Devine Scripture

Genesis 13:4

What does Genesis 13:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 13:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 13:4 means

Upon reaching the familiar place between Beth-el and Ai, Abram revisited the altar he had constructed earlier, signifying a renewal of his spiritual commitment. Here, he 'called on the name of Jehovah,' which implies he worshipped God, acknowledged His sovereignty, and perhaps sought His guidance again after his detour in Egypt. This act demonstrates Abram’s consistent devotion and his understanding that his prosperity and presence in the land were ultimately dependent on his relationship with the Lord, establishing a pattern of worship for his descendants.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the Lord.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

To the place where he had made his first altar, and there Abram gave worship to the name of the Lord.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

unto the place of the altar which he made there at the first, and there doth Abram preach in the name of Jehovah.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

In the place of the altar which he had made before, and there he called upon the name of the Lord.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

to the place of the altar that he had made there at the first. And there Abram called on the name of Jehovah.

Context

This verse is a direct continuation of Abram's journey in verse 3, where he returned to the place of his previous encampment. The building of the altar and calling on the name of the Lord demonstrates Abram's priority of worship and spiritual devotion. This act re-establishes his connection with God in the Promised Land and provides a spiritual framework for the subsequent events involving his growing household and the conflict with Lot.

v.3And 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,

v.4This passage

v.5And Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.

Cross references

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

  • Jeremiah 29:12

    And ye shall call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

  • Psalms 26:8

    Jehovah, I love the habitation of thy house, And the place where thy glory dwelleth.

  • Genesis 13:18

    And Abram moved his tent, and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built there an altar unto Jehovah.

  • Psalms 116:17

    I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of Jehovah.

  • Ephesians 6:18

    with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,

  • Psalms 84:10

    For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

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