Bible Strands
Genesis 26:31
And they got up early the next morning and swore an oath to each other. Then Isaac sent them on their way, and they left him in peace.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Abimelech’s officials and Isaac’s representatives conclude negotiations the morning after a shared meal. They swear an oath to one another before Isaac dismisses them and they depart.
The words — The text highlights וַיִּשָּׁבְעוּ (va/yi.sha.ve.'U), meaning "and they swore an oath," and אִישׁ לְאָחִיו ('ish le/'a.Chi.v), literally "each to his brother," indicating a mutual pledge.
The thread — This mutual swearing parallels the oath-making in Genesis 21:31 and Genesis 31:44, while contrasting with the conditional oath in Genesis 25:33.
Why it lands — The passage requires the reader to observe how formal agreements establish boundaries and prevent conflict between rival parties. It demands attention to the structural role of covenants in resolving territorial disputes.
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 they rose up betimes in the morning, and sware one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.
Cross-references
- Genesis 21:31 So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath.
- Genesis 25:33 “Swear to me first,” Jacob said. So Esau swore to Jacob and sold him the birthright.
- Genesis 31:44 Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.”
- 1 Samuel 20:16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.”
- 1 Samuel 30:15 “Will you lead me to these raiders?” David asked. And the man replied, “Swear to me by God that you will not kill me or deliver me into the hand of my master, and I will lead you to them.”
- Hebrews 6:16 Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument.
- Genesis 14:22 But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,
- Genesis 19:2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”
- Genesis 21:14 Early in the morning, Abraham got up, took bread and a skin of water, put them on Hagar’s shoulders, and sent her away with the boy. She left and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba.
- Genesis 21:23 Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.”