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.

GENESIS 13:7KJV
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Genesis 13:7 (KJV)

What does Genesis 13:7 mean?

Genesis 13:7 describes a conflict that arose between the herdsmen working for Abram and those working for Lot, while the land was also inhabited by the Canaanite and the Perizzite peoples. The verse highlights that the dispute over resources happened in a region already occupied by others, making the situation more tense and complicated.

The verse is set during the time when Abram (later called Abraham) and his nephew Lot were living together in Canaan. Both had grown wealthy, with large flocks and herds, which led their workers to argue over grazing land and water. The mention of the Canaanite and Perizzite living in the land shows that Abram and Lot were not alone; they were outsiders sharing limited resources with established local populations.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 13:7

  • The word "strife" (רִיב, riv) means a quarrel or dispute, often used for legal or personal conflicts. Here, it shows the seriousness of the disagreement between the herdsmen.
  • "Herdmen" (רֹעֶה, ro‘eh) refers to those who tend livestock. The verse uses this word for both Abram’s and Lot’s workers, emphasizing that the conflict was between their employees rather than Abram and Lot themselves.
  • "Canaanite" (כְּנַעֲנִי, kena‘ani) and "Perizzite" (פְּרִזִּי, perizzi) name two groups already living in the land. Their presence underlines that the land was not empty or freely available, adding pressure to the situation.

Why Genesis 13:7 matters

  • This verse makes clear that the land was already inhabited, so Abram and Lot’s growing wealth created tension not just between themselves but also in a crowded environment.
  • The focus on the herdsmen’s conflict, rather than a direct fight between Abram and Lot, shows that sometimes disputes arise among followers or employees, not just leaders.
  • By mentioning the Canaanite and Perizzite, the verse sets up the need for a peaceful solution, which leads to Abram and Lot separating in the next verses. This helps explain why their separation was necessary and wise.

Where else these words appear

“Perizzite” Hebrew H6522 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 15:20 And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims,
  • Deuteronomy 7:1 When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;
  • Joshua 24:11 And ye went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.

“Lot's” 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 13:12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.
  • 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's” 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.

“strife” Hebrew H7379 · used in 61 verses

  • Exodus 17:7 And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?
  • Job 31:35 Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.
  • Proverbs 30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.