesis 21:31 In-Context

29 and Abimelech asked him, "Why did you do that?"

30 Abraham answered, "Accept these seven lambs. By doing this, you admit that I am the one who dug this well."

31 And so the place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them made a vow.

32 After they had made this agreement at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol went back to Philistia.

33 Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and worshiped the Lord, the Everlasting God.

Footnotes

• [a] beersheba: [This name in Hebrew means "Well of the Vow" or "Well of Seven" (see also 26.33).]