Genesis 21:31Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because they both swore there.
The setting
Beersheba, southern Israel, ~2000 BC. Moses records the naming of this place that would become a major city and border marker for the promised land.
The emotion here: reverent awe - recording how God orchestrates peace and establishes lasting landmarks
The original word
shaba (שָׁבַע) — to swear an oath, also means 'seven', creating the wordplay in Beersheba
Why it matters
Beersheba became the southern boundary of Israel - 'from Dan to Beersheba' meant the whole nation
Read with care
What most readers miss in Genesis 21:31
The name is a Hebrew pun: Beer-sheba means both 'well of seven' and 'well of the oath'
Common misconceptionMost people think this is just about naming a place, but Moses is showing how God transforms conflict into permanent blessing for future generations.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Genesis 21:31
Bible Genome reading
Genesis 21:31 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Genesis 21:31 comes from the book of Genesis, written during the Patriarchal period. The setting is wilderness. These words are attributed to Narrator. The dominant emotion in this verse is starting, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include naming, covenant, oath. Notable phrases: called that place Beersheba; they both swore.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same starting
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
— Genesis 1:1
“God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.”
— Genesis 1:3
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
— Philippians 4:13
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and t…”
— Acts 1:8
“Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receiv…”
— Acts 2:38
Your reflection
What does Genesis 21:31 mean to you, today?
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