Devine Scripture

Genesis 13:7

What does Genesis 13:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 13:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 13:7 means

A dispute arose between the herdsmen responsible for Abram's livestock and those caring for Lot's animals, likely over grazing rights and water access. This conflict was exacerbated by the presence of the Canaanites and Perizzites, the indigenous inhabitants of the land, implying limited resources and increased competition for territory. This situation highlights the tension between the growing families and the existing inhabitants, underscoring the scarcity that led to internal strife despite God's promises of land to Abram.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And there was an argument between the keepers of Abram's cattle and the keepers of Lot's cattle: at that time the Canaanites and Perizzites were still living in the land.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and there is a strife between those feeding Abram's cattle and those feeding Lot's cattle; and the Canaanite and the Perizzite <FI>are<Fi> then dwelling in the land.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Whereupon also there arose a strife between the herdsmen of Abram and of Lot. And at that time the Chanaanite and the Pherezite dwelled in that country.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's cattle and the herdsmen of Lot's cattle. And the Canaanite and the Perizzite were dwelling then in the land.

Context

Building on the land's inability to support both households in verse 6, this verse details the direct consequence: strife between their herdsmen. The mention of the Canaanites and Perizzites provides crucial context, showing that the available land was already occupied, making the conflict between Abram and Lot's herdsmen an even more pressing issue. This sets the immediate stage for Abram's peacemaking proposal.

v.6And 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.

v.7This passage

v.8And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen; for we are brethren.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 15:18

    In that day Jehovah made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

  • Philippians 2:14

    Do all things without murmurings and questionings:

  • 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.

  • Genesis 21:25

    And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of the well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.

  • 1 Peter 2:12

    having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

  • James 4:1

    Whence comewars and whence come fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your pleasures that war in your members?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Genesis 13

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Genesis 13.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Genesis 13:7.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary