Genesis 13:8

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we [be] brethren.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Avram said to Lot, "Please, let's not have quarreling between me and you, or between my herdsmen and yours, since we're kinsmen.

Berean Standard Bible:

So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are brothers.

American Standard Version:

And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen; for we are brethren.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And Abram^{H87} said^{H559} unto Lot^{H3876}, Let there be^{H1961} no^{H408} strife^{H4808}, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen^{H7462} and thy herdmen^{H7462}; for we^{H582} be brethren^{H251}.

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Commentary for Genesis 13:8

Theme: Unity and Conflict Resolution

Genesis 13:8 captures the theme of maintaining peace and brotherhood amidst potential conflict. Abram (later named Abraham) demonstrates a commitment to kinship and peaceful coexistence by urging his nephew Lot to avoid strife between their respective groups. This verse underscores the importance of prioritizing relationships over material possessions and highlights the virtue of seeking harmony within the family and community.

Historical Context:

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the early patriarchal narratives of the Bible. Abram and Lot, having journeyed together from their native land of Haran, found themselves in the land of Canaan with their herds and servants. As their wealth increased, so did the potential for conflict between their herders. In this period, herds were a primary source of wealth and sustenance, and disputes over grazing land and water rights were common.

Abram's proposal to Lot to separate peacefully, allowing each to choose a different direction to settle with their people and livestock, reflects a nomadic lifestyle where land was not yet permanently settled and where maintaining good relations with kin and allies was crucial for survival and prosperity. This event also sets the stage for the eventual division of the land between the two, which would have lasting implications for the descendants of both Abram and Lot. Abram's act of offering Lot the first choice of land also demonstrates his trust in God's provision and his selfless character, which are central to his portrayal in the biblical narrative.

*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: 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.
   
2. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
3. 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.
   
4. Strong's Number: H1961
   There are 72 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: הָיָה
   Transliteration: hâyâh
   Pronunciation: haw-yaw
   Description: a primitive root (compare הָוָא); to exist, i.e. be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary); beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use.
   
5. Strong's Number: H408
   There are 131 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַל
   Transliteration: ʼal
   Pronunciation: al
   Description: a negative particle (akin to לֹא); not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun, nothing; nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than.
   
6. Strong's Number: H4808
   There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מְרִיבָה
   Transliteration: mᵉrîybâh
   Pronunciation: mer-ee-baw'
   Description: from רִיב; quarrel; provocation, strife.
   
7. 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.
   
8. Strong's Number: H582
   There are 648 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֱנוֹשׁ
   Transliteration: ʼĕnôwsh
   Pronunciation: en-oshe'
   Description: from אָנַשׁ; properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified אָדָם); hence,; a man in general (singly or collectively); another, [idiom] (blood-) thirsty, certain, chap(-man); divers, fellow, [idiom] in the flower of their age, husband, (certain, mortal) man, people, person, servant, some ([idiom] of them), [phrase] stranger, those, [phrase] their trade. It is often unexpressed in the English versions, especially when used in apposition with another word. Compare אִישׁ.
   
9. Strong's Number: H251
   There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָח
   Transliteration: ʼâch
   Pronunciation: awkh
   Description: a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father)); another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'.