← Back to Search

Genesis 21:31

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

That's why he named that place Beersheba, because both of them made a sworn agreement there.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse explains how the place Beersheba got its name - it means 'well of the oath' because Abraham and Abimelech made a covenant there.

📚 Historical Context

This naming occurred after Abraham and Abimelech, king of the Philistines, resolved a dispute over water rights to a well that Abraham had dug. They made a peace treaty and covenant, with Abraham giving Abimelech seven ewe lambs as witness to the agreement. Beersheba became an important location in biblical history, marking the southern boundary of the Promised Land.

Ask the AI Assistant

Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.

Share or Save