Genesis 21:26

26 But Abimelech said, "I don't know who has done this. You didn't tell me. Today is the first time I heard about it."

Genesis 21:26 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 21:26

And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing
He pleads ignorance; he knew nothing of it before, nor now which of his servants had done it; intimating, that if he could know who it was, he should severely reprimand him for it: neither didst thou tell me:
signifying that he was to blame he did not complain of it sooner; and at least he had no reason to blame him, since he had never informed him before of it, and therefore could not expect to be redressed: neither yet heard [of it] but today:
he had not heard of it from others, as the Targum of Jonathan rightly adds, by way of explanation, but that very day, and very probably not till the moment he had it from Abraham himself.

Genesis 21:26 In-Context

24 Abraham said, "I promise with an oath that I'll do it."
25 Then Abraham objected to Abimelech about what Abimelech's servants had done. They had taken over a well of water.
26 But Abimelech said, "I don't know who has done this. You didn't tell me. Today is the first time I heard about it."
27 So Abraham gave Abimelech sheep and cattle. The two men made a peace treaty.
28 Then Abraham took out seven female lambs from his flock.
Holy Bible, New International Reader's Version® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998 by Biblica.   All rights reserved worldwide.