Verse

Genesis 21:27

ESV So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant.
NIV So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelek, and the two men made a treaty.
NASB So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant.
CSB Abraham took flocks and herds and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant.
NLT Abraham then gave some of his sheep, goats, and cattle to Abimelech, and they made a treaty.
KJV And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.
NKJV So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant.

What does Genesis 21:27 mean?

Abimelech, king of Gerar, had approached Abraham to make a covenant meant to formalize their relationship. Abraham was living in Abimelech's land, at his invitation, in spite of Abraham's earlier deception (Genesis 20). Abraham has agreed to swear not to deceive Abimelech and to deal kindly with him. At the same time, Abraham has expressed his concern that Abimelech's men have taken his well. A water source, which Abraham had established, had been captured by men under Abimelech's command. Abimelech claims he knows of no such incident, and agrees to return the rights to this well to Abraham.

Now Abraham gives to Abimelech sheep and oxen as a sign of this covenant between them. In the following verses, he will give additional sheep specifically to show a clear resolution to the issue of the disputed well.
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