Genesis 26:28
New International Version
They answered, “We saw clearly that the LORD was with you; so we said, ‘There ought to be a sworn agreement between us’—between us and you. Let us make a treaty with you

New Living Translation
They replied, “We can plainly see that the LORD is with you. So we want to enter into a sworn treaty with you. Let’s make a covenant.

English Standard Version
They said, “We see plainly that the LORD has been with you. So we said, let there be a sworn pact between us, between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you,

Berean Standard Bible
“We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you

King James Bible
And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;

New King James Version
But they said, “We have certainly seen that the LORD is with you. So we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, between you and us; and let us make a covenant with you,

New American Standard Bible
They said, “We have seen plainly that the LORD has been with you; so we said, ‘An oath must now be taken by us,’ that is, by you and us. So let us make a covenant with you,

NASB 1995
They said, “We see plainly that the LORD has been with you; so we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, even between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you,

NASB 1977
And they said, “We see plainly that the LORD has been with you; so we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, even between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you,

Legacy Standard Bible
Then they said, “We see plainly that Yahweh has been with you; so we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us—between you and us—and let us cut a covenant with you,

Amplified Bible
They said, “We see clearly that the LORD has been with you; so we said, ‘There should now be an oath between us [with a curse for the one who breaks it], that is, between you and us, and let us make a covenant (binding agreement, solemn promise) with you,

Christian Standard Bible
They replied, “We have clearly seen how the LORD has been with you. We think there should be an oath between two parties—between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They replied, “We have clearly seen how the LORD has been with you. We think there should be an oath between two parties—between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you:

American Standard Version
And they said, We saw plainly that Jehovah was with thee: and we said, Let there now be an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee,

Contemporary English Version
They answered, "We now know for certain that the LORD is with you, and we have decided there needs to be a peace treaty between you and us. So let's make a solemn agreement

English Revised Version
And they said, We saw plainly that the LORD was with thee: and we said, Let there now be an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They answered, "We have seen that the LORD is with you. So we thought, 'There should be a solemn agreement between us.' We'd like to make an agreement with you

Good News Translation
They answered, "Now we know that the LORD is with you, and we think that there should be a solemn agreement between us. We want you to promise

International Standard Version
"We've seen that the LORD is with you," they responded, "so we're proposing an agreement between us—between us and you. Allow us to make a treaty with you

Majority Standard Bible
“We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you

NET Bible
They replied, "We could plainly see that the LORD is with you. So we decided there should be a pact between us--between us and you. Allow us to make a treaty with you

New Heart English Bible
They said, "We saw plainly that God was with you. We said, 'Let there now be an oath between us, even between us and you, and let us make a covenant with you,

Webster's Bible Translation
And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;

World English Bible
They said, “We saw plainly that Yahweh was with you. We said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, even between us and you, and let’s make a covenant with you,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And they say, “We have certainly seen that YHWH has been with you, and we say, Now let there be an oath between us, between us and you, and let us make a covenant with you;

Young's Literal Translation
And they say, 'We have certainly seen that Jehovah hath been with thee, and we say, 'Let there be, we pray thee, an oath between us, between us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will say, Seeing we saw that Jehovah was with thee: and we will say, There shall be an oath between us, between us and between thee, and we will make a covenant with thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they answered: We saw that the Lord is with thee, and therefore we said: Let there be an oath between us, and let us make a covenant,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they responded: “We saw that the Lord is with you, and therefore we said: Let there be an oath between us, and let us initiate a pact,

New American Bible
They answered: “We clearly see that the LORD has been with you, so we thought: let there be a sworn agreement between our two sides—between you and us. Let us make a covenant with you:

New Revised Standard Version
They said, “We see plainly that the LORD has been with you; so we say, let there be an oath between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD is with you; so we said, Let there be now an oath between us and you, and let us make a covenant with you,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they said to him, “Observing, we see that LORD JEHOVAH has been with you and we were saying that there should be an oath between us and you, and we will make a covenant with you;
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they said: 'We saw plainly that the LORD was with thee; and we said: Let there now be an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they said, We have surely seen that the Lord was with thee, and we said, Let there be an oath between us and thee, and we will make a covenant with thee,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Isaac's Covenant with Abimelech
27“Why have you come to me?” Isaac asked them. “You hated me and sent me away.” 28“We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you 29that you will not harm us, just as we have not harmed you but have done only good to you, sending you on your way in peace. And now you are blessed by the LORD.”…

Cross References
Genesis 21:22-32
At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. / 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.” / And Abraham replied, “I swear it.” ...

Genesis 31:44-54
Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.” / So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a pillar, / and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. ...

Joshua 9:15-20
And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them. / Three days after they had made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites learned that they were neighbors, living among them. / So the Israelites set out and on the third day arrived at their cities—Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. ...

1 Samuel 20:14-17
And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, / and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” / So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” ...

1 Samuel 24:17-22
and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil. / And you have declared this day how you have treated me well, for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me. / When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go away unharmed? May the LORD reward you with good for what you have done for me this day. ...

1 Kings 5:12
And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him. There was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.

2 Kings 11:4
Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada sent for the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, and had them brought into the house of the LORD. There he made a covenant with them and put them under oath. He showed them the king’s son

2 Chronicles 23:1
Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself and made a covenant with the commanders of hundreds—with Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zichri.

Psalm 133:1
A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!

Proverbs 16:7
When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.

Isaiah 32:17-18
The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever. / Then my people will dwell in a peaceful place, in safe and secure places of rest.

Isaiah 54:10
Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Jeremiah 29:7
Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:24
leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.


Treasury of Scripture

And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with you: and we said, Let there be now an oath between us, even between us and you, and let us make a covenant with you;

We saw certainly.

Genesis 21:22,23
And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest: …

Genesis 39:5
And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

Joshua 3:7
And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.

Let there.

Genesis 21:31,32
Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them…

Genesis 24:3,41
And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: …

Genesis 31:49-53
And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another…

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Agreement Betwixt Clearly Covenant Oath Ought Plainly Sworn Treaty
Genesis 26
1. Isaac, because of famine, sojourns in Gerar, and the Lord blesses him.
7. He is reproved by Abimelech for denying his wife.
12. He grows rich, and the Philistines envy his prosperity.
18. He digs wells.
23. God appears to him at Beersheba, and blesses him;
26. and Abimelech makes a covenant with him.
34. Esau's wives.














They replied
This phrase indicates a response from Abimelech and his advisors to Isaac. The context here is a diplomatic encounter, where the Philistine king acknowledges Isaac's prosperity and seeks to establish peaceful relations. Historically, such dialogues were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where leaders often engaged in negotiations to ensure mutual benefit and security.

We can plainly see
The Hebrew root for "plainly see" is "ra'ah," which means to see, perceive, or understand. This acknowledgment by the Philistines is significant as it reflects their recognition of divine favor upon Isaac. In a broader scriptural context, this mirrors the recurring theme of God's visible blessings upon His chosen people, which even outsiders can recognize.

that the LORD has been with you
The use of "LORD" here is the tetragrammaton YHWH, the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with Isaac. This phrase underscores the divine presence and blessing that accompanies Isaac, reminiscent of God's promises to Abraham. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His covenant promises, which are evident to all, including those outside the covenant community.

So we said
This phrase introduces the decision-making process of the Philistines. It reflects a moment of realization and strategic planning. In the historical context, such decisions were often made in council, highlighting the importance of collective wisdom and discernment in leadership.

There should be an oath between us
The concept of an "oath" in ancient times was a solemn promise, often invoking divine witnesses. The Hebrew word for oath is "shevu'ah," which signifies a binding agreement. This reflects the seriousness with which the Philistines approached this covenant, recognizing the need for a formal and sacred commitment to ensure peace and cooperation.

between us and you
This phrase emphasizes the mutual nature of the agreement. It highlights the desire for a bilateral relationship, where both parties acknowledge their roles and responsibilities. In the broader biblical narrative, such covenants often symbolize reconciliation and the establishment of peace, reflecting God's desire for harmony among nations.

Let us make a covenant with you
The term "covenant" is derived from the Hebrew "berit," which signifies a formal agreement or treaty. In the biblical context, covenants are foundational to God's relationship with humanity, serving as instruments of divine promise and human obligation. This proposal by the Philistines to make a covenant with Isaac is a recognition of his status and the divine favor upon him, and it reflects the broader biblical theme of God's people being a blessing to the nations.

(28, 29) Let there be now an oath.--The word literally signifies a curse. Each side uttered an imprecation, with the prayer that it might fall upon himself if he broke the terms of the covenant.

Let us make a covenant.--Heb., cut. (See Note on Genesis 15:10; Genesis 15:18; where also see the explanation of this use of the word curse.)

The Lord was with thee . . . blessed of the Lord.--This use of the word "Lord," that is, Jehovah, is very remarkable. In Genesis 21:22-23 Abimelech uses the term Elohim, God, in accordance with the careful discrimination in the use of the names of the Deity often previously referred to. By the long residence, first of Abraham and then of Isaac, in their territory, the Philistines would indeed have become better acquainted with the religion of the patriarchs; but as Jehovah was not their special title for the Deity (Exodus 6:3), we must conclude, with Rosenmller, that it was Moses who wrote Jehovah in the place of the word actually employed by Abimelech. We gather, however, that the king did not use any generic or heathen names of the Deity, but that whereby the patriarchs worshipped their covenant God, and his so doing was probably intended as an act of homage to Him.

Verse 28. - And they said, We saw certainly - literally, seeing we saw, i.e. we assuredly perceived, or, we have indeed discovered (vide Ewald's 'Hebrews Synt.,' § 312). Abimelech and his ministers first explain the motive which has impelled them to solicit a renewal of the old alliance - that the Lord was with thee: - the use of Jehovah instead of Elohim, as in Genesis 21:22, does not prove that this is a Jehovistic elaboration of the earlier legend. Neither is it necessary to suppose that the term Jehovah is a Mosaic translation of the epithet employed by Abimelech (Rosenmüller). The long-continued residence of Abraham in Gemr and Beersheba afforded ample opportunity for Abimelech becoming acquainted with the patriarch's God. The introduction of Jehovah into the narrative may be noted as a third point of dissimilarity between this and the previous account - and we said, Let there he now an oath - i.e. a treaty secured by an oath or self-imprecation on the transgressor (cf. Genesis 24:41; Deuteronomy 29:11, 13) - betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, - a farther particularization of the parties to the covenant for the sake of emphasis - and let us make a covenant with thee. The phrase "to cut a covenant," here used in a so-called Jehovistic portion of the history, occurs in Genesis 21:27, 32, which confessedly belongs to the fundamental document.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“We can plainly see
רָא֣וֹ (rā·’ōw)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7200: To see

that
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה ׀ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

has been
הָיָ֣ה (hā·yāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

with you,”
עִמָּךְ֒ (‘im·māḵ)
Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

they replied.
וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“We think
וַנֹּ֗אמֶר (wan·nō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

there should be
תְּהִ֨י (tə·hî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

an oath
אָלָ֛ה (’ā·lāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 423: An imprecation

between two parties—
בֵּינוֹתֵ֖ינוּ (bê·nō·w·ṯê·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

between us and you.
בֵּינֵ֣ינוּ (bê·nê·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

Let us make
וְנִכְרְתָ֥ה (wə·niḵ·rə·ṯāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural
Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant

a covenant
בְרִ֖ית (ḇə·rîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1285: A covenant

with you
עִמָּֽךְ׃ (‘im·māḵ)
Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with


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OT Law: Genesis 26:28 They said We saw plainly that Yahweh (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 26:27
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