Genesis 13:9
What does Genesis 13:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 13:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 13:9 means
Abram generously offered Lot the primary choice of any land he wished to settle, suggesting they separate to resolve their conflict. He proposed a clear division: whichever direction Lot chose, Abram would take the opposite. This remarkable act of selflessness and deference from the elder Abram to his nephew underscores his trust in God's provision rather than his own assertiveness, showcasing a faith that did not fear taking a less advantageous position, trusting God to still bless him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Is 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Is 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 depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Is 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Is not all the land before you? then let us go our separate ways: if you go to the left, I will go to the right; or if you take the right, I will go to the left.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Is not all the land before thee? be parted, I pray thee, from me; if to the left, then I to the right; and if to the right, then I to the left.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Behold the whole land is before thee: depart from me, I pray thee: if thou wilt go to the left hand, I will take the right: if thou choose the right hand, I will pass to the left.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Is not the whole land before thee? Separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if to the left, then I will take the right; and if to the right, then I will take the left.
Context
Following Abram's plea for peace in verse 8, this verse presents his concrete solution to the conflict: a generous offer for Lot to choose any land. This proposal is pivotal, as it leads directly to Lot's choice in the next verse and the subsequent separation. Abram's humility and trust in God are evident here, setting the stage for the divergent paths of the two men.
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.
v.9This passage
v.10And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the Plain of the Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before Jehovah destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, like the garden of Jehovah, like the land of Egypt, as thou goest unto Zoar.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 20:15
And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.
- Hebrews 12:14
Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord:
- Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.
- James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.
- 1 Peter 3:8
Finally, be ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded:
- Genesis 34:10
And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein.
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