And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.

GENESIS 26:17KJV
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Genesis 26:17 (KJV)

What does Genesis 26:17 mean?

Genesis 26:17 describes Isaac moving away from his previous location and setting up his tent in the valley of Gerar, where he then settled. The verse simply tells us about Isaac’s relocation and his decision to live in a new area.

In this part of Genesis, Isaac is responding to tension with the people of Gerar over water rights. The verse shows Isaac choosing to leave the main settlement and live in the valley nearby instead. This move sets up the next events in the story, where Isaac’s interactions with the land and its resources continue to unfold.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 26:17

  • "Valley" (נַחַל, naḥal) refers to a wadi or seasonal streambed, not just a low area between hills. This suggests Isaac chose a place with potential water sources, which is important in the story’s context of disputes over wells.
  • "Pitched his tent" (חָנָה, ḥanah) is a phrase often used for settling temporarily or semi-permanently. It highlights Isaac’s lifestyle as someone who moves but also establishes a base for his household.
  • "Dwelt" (יָשַׁב, yashav) means to settle or live in a place, indicating that Isaac was not just passing through but intended to stay for some time.

Why Genesis 26:17 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Isaac’s move was a peaceful response to conflict, showing his willingness to avoid further strife with the people of Gerar.
  • It sets the stage for the following verses, where the focus shifts to Isaac’s efforts to secure water and establish himself in the land.
  • The mention of the valley and the act of pitching a tent connect Isaac’s story to the broader theme of the patriarchs as sojourners in the land, living in tents rather than permanent houses.

Where else these words appear

“Gerar” Hebrew H1642 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 10:19 And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.
  • Genesis 26:1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
  • Genesis 26:26 Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the chief captain of his army.

“there” Hebrew H8033 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
  • Leviticus 2:2 And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:
  • 1 Kings 17:13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

“Isaac” Hebrew H3327 · used in 101 verses

  • Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
  • Genesis 26:12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.
  • Genesis 35:28 And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years.

“valley” Hebrew H5158 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 26:19 And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.
  • Judges 5:21 The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
  • Job 28:4 The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.