Bible Strands
Genesis 21:29
and Abimelech asked him, “Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Abimelech addresses Abraham immediately after Abraham separates seven ewe lambs from his flock. The question occurs during their negotiation over the well at Beersheba.
The words — The Hebrew phrase מָה הֵנָּה שֶׁבַע כְּבָשֹׂת (mah henah sheva kevashot) literally translates to "what [are] these seven ewe-lambs?" This structure isolates the specific quantity and type of animals being designated.
The thread — This pattern of questioning the purpose behind a visible sign appears in Genesis 33:8, Exodus 12:26, and 1 Samuel 15:14. Each instance uses a direct inquiry to establish the meaning of a group of people, a ritual service, or livestock.
Why it lands — The verse requires the reader to recognize that physical markers are established to document agreements and prevent future disputes. It demands attention to how concrete actions function as legal witnesses in covenant relationships.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?
Cross-references
- Genesis 33:8 “What do you mean by sending this whole company to meet me?” asked Esau. “To find favor in your sight, my lord,” Jacob answered.
- Exodus 12:26 When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’
- 1 Samuel 15:14 But Samuel replied, “Then what is this bleating of sheep and lowing of cattle that I hear?”