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.

GENESIS 13:6KJV
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Genesis 13:6 (KJV)

What does Genesis 13:6 mean?

Genesis 13:6 says that the land could not support both Abram and Lot living together because they had so many possessions and livestock. Their wealth was so great that there was not enough room or resources for both of them to stay in the same area.

In this part of Genesis, Abram and his nephew Lot have both become very wealthy after leaving Egypt. The verse explains a practical problem: the land they are staying in cannot provide enough pasture and resources for all their animals and people. This situation sets up the need for Abram and Lot to separate and live in different places.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 13:6

  • The word for "land" (אֶרֶץ, erets) points to the physical territory or region they were in, emphasizing that the problem was about space and resources, not just personal conflict.
  • "Bear" (נָשָׂא, nasa) here means to support or sustain, highlighting that the land simply could not handle the demands of both men's large herds and households.
  • "Substance" (רְכוּשׁ, rekush) refers to their possessions, especially livestock and goods, underlining that their material wealth was the direct cause of the problem.
  • "Great" (רַב, rav) stresses the sheer size or abundance of what they owned, making it clear that this was an unusual level of prosperity for both men.

Why Genesis 13:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the conflict between Abram and Lot was not due to personal animosity but arose from practical limitations of the land.
  • It highlights the blessings and challenges that came with their wealth, showing that abundance can sometimes create new difficulties.
  • The verse sets the stage for the coming decision for Abram and Lot to part ways, which becomes a significant turning point in both their stories.

Where else these words appear

“substance” Hebrew H7399 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 12:5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.
  • Genesis 46:6 And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob, and all his seed with him:
  • 2 Chronicles 32:29 Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much.

“together” Hebrew H3162 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 22:6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.
  • Job 24:17 For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death.
  • Isaiah 41:1 Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.