Genesis 21:31

31 Wherfore the place is called Berseba because they sware both of them.

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.

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Genesis 21:31 In-Context

29 And Abimelech sayde vnto Abraham: what meane these .vij. lamdes which thou hast sett by them selues.

30 And he answered: vij. lambes shalt thou take of my hande that it maye be a wytnesse vnto me that I haue dygged this well:

31 Wherfore the place is called Berseba because they sware both of them.

32 Thus made they a bonde to gether at Berseba.Than Abimelech and Phicoll his chefe captayne rose vp and turned agayne vnto the lande of the Philistines.

33 And Abraham planted a wodd in Berseba and called there on the name of the LORde the everlastynge God: