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.

GENESIS 13:8KJV
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Genesis 13:8 (KJV)

What does Genesis 13:8 mean?

Genesis 13:8 shows Abram asking Lot to avoid any conflict between them or their herdsmen, reminding Lot that they are family. Abram is seeking peace and unity, emphasizing their relationship as relatives rather than allowing disputes over resources to divide them.

Abram is speaking directly to Lot after tensions arose between their herdsmen over grazing land. By addressing Lot personally and calling him "brethren," Abram highlights the importance of their bond and suggests that their relationship should take priority over material concerns. This verse sets the stage for their peaceful separation and shows Abram’s character as a peacemaker.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 13:8

  • The word for "strife" is מְרִיבָה (merivah), which means a quarrel or dispute. Abram is not just talking about a minor disagreement but a real risk of ongoing conflict.
  • The word for "brethren" is אַחִים (achim), meaning brothers or close relatives. Abram uses this word to stress their family connection, not just a distant relation, but a bond that should guide their actions.

Why Genesis 13:8 matters

  • Genesis 13:8 clarifies that Abram values peace and family unity over personal gain, which helps explain his later actions in the story.
  • The verse highlights that conflicts can arise even among close relatives, but how those conflicts are handled reveals character and priorities.
  • By using the word "brethren," the verse connects to the broader biblical theme of family and reconciliation, showing that relationships should come before possessions or status.

Where else these words appear

“strife” Hebrew H4808 · used in 7 verses

  • Numbers 27:14 For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.
  • Psalms 95:8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
  • Ezekiel 47:19 And the south side southward, from Tamar even to the waters of strife in Kadesh, the river to the great sea. And this is the south side southward.

“no” Hebrew H408 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.
  • Judges 19:23 And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, and said unto them, Nay, my brethren, nay, I pray you, do not so wickedly; seeing that this man is come into mine house, do not this folly.
  • Psalms 31:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.

“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 13:12 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” 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.