Devine Scripture

Genesis 13:3

What does Genesis 13:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 13:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 13:3 means

Abram continued his journey northward from the southern region, retracing his steps to a significant spiritual landmark between Beth-el and Ai. This return trip was not just physical but spiritual, bringing him back to the place where he had previously established his worship of God. His deliberate movement back to this specific location underscores the importance of remembering and returning to places of past communion with the Lord, reaffirming his spiritual roots in the promised land. This reveals a pattern of returning to his spiritual foundations.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he went on his journeys from the South even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Ai,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he went on his journeys from the south even to Beth–el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth–el and Hai;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he went on his journeys from the South even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Ai,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And travelling on from the South, he came to Beth-el, to the place where his tent had been before, between Beth-el and Ai;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he goeth on his journeyings from the south, even unto Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the commencement, between Bethel and Hai--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he returned by the way, that he came, from the south to Bethel, to the place where before he had pitched his tent between Bethel and Hai,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he went on his journeys from the south as far as Bethel; as far as the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai;

Context

After his significant wealth is noted in verse 2, this verse shows Abram's methodical journey back to a known location within Canaan. This journey sets the stage for his re-engagement with God at the altar mentioned in the next verse. This geographical detail is important for understanding Abram's continued commitment to the land and his spiritual practices, laying the ground for the renewed worship that follows.

v.2And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.

v.3This passage

v.4unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of Jehovah.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Genesis 12:8

    And he removed from thence unto the mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, having Beth-el on the west, and Ai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto Jehovah, and called upon the name of Jehovah.

  • Genesis 12:6

    And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Shechem, unto the oak of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.

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