Question 1

What does Genesis 26:21 mean?

Accepted Answer

Genesis 26:21 tells how Isaac’s servants dug another well, but local people argued over it too, so Isaac named the well "Sitnah." This verse shows that Isaac continued to face opposition as he tried to settle and find water in the land. In this part of Genesis, Isaac is living in the region of Gerar, and his servants are digging wells for water. Each time they find water, the local herdsmen dispute ownership, leading to tension. The name "Sitnah" means "enmity" or "opposition," highlighting the ongoing conflict Isaac experienced with his neighbors.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Genesis 26:21

Accepted Answer

סִטְנָה (Sitnah, transliterated "Sitnah") means "opposition" or "hostility." Naming the well this way underlines the sense of conflict and resistance Isaac faced from the locals. רִיב (riv, transliterated "strove") means "to quarrel" or "to contend." The word points to a strong, ongoing dispute, not just a minor disagreement, showing the seriousness of the conflict over the well.

Question 3

Why Genesis 26:21 matters

Accepted Answer

Genesis 26:21 highlights the repeated struggles Isaac faced, showing that even when acting peacefully, he met resistance and had to move on. The verse connects to the larger theme of God’s people facing challenges in foreign lands, yet continuing to persevere. Naming the well "Sitnah" gives insight into how Isaac and his family remembered and marked places based on their experiences, which helps explain the significance of place-names in the Old Testament.

Genesis 26:21 (KJV)