And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:

GENESIS 26:13KJV
Know the Bible

Genesis 26:13 (KJV)

What does Genesis 26:13 mean?

Genesis 26:13 describes how Isaac became increasingly prosperous, continuing to grow in wealth and influence until he was considered very great. The verse emphasizes a steady and remarkable increase in Isaac’s status and possessions during his time in the land.

In this part of Genesis, the focus is on Isaac, Abraham’s son, as he lives among the Philistines during a time of famine. The verse comes after Isaac settles in Gerar and experiences God’s blessing, even as a foreigner. The text highlights not just a one-time gain, but a continual, visible growth that set Isaac apart from those around him.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 26:13

  • The word for “man” is אִישׁ (ish), which simply refers to Isaac as an individual, emphasizing his personal experience.
  • The word translated “great” and “became very great” is גָּדַל (gadal), which means to become large, important, or powerful. The repetition and intensification in the verse underline just how significant Isaac’s growth was.
  • The phrase “went forward” uses the Hebrew הָלוֹךְ (halokh), which carries the idea of continual progress or ongoing movement, not just a single event.
  • The word for “very” is מְאֹד (me’od), which intensifies the description, stressing that Isaac’s greatness was exceptional, not just ordinary.

Why Genesis 26:13 matters

  • The verse helps clear up any idea that Isaac’s prosperity was sudden or accidental; the original words show a process of ongoing, visible growth.
  • The emphasis on Isaac’s increasing greatness sets the stage for the tension with the Philistines that follows, as his success becomes impossible to ignore.
  • Understanding the repeated use of “great” and the intensifier “very” highlights how Isaac’s story echoes God’s promises to Abraham, showing continuity in God’s blessing across generations.

Where else these words appear

“grew” Hebrew H1432 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:26 And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:12 And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.
  • Ezekiel 16:26 Thou hast also committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, great of flesh; and hast increased thy whoredoms, to provoke me to anger.

“great” Hebrew H1431 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
  • 1 Chronicles 22:5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.
  • Isaiah 23:4 Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, nor bring up virgins.