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What the Bible Says About Abimelech

Overview

The Bible addresses abimelech across 14 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Genesis, Judges and 2 Samuel. Closely related themes include Abraham, Patriarchal Government, Witness and Covenants. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Abraham, Abimelech, Abimelech and Gideon.

Key Bible verses about abimelech

Old Testament

Genesis

Genesis 21:22

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 21:23

Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned. that thou: Heb. if thou shalt lie unto me

Genesis 21:24

And Abraham said, I will swear.

Genesis 21:25

And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.

Genesis 21:26

And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day.

Genesis 21:27

And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.

Genesis 21:28

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

Genesis 21:29

And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?

Genesis 21:30

And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.

Genesis 21:31

Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them. Beersheba: that is, The well of the oath

Genesis 21:32

Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.

People in the Bible and abimelech

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying abimelech for yourself

  • Begin with Genesis 21:22, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Genesis, Judges and 2 Samuel each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Abraham, Abimelech and Abimelech and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Abraham, Patriarchal Government, Witness and Covenants.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about abimelech?

The Bible addresses abimelech across 14 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Genesis, Judges and 2 Samuel. Closely related themes include Abraham, Patriarchal Government, Witness and Covenants. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Abraham, Abimelech, Abimelech and Gideon.

How many Bible verses are about abimelech?

The Bible references abimelech in 14 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention abimelech?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 21:22: “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:”

Which people in the Bible are associated with abimelech?

Abraham, Abimelech, Abimelech, Gideon and Moses.

Preach & teach

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