Devine Scripture

Genesis 13:6

What does Genesis 13:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 13:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 13:6 means

The land they inhabited was insufficient to support both Abram's and Lot's vast possessions and expanding households. Their combined wealth in livestock was so great that the available pastures and water sources could not sustain them adequately if they remained together. This practical constraint created an unavoidable tension, making continued cohabitation impossible. Their blessings, while from God, now created a logistical challenge that required a difficult decision, highlighting how prosperity can bring its own tests.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that the land was not wide enough for the two of them: their property was so great that there was not room for them together.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the land hath not suffered them to dwell together, for their substance hath been much, and they have not been able to dwell together;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Neither was the land able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, and they could not dwell together.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the land could not support them, that they might dwell together, for their property was great; and they could not dwell together.

Context

This verse directly follows the mention of Lot's wealth in verse 5 and immediately explains the logical consequence: the land could not sustain both households. This sets the stage for the conflict that arises in the next verse, providing the underlying reason for the inevitable strife between their herdsmen. It highlights the practical limitations that can arise even in times of blessing.

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

v.6This passage

v.7And there was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdsmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelt then in the land.

Cross references

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

  • Ecclesiastes 5:10

    He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance, with increase: this also is vanity.

  • Genesis 36:6

    And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the souls of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his possessions, which he had gathered in the land of Canaan; and went into a land away from his brother Jacob.

  • Luke 12:17

    and he reasoned within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have not where to bestow my fruits?

  • 1 Timothy 6:9

    But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition.

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