At that time probably has no relation to the events in verses 9-21 but rather refers back to the events related in the story about Abraham and Abimelech in chapter 20. In translation it will probably be best to avoid making a connection with the end of chapter 20 and to use a general transition before verse 22; for example “Later,” “One day,” “It happened one day like this.” Biblia Dios Habla Hoy says “More or less about that time,” and Bible en français courant “At about that period.”

Phicol the commander of his army: Phicol appears here probably in the role of personal bodyguard or as an official witness. He figures again in the same capacity in chapter 26, when a similar oath is made with Isaac. Commander is an adequate term in English for the head of an army. In languages in which there is no army, a more general term such as “leader” or “officer” may be required. Where an organized body of soldiers does not exist, army is sometimes rendered as “soldiers,” “fighters,” “ones who carry weapons.”

Said to Abraham: the Hebrew construction can be read as in Revised Standard Version, with both men speaking to Abraham. However, in verse 23 Abimelech alone is the speaker, and so it is best to make Abimelech the speaker in this phrase: see Good News Translation.

The text does not actually say that Abimelech and Phicol came to where Abraham was, but it will be necessary to include this information in some languages. Note Good News Translation “Abimelech went”; other translations say, for example, “King Abimelech with Phicol … they-two came to see Abraham, and the king said to him….”

God is with you in all that you do: Abimelech recognizes that Abraham has special power and fortune attributed to God, and consequently fears Abraham. Therefore he wishes to assure himself of Abraham’s loyalty. With you means “helps you,” “protects you,” “blesses you.” In some languages it is natural to introduce this statement with “I have noticed…” or “I have seen that….”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .