Genesis 13:7

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Moreover, quarreling arose between Avram's and Lot's herdsmen. The Kena'ani and the P'rizi were then living in the land.

Berean Standard Bible:

And there was discord between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were also living in the land.

American Standard Version:

And there was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdsmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelt then in the land.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And there was a strife{H7379} between the herdmen{H7462} of Abram's{H87} cattle{H4735} and the herdmen{H7462} of Lot's{H3876} cattle{H4735}: and the Canaanite{H3669} and the Perizzite{H6522} dwelled{H3427} then in the land{H776}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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.

Genesis 12:6

  • ¶ And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite [was] then in the land.

James 3:16

  • For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work.

Genesis 34:30

  • And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I [being] few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.

Galatians 5:20

  • Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

1 Peter 2:12

  • Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

James 4:1

  • ¶ From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members?

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Commentary for Genesis 13:7

**Themes:**

1. **Conflict and Resolution:** The verse highlights the theme of conflict, which is a common motif in the Bible, often used to explore human nature and relationships. The strife between Abram's and Lot's herdsmen reflects the potential for discord even among relatives. The impending resolution, hinted at by the mention of the conflict, emphasizes the importance of peace and unity within a community.

2. **Land and Possessions:** The dispute over land and resources is central to the narrative. This theme is recurrent in the Bible, underscoring the significance of land as a divine promise and a source of livelihood.

3. **Coexistence with Others:** The mention of the Canaanites and Perizzites indicates the presence of other peoples in the land, setting the stage for themes of coexistence, tolerance, and the complexities of living among diverse groups.

**Historical Context:**

Genesis 13:7 is set in the context of Abram (later named Abraham) and his nephew Lot journeying together in the land of Canaan. This land was promised by God to Abram's descendants. The historical context reflects the ancient Near Eastern culture where pastoralism was a primary way of life, and disputes over grazing rights and water sources were common.

During this period, the Canaanites were the primary inhabitants of the region that would later become known as Israel and Palestine. The Perizzites were another group, possibly a Canaanite subgroup or an allied people, who are often mentioned alongside the Canaanites in the Bible.

The verse occurs after Abram and Lot have become wealthy in livestock and possessions, leading to the need for more space and resources. This abundance and the subsequent conflict preface Abram's act of generosity and peacemaking, as he allows Lot to choose the best land for himself, demonstrating Abram's faith in God's provision and his commitment to maintaining family harmony. This event is a precursor to the eventual separation of Abram and Lot, which allows for the distinct lineages and blessings that God promises to each.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H7379
    There are 61 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: רִיב
    Transliteration: rîyb
    Pronunciation: reeb
    Description: or רִב; from רִיב; a contest (personal or legal); [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit.
  2. Strong's Number: H7462
    There are 144 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: רָעָה
    Transliteration: râʻâh
    Pronunciation: raw-aw'
    Description: a primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a friend); [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste.
  3. Strong's Number: H87
    There are 17014 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אַבְרָם
    Transliteration: ʼAbrâm
    Pronunciation: ab-rawm'
    Description: contracted from אֲבִירָם; high father; Abram, the original name of Abraham; Abram.
  4. Strong's Number: H4735
    There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מִקְנֶה
    Transliteration: miqneh
    Pronunciation: mik-neh'
    Description: from קָנָה; something bought, i.e. property, but only livestock; abstractly, acquisition; cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance.
  5. Strong's Number: H3876
    There are 30 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: לוֹט
    Transliteration: Lôwṭ
    Pronunciation: lote
    Description: the same as לוֹט; Lot, Abraham's nephew; Lot.
  6. Strong's Number: H3669
    There are 71 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: כְּנַעַנִי
    Transliteration: Kᵉnaʻanîy
    Pronunciation: ken-ah-an-ee'
    Description: patrial from כְּנַעַן; a Kenaanite or inhabitant of Kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the Canaanites standing for their neighbors the Ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile caravans); Canaanite, merchant, trafficker.
  7. Strong's Number: H6522
    There are 23 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: פְּרִזִּי
    Transliteration: Pᵉrizzîy
    Pronunciation: per-iz-zee'
    Description: for פְּרָזִי; inhabitant of the open country; a Perizzite, one of the Canaanitish tribes; Perizzite.
  8. Strong's Number: H3427
    There are 980 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יָשַׁב
    Transliteration: yâshab
    Pronunciation: yaw-shab'
    Description: a primitive root; properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry; (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry.
  9. Strong's Number: H776
    There are 2739 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אֶרֶץ
    Transliteration: ʼerets
    Pronunciation: eh'-rets
    Description: from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world.