Genesis 21:24 - Abraham said, “I will swear.”

Generated Verse: Genesis 21:24

What does "Genesis 21:24" mean?


In Genesis 21:24, when Abraham says "I will swear," it signifies his agreement to an oath. Let's break down the meaning:

Context is Key: This verse is part of the story of Abraham making a covenant with Abimelech, the king of Gerar, over a well. Previously, Abraham had accused Abimelech's servants of seizing the well.

An Oath as a Guarantee: In ancient times, an oath was a solemn declaration, often invoking a higher power (God in Abraham's case) to guarantee the truthfulness of a statement or the fulfillment of a promise. It was a binding agreement, more serious than a simple verbal agreement.

"I will swear" indicates:
Abraham's willingness to make a binding promise: He's not just saying "yes." He's saying, "I will make a solemn oath to demonstrate the truth of what I'm saying, or to commit to keeping my part of the agreement."
The seriousness of the agreement: By taking an oath, Abraham acknowledges the importance of the matter and his commitment to upholding the agreement.
His good faith: It serves to reassure Abimelech that Abraham is being truthful and reliable.

So, "Abraham said, 'I will swear'" means Abraham is agreeing to solidify their agreement with a binding oath, demonstrating the seriousness of his commitment regarding the ownership and use of the well. It strengthens the covenant between them and reinforces trust.

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