And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.

GENESIS 26:22KJV
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Genesis 26:22 (KJV)

What does Genesis 26:22 mean?

Genesis 26:22 describes how Isaac moved away from conflict over water wells, dug a new well, and finally found peace when no one argued over it. Isaac named the place Rehoboth, saying that the LORD had made space for them to thrive in the land.

In this verse, Isaac is dealing with disputes over wells with local herders while living in the region of Gerar. After repeated quarrels, he finally finds a spot where there is no opposition. The name Rehoboth (meaning "broad places" or "room") reflects Isaac’s sense that God has provided enough space for his family and flocks to live and prosper without strife.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 26:22

  • רְחֹבוֹת (Rehoboth, transliterated "Rechovot") means "broad places" or "room." Isaac’s choice of this name highlights his relief at finally having enough space, free from conflict.
  • רִיב (H7378, transliterated "riv") means "to strive" or "to quarrel." The verse notes that the locals did not "strive" over this well, showing the end of hostility.
  • רָחַב (H7337, transliterated "rachav") means "to make room" or "to enlarge." Isaac credits the LORD for making room for them, emphasizing God’s role in providing peace and opportunity.

Why Genesis 26:22 matters

  • Genesis 26:22 clarifies that Isaac’s prosperity was not just about wealth or land, but about finding a place of peace after conflict, which he saw as a gift from God.
  • The verse connects to the broader story of Isaac’s journey, showing how he responded to opposition with patience and faith rather than aggression.
  • The naming of Rehoboth marks a turning point in the narrative, signaling a new chapter where Isaac can settle and grow without fear of dispute.

Where else these words appear

“Rehoboth” Hebrew H7344 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 10:11 Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,
  • Genesis 36:37 And Samlah died, and Saul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:48 And when Samlah was dead, Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.

“removed” Hebrew H6275 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 12:8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
  • Job 14:18 And surely the mountain falling cometh to nought, and the rock is removed out of his place.
  • Job 32:15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.

“now” Hebrew H6258 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:11 For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
  • Isaiah 48:6 Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.

“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.