Devine Scripture

Genesis 13:8

What does Genesis 13:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 13:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 13:8 means

Understanding the gravity of the growing conflict, Abram, as the elder and leader, proactively addressed Lot. He appealed for peace, emphasizing their familial bond ("we are brethren") to prevent further discord between their servants. This demonstrates Abram's wisdom, humility, and desire to maintain unity, prioritizing relationships over possessions. This willingness to avert strife, even when he had a right to assert his leadership, sets a powerful example of peacemaking and magnanimity in the face of conflict.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Abram said to Lot, Let there be no argument between me and you, and between my herdmen and your herdmen, for we are brothers.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Abram saith unto Lot, `Let there not, I pray thee, be strife between me and thee, and between my shepherds and thy shepherds, for we <FI>are<Fi> men--brethren.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Abram therefore said to Lot: Let there be no quarrel, I beseech thee, between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen: for we are brethren.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Abram said to Lot, I pray thee let there be no contention between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen, for we are brethren.

Context

This verse immediately follows the description of the strife between the herdsmen in verse 7. It shows Abram's initiative in resolving the conflict, emphasizing his leadership and peacemaking qualities. His direct address to Lot sets the stage for the generous offer he is about to make, demonstrating his priorities and foreshadowing the resolution to their conflict.

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.

v.8This passage

v.9Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou take the right hand, then I will go to the left.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 6:6

    but brother goeth to law with brother, and that before unbelievers?

  • Romans 12:10

    In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;

  • Hebrews 12:14

    Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord:

  • 1 John 4:7

    Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is begotten of God, and knoweth God.

  • Hebrews 13:1

    Let love of the brethren continue.

  • James 3:17

    But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy.

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