And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:

GENESIS 13:14KJV
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Genesis 13:14 (KJV)

What does Genesis 13:14 mean?

Genesis 13:14 describes how, after Abram and Lot separated, the LORD spoke to Abram and told him to look in every direction from where he stood. God was about to show Abram the extent of the land He intended to give him.

In this moment, the LORD (the personal name for God) addresses Abram directly, after Lot has chosen his own land and gone his own way. God instructs Abram to "lift up" his eyes and survey the land—north, south, east, and west—emphasizing the vastness of what is being promised. This sets the stage for God's covenant with Abram, highlighting that the promise is not limited by Lot's choice.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 13:14

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal, covenant name for God, underscoring the direct and relational nature of God's communication with Abram here.
  • separated (פָּרַד, parad): This word means to part or divide, marking a significant turning point—only after Lot is "separated" does God reveal the full extent of His promise to Abram.
  • up (נָשָׂא, nasa’): The instruction to "lift up" one's eyes is more than just looking; it often means to pay careful attention or to look with expectation.
  • look (רָאָה, ra’ah): This verb means to see or perceive, suggesting that Abram is being invited to grasp, not just physically view, the scope of what God is offering.

Why Genesis 13:14 matters

  • Genesis 13:14 clarifies that God's promise to Abram is not dependent on Lot's choices or actions; the blessing is for Abram alone.
  • The verse emphasizes the personal relationship between God and Abram, as God speaks directly and gives Abram a new vision after a time of separation.
  • This verse connects to the broader story by marking a pivotal moment: the land promise becomes clear and specific only after Abram is set apart from Lot, highlighting the importance of obedience and trust in God's timing.

Where else these words appear

“separated” Hebrew H6504 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 2:10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
  • Judges 4:11 Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh.
  • Psalms 22:14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

“Lot” Hebrew H3876 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 11:27 Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot.
  • Genesis 13:11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
  • Genesis 19:14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.

“Abram” Hebrew H87 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 11:26 And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
  • Genesis 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
  • Genesis 15:3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.

“eastward” Hebrew H6924 · used in 83 verses

  • Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
  • Joshua 19:12 And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chislothtabor, and then goeth out to Daberath, and goeth up to Japhia,
  • Psalms 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.