And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.

GENESIS 26:21KJV
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Genesis 26:21 (KJV)

What does Genesis 26:21 mean?

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.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 26:21

  • 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.

Why Genesis 26:21 matters

  • 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.

Where else these words appear

“digged” Hebrew H2658 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 21:30 And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.
  • Exodus 7:24 And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river.
  • Job 11:18 And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.

“well” Hebrew H875 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 14:10 And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain.
  • Genesis 26:20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
  • Numbers 21:17 Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it:

“strove” Hebrew H7378 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 26:20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
  • Nehemiah 13:17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
  • Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.