Is 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.

GENESIS 13:9KJV
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Genesis 13:9 (KJV)

What does Genesis 13:9 mean?

Genesis 13:9 shows Abram offering Lot the choice of land, saying that if Lot goes one way, Abram will go the other. Abram is giving Lot the first pick of territory, showing generosity and a desire to avoid conflict between them.

In this verse, Abram is speaking to his nephew Lot after their herdsmen have argued over grazing land. Abram suggests they separate to keep peace, and he lets Lot choose which direction to go. This act highlights Abram’s humility and willingness to put family harmony above his own interests.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 13:9

  • "land" (אֶרֶץ, ’erets): This word means the whole territory or region, emphasizing that Abram is offering Lot a significant choice, not just a small plot.
  • "separate thyself" (פָּרַד, parad): This word means to divide or part ways, showing Abram’s suggestion is a peaceful solution, not a rejection.
  • "right hand" (יָמִין, yamin) and "left hand" (שְׂמֹאול, semol): These words mean the directions right and left, but in Hebrew, they can also imply north/south depending on orientation. Abram’s offer covers all possible directions, stressing his fairness.

Why Genesis 13:9 matters

  • Genesis 13:9 clears up any idea that Abram was trying to control or limit Lot; instead, Abram gives Lot the full freedom to choose.
  • The verse highlights the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and putting relationships above material gain.
  • This moment sets up the later story, where Lot’s choice leads him toward Sodom, showing the long-term impact of decisions made in generosity or self-interest.

Where else these words appear

“right” Hebrew H3231 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Samuel 14:19 And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this? And the woman answered and said, As thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid:
  • 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.
  • Ezekiel 21:16 Go thee one way or other, either on the right hand, or on the left, whithersoever thy face is set.

“left” Hebrew H8041 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Samuel 14:19 And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this? And the woman answered and said, As thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid:
  • 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.
  • Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

“thyself” 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.

“hand” Hebrew H8040 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
  • Judges 7:20 And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.