Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Genesis, Chapter 21בראשית 21

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Promise at last becomes visible history here, but the movement does not remain in only one emotional register. Fulfillment, laughter, covenantal differentiation, wilderness preservation, and political settlement are held together in one carefully balanced narrative. Isaac is born exactly as promised, Sarah interprets the event through laughter, and Abraham's old age is no barrier to divine fidelity. Yet the joy of the birth feast quickly gives way to the painful expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael, so that the promised line is clarified through both celebration and separation. Even there, however, the narrative does not abandon the non-chosen line: God hears the boy in the wilderness, preserves him, and confirms that he too will become a nation. The scene then turns outward again in the Beersheba covenant with Abimelech, where divine blessing upon Abraham becomes publicly acknowledged in the political sphere. Fulfilled word and managed tension therefore stand together: the promised seed arrives, the covenant line is narrowed, the wilderness becomes a place of divine hearing, and Abraham emerges as both recipient of promise and recognized power in the land.

Translation & textual notes

The Hebrew base text here follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition as represented by the Westminster Leningrad Codex / MorphHB diplomatic stream imported from OSHB; distinctively copyrighted apparatus from BHS or BHQ is not reproduced. One of the great fulfillment chapters in Genesis appears here, yet its literary force depends on the way joy, exclusion, wilderness mercy, and covenantal stability are all held together. Verse 1's פקד with Sarah should be heard in its full sense of effective divine visitation or intervention, not as a vague remembrance. Verses 1-2 are carefully patterned by the repeated 'as he said / as he spoke' and by the time marker 'at the appointed time,' making the birth of Isaac an exact fulfillment of the earlier promise. Verse 6's wordplay on laughter is central: Sarah's statement about laughter must remain linked to the name Isaac and to the long Genesis pattern of incredulous and transformed laughter. Verse 9's מְצַחֵק is deliberately terse and has generated extensive discussion; it should not be overdefined too quickly, yet it clearly becomes the occasion for Sarah's demand. Verse 10's refusal that the son of the slave woman inherit with Isaac marks the covenantal differentiation sharply and should not be softened into a merely domestic quarrel. Verse 12 is the theological center of that differentiation: Abraham must heed Sarah because 'in Isaac seed shall be called for you.' Verse 13 balances that narrowing by explicitly promising nationhood to the slave woman's son because he too is Abraham's seed. In verses 14-21 the wilderness scene turns on hearing and seeing: God hears the voice of the boy, opens Hagar's eyes to the well, and preserves the child for a future outside the main covenant line. Verse 16's 'let me not see the death of the child' should retain its stark maternal grief. The Beersheba scene in verses 22-34 introduces oath, dispute, witness symbolism, and cultic invocation. Verse 31's explanation of Beersheba depends on wordplay involving oath/seven, and verse 33's planting of the tamarisk together with the invocation of the everlasting God should be preserved with its memorial and worshipful weight. Versification follows the MT.

1

וַֽיהוָ֛ה פָּקַ֥ד אֶת שָׂרָ֖ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר אָמָ֑ר וַיַּ֧עַשׂ יְהוָ֛ה לְשָׂרָ֖ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבֵּֽר

And Yahweh visited Sarah as he had said, and Yahweh did for Sarah as he had spoken.

Promise fulfilled: the long-awaited visitation becomes eventוַֽיהוָ֛ה
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַֽיהוָ֛הand Yahwehconj וְ + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject (fronted, initiating clause)יְהוָה (H3068), the divine personal name; fronted here as subject of the fulfillment clause — YHWH himself initiates both acts.
פָּקַ֥דvisited, attended toQal perf 3ms · פָּקַד (H6485)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: decisive, effective divine interventionפָּקַד (H6485) 'to attend to, visit'; in Qal with God as subject = consequential visitation that reverses barrenness — not mere remembrance.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שָׂרָ֖הSarahproper noun · שָׂרָה (H8283)Direct object of פָּקַדשָׂרָה (H8283) 'princess'; Abraham's wife, recipient of the long-deferred divine visitation.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֣רjust asprep כְּ + rel pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction (first)כַּאֲשֶׁר 'as, just as'; marks exact correspondence between prior word and present fulfillment.
אָמָ֑רhe had saidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate of comparative clause→ Perfective: prior promise now ratified by actאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; pluperfect in English — references the prior promise of 18:10-14.
וַיַּ֧עַשׂand he didconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: second fulfillment act advancing narrativeעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, accomplish'; with YHWH as subject underscores divine efficacy in fulfillment.
יְהוָ֛הYahwehproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיַּעַשׂיְהוָה (H3068) named again — both the visiting and the doing are attributed personally to YHWH.
לְשָׂרָ֖הfor Sarahprep לְ + proper noun · שָׂרָה (H8283)Benefactive prepositional phraseשָׂרָה (H8283); prep לְ marks the beneficiary — God acts specifically for her.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥רjust asprep כְּ + rel pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction (second)כַּאֲשֶׁר repeated — double correspondence (אָמַר and דִּבֵּר) stresses verbatim fulfillment of promise.
דִּבֵּֽרhe had spokenPiel perf 3ms · דִּבֵּר (H1696)Predicate of second comparative clause→ Perfective (Piel): thorough prior speech now enactedדִּבֵּר (H1696) Piel 'to speak purposively'; Piel connotes sustained, weighty declaration — the fuller promise.
2

וַתַּהַר֩ וַתֵּ֨לֶד שָׂרָ֧ה לְאַבְרָהָ֛ם בֵּ֖ן לִזְקֻנָ֑יו לַמּוֹעֵ֕ד אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּ֥ר אֹת֖וֹ אֱלֹהִֽים

And Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him.

Conception and birth: the promised son arrives on God's scheduleוַתַּהַר֩
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַתַּהַר֩and she conceivedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָרָה (H2029)Wayyiqtol narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: first bodily event following divine actהָרָה (H2029) 'to conceive, become pregnant'; reversal of the barrenness announced in 11:30.
וַתֵּ֨לֶדand she boreconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, give birth'; fulfillment compressed — conceived then bore in two rapid verbs.
שָׂרָ֧הSarahproper noun · שָׂרָה (H8283)Subject of וַתֵּלֶדשָׂרָה (H8283) explicitly named as actor — her agency foregrounded after years of passive waiting.
לְאַבְרָהָ֛םto Abrahamprep לְ + proper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Benefactive prepositional phraseאַבְרָהָם (H85) 'father of a multitude'; the birth fulfills the name-change promise of 17:5.
בֵּ֖ןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַתֵּלֶדבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the awaited covenant heir now present.
לִזְקֻנָ֑יוin his old ageprep לְ + N m pl constr + 3ms suf · זָקֻן (H2208)Temporal / circumstantial phraseזָקֻן (H2208) 'old age'; rare noun emphasizing Abraham's advanced years — the miraculous dimension of the birth.
לַמּוֹעֵ֕דat the appointed timeprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Temporal prepositional phraseמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time, set season'; echoes 18:14 — birth arrives on God's precise calendar.
אֲשֶׁרwhich/thatrel pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (adjectival clause on מוֹעֵד)אֲשֶׁר (H834), the Hebrew relativizer; links the appointed time to God's prior speech.
דִּבֶּ֥רhad spokenPiel perf 3ms · דִּבֵּר (H1696)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective (Piel): purposive prior speech ratifiedדִּבֵּר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the same verb as v1 — spoken word → enacted event.
אֹת֖וֹ[obj it]obj marker + 3ms suf · אֵת (H853)Object marker (resuming מוֹעֵד)אֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix; the appointed time is the object of God's speech.
אֱלֹהִֽיםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of דִּבֶּראֱלֹהִים (H430) plural in form, singular in reference; alternates with יְהוָה of v1 — same actor, same fulfillment.
3

וַיִּקְרָ֨א אַבְרָהָ֜ם אֶֽת שֶׁם בְּנ֧וֹ הַנּֽוֹלַד ל֛וֹ אֲשֶׁר יָלְדָה לּ֥וֹ שָׂרָ֖ה יִצְחָֽק

And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah had borne to him, Isaac.

Naming the son: Abraham receives the promised child under the given nameוַיִּקְרָ֨א
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיִּקְרָ֨אand he calledconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: naming as official covenantal actקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; Hebrew naming confers identity and destiny — cf. the command at 17:19.
אַבְרָהָ֜םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject of וַיִּקְרָא
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שֶׁםthe name ofN m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object (construct head)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; in construct with בְּנוֹ — 'the name of his son'; naming is theologically significant throughout Genesis.
בְּנ֧וֹhis sonN m sg constr + 3ms suf · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival — son as name-bearer)בֵּן (H1121) + 3ms suffix; completing the construct phrase.
הַנּֽוֹלַדwho was bornart + Niphal ptc m sg abs · יָלַד (H3205)Attributive participle (modifying בְּנוֹ)→ Participial: passive state — the one born to himיָלַד (H3205) Niphal ptc 'born'; passive situates the son as recipient of the birth action.
ל֛וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suf · לְBenefactive phrase (within ptc clause)
אֲשֶׁרwhomrel pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (second relative clause on בְּנוֹ)אֲשֶׁר (H834); double relative clause identification underscores the preciousness of the named child.
יָלְדָהhad borneQal perf 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed act of bearingיָלַד (H3205) Qal 3fs perf 'she bore'; active form with Sarah as subject — contrasts Niphal above.
לּ֥וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suf · לְBenefactive phrase
שָׂרָ֖הSarahproper noun · שָׂרָה (H8283)Subject of יָלְדָהשָׂרָה (H8283) named explicitly — no ambiguity about the mother of the promised son.
יִצְחָֽקIsaacproper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)Predicate accusative (name bestowed)יִצְחָק (H3327) from צָחַק 'to laugh'; name encodes transformed laughter — divine joy at impossible made real. Commanded at 17:19, enacted here.
4

וַיָּ֤מָל אַבְרָהָם֙ אֶת יִצְחָ֣ק בְּנ֔וֹ בֶּן שְׁמֹנַ֖ת יָמִ֑ים כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה אֹת֖וֹ אֱלֹהִֽים

And Abraham circumcised Isaac his son when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Covenant obedience: the promised son is marked under the covenant signוַיָּ֤מָל
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיָּ֤מָלand he circumcisedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · מוּל (H4135)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: covenant obedience immediately enactedמוּל (H4135) 'to circumcise'; the sign commanded in 17:12 for every eight-day-old male — carried out without delay.
אַבְרָהָם֙Abrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject of וַיָּמָל
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
יִצְחָ֣קIsaacproper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)Direct object of וַיָּמָל
בְּנ֔וֹhis sonN m sg constr + 3ms suf · בֵּן (H1121)Apposition / identifier
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Age expression (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) in idiomatic age construction: 'son of eight days' = eight days old.
שְׁמֹנַ֖תeightN m sg constr (numeral) · שְׁמֹנֶה (H8083)Numeral in age constructשְׁמֹנֶה (H8083) 'eight'; construct form before יָמִים; the eighth-day requirement of 17:12 exactly met.
יָמִ֑יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Head noun of age expressionיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the idiom בֶּן שְׁמֹנַת יָמִים = eight days old.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רjust asprep כְּ + rel pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunctionכַּאֲשֶׁר 'as/just as'; marks perfect obedience to the prior divine command.
צִוָּ֥הhad commandedPiel perf 3ms · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate of comparative clause→ Perfective (Piel): authoritative prior command now fulfilledצִוָּה (H6680) Piel 'to command, charge'; the command of 17:9-12 precisely replicated in act.
אֹת֖וֹ[obj him]obj marker + 3ms suf · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (suffix = Abraham)
אֱלֹהִֽיםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of צִוָּהאֱלֹהִים (H430); divine command is exactly replicated in Abraham's obedience — no deviation noted.
5

וְאַבְרָהָ֖ם בֶּן מְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה בְּהִוָּ֣לֶד ל֔וֹ אֵ֖ת יִצְחָ֥ק בְּנֽוֹ

And Abraham was a son of one hundred years when Isaac his son was born to him.

Abraham age underscores the impossibility overcomeוְאַבְרָהָ֖ם
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְאַבְרָהָ֖םand Abrahamconj וְ + proper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject (circumstantial clause, no verb)אַבְרָהָם (H85); the verbless clause gives age as parenthetical background — setting magnitude of miracle.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Age expression (construct head)
מְאַ֣תa hundredN (numeral) f sg constr · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral in age constructמֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred'; Abraham's 100 years (cf. 17:17) underscores the miraculous character of the birth.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Head noun of age expressionשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; completing the age formula.
בְּהִוָּ֣לֶדwhen was bornprep בְּ + Niphal inf constr · יָלַד (H3205)Temporal infinitive clause→ Infinitival: temporal circumstance of birthיָלַד (H3205) Niphal inf constr 'when Isaac was born to him'; Niphal = passive birth.
ל֔וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suf · לְBenefactive phrase (within inf clause)
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
יִצְחָ֥קIsaacproper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)Subject/patient of Niphal inf
בְּנֽוֹhis sonN m sg constr + 3ms suf · בֵּן (H1121)Apposition / identifier
6

וַתֹּ֣אמֶר שָׂרָ֔ה צְחֹ֕ק עָ֥שָׂה לִ֖י אֱלֹהִ֑ים כָּל הַשֹּׁמֵ֖עַ יִֽצְחַק לִֽי

And Sarah said, "God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me."

Sarah interprets the birth through transformed laughterוַתֹּ֣אמֶר
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַתֹּ֣אמֶרand she saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Sarah's interpretation of the birth eventאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Sarah's theological reading of the impossible birth.
שָׂרָ֔הSarahproper noun · שָׂרָה (H8283)Subject of וַתֹּאמֶר
צְחֹ֕קlaughterN m sg abs · צְחֹק (H6712)Direct object / predicate accusativeצְחֹק (H6712) 'laughter'; from צָחַק (H6711); connects to Isaac's name and transforms the earlier incredulous laughter of 18:12-15 into divine gift.
עָ֥שָׂהhas madeQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb→ Perfective: completed divine gift of joyעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; God has 'made' laughter for her — joy is his creation, not hers.
לִ֖יfor meprep לְ + 1cs suf · לְBenefactive prepositional phrase
אֱלֹהִ֑יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of עָשָׂהאֱלֹהִים (H430); Sarah names God as the source and maker of the laughter.
כָּלeveryoneN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of יִצְחַקכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct before הַשֹּׁמֵעַ — 'all who hear'.
הַשֹּׁמֵ֖עַwho hearsart + Qal ptc m sg abs · שָׁמַע (H8085)Attributive participle (specifying כָּל)→ Participial: generic present — whoever hears the newsשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; articular ptc = the one hearing = whoever hears.
יִֽצְחַקwill laughQal impf 3ms · צָחַק (H6711)Predicate verb (apodosis of כָּל clause)→ Yiqtol: generic/habitual — whoever hears will laughצָחַק (H6711) 'to laugh'; phonetically identical to יִצְחָק — the child's name reverberates in the community's response.
לִֽיwith meprep לְ + 1cs suf · לְComitative phrase ('laugh with me')
7

וַתֹּ֗אמֶר מִ֤י מִלֵּל֙ לְאַבְרָהָ֔ם הֵינִ֥יקָה בָנִ֖ים שָׂרָ֑ה כִּֽי יָלַ֥דְתִּי בֵ֖ן לִזְקֻנָֽיו

And she said, "Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne a son in his old age."

Astonished speech: Sarah voices the impossibility now reversedוַתֹּ֗אמֶר
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַתֹּ֗אמֶרand she saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: continuation — second speech of Sarahאָמַר (H559); a second unit of speech follows, shifting from praise to rhetorical astonishment.
מִ֤יwhointerrogative pronoun · מִי (H4310)Subject of rhetorical questionמִי (H4310) 'who'; the rhetorical question expects no answer — no one could have said this.
מִלֵּל֙would have declaredPiel perf 3ms · מָלַל (H4448)Predicate of rhetorical question→ Perfective (Piel): counterfactual — what no one could have saidמָלַל (H4448) Piel 'to speak, utter'; rare verb, more solemn than אָמַר; used for weighty or prophetic speech.
לְאַבְרָהָ֔םto Abrahamprep לְ + proper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Indirect object of מִלֵּל
הֵינִ֥יקָהhas nursedHiphil perf 3fs · יָנַק (H3243)Predicate of embedded clause (object of declaration)→ Perfective (Hiphil): accomplished nursing — Sarah as active nurserיָנַק (H3243) Hiphil 'to give suck, nurse'; causative — Sarah causes nursing = she nurses. The ability to nurse is the second miracle after the birth.
בָנִ֖יםchildrenN m pl abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of הֵינִיקָהבֵּן (H1121) pl 'sons/children'; 'nurse children' signals continued fertility — astonishing at Sarah's age.
שָׂרָ֑הSarahproper noun · שָׂרָה (H8283)Subject of הֵינִיקָה (postposed for effect)שָׂרָה (H8283) name delayed to the end — the astonishing agent revealed last for rhetorical impact.
כִּֽיforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; grounds the rhetorical wonder in the reported fact.
יָלַ֥דְתִּיI have borneQal perf 1cs · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed event with present relevanceיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear'; first person — Sarah herself testifies to what she has done.
בֵ֖ןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of יָלַדְתִּי
לִזְקֻנָֽיוin his old ageprep לְ + N m pl constr + 3ms suf · זָקֻן (H2208)Temporal phrase (emphasizing Abraham's age)זָקֻן (H2208) 'old age'; the impossibility is compounded — Sarah barren, Abraham aged.
8

וַיִּגְדַּ֥ל הַיֶּ֖לֶד וַיִּגָּמַ֑ל וַיַּ֤עַשׂ אַבְרָהָם֙ מִשְׁתֶּ֣ה גָד֔וֹל בְּי֖וֹם הִגָּמֵ֥ל אֶת יִצְחָֽק

And the child grew and was weaned, and Abraham made a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned.

Celebration of growth: Isaac's weaning becomes a public feastוַיִּגְדַּ֥ל
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיִּגְדַּ֥לand he grewconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · גָּדַל (H1431)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: temporal advance — Isaac's developmentגָּדַל (H1431) 'to grow great, increase'; marks the covenant child's healthy maturation.
הַיֶּ֖לֶדthe childart + N m sg abs · יֶלֶד (H3206)Subject of וַיִּגְדַּליֶלֶד (H3206) 'child, boy'; the same term used for Ishmael in the wilderness scene (vv14-15) — intentional verbal link.
וַיִּגָּמַ֑לand was weanedconj וְ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · גָּמַל (H1580)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: next developmental milestoneגָּמַל (H1580) Niphal 'to be weaned'; the passive marks Isaac as patient of the weaning — a milestone typically at age 2-3.
וַיַּ֤עַשׂand he madeconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Abraham acts in celebrationעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make, do'; Abraham makes the feast — hospitality as covenantal celebration.
אַבְרָהָם֙Abrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject of וַיַּעַשׂ
מִשְׁתֶּ֣הa feastN m sg abs · מִשְׁתֶּה (H4960)Direct object of וַיַּעַשׂמִשְׁתֶּה (H4960) 'feast, banquet' (from שָׁתָה 'to drink'); a grand public celebration of the covenant child's weaning.
גָד֔וֹלgreatadj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective (modifying מִשְׁתֶּה)גָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'; the scale of the feast signals its public, covenantal character.
בְּי֖וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + N m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; introduces the temporal construct phrase — 'on the day of Isaac's weaning'.
הִגָּמֵ֥לwas weanedNiphal inf constr · גָּמַל (H1580)Temporal infinitive (completing construct phrase)→ Infinitival: the weaning as temporal reference pointגָּמַל (H1580) Niphal inf constr; verbal noun completing the temporal phrase — same root as v8b.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (within inf clause)
יִצְחָֽקIsaacproper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)Object of inf (the one weaned)
9

וַתֵּ֨רֶא שָׂרָ֜ה אֶֽת בֶּן הָגָ֧ר הַמִּצְרִ֛ית אֲשֶׁר יָלְדָ֥ה לְאַבְרָהָ֖ם מְצַחֵֽק

And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, laughing.

The feast turns: Sarah sees Hagar's son and conflict beginsוַתֵּ֨רֶא
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַתֵּ֨רֶאand she sawconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Sarah's sight triggers the conflictרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; Sarah's perception of Ishmael's action precipitates the demand for expulsion.
שָׂרָ֜הSarahproper noun · שָׂרָה (H8283)Subject of וַתֵּרֶא
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
בֶּןthe son ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) constr 'son of'; Ishmael is identified only through his mother — no name given, heightening the contrast with Isaac.
הָגָ֧רHagarproper noun · הָגָר (H1904)Construct chain (genitival)הָגָר (H1904); the slave woman's identity defines her son — ethnic and social origin emphasized.
הַמִּצְרִ֛יתthe Egyptianart + gentilic adj f sg abs · מִצְרִית (H4713)Attributive adjective (modifying הָגָר)מִצְרִית (H4713) 'Egyptian woman'; the ethnic designation further marks Hagar as outsider relative to the Abrahamic line.
אֲשֶׁרwhomrel pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (relative clause)
יָלְדָ֥הhad borneQal perf 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed birth — Hagar as bearerיָלַד (H3205) Qal 3fs 'she bore'; active form with Hagar as subject — Hagar's role as mother restated.
לְאַבְרָהָ֖םto Abrahamprep לְ + proper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Benefactive / relational phrase
מְצַחֵֽקlaughing / mockingPiel ptc m sg abs · צָחַק (H6711)Predicative participle (object complement to בֶּן)→ Participial (Piel): ongoing action observed — laughing, perhaps at Isaac's expenseצָחַק (H6711) Piel ptc 'laughing, mocking, playing'; deliberately ambiguous — Piel intensifies; the root connects to Isaac's name, creating pointed irony.
10

וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ לְאַבְרָהָ֔ם גָּרֵ֛שׁ הָאָמָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את וְאֶת בְּנָ֑הּ כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יִירַשׁ֙ בֶּן הָאָמָ֣ה הַזֹּ֔את עִם בְּנִ֖י עִם יִצְחָֽק

And she said to Abraham, "Drive out this slave woman and her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not inherit with my son, with Isaac."

Sarah demands separation and denies shared inheritanceוַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙and she saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Sarah's demand inaugurates the expulsionאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Sarah's speech moves from observation (v9) to demand.
לְאַבְרָהָ֔םto Abrahamprep לְ + proper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Indirect object (of address)
גָּרֵ֛שׁdrive out!Piel impv 2ms · גָּרַשׁ (H1644)Predicate (imperative command)→ Volitional (Piel impv): forceful demand for permanent expulsionגָּרַשׁ (H1644) 'to drive out, expel'; Piel intensifies — a decisive, permanent removal is demanded.
הָאָמָ֥הthe slave womanart + N f sg abs · אָמָה (H519)Direct object of גָּרֵשׁאָמָה (H519) 'slave woman, maidservant'; Sarah consistently uses this term to deny Hagar the status of wife.
הַזֹּ֖אתthisart + demonstrative f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Demonstrative adjective (modifying הָאָמָה)זֹאת (H2063) 'this (f)'; the demonstrative adds contempt — 'this slave woman here'.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + obj marker (second direct object)
בְּנָ֑הּher sonN m sg constr + 3fs suf · בֵּן (H1121)Second direct object of גָּרֵשׁבֵּן (H1121) + 3fs suffix; the child identified only through Hagar — never named.
כִּ֣יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction
לֹ֤אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation (with imperfect = categorical prohibition)לֹא (H3808) strong negation; with impf = categorical denial — shall never inherit.
יִירַשׁ֙shall inheritQal impf 3ms · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Predicate verb (כִּי clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — categorical denial of future inheritanceיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to inherit, dispossess'; the issue is covenantal — who inherits the promise of the land and the blessing.
בֶּןthe son ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of יִירַשׁ
הָאָמָ֣הthe slave womanart + N f sg abs · אָמָה (H519)Construct chain (defining בֶּן)אָמָה (H519) repeated — 'slave woman' is the legal key to the inheritance denial.
הַזֹּ֔אתthisart + demonstrative f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Demonstrative adjective (modifying הָאָמָה)
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Comitative preposition
בְּנִ֖יmy sonN m sg constr + 1cs suf · בֵּן (H1121)Object of עִםבֵּן (H1121) + 1cs suffix; the contrast — 'the son of the slave' vs. 'my son' — is the legal and emotional core of the demand.
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Comitative preposition (repeated for emphasis)
יִצְחָֽקIsaacproper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)Object of עִם (resumptive naming)יִצְחָק (H3327) named last as climax — the covenant son who alone inherits.
11

וַיֵּ֧רַע הַדָּבָ֛ר מְאֹ֖ד בְּעֵינֵ֣י אַבְרָהָ֑ם עַ֖ל אוֹדֹ֥ת בְּנֽוֹ

And the matter was very evil in the eyes of Abraham on account of his son.

Abraham is deeply distressed by Sarah's demandוַיֵּ֧רַע
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיֵּ֧רַעand it was displeasingconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָעַע (H7489)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (impersonal)→ Wayyiqtol: Abraham's deep distress follows Sarah's demandרָעַע (H7489) 'to be evil, displeasing'; impersonal — 'the matter was evil in his eyes' = he was deeply grieved.
הַדָּבָ֛רthe matterart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Subject of וַיֵּרַע (impersonal construction)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter, thing'; the 'thing' = Sarah's demand for expulsion of Ishmael.
מְאֹ֖דvery muchadverb · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverb of degreeמְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'; intensifies — Abraham is not mildly troubled but deeply distressed.
בְּעֵינֵ֣יin the eyes ofprep בְּ + N (c) dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase (idiomatic for evaluation)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; בְּעֵינֵי X = 'in X's estimation' — the standard Hebrew idiom for moral/emotional response.
אַבְרָהָ֑םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Genitival complement of בְּעֵינֵי
עַ֖לon account ofprep · עַל (H5921)Causal preposition
אוֹדֹ֥תon account ofN f pl constr · אוֹדוֹת (H182)Head noun (compound prep עַל אוֹדֹת = 'on account of')אוֹדוֹת (H182) 'on account of, concerning'; compound preposition in construct — here with בְּנוֹ.
בְּנֽוֹhis sonN m sg constr + 3ms suf · בֵּן (H1121)Genitival complement of אוֹדֹתבֵּן (H1121) + 3ms suffix; 'his son' = Ishmael — Abraham's paternal grief for the child he loves.
12

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֜ים אֶל אַבְרָהָ֗ם אַל יֵרַ֤ע בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙ עַל הַנַּ֣עַר וְעַל אֲמָתֶ֔ךָ כֹּל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר תֹּאמַ֥ר אֵלֶ֛יךָ שָׂרָ֖ה שְׁמַ֣ע בְּקֹלָ֑הּ כִּ֣י בְיִצְחָ֔ק יִקָּרֵ֥א לְךָ֖ זָֽרַע

And God said to Abraham, "Let it not be evil in your eyes because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Everything that Sarah says to you, listen to her voice, for in Isaac seed shall be called for you."

Divine clarification: the covenant line is named in Isaacוַיֹּ֨אמֶר
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: divine speech resolves Abraham's distressאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; God's speech addresses Abraham's grief and reframes the demand.
אֱלֹהִ֜יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶר
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directive preposition
אַבְרָהָ֗םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Indirect object (addressee)
אַלdo notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Volitional negative (with jussive)אַל (H408) the volitional negative with jussive — 'let it not be displeasing'.
יֵרַ֤עlet it be displeasingQal juss 3ms · רָעַע (H7489)Predicate (jussive, negated by אַל)→ Jussive with אַל: volitional prohibition — do not let it grieve youרָעַע (H7489) Qal juss 'let it be evil'; God commands Abraham not to let the situation become a moral crisis for him.
בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙in your eyesprep בְּ + N (c) dual constr + 2ms suf · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase (idiomatic — your estimation)
עַלon account ofprep · עַל (H5921)Causal preposition
הַנַּ֣עַרthe boyart + N m sg abs · נַעַר (H5288)Object of עַל (= Ishmael)נַעַר (H5288) 'boy, lad'; God's term for Ishmael — more affectionate than 'son of the slave woman'.
וְעַלand on account ofconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Conjoined causal preposition
אֲמָתֶ֔ךָyour slave womanN f sg constr + 2ms suf · אָמָה (H519)Object of וְעַלאָמָה (H519) + 2ms suffix; God says 'your slave woman' — acknowledging the relationship without the contempt of Sarah's speech.
כֹּל֩everythingN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of תֹּאמַרכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; in construct with the relative clause — 'all that Sarah says to you'.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthat/whichrel pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (specifying כֹּל)
תֹּאמַ֥רshe saysQal impf 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Predicate of relative clause→ Yiqtol: future/general — whatever Sarah will say
אֵלֶ֛יךָto youprep אֶל + 2ms suf · אֶל (H413)Indirect object of תֹּאמַר
שָׂרָ֖הSarahproper noun · שָׂרָה (H8283)Subject of תֹּאמַר (postposed)
שְׁמַ֣עhear! obey!Qal impv 2ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (main imperative)→ Volitional: imperative — obey Sarah's voiceשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, obey'; with בְּקֹלָהּ = fixed idiom for compliance. God authorizes Sarah's demand.
בְּקֹלָ֑הּto her voiceprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3fs suf · קוֹל (H6963)Object of שְׁמַע (שָׁמַע בְּקוֹל = to obey)קוֹל (H6963) 'voice'; שָׁמַע בְּקוֹל = standard idiom for obedience.
כִּ֣יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction
בְיִצְחָ֔קin Isaacprep בְּ + proper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)Locative-restrictive phraseיִצְחָק (H3327); the theological center of the chapter — the covenant line is narrowed to Isaac. Cited in Rom 9:7 and Heb 11:18.
יִקָּרֵ֥אshall be calledNiphal impf 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb→ Yiqtol (Niphal): future passive — will be reckoned/designatedקָרָא (H7121) Niphal 'to be called'; passive — the covenant seed is designated by God, not by human choice.
לְךָ֖for youprep לְ + 2ms suf · לְBenefactive phrase (seed reckoned to Abraham)
זָֽרַעseedN m sg abs · זֶרַע (H2233)Subject of יִקָּרֵאזֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring'; the single term around which the entire covenant structure of Genesis turns — here restricted to the Isaac line.
13

וְגַ֥ם אֶת בֶּן הָאָמָ֖ה לְג֣וֹי אֲשִׂימֶ֑נּוּ כִּ֥י זַרְעֲךָ֖ הֽוּא

And also the son of the slave woman I will make into a nation, because he is your seed.

Divine extension: Ishmael is not the covenant line, yet he remains under promiseוְגַ֥ם
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְגַ֥םand alsoconj וְ + adverb particle · גַּם (H1571)Additive conjunction-particleגַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; signals a divine addition — Ishmael too is under promise, even while Isaac is the named covenant line.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
בֶּןthe son ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object (construct head)
הָאָמָ֖הthe slave womanart + N f sg abs · אָמָה (H519)Construct chain (genitival)אָמָה (H519); God picks up Sarah's term from v10 without contempt — this son also matters and will be made a nation.
לְג֣וֹיinto a nationprep לְ + N m sg abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Predicate phrase (result / purpose)גּוֹי (H1471) 'nation, people'; the same term used for Israel's destiny — Ishmael will become a full nation outside the covenant.
אֲשִׂימֶ֑נּוּI will make himQal impf 1cs + 3ms suf · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: future — divine determination to establish Ishmael's nationhoodשִׂים (H7760) 'to set, make'; God is the agent — Ishmael's nationhood is God's act, not natural development.
כִּ֥יbecauseconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction
זַרְעֲךָ֖your seedN m sg constr + 2ms suf · זֶרַע (H2233)Predicate nominative (subject of verbless clause)זֶרַע (H2233) 'seed'; Ishmael qualifies as Abraham's biological seed even though the covenant line narrows to Isaac.
הֽוּאhe ispersonal pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Predicate pronoun (verbless copula clause)הוּא (H1931) 'he'; the verbless clause = 'he is your seed' — the grounds for the nationhood promise.
14

וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֣ם אַבְרָהָ֣ם בַּבֹּ֡קֶר וַיִּֽקַּֽח לֶחֶם֩ וְחֵ֨מַת מַ֜יִם וַיִּתֵּ֣ן אֶל הָ֠גָר שָׂ֧ם עַל שִׁכְמָ֛הּ וְאֶת הַיֶּ֖לֶד וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֶ֑הָ וַתֵּ֣לֶךְ וַתֵּ֔תַע בְּמִדְבַּ֖ר בְּאֵ֥ר שָֽׁבַע

And Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, placing it on her shoulder, and the boy, and sent her away; and she went and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.

Separation enacted: Abraham obeys and sends Hagar and Ishmael awayוַיַּשְׁכֵּ֣ם
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֣םand he rose earlyconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁכַם (H7925)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: immediate early-morning obedienceשָׁכַם (H7925) Hiphil 'to rise early, act at dawn'; Abraham's immediacy signals obedience without deliberation.
אַבְרָהָ֣םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject of וַיַּשְׁכֵּם
בַּבֹּ֡קֶרin the morningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Temporal prepositional phraseבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'; confirms the early hour — Abraham acts at first light.
וַיִּֽקַּֽחand he tookconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sparse preparations for the expulsionלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the meager provisions — bread and one waterskin — highlight the grimness of what follows.
לֶחֶם֩breadN (c) sg abs · לֶחֶם (H3899)Direct object of וַיִּקַּח (first)לֶחֶם (H3899) 'bread, food'; basic provision — the brevity is stark against the wilderness journey ahead.
וְחֵ֨מַתand a skin ofconj וְ + N f sg constr · חֵמֶת (H2573)Direct object of וַיִּקַּח (second, conjoined)חֵמֶת (H2573) 'waterskin'; a single skin for the wilderness — the very one that will be emptied in v15.
מַ֜יִםwaterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Construct chain (completing חֵמֶת)מַיִם (H4325) 'water'; the water that will run out in v15 — narrative tension planted here.
וַיִּתֵּ֣ןand he gaveconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: provisions transferred to Hagarנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, place'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directive preposition
הָ֠גָרHagarproper noun · הָגָר (H1904)Indirect object of וַיִּתֵּן
שָׂ֧םplacingQal ptc m sg abs · שִׂים (H7760)Circumstantial participle (manner of giving)→ Participial: simultaneous action — placing as he gaveשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place'; the participle describes how Abraham gave — he placed the load on her shoulder.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Spatial preposition
שִׁכְמָ֛הּher shoulderN m sg constr + 3fs suf · שֶׁכֶם (H7926)Object of עַלשֶׁכֶם (H7926) 'shoulder'; the load on the shoulder — the waterskin carried by Hagar for the journey.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + obj marker (third direct object)
הַיֶּ֖לֶדthe childart + N m sg abs · יֶלֶד (H3206)Third direct object of וַיִּתֵּןיֶלֶד (H3206) 'child, boy'; Ishmael called 'the child' — the same word used for Isaac at v8, drawing a verbal parallel.
וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֶ֑הָand he sent her awayconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms + 3fs suf · שָׁלַח (H7971)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: the decisive act of dismissalשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send away, dismiss'; Piel intensifies — a formal, decisive expulsion.
וַתֵּ֣לֶךְand she wentconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Hagar's departure beginsיָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'.
וַתֵּ֔תַעand she wanderedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · תָּעָה (H8582)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: lostness in the wildernessתָּעָה (H8582) 'to wander, err, go astray'; connotes both physical lostness and the danger of it.
בְּמִדְבַּ֖רin the wilderness ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phraseמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, desert'; the realm of danger and divine encounter — Hagar wanders here.
בְּאֵ֥רBeer-proper noun (first element) · בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (H884)Compound proper noun (place name — first element)בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (H884) 'Beersheba'; place whose name will be explained in vv31-32.
שָֽׁבַע-shebaproper noun (second element) · בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (H884)Compound proper noun (place name — second element)שֶׁבַע 'seven / oath' — the component anticipating the oath-naming of v31.
15

וַיִּכְל֥וּ הַמַּ֖יִם מִן הַחֵ֑מֶת וַתַּשְׁלֵ֣ךְ אֶת הַיֶּ֔לֶד תַּ֖חַת אַחַ֥ד הַשִּׂיחִֽם

And the water in the skin was spent, and she cast the boy under one of the bushes.

Provision fails: the wilderness threat becomes immediateוַיִּכְל֥וּ
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיִּכְל֥וּand they were spentconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · כָּלָה (H3615)Wayyiqtol narrative — onset of crisis→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance — water exhaustedכָּלָה (H3615) 'to be finished, exhausted'; the verb announces the life-threatening situation.
הַמַּ֖יִםthe waterart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of וַיִּכְלוּמַיִם (H4325); the water from v14's single skin is now gone — the setup complete.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Separative preposition
הַחֵ֑מֶתthe waterskinart + N f sg abs · חֵמֶת (H2573)Object of מִןחֵמֶת (H2573) 'waterskin'; the same skin given in v14 — its emptiness closes the narrative loop.
וַתַּשְׁלֵ֣ךְand she castconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3fs · שָׁלַךְ (H7993)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Hagar's act of despairing separationשָׁלַךְ (H7993) Hiphil 'to throw, cast'; Hagar places the child under the bush — an act of despairing maternal separation.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַיֶּ֔לֶדthe childart + N m sg abs · יֶלֶד (H3206)Direct object of וַתַּשְׁלֵךְיֶלֶד (H3206) 'child, boy'; helpless, placed in the shade to die.
תַּ֖חַתunderprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Spatial prepositionתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, beneath'; the child placed under a bush for shade — but Hagar cannot stay.
אַחַ֥דone ofadj m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Numeral (modifying הַשִּׂיחִם)אֶחָד (H259) 'one'; the indefiniteness — 'one of the bushes' — captures the randomness of desperation.
הַשִּׂיחִֽםthe bushesart + N m pl abs · שִׂיחַ (H7880)Object of תַּחַתשִׂיחַ (H7880) 'bush, shrub'; sparse desert vegetation — the meager shelter Hagar can offer the dying child.
16

וַתֵּלֶךְ֩ וַתֵּ֨שֶׁב לָ֜הּ מִנֶּ֗גֶד הַרְחֵק֙ כִּמְטַחֲוֵ֣י קֶ֔שֶׁת כִּ֣י אָֽמְרָ֔ה אַל אֶרְאֶ֖ה בְּמ֣וֹת הַיָּ֑לֶד וַתֵּ֣שֶׁב מִנֶּ֔גֶד וַתִּשָּׂ֥א אֶת קֹלָ֖הּ וַתֵּֽבְךְּ

And she went and sat by herself at a distance, far off, about a bowshot away, for she said, "Let me not look upon the death of the boy." And she sat at a distance and lifted her voice and wept.

Maternal grief: Hagar distances herself from the boy's expected deathוַתֵּלֶךְ֩
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַתֵּלֶךְ֩and she wentconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol — Hagar withdraws from the child→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'.
וַתֵּ֨שֶׁבand she satconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Hagar settles in grief-stricken waitיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'.
לָ֜הּby herselfprep לְ + 3fs suf · לְReflexive / intensive phrase ('sat by herself')
מִנֶּ֗גֶדat a distanceprep מִן + prep נֶגֶד · נֶגֶד (H5048)Spatial prepositional phraseנֶגֶד (H5048) 'in front of, opposite'; with מִן = 'from opposite' = at a distance facing the child.
הַרְחֵק֙far offHiphil inf abs · רָחַק (H7368)Adverbial inf absolute (intensifying מִנֶּגֶד)→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic manner — very far awayרָחַק (H7368) Hiphil inf abs 'being far'; adds emphasis to the distance — she placed herself very far away.
כִּמְטַחֲוֵ֣יlike shooters ofprep כְּ + Tiphael ptc m pl constr · טָחָה (H2909)Comparative prepositional phrase→ Participial: comparative — as far as a bowshotטָחָה (H2909) Tiphael ptc 'shooters of (a bow)'; the construct chain with קֶשֶׁת = approximately a bowshot's distance.
קֶ֔שֶׁתa bowN f sg abs · קֶשֶׁת (H7198)Construct chain (completing כִּמְטַחֲוֵי)קֶשֶׁת (H7198) 'bow'; the unit of distance — a bowshot — a common ancient measure of range.
כִּ֣יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction
אָֽמְרָ֔הshe saidQal perf 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (reporting inner speech)→ Perfective: what she resolved within herselfאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Hagar voices her reason for withdrawing — she cannot watch the child die.
אַלlet me notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Volitional negative (with cohortative)
אֶרְאֶ֖הseeQal cohort 1cs · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate (cohortative negated by אַל)→ Cohortative with אַל: volitional resolve — 'let me not look'רָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; the starkest maternal refusal in Genesis — she cannot watch her child die.
בְּמ֣וֹתthe death ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · מָוֶת (H4194)Object of אֶרְאֶה (via בְּ)מָוֶת (H4194) 'death'; the prospect named explicitly — the most powerful moment of maternal grief in Genesis.
הַיָּ֑לֶדthe childart + N m sg abs · יֶלֶד (H3206)Construct chain (completing בְּמוֹת)
וַתֵּ֣שֶׁבand she satconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol (resumptive — after direct speech)→ Wayyiqtol: narrator resumes the action threadיָשַׁב (H3427); repetition of v16a resumes the narrative after the quoted speech.
מִנֶּ֔גֶדat a distanceprep מִן + prep נֶגֶד · נֶגֶד (H5048)Spatial prepositional phrase (repeated)
וַתִּשָּׂ֥אand she liftedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · נָשָׂא (H5375)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: the gesture of griefנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, raise'; נָשָׂא אֶת קוֹלָהּ = to lift the voice = weep aloud — a set phrase.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
קֹלָ֖הּher voiceN m sg constr + 3fs suf · קוֹל (H6963)Direct object of וַתִּשָּׂאקוֹל (H6963) 'voice'; נָשָׂא קוֹל = to raise the voice = weep loudly.
וַתֵּֽבְךְּand she weptconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · בָּכָה (H1058)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Hagar's weeping — the low point before divine interventionבָּכָה (H1058) 'to weep'; Hagar's weeping (and the boy's cry) triggers the angelic response in v17.
17

וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע אֱלֹהִים֮ אֶת ק֣וֹל הַנַּעַר֒ וַיִּקְרָא֩ מַלְאַ֨ךְ אֱלֹהִ֤ים אֶל הָגָר֙ מִן הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וַיֹּ֥אמֶר לָ֖הּ מַה לָּ֣ךְ הָגָ֑ר אַל תִּ֣ירְאִ֔י כִּֽי שָׁמַ֧ע אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֶל ק֥וֹל הַנַּ֖עַר בַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר הוּא שָֽׁם

And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What troubles you, Hagar? Do not fear, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is."

Divine hearing: heaven answers the wilderness cryוַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣עand he heardconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Wayyiqtol — divine hearing responds→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — God actsשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; God hears — the same verb commanded to Abraham in v12; now God himself listens.
אֱלֹהִים֮GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיִּשְׁמַע
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
ק֣וֹלthe voice ofN m sg constr · קוֹל (H6963)Direct object (construct head)קוֹל (H6963) 'voice'; God hears the boy's voice — the divine response is to the child, whose name means 'God hears'.
הַנַּעַר֒the boyart + N m sg abs · נַעַר (H5288)Construct chain (completing קוֹל)נַעַר (H5288) 'boy, lad'; the name יִשְׁמָעֵאל = 'God hears' — enacted in this verse.
וַיִּקְרָא֩and he calledconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: the angelic call from heavenקָרָא (H7121) 'to call'; the angel calls to Hagar from heaven — theophanic address.
מַלְאַ֨ךְthe angel ofN m sg constr · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Subject of וַיִּקְרָא (construct head)מַלְאָךְ (H4397) 'messenger, angel'; in Genesis such messengers often speak as YHWH himself.
אֱלֹהִ֤יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct chain (genitival — the angel of God)
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directive preposition
הָגָר֙Hagarproper noun · הָגָר (H1904)Indirect object (addressee)
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Separative preposition (origin of call)
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Object of מִןשָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens, sky'; call from heaven = direct divine address, not merely human encounter.
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing the divine speech→ Wayyiqtol: content of the angelic message followsאָמַר (H559) 'to say'.
לָ֖הּto herprep לְ + 3fs suf · לְIndirect object
מַהwhatinterrogative pronoun · מָה (H4100)Subject of rhetorical questionמָה (H4100) 'what'; the question is a divine summons, not an inquiry — 'What ails you?' = 'I see your trouble.'
לָּ֣ךְto youprep לְ + 2fs suf · לְDative phrase (מַה לָּךְ = 'what troubles you')
הָגָ֑רHagarproper noun · הָגָר (H1904)Vocative (direct address)הָגָר (H1904) named at the moment of divine address — God calls her by name.
אַלdo notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Volitional negative (with jussive)
תִּ֣ירְאִ֔יfearQal juss 2fs · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate (jussive negated by אַל)→ Jussive with אַל: prohibition — 'do not be afraid'יָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear'; the standard divine comfort formula (אַל תִּירְאִי) — the messenger comes to save, not judge.
כִּֽיforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction
שָׁמַ֧עhas heardQal perf 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: completed divine hearing — already doneשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; God has already heard — the name יִשְׁמָעֵאל 'God hears' is enacted here.
אֱלֹהִ֛יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of שָׁמַע
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directive preposition (שָׁמַע אֶל = attend to)
ק֥וֹלthe voice ofN m sg constr · קוֹל (H6963)Object of אֶל
הַנַּ֖עַרthe boyart + N m sg abs · נַעַר (H5288)Construct chain (completing קוֹל)נַעַר (H5288); the angel specifies that God heard the boy's voice — the name Ishmael is fulfilled.
בַּאֲשֶׁ֥רwhereprep בְּ + rel pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Locative relative clauseבַּאֲשֶׁר 'where, in the place where'; God hears the child at his specific location — divine care is geographically precise.
הוּאhe ispersonal pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of verbless clauseהוּא (H1931) 'he'; the elliptical 'where he is' — God's knowledge of the child's location.
שָֽׁםthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; completes the clause — 'in the place where he is, there'.
18

ק֚וּמִי שְׂאִ֣י אֶת הַנַּ֔עַר וְהַחֲזִ֥יקִי אֶת יָדֵ֖ךְ בּ֑וֹ כִּֽי לְג֥וֹי גָּד֖וֹל אֲשִׂימֶֽנּוּ

Rise, lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.

Commission renewed: Hagar is called back into active care under promiseק֚וּמִי
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ק֚וּמִיarise!Qal impv 2fs · קוּם (H6965)Predicate (first imperative — galvanizing command)→ Volitional: imperative summons to actionקוּם (H6965) 'to rise, stand up'; breaks the paralysis of grief — Hagar is called back to active care.
שְׂאִ֣יlift up!Qal impv 2fs · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate (second imperative)→ Volitional: imperative — physical action requiredנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry'; the same verb as v16 where Hagar 'lifted' her voice — now she must lift the boy.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַנַּ֔עַרthe boyart + N m sg abs · נַעַר (H5288)Direct object of שְׂאִי
וְהַחֲזִ֥יקִיand hold fast!conj וְ + Hiphil impv 2fs · חָזַק (H2388)Conjoined imperative (third command)→ Volitional (Hiphil impv): strengthen your grip — determined holdingחָזַק (H2388) Hiphil 'to hold fast, grasp firmly'; not a gentle hold but a determined grip — the child's life depends on it.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
יָדֵ֖ךְyour handN (c) sg constr + 2fs suf · יָד (H3027)Direct object of וְהַחֲזִיקִייָד (H3027) 'hand'; hold your hand on him = hold him fast.
בּ֑וֹon himprep בְּ + 3ms suf · בְּObject of הַחֲזִיקִי (hand on him)
כִּֽיforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounding the commands)
לְג֥וֹיinto a nationprep לְ + N m sg abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Predicate phrase (purpose / result)גּוֹי (H1471) 'nation'; the promise repeated from v13 — grounds for Hagar's courage and action.
גָּד֖וֹלgreatadj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective (modifying גּוֹי)
אֲשִׂימֶֽנּוּI will make himQal impf 1cs + 3ms suf · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb (divine promise)→ Yiqtol: future divine determination — I will make himשִׂים (H7760) 'to make, appoint'; same verb as v13 — God reiterates the promise as basis for Hagar's obedience.
19

וַיִּפְקַ֤ח אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת עֵינֶ֔יהָ וַתֵּ֖רֶא בְּאֵ֣ר מָ֑יִם וַתֵּ֜לֶךְ וַתְּמַלֵּ֤א אֶת הַחֵ֨מֶת֙ מַ֔יִם וַתַּ֖שְׁקְ אֶת הַנָּֽעַר

And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water, and she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy to drink.

Provision disclosed: God gives sight and water togetherוַיִּפְקַ֤ח
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיִּפְקַ֤חand he openedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · פָּקַח (H6491)Wayyiqtol — divine act of sight-giving→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance — God opens eyesפָּקַח (H6491) 'to open (eyes)'; God opens what was closed — the well was already there; Hagar could not see it.
אֱלֹהִים֙GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיִּפְקַח
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
עֵינֶ֔יהָher eyesN (c) dual constr + 3fs suf · עַיִן (H5869)Direct object of וַיִּפְקַחעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; God opens Hagar's eyes — the well presumably was already there, disclosed by divine provision.
וַתֵּ֖רֶאand she sawconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: immediate result of sight-giftרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; now she sees what God disclosed.
בְּאֵ֣רa well ofN f sg constr · בְּאֵר (H875)Direct object of וַתֵּרֶא (construct head)בְּאֵר (H875) 'well'; the word that will become the place name Beersheba (vv31-32) — lexical anticipation.
מָ֑יִםwaterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Construct chain (completing בְּאֵר)מַיִם (H4325) 'water'; the provision the emptied waterskin could not supply — God supplies directly.
וַתֵּ֜לֶךְand she wentconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Hagar moves to the wellיָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go'.
וַתְּמַלֵּ֤אand she filledconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3fs · מָלֵא (H4390)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol (Piel): filling completelyמָלֵא (H4390) Piel 'to fill completely'; Piel connotes thoroughness — the skin now full.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַחֵ֨מֶת֙the waterskinart + N f sg abs · חֵמֶת (H2573)Direct object of וַתְּמַלֵּאחֵמֶת (H2573) 'waterskin'; the same skin emptied in v15 — now filled by divine provision.
מַ֔יִםwaterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Content specification (what fills the skin)
וַתַּ֖שְׁקְand she gave to drinkconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3fs · שָׁקָה (H8248)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol (Hiphil): causative — she caused the boy to drinkשָׁקָה (H8248) Hiphil 'to give drink'; Hagar actively gives water — the mother restored to her care.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַנָּֽעַרthe boyart + N m sg abs · נַעַר (H5288)Direct object of וַתַּשְׁקְנַעַר (H5288); the wilderness crisis ends with the living child cared for — divine rescue complete.
20

וַיְהִ֧י אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֶת הַנַּ֖עַר וַיִּגְדָּ֑ל וַיֵּ֨שֶׁב֙ בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר וַיְהִ֖י רֹבֶ֥ה קַשָּֽׁת

And God was with the boy, and he grew, and he dwelt in the wilderness, and he became an archer.

Growth notice: Ishmael's life in the wilderness is marked by divine presenceוַיְהִ֧י
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיְהִ֧יand he wasconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (divine accompaniment)→ Wayyiqtol: transitional state noticeהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the formula 'God was with X' = divine protective accompaniment.
אֱלֹהִ֛יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיְהִי
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Comitative preposition ('with')אֵת (H854) 'with' (prep H854, not obj marker H853); 'God was with the boy' = divine accompanying presence and blessing.
הַנַּ֖עַרthe boyart + N m sg abs · נַעַר (H5288)Object of comitative prep
וַיִּגְדָּ֑לand he grewconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · גָּדַל (H1431)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: divine presence results in growthגָּדַל (H1431) 'to grow great'; the direct result of divine accompaniment — same verb as Isaac's growth in v8.
וַיֵּ֨שֶׁב֙and he dweltconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: settlement in the wildernessיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, settle'.
בַּמִּדְבָּ֔רin the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phraseמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, desert'; Ishmael's wilderness life begins — the desert becomes his domain.
וַיְהִ֖יand he becameconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Ishmael's identity establishedהָיָה (H1961) 'to become'; the second use marks a transition in identity description.
רֹבֶ֥הa shooter ofQal ptc m sg constr · רָבָה (H7235)Predicative participle (construct with קַשָּׁת)→ Participial: skilled practitioner — a bowmanרָבָה (H7235) ptc in construct; the phrase רֹבֶה קַשָּׁת = 'a practitioner of the bow' = archer — Ishmael's wilderness identity.
קַשָּֽׁתa bowmanN m sg abs · קַשָּׁת (H7199)Construct chain (completing רֹבֶה)קַשָּׁת (H7199) 'bowman, archer'; the construct רֹבֶה קַשָּׁת = skilled archer, suited to the wilderness.
21

וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב בְּמִדְבַּ֣ר פָּארָ֑ן וַתִּֽקַּֽח ל֥וֹ אִמּ֛וֹ אִשָּׁ֖ה מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם

And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

Line continued: Ishmael settles and receives an Egyptian marriage connectionוַיֵּ֖שֶׁב
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיֵּ֖שֶׁבand he dweltconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Ishmael's settlement narrows to Paranיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell'; the geographical summary narrows to a specific region.
בְּמִדְבַּ֣רin the wilderness ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head)
פָּארָ֑ןParanproper noun · פָּארָן (H6290)Construct chain (place name)פָּארָן (H6290) 'Paran'; wilderness region in Sinai/Negev area; later associated with Israel's wilderness wanderings (Num 10:12).
וַתִּֽקַּֽחand she tookconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Hagar's maternal provision of a wifeלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Hagar arranges the marriage — her Egyptian origin shapes the choice.
ל֥וֹfor himprep לְ + 3ms suf · לְBenefactive phrase
אִמּ֛וֹhis motherN f sg constr + 3ms suf · אֵם (H517)Subject of וַתִּקַּח (postposed)אֵם (H517) 'mother'; Hagar acts as matriarch who arranges her son's marriage — her Egyptian origin determines the bride's source.
אִשָּׁ֖הa wifeN f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct object of וַתִּקַּחאִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; the marriage arrangement closes the Hagar-Ishmael narrative — Ishmael now has his own household.
מֵאֶ֥רֶץfrom the land ofprep מִן + N (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Source prepositional phrase (construct head)
מִצְרָֽיִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Construct chain (completing מֵאֶרֶץ)מִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; Hagar's homeland — the wife is an Egyptian like Hagar herself.
22

וַֽיְהִי֙ בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֔וא וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ וּפִיכֹל֙ שַׂר צְבָא֔וֹ אֶל אַבְרָהָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר אֱלֹהִ֣ים עִמְּךָ֔ בְּכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר אַתָּ֖ה עֹשֶֽׂה

And it happened at that time that Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, saying, "God is with you in all that you do."

New diplomatic scene: Abraham's blessing becomes publicly acknowledgedוַֽיְהִי֙
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַֽיְהִי֙and it happenedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol temporal frame-opener→ Wayyiqtol: transition to the Abimelech sceneהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; וַיְהִי opens a new narrative unit — 'and it came to pass at that time.'
בָּעֵ֣תat the timeprep בְּ + art + N (c) sg abs · עֵת (H6256)Temporal prepositional phrase (construct head)עֵת (H6256) 'time, season'; temporal phrase linking the Abimelech scene to the preceding events.
הַהִ֔ואthatart + demonstrative 3fs · הִוא (H1931)Demonstrative adjective (modifying הָעֵת)הִוא (H1931) used demonstratively 'that'; 'at that time' = the time of the Beersheba events.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Abimelech opens the diplomatic exchangeאָמַר (H559) 'to say'.
אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְAbimelechproper noun · אֲבִימֶלֶךְ (H40)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראֲבִימֶלֶךְ (H40) 'my father is king'; Philistine king of Gerar, previously encountered in ch. 20.
וּפִיכֹל֙and Phicolconj וְ + proper noun · פִּיכֹל (H6369)Compound subject (conjoined)פִּיכֹל (H6369) 'Phicol'; the army commander — diplomatic mission backed by military authority.
שַׂרcommander ofN m sg constr · שַׂר (H8269)Appositive title (construct head)שַׂר (H8269) 'commander, prince'; in construct with צְבָאוֹ — Phicol's official designation.
צְבָא֔וֹhis armyN (c) sg constr + 3ms suf · צָבָא (H6635)Construct chain (completing שַׂר)צָבָא (H6635) 'army, host'; Phicol commands Abimelech's military.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directive preposition
אַבְרָהָ֖םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Indirect object (addressee)
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival phrase (introducing direct speech)→ Infinitival: standard formula before quotationאָמַר (H559) inf constr; לֵאמֹר regularly introduces direct discourse.
אֱלֹהִ֣יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of verbless clause
עִמְּךָ֔with youprep עִם + 2ms suf · עִם (H5973)Predicate phrase (verbless copula — 'God is with you')עִם (H5973) 'with'; the formula of divine accompaniment — observable even to outsiders.
בְּכֹ֥לin allprep בְּ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Comprehensive phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; 'in all that you do' = comprehensive divine blessing.
אֲשֶׁרthatrel pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (specifying כֹּל)
אַתָּ֖הyoupersonal pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject of relative clause
עֹשֶֽׂהdoQal ptc m sg abs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate participle (habitual / ongoing)→ Participial: habitual present — in all you continually doעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; the participle marks ongoing action — Abraham's success in all he undertakes is publicly visible.
23

וְעַתָּ֗ה הִשָּׁ֨בְעָה לִּ֤י בֵֽאלֹהִים֙ הֵ֔נָּה אִם תִּשְׁקֹ֣ר לִ֔י וּלְנִינִ֖י וּלְנֶכְדִּ֑י כַּחֶ֜סֶד אֲשֶׁר עָשִׂ֤יתִי עִמְּךָ֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה עִמָּדִ֔י וְעִם הָאָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁר גַּ֥רְתָּה בָּֽהּ

And now swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my offspring or with my posterity; according to the kindness that I have done with you, you shall do with me and with the land in which you have sojourned.

Oath request: Abimelech seeks durable mutual loyaltyוְעַתָּ֗ה
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וְעַתָּ֗הand nowconj וְ + adverb · עַתָּה (H6258)Temporal adverb (transitional)עַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; transitions from the observation about God's blessing to the actual request.
הִשָּׁ֨בְעָהswear!Niphal impv 2ms (paragogic he) · שָׁבַע (H7650)Predicate (main imperative — Abimelech's demand)→ Volitional (Niphal impv): solemn demand for an oathשָׁבַע (H7650) Niphal 'to swear'; the paragogic he adds solemnity — Abimelech seeks a binding oath.
לִּ֤יto meprep לְ + 1cs suf · לְIndirect object of הִשָּׁבְעָה
בֵֽאלֹהִים֙by Godprep בְּ + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Oath formula (sworn by God)אֱלֹהִים (H430); swearing 'by God' invokes the same God Abimelech just acknowledged as being with Abraham.
הֵ֔נָּהhereadverb · הֵנָּה (H2008)Locative adverbהֵנָּה (H2008) 'here, hither'; the oath is to be taken at this spot — the place that will be named Beersheba.
אִםthat … notconjunction · אִם (H518)Oath particle (introduces content of oath)אִם (H518) in oath formula; after הִשָּׁבְעָה, introduces the prohibited action — 'swear that you will not deal falsely.'
תִּשְׁקֹ֣רdeal falselyQal impf 2ms · שָׁקַר (H8266)Predicate of oath content→ Yiqtol: future/modal — the act to be forswornשָׁקַר (H8266) 'to deal falsely, lie, betray'; the content of the oath — Abimelech wants assurance against treachery.
לִ֔יto meprep לְ + 1cs suf · לְIndirect object
וּלְנִינִ֖יand to my offspringconj וְ + prep לְ + N m sg constr + 1cs suf · נִין (H5209)Extended indirect object (conjoined)נִין (H5209) 'offspring, progeny'; rare term for continuing descendants.
וּלְנֶכְדִּ֑יand to my posterityconj וְ + prep לְ + N m sg constr + 1cs suf · נֶכֶד (H5220)Extended indirect object (third generation)נֶכֶד (H5220) 'posterity'; the triad: me, offspring, posterity = three generations secured.
כַּחֶ֜סֶדaccording to the loyaltyprep כְּ + art + N m sg abs · חֶסֶד (H2617)Comparative prepositional phraseחֶסֶד (H2617) 'steadfast love, loyalty'; the standard covenant-loyalty term — reciprocal חֶסֶד is requested.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrel pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (specifying הַחֶסֶד)
עָשִׂ֤יתִיI have doneQal perf 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed act — Abimelech's prior kindness as grounds for reciprocationעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; Abimelech claims prior kindness, perhaps the resolution of ch. 20.
עִמְּךָ֙with youprep עִם + 2ms suf · עִם (H5973)Comitative phrase
תַּעֲשֶׂ֣הyou shall doQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main apodosis)→ Yiqtol: future/obligatory — you shall do likewiseעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; the content of Abraham's reciprocal commitment.
עִמָּדִ֔יwith meprep עִמָּד + 1cs suf · עִמָּד (H5978)Comitative phraseעִמָּד (H5978) alternate form of עִם 'with'; rarer form used before certain suffixes.
וְעִםand withconj וְ + prep · עִם (H5973)Conjoined comitative preposition
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of וְעִםאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the loyalty extends to include the territory — non-aggression clause.
אֲשֶׁרin whichrel pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (modifying הָאָרֶץ)
גַּ֥רְתָּהyou have sojournedQal perf 2ms · גּוּר (H1481)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed sojourn — ongoing relationship with the landגּוּר (H1481) 'to sojourn, live as resident alien'; Abraham's legal status in the land.
בָּֽהּin itprep בְּ + 3fs suf · בְּLocative phrase (resuming הָאָרֶץ)
24

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אַבְרָהָ֔ם אָנֹכִ֖י אִשָּׁבֵֽעַ

And Abraham said, "I will swear."

Immediate assent: Abraham accepts the oath frameworkוַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙
Word-by-word analysis· 4 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Abraham's immediate assentאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the brevity of Abraham's reply signals immediate agreement.
אַבְרָהָ֔םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶר
אָנֹכִ֖יIpersonal pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject (emphatic personal pronoun)אָנֹכִי (H595) 'I'; emphatic form — Abraham personally pledges the oath.
אִשָּׁבֵֽעַwill swearNiphal impf 1cs · שָׁבַע (H7650)Predicate verb→ Yiqtol (Niphal): first-person commitment — 'I will swear'שָׁבַע (H7650) Niphal 'to swear'; the same root as Abimelech's request — Abraham mirrors the verb in his acceptance.
25

וְהוֹכִ֥חַ אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֶת אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ עַל אֹדוֹת֙ בְּאֵ֣ר הַמַּ֔יִם אֲשֶׁ֥ר גָּזְל֖וּ עַבְדֵ֥י אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ

And Abraham reproved Abimelech concerning the well of water that Abimelech's servants had seized.

Grievance introduced: covenant talk is tied to a concrete injusticeוְהוֹכִ֥חַ
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְהוֹכִ֥חַand he reprovedconj וְ + Hiphil perf 3ms · יָכַח (H3198)Weqatal (sequential perf advancing narrative)→ Perfective (Hiphil): Abraham's formal complaintיָכַח (H3198) Hiphil 'to reprove, argue, adjudicate'; Abraham raises the well dispute as part of the covenant negotiation.
אַבְרָהָ֖םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject of וְהוֹכִיחַ
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְAbimelechproper noun · אֲבִימֶלֶךְ (H40)Direct object of וְהוֹכִיחַ
עַלconcerningprep · עַל (H5921)Causal preposition
אֹדוֹת֙the matter ofN f pl constr · אוֹדוֹת (H182)Head noun (compound prep עַל אֹדוֹת = 'concerning')אוֹדוֹת (H182) 'on account of, concerning'; the compound preposition introduces the specific grievance.
בְּאֵ֣רa well ofN f sg constr · בְּאֵר (H875)Object of עַל אֹדוֹת (construct head)בְּאֵר (H875) 'well'; the disputed well around which the Beersheba naming will turn.
הַמַּ֔יִםwaterart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Construct chain (completing בְּאֵר)מַיִם (H4325) 'water'; the definite article marks this as a specific, known well.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrel pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (modifying בְּאֵר)
גָּזְל֖וּhad seizedQal perf 3cp · גָּזַל (H1497)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed wrongful seizureגָּזַל (H1497) 'to seize, rob, take by force'; the legal term for wrongful appropriation — a formal accusation.
עַבְדֵ֥יthe servants ofN m pl constr · עֶבֶד (H5650)Subject of גָּזְלוּ (construct head)
אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְAbimelechproper noun · אֲבִימֶלֶךְ (H40)Construct chain (identifying the servants)
26

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ לֹ֣א יָדַ֔עְתִּי מִ֥י עָשָׂ֖ה אֶת הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה וְגַם אַתָּ֞ה לֹא הִגַּ֣דְתָּ לִּ֗י וְגַ֧ם אָנֹכִ֛י לֹ֥א שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי בִּלְתִּ֥י הַיּֽוֹם

And Abimelech said, "I do not know who has done this thing; and you also did not tell me, and I also had not heard except today."

Royal reply: Abimelech denies prior knowledge of the seizureוַיֹּ֣אמֶר
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Abimelech's defenseאָמַר (H559) 'to say'.
אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְAbimelechproper noun · אֲבִימֶלֶךְ (H40)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶר
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation
יָדַ֔עְתִּיI did not knowQal perf 1cs · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (first denial)→ Perfective: completed state — I was unawareיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; Abimelech denies prior knowledge of the seizure.
מִ֥יwhointerrogative pronoun · מִי (H4310)Subject of embedded question
עָשָׂ֖הdidQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate of embedded question→ Perfective: the unknown past actעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; 'who did this thing' — Abimelech's claim of ignorance.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַדָּבָ֣רthe thingart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of עָשָׂה
הַזֶּ֑הthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative adjective (modifying הַדָּבָר)
וְגַםand alsoconj וְ + adverb particle · גַּם (H1571)Additive conjunction-particleגַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; spreads the blame — 'and also you [did not tell me].'
אַתָּ֞הyoupersonal pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject of second denial clause (emphatic)
לֹאdid notnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation
הִגַּ֣דְתָּtell meHiphil perf 2ms · נָגַד (H5046)Predicate verb (second denial)→ Perfective (Hiphil): completed act — Abraham's failure to reportנָגַד (H5046) Hiphil 'to tell, declare'; Abraham never informed Abimelech of the seizure.
לִּ֗יto meprep לְ + 1cs suf · לְIndirect object
וְגַ֧םand alsoconj וְ + adverb particle · גַּם (H1571)Additive conjunction-particle (third)
אָנֹכִ֛יIpersonal pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of third denial clause (emphatic)
לֹ֥אhad notnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation
שָׁמַ֖עְתִּיheard of itQal perf 1cs · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (third denial)→ Perfective: completed state — he had not heardשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; Abimelech claims ignorance on three fronts: he didn't know, wasn't told, hadn't heard.
בִּלְתִּ֥יexceptconjunction · בִּלְתִּי (H1115)Exceptive conjunctionבִּלְתִּי (H1115) 'except, unless'; introduces the time limit on his ignorance.
הַיּֽוֹםtodayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal adverb ('except today')יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; 'except today' = he just learned of it — the seizure was presumably recent and unauthorized.
27

וַיִּקַּ֤ח אַבְרָהָם֙ צֹ֣אן וּבָקָ֔ר וַיִּתֵּ֖ן לַאֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ וַיִּכְרְת֥וּ שְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם בְּרִֽית

And Abraham took sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them cut a covenant.

Treaty enacted: gifts accompany the making of the covenantוַיִּקַּ֤ח
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיִּקַּ֤חand he tookconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: treaty gifts preparedלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Abraham takes livestock as treaty gifts — standard ancient Near Eastern covenant practice.
אַבְרָהָם֙Abrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject of וַיִּקַּח
צֹ֣אןsheepN (c) sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Direct object of וַיִּקַּח (first)צֹאן (H6629) 'flock, smallstock'; part of the formal covenant gifts.
וּבָקָ֔רand cattleconj וְ + N (c) sg abs · בָּקָר (H1241)Direct object of וַיִּקַּח (second, conjoined)בָּקָר (H1241) 'cattle, largstock'; the pair צֹאן וּבָקָר = substantial gifts.
וַיִּתֵּ֖ןand he gaveconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: gifts formally presentedנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'.
לַאֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְto Abimelechprep לְ + proper noun · אֲבִימֶלֶךְ (H40)Indirect object
וַיִּכְרְת֥וּand they cutconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · כָּרַת (H3772)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: the covenant is formally cutכָּרַת (H3772) 'to cut'; כָּרַת בְּרִית = 'to cut a covenant' — the idiom for treaty-making.
שְׁנֵיהֶ֖םboth of themN m dual constr + 3mp suf · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Subject of וַיִּכְרְתוּ (resumptive)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; 'the two of them' — the bilateral covenant.
בְּרִֽיתa covenantN f sg abs · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct object of וַיִּכְרְתוּבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; the binding agreement sealing mutual loyalty.
28

וַיַּצֵּ֣ב אַבְרָהָ֗ם אֶת שֶׁ֛בַע כִּבְשֹׂ֥ת הַצֹּ֖אן לְבַדְּהֶֽן

And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock apart by themselves.

Witness token prepared: Abraham marks out a separate signוַיַּצֵּ֣ב
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיַּצֵּ֣בand he set apartconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נָצַב (H5324)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol (Hiphil): Abraham sets up the witness-lambsנָצַב (H5324) Hiphil 'to set, station, place'; Abraham separates seven ewe-lambs as a symbolic witness token.
אַבְרָהָ֗םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject of וַיַּצֵּב
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שֶׁ֛בַעsevenadj f sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Numeral (modifying כִּבְשֹׂת)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; seven ewe-lambs — the number whose homophone (שָׁבַע 'swear') will name the place Beersheba.
כִּבְשֹׂ֥תewe lambsN f pl constr · כִּבְשָׂה (H3535)Head noun of numeral phraseכִּבְשָׂה (H3535) 'ewe lamb'; female lambs set apart as a legal witness-gift to establish Abraham's claim on the well.
הַצֹּ֖אןof the flockart + N (c) sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Partitive phrase (specifying the lambs' source)צֹאן (H6629) 'flock'; the ewe-lambs are drawn from the flock just given to Abimelech.
לְבַדְּהֶֽןby themselvesprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3fp suf · בַּד (H905)Separative phrase ('apart, by themselves')בַּד (H905) 'alone, apart'; the lambs are set visibly apart — their separation signals their symbolic purpose.
29

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ אֶל אַבְרָהָ֑ם מָ֣ה הֵ֗נָּה שֶׁ֤בַע כְּבָשֹׂת֙ הָאֵ֔לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֥ר הִצַּ֖בְתָּ לְבַדָּֽנָה

And Abimelech said to Abraham, "What are these seven ewe lambs that you have set apart by themselves?"

Clarifying question: the symbolic action is made explicitוַיֹּ֥אמֶר
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Abimelech's clarifying questionאָמַר (H559) 'to say'.
אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְAbimelechproper noun · אֲבִימֶלֶךְ (H40)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶר
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directive preposition
אַבְרָהָ֑םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Indirect object (addressee)
מָ֣הwhatinterrogative pronoun · מָה (H4100)Predicate of interrogative clauseמָה (H4100) 'what'; Abimelech asks what the separate lambs mean — the question invites Abraham's explanation.
הֵ֗נָּהare theypersonal pronoun 3fp · הֵנָּה (H2007)Subject pronoun (referring to the lambs)הֵנָּה (H2007) 'they (f pl)'; the pronoun refers to the ewe-lambs — 'what are they?'
שֶׁ֤בַעsevenadj f sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Numeral (appositive specifying הֵנָּה)
כְּבָשֹׂת֙ewe lambsN f pl abs · כִּבְשָׂה (H3535)Head noun (appositive)
הָאֵ֔לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Demonstrative adjective (modifying כְּבָשֹׂת)אֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; deictic — pointing to the lambs standing apart.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrel pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (modifying כְּבָשֹׂת)
הִצַּ֖בְתָּyou have set apartHiphil perf 2ms · נָצַב (H5324)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective (Hiphil): Abraham's deliberate separationנָצַב (H5324) Hiphil 'to set, station'; same root as v28 — Abraham's action is echoed in the question.
לְבַדָּֽנָהby themselvesprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3fp suf · בַּד (H905)Separative phrase (repeated from v28)בַּד (H905) 'alone, apart'; the alternate suffix form (לְבַדָּנָה vs לְבַדְּהֶן) — same meaning.
30

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר כִּ֚י אֶת שֶׁ֣בַע כְּבָשֹׂ֔ת תִּקַּ֖ח מִיָּדִ֑י בַּעֲבוּר֙ תִּֽהְיֶה לִּ֣י לְעֵדָ֔ה כִּ֥י חָפַ֖רְתִּי אֶת הַבְּאֵ֥ר הַזֹּֽאת

And he said, "For these seven ewe lambs you shall take from my hand, so that it may be a witness for me that I dug this well."

Explanation of the sign: the lambs witness to Abraham's claim over the wellוַיֹּ֕אמֶר
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּ֕אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Abraham explains the witness-tokenאָמַר (H559) 'to say'.
כִּ֚יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (introducing explanation)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces Abraham's explanation of the symbolic lambs.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שֶׁ֣בַעsevenadj f sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Numeral (modifying כְּבָשֹׂת)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; the number resonates with שָׁבַע 'swear' — naming the place Beer-sheba.
כְּבָשֹׂ֔תewe lambsN f pl abs · כִּבְשָׂה (H3535)Direct object of תִּקַּחכִּבְשָׂה (H3535) 'ewe lamb'; the seven ewes become a legally binding witness to Abraham's well-claim.
תִּקַּ֖חyou shall takeQal impf 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (stipulation in protasis)→ Yiqtol: obligatory — you shall accept these lambsלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Abraham stipulates: Abimelech's acceptance of the lambs = legal acknowledgment of Abraham's well-right.
מִיָּדִ֑יfrom my handprep מִן + N (c) sg constr + 1cs suf · יָד (H3027)Source prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; the transfer from Abraham's hand = formal legal action — acceptance constitutes witness.
בַּעֲבוּר֙in order thatprep בְּ + N m sg constr · עֲבוּר (H5668)Purpose conjunction-phrase (introducing purpose clause)עֲבוּר (H5668) 'sake, behalf'; בַּעֲבוּר + impf = 'in order that' — the purpose of the witness.
תִּֽהְיֶהit may beQal impf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate of purpose clause→ Yiqtol (purpose): the lambs will serve as witnessהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the lambs are to function as a witness — a legal-covenantal role.
לִּ֣יfor meprep לְ + 1cs suf · לְBenefactive phrase
לְעֵדָ֔הas a witnessprep לְ + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5713)Predicate phrase (result — serving as testimony)עֵדָה (H5713) 'testimony, witness'; the legal term — the lambs will testify to Abraham's prior claim on the well.
כִּ֥יthatconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer (introducing content of witness)כִּי (H3588) 'that'; the second כִּי introduces what the lambs witness to.
חָפַ֖רְתִּיI dugQal perf 1cs · חָפַר (H2658)Predicate verb (content of the witness)→ Perfective: completed prior act — Abraham dug the wellחָפַר (H2658) 'to dig'; Abraham's prior right: he dug the well, and the lambs witness to it.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַבְּאֵ֥רthe wellart + N f sg abs · בְּאֵר (H875)Direct object of חָפַרְתִּיבְּאֵר (H875) 'well'; the specific well — the same well of vv19, 25 that will become 'Beersheba'.
הַזֹּֽאתthisart + demonstrative f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Demonstrative adjective (modifying הַבְּאֵר)זֹאת (H2063) 'this (f)'; 'this well' — the specific disputed well at Beersheba.
31

עַל כֵּ֗ן קָרָ֛א לַמָּק֥וֹם הַה֖וּא בְּאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע כִּ֛י שָׁ֥ם נִשְׁבְּע֖וּ שְׁנֵיהֶֽם

Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because there the two of them swore.

Place naming: oath and well become memorialized in geographyעַל
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
עַלthereforeprep · עַל (H5921)Causal preposition (עַל כֵּן = 'therefore')עַל (H5921); עַל כֵּן = 'on account of this' = 'therefore' — standard consequence formula.
כֵּ֗ןthusadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Manner adverb (completing עַל כֵּן)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus, therefore'; עַל כֵּן = 'on that account' — the consequence formula for etymology.
קָרָ֛אhe calledQal perf 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed act of namingקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; the place-naming is the climax of the episode.
לַמָּק֥וֹםthe placeprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Indirect object of קָרָא (named object)מָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the location is named — a common etiological pattern in Genesis.
הַה֖וּאthatart + demonstrative m sg · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative adjective (modifying הַמָּקוֹם)הוּא (H1931) 'that'; 'that place' = the specific location where the oath and well-claim converge.
בְּאֵ֣רBeer-proper noun (first element) · בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (H884)Compound proper noun (place name)בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (H884) 'Beersheba' = 'well of seven/oath'; the name carries both meanings — the seven lambs and the oath sworn there.
שָׁ֑בַע-shebaproper noun (second element) · בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (H884)Compound proper noun (second element)שֶׁבַע 'seven' = שָׁבַע 'swear'; the deliberate dual etymology — number and oath fused in the place name.
כִּ֛יbecauseconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounding the name)כִּי (H3588) 'because'; introduces the etiological explanation.
שָׁ֥םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; marks the specific location where the swearing occurred — the name is tied to the place.
נִשְׁבְּע֖וּthey sworeNiphal perf 3cp · שָׁבַע (H7650)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: completed oath — the oath grounds the nameשָׁבַע (H7650) Niphal 'to swear'; the very root that names the place — the narrative makes the etymology transparent.
שְׁנֵיהֶֽםboth of themN m dual constr + 3mp suf · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Subject of נִשְׁבְּעוּשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; 'both of them' — the bilateral oath, not Abraham alone.
32

וַיִּכְרְת֥וּ בְרִ֖ית בִּבְאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע וַיָּ֣קָם אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ וּפִיכֹל֙ שַׂר צְבָא֔וֹ וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּ אֶל אֶ֥רֶץ פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים

And they cut a covenant at Beersheba, and Abimelech rose up, and Phicol the commander of his army, and they returned to the land of the Philistines.

Treaty concluded: the covenant is sealed and the visitors departוַיִּכְרְת֥וּ
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּכְרְת֥וּand they cutconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · כָּרַת (H3772)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: covenant formally ratified at Beershebaכָּרַת (H3772) 'to cut'; כָּרַת בְּרִית = to cut a covenant — the formal covenant-cutting at the named site.
בְרִ֖יתa covenantN f sg abs · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct object of וַיִּכְרְתוּבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; the same word as v27 — the covenant is now fully enacted at Beersheba.
בִּבְאֵ֣רat Beer-prep בְּ + proper noun · בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (H884)Locative prepositional phrase (at Beersheba)בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (H884); the naming of v31 is now used as a locative — the newly named site as the setting for ratification.
שָׁ֑בַע-shebaproper noun (second element) · בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (H884)Compound proper noun (second element)
וַיָּ֣קָםand he roseconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Abimelech's formal departureקוּם (H6965) 'to rise'; the departure of the visitors formally closes the diplomatic scene.
אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְAbimelechproper noun · אֲבִימֶלֶךְ (H40)Subject of וַיָּקָם
וּפִיכֹל֙and Phicolconj וְ + proper noun · פִּיכֹל (H6369)Compound subject (conjoined)פִּיכֹל (H6369); both leaders depart together.
שַׂרcommander ofN m sg constr · שַׂר (H8269)Appositive title (construct head)
צְבָא֔וֹhis armyN (c) sg constr + 3ms suf · צָבָא (H6635)Construct chain (completing שַׂר)
וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּand they returnedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: the Philistine delegation returnsשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; Abimelech and Phicol return to their own territory.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directive preposition
אֶ֥רֶץthe land ofN (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (destination)
פְּלִשְׁתִּֽיםthe Philistinesgentilic adj m pl abs · פְּלִשְׁתִּי (H6430)Construct chain (completing אֶרֶץ)פְּלִשְׁתִּי (H6430) 'Philistine'; their return marks the formal end of the covenant scene.
33

וַיִּטַּ֥ע אֶ֖שֶׁל בִּבְאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע וַיִּ֨קְרָא שָׁ֔ם בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה אֵ֥ל עוֹלָֽם

And he planted a tamarisk in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of YHWH, God Everlasting.

Worshipful settlement: Abraham marks the place with planting and invocationוַיִּטַּ֥ע
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיִּטַּ֥עand he plantedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָטַע (H5193)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Abraham's act of settlement and worshipנָטַע (H5193) 'to plant'; planting a tree at Beersheba = permanent stake in the land — an act of both settlement and sacred demarcation.
אֶ֖שֶׁלa tamariskN m sg abs · אֵשֶׁל (H815)Direct object of וַיִּטַּעאֵשֶׁל (H815) 'tamarisk tree'; a long-lived desert tree known for shade — a marker of permanence in the landscape.
בִּבְאֵ֣רat Beer-prep בְּ + proper noun · בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (H884)Locative prepositional phrase
שָׁ֑בַע-shebaproper noun (second element) · בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (H884)Compound proper noun (second element)
וַיִּ֨קְרָאand he calledconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: worshipful invocation follows the plantingקָרָא (H7121) 'to call'; קָרָא בְּשֵׁם יהוה = 'to call on the name of YHWH' — the liturgical invocation formula.
שָׁ֔םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; the naming of the place and worship at it converge — Beersheba becomes a site of divine invocation.
בְּשֵׁ֥םin the name ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Prepositional phrase (liturgical formula)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; בְּשֵׁם יהוה = 'calling on the name of YHWH' — invocation of divine authority and presence.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Construct chain (completing בְּשֵׁם)יְהוָה (H3068) 'YHWH'; the covenant name — Abraham invokes not merely 'God' but the personal name.
אֵ֥לGod ofN m sg constr · אֵל (H410)Divine epithet (construct head — in apposition to YHWH)אֵל (H410) 'God, El'; the divine title in construct — 'El of eternity' = 'the Everlasting God.'
עוֹלָֽםeternityN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Construct chain (completing אֵל)עוֹלָם (H5769) 'eternity, forever'; the epithet אֵל עוֹלָם = 'the God of eternity' — unique to this verse, pointing to God's permanent presence at Beersheba.
34

וַיָּ֧גָר אַבְרָהָ֛ם בְּאֶ֥רֶץ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים יָמִ֥ים רַבִּֽים

And Abraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines many days.

Concluding notice: Abraham remains in the region for an extended timeוַיָּ֧גָר
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַיָּ֧גָרand he sojournedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · גּוּר (H1481)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (closing notice)→ Wayyiqtol: Abraham's extended sojourn in Philistine territoryגּוּר (H1481) 'to sojourn, live as a resident alien'; the same root as גַּרְתָּה in v23 — Abraham remains a גֵּר, not a citizen.
אַבְרָהָ֛םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject of וַיָּגָר
בְּאֶ֥רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head)
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖יםthe Philistinesgentilic adj m pl abs · פְּלִשְׁתִּי (H6430)Construct chain (completing בְּאֶרֶץ)פְּלִשְׁתִּי (H6430) 'Philistine'; the land of the covenant partner — Abraham sojourns under the protection of the newly ratified agreement.
יָמִ֥יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Accusative of duration (direct object of גּוּר)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; יָמִים רַבִּים = 'many days' — an extended but indefinite sojourn.
רַבִּֽיםmanyadj m pl abs · רַב (H7227)Attributive adjective (modifying יָמִים)רַב (H7227) 'many, great'; 'many days' = an extended period — Abraham remains as a covenanted sojourner, not a transient.