Genesis 21:28
ESV
Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock apart.
NIV
Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock,
NASB
But Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
CSB
Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock.
NLT
But Abraham also took seven additional female lambs and set them off by themselves.
KJV
And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
NKJV
And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
What does Genesis 21:28 mean?
Abraham has already given to Abimelech oxen and sheep as a sign of the formal covenant sealing their relationship. Abraham will live in the land of Abimelech's kingdom in good faith, dealing kindly with all and not again deceiving Abimelech, or his offspring. Part of this agreement deals with the rights to a well, which Abraham had dug (Genesis 21:25).Now Abraham sets aside seven additional sheep, ewe lambs, for a specific purpose related to this covenant. In the next verses, he will explain how these sheep will signify the true ownership of this well.
