And it came to pass the same day, that Isaac's servants came, and told him concerning the well which they had digged, and said unto him, We have found water.

GENESIS 26:32KJV
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Genesis 26:32 (KJV)

What does Genesis 26:32 mean?

Genesis 26:32 reports that on the same day, Isaac’s servants came to him with news about a well they had dug, telling him, “We have found water.” This verse highlights a moment when Isaac’s household discovers a new source of water, which was crucial for survival and prosperity in their region.

The verse takes place while Isaac is living in the land of Gerar, dealing with disputes over wells with the local people. The servants’ report to Isaac marks a turning point, as finding water meant stability and blessing for his family and flocks. The verse shows the importance of wells in ancient times and sets up the naming of the well in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 26:32

  • well (בְּאֵר, be’er): This word refers specifically to a dug well, not just any water source. In the context of Genesis, wells often symbolize God’s provision and the right to settle in the land.
  • digged (חָפַר, chaphar): This verb means to dig or excavate. It emphasizes the effort and persistence of Isaac’s servants in seeking water, which was not easily found in that region.
  • found (מָצָא, matsa’): This word means to find or discover, often after searching. The servants’ announcement carries a sense of relief and accomplishment, reflecting the value of water in their daily life.

Why Genesis 26:32 matters

  • Genesis 26:32 clarifies that Isaac’s prosperity was not just luck but involved hard work and God’s provision, as seen in the successful search for water.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of Isaac’s conflicts and eventual peace with his neighbors, showing how each well marked a step in his journey.
  • Understanding the importance of wells in this passage helps modern readers appreciate the challenges of ancient life and the significance of water as a symbol of blessing and stability.

Where else these words appear

“concerning” Hebrew H182 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 21:11 And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.
  • Numbers 12:1 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
  • Judges 6:7 And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,

“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:

“Isaac's” 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.