Genesis 25:5

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 25:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac.
Genesis 25:5 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac.] By his last will and testament; not all out of his own hand, while he lived, at least he reserved somewhat for himself, and for gifts to his other children; so his servant declared to the parents and friends of Rebekah, (<012435>Genesis 24:35); wherefore some render the words here “had given” f1371; or the sense is, that he had at that time purposed and promised to give all that he had to Isaac, and now he actually did it.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac . . . unto the sons of the concubines . . . Abraham gave gifts--While the chief part of the inheritance went to Isaac; the other sons (Ishmael included) migrated to "the East country," that is, Arabia, but received each a portion of the patrimony, perhaps in cattle and other things; and this settlement of Abraham's must have given satisfaction, since it is still the rule followed among the pastoral tribes.”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“25:5-6 Abraham loved all his sons, so before he died, he gave them gifts and sent them away as he had sent Ishmael (21:8-14). In this way, he preserved Isaac’s position as his heir.”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification