Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But Abimelek said, “I don’t know who has done this. You did not tell me, and I heard about it only today.” New Living Translation “This is the first I’ve heard of it,” Abimelech answered. “I have no idea who is responsible. You have never complained about this before.” English Standard Version Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, and I have not heard of it until today.” Berean Standard Bible Abimelech replied, “I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, so I have not heard about it until today.” Berean Literal Bible And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing, and you did not tell me, and I has not heard of it until today.” King James Bible And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day. New King James Version And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor had I heard of it until today.” New American Standard Bible And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor did I hear of it until today.” NASB 1995 And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor did I hear of it until today.” NASB 1977 And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; neither did you tell me, nor did I hear of it until today.” Legacy Standard Bible And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor did I hear of it until today.” Amplified Bible Abimelech said, “I do not know who did this thing. Indeed, you did not tell me, and I did not hear of it until today.” Berean Annotated Bible Abimelech (my father is king) replied, “I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, so I have not heard about it until today. Christian Standard Bible Abimelech replied, “I don’t know who did this thing. You didn’t report anything to me, so I hadn’t heard about it until today.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Abimelech replied, “I don’t know who did this thing. You didn’t report anything to me, so I hadn’t heard about it until today.” American Standard Version And Abimelech said, I know not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to-day. Contemporary English Version "This is the first I've heard about it," Abimelech replied. "Why haven't you said something before? I don't have any idea who did it." English Revised Version And Abimelech said, I know not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but today. GOD'S WORD® Translation Abimelech replied, "I don't know who did this. You didn't tell me, and I didn't hear about it until today." Good News Translation Abimelech said, "I don't know who did this. You didn't tell me about it, and this is the first I have heard of it." International Standard Version "I don't know who did this thing," Abimelech replied. "You didn't report this to me, and I didn't hear about it until today." NET Bible "I do not know who has done this thing," Abimelech replied. "Moreover, you did not tell me. I did not hear about it until today." New Heart English Bible Abimelech said, "I do not know who has done this thing. Neither did you tell me, neither did I hear of it, until today." Webster's Bible Translation And Abimelech said, I know not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet have I heard of it, but to-day. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAbimelech replied, “I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, so I have not heard about it until today.” World English Bible Abimelech said, “I don’t know who has done this thing. You didn’t tell me, and I didn’t hear of it until today.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Abimelech says, “I have not known who has done this thing, and even you did not declare to me, and I also, I have not heard except today.” Berean Literal Bible And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing, and you did not tell me, and I has not heard of it until today.” Young's Literal Translation and Abimelech saith, 'I have not known who hath done this thing, and even thou didst not declare to me, and I also, I have not heard save to-day.' Smith's Literal Translation And Abimelech will say, I knew not who did this thing; and also thou didst not announce to me, and also I heard not except this day. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Abimelech answered: I knew not who did this thing: and thou didst not tell me, and I heard not of it till to day. Catholic Public Domain Version And Abimelech responded, “I do not know who did this thing, but you also did not reveal it to me, nor have I heard of it, before today.” New American Bible “I have no idea who did that,” Abimelech replied. “In fact, you never told me about it, nor did I ever hear of it until now.” New Revised Standard Version Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this; you did not tell me, and I have not heard of it until today.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Abimeleck said, I do not know who has done this thing; neither did you tell me, nor have I heard of it until today. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Abimelek said, “I did not know who did this matter, also you did not show me, neither had I heard except only today.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Abimelech said: 'I know not who hath done this thing; neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to-day.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Abimelech said to him, I know not who has done this thing to thee, neither didst thou tell it me, neither heard I it but only to-day. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Covenant at Beersheba…25But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized, 26Abimelech replied, “I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, so I have not heard about it until today.” 27So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant.… Cross References Abimelech replied, Genesis 20:9 Then Abimelech called Abraham and asked, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought such tremendous guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should not be done.” Genesis 20:5 Didn’t Abraham tell me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ I have done this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands.” “I do not know who has done this. Deuteronomy 21:7 and they shall declare, “Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it. 1 Samuel 14:38-39 Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today. / As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word. Joshua 7:19 So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.” You did not tell me, Genesis 31:27 Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps. 1 Samuel 20:9 “Never!” Jonathan replied. “If I ever found out that my father had evil intentions against you, would I not tell you?” 1 Samuel 20:2 “Far from it!” Jonathan replied. “You will not die. Indeed, my father does nothing, great or small, without telling me. So why would he hide this matter from me? This cannot be true!” so I have not heard about it until today.” 1 Kings 10:7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told to me. Your wisdom and prosperity have far exceeded the report I heard. John 9:32 Never before has anyone heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. Job 42:5 My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You. Genesis 26:15-22 So the Philistines took dirt and stopped up all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the days of his father Abraham. / Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “Depart from us, for you are much too powerful for us.” / So Isaac left that place and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. … Genesis 31:36-42 Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me? / You have searched all my goods! Have you found anything that belongs to you? Put it here before my brothers and yours, that they may judge between the two of us. / I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. … Genesis 34:30 Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble upon me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people of this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” Genesis 39:8-9 But he refused. “Look,” he said to his master’s wife, “with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he has entrusted everything he owns to my care. / No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?” Exodus 5:2 But Pharaoh replied, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.” Treasury of Scripture And Abimelech said, I know not who has done this thing; neither did you tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day. I wot. Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land. 2 Kings 5:20-24 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him… Jump to Previous Abimelech Abim'elech Declare Hear Heard Idea Save Today To-Day Word WotJump to Next Abimelech Abim'elech Declare Hear Heard Idea Save Today To-Day Word WotGenesis 21 1. Isaac is born, and circumcised.6. Sarah's joy. 8. Isaac is weaned. 9. Hagar and Ishmael sent away. 15. Hagar in distress. 17. The angel relieves and comforts her. 23. Abimelech's covenant with Abraham at Beersheba. Abimelech replied Abimelech, the king of Gerar, is a significant figure in the narrative of Genesis. His interactions with Abraham highlight themes of integrity and divine intervention. Abimelech's response here is part of a dialogue concerning a dispute over a well, which underscores the importance of water rights in the ancient Near East. This interaction also reflects the broader theme of God's protection and provision for Abraham and his descendants. I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, so I have not heard about it until today. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbimelechA Philistine king who interacts with Abraham. He is involved in a covenant with Abraham and is concerned about maintaining peaceful relations. 2. Abraham The patriarch of the Israelites, who has settled in the region and is in a covenant relationship with God. He is involved in a dispute over a well with Abimelech. 3. Well of Water The central issue in this passage is a dispute over a well that Abraham claims was seized by Abimelech's servants. Wells were vital for survival and prosperity in the ancient Near East. 4. Beersheba The location where this event takes place. It becomes significant as a place of covenant and oath between Abraham and Abimelech. 5. Covenant The broader context involves a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, emphasizing peace and mutual respect. Teaching Points Importance of CommunicationAbimelech's response highlights the need for clear communication to resolve conflicts. Misunderstandings can be avoided by addressing issues directly and promptly. Integrity in Relationships The passage underscores the importance of integrity and honesty in dealings with others. Abimelech's willingness to address the issue shows a commitment to righteousness. God's Provision and Protection The dispute over the well reminds us of God's provision and the need to trust Him for our needs. Abraham's life demonstrates God's faithfulness in providing for His people. Peacemaking The resolution of the conflict through a covenant reflects the biblical principle of peacemaking. Believers are called to pursue peace and reconciliation in their relationships. Stewardship of Resources The well represents a critical resource, and the passage encourages responsible stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 21:26?2. How does Genesis 21:26 demonstrate the importance of honest communication in conflicts? 3. What can we learn from Abimelech's response to Abraham about resolving misunderstandings? 4. How does Genesis 21:26 connect with Matthew 18:15 on addressing grievances? 5. In what ways can we apply Abimelech's approach to our daily relationships? 6. How does this verse encourage accountability and transparency among believers today? 7. How does Genesis 21:26 reflect on the reliability of human promises versus divine promises? 8. What does Genesis 21:26 reveal about the nature of human ignorance and responsibility? 9. How does Abimelech's response in Genesis 21:26 inform our understanding of leadership accountability? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 21? 11. Why does the existence of Philistines in Genesis contradict the historical record, as they arrived centuries later? 12. Why doesn't God stop evil people from doing harm? 13. Does Genesis 21:22-24 align with any external sources suggesting Abimelech acknowledged Abraham's authority in that region? 14. How do we reconcile the figure called Abimelech here (Genesis 26:8) with the Abimelech who interacted with Abraham generations earlier? What Does Genesis 21:26 Mean Abimelech replied• The verse opens with the king’s prompt response to Abraham’s complaint about a seized well (Genesis 21:25). • His quick reply shows that civil authority is accountable before God, a theme already seen when God confronted him over Sarah (Genesis 20:3–7). • Romans 13:3–4 reminds us that rulers are “God’s servants for your good,” and here Abimelech acts consistently with that role—he listens and answers rather than ignoring the grievance. I do not know who has done this • Abimelech immediately distances himself from wrongdoing, underscoring personal integrity. • Proverbs 17:15 warns against justifying the wicked, yet Abimelech refuses to excuse unknown offenders until facts are clear. • His statement also reveals the limits of human knowledge, inviting trust in the all-knowing God (Psalm 139:1–4). You did not tell me • The king courteously places part of the responsibility back on Abraham: had Abraham spoken sooner, resolution could have come sooner. • Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor,” showing the importance of timely, honest communication among God’s people and their neighbors. • The verse illustrates Matthew 18:15 in practice: address offenses directly so reconciliation can happen. So I have not heard about it until today • Abimelech emphasizes that ignorance, not complicity, explains his prior inaction. • 1 Timothy 5:24 notes that “the sins of some people are obvious… the sins of others trail behind them”; here the offence surfaces at the proper time for justice. • This moment sets the stage for covenant reaffirmation (Genesis 21:27, 32), showing how truthful dialogue precedes peaceful agreements (James 3:17-18). summary Genesis 21:26 portrays a pagan king acting with surprising transparency and fairness, reinforcing that God can work through anyone to protect His covenant people. Abimelech’s threefold denial—unaware of the wrong, uninformed by Abraham, uninvolved until now—highlights the value God places on honesty, prompt communication, and just leadership. (26) I wot not.--This explains the reason of Abimelech's visit. The king's herdsmen had robbed Abraham of a well, a species of property jealously defended in the East because of its great value, and Abraham in some way had made his displeasure felt. Abimelech, ever friendly towards Abraham, by whose nobleness of character he had been greatly impressed, comes to learn the cause of the coolness, and to enter into a more close and lasting alliance with the patriarch. With Oriental indirectness, he makes no complaint, and speaks only of his wish for continued friendship, but by his allusion to his past kindness hints that this had not been received as it ought. Abraham fully understands his real meaning, and tells him what had happened; whereupon the matter is set right, and Abraham requites his previous generosity with gifts of cattle.Verse 26. - And Abimelech said, I wet not who hath done this thing. There is no reason to question the sincerity of the Philistine monarch in disclaiming all knowledge of the act of robbery committed by his servants. Neither didst thou toll me, neither yet heard I of it, but today. The prince rather complains that Abraham had done him an injustice.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Abimelechאֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 40: Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name replied, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “I do not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no know יָדַ֔עְתִּי (yā·ḏa‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 3045: To know who מִ֥י (mî) Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix has done עָשָׂ֖ה (‘ā·śāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make this. הַזֶּ֑ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that You אַתָּ֞ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you did not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no tell הִגַּ֣דְתָּ (hig·gaḏ·tā) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous me, לִּ֗י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew so I אָנֹכִ֛י (’ā·nō·ḵî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 595: I have not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no heard שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי (šā·ma‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently about it until today.” בִּלְתִּ֥י (bil·tî) Preposition Strong's 1115: A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until Links Genesis 21:26 NIVGenesis 21:26 NLT Genesis 21:26 ESV Genesis 21:26 NASB Genesis 21:26 KJV Genesis 21:26 BibleApps.com Genesis 21:26 Biblia Paralela Genesis 21:26 Chinese Bible Genesis 21:26 French Bible Genesis 21:26 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 21:26 Abimelech said I don't know who has (Gen. 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