King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
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.
Complete Jewish Bible:
But the herdsmen of G'rar quarreled with Yitz'chak's herdsmen, claiming, "That water is ours!" So he called the well 'Esek [quarrel], because they quarreled with him.
Berean Standard Bible:
But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him.
American Standard Version:
And the herdsmen of Gerar strove with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And the herdmen{H7462} of Gerar{H1642} did strive{H7378} with Isaac's{H3327} herdmen{H7462}, saying{H559}, The water{H4325} is ours: and he called{H7121} the name{H8034} of the well{H875} Esek{H6230}; because they strove{H6229} with him.
Cross-References (KJV):
Genesis 21:25
- And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Genesis 26:20
Genesis 26:20 is part of the narrative concerning the life of Isaac, the son of Abraham. The historical context of this verse is set in the ancient Near East, specifically in the region of Gerar, which is likely located in the southern part of what is today Israel or the Gaza Strip. This area was inhabited by the Philistines during the time of the patriarchs.
The themes present in this verse include:
1. **Conflict over Resources**: The central issue in this verse is a dispute over water rights. Water was (and still is) a precious commodity in the arid regions of the Near East, essential for the survival of people and their livestock. The struggle between Isaac's herdsmen and those of Gerar reflects the importance of water and the potential for conflict as groups competed for limited resources.
2. **Naming as a Cultural Practice**: Isaac names the well "Esek," which means "contention" or "strife" in Hebrew, reflecting the conflict that occurred there. This practice of naming places based on significant events is a common cultural element in the Bible, serving both as a historical marker and a way to pass down stories and values within the community.
3. **God's Promise and Provision**: Although not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the broader context of Isaac's life is framed by the covenant that God made with his father, Abraham. Isaac's experiences, including the challenges he faces, are part of the narrative of God's faithfulness to His promises, which include the provision of land and descendants to Abraham's lineage.
4. **Diplomacy and Peaceful Resolution**: In the surrounding verses (Genesis 26:17-33), Isaac demonstrates a pattern of moving his encampment and digging new wells to avoid further conflict with the Philistines. This reflects a strategy of peaceful coexistence and the importance of diplomacy in maintaining harmony between different groups.
5. **Legal and Social Order**: The dispute also hints at the legal and social mechanisms that would have been in place to deal with such conflicts. The resolution of the dispute through negotiation and the recognition of property rights (as seen in the subsequent naming of wells by Isaac) points to an established, albeit informal, legal framework for managing such disputes.
In summary, Genesis 26:20 reflects the challenges of life in the ancient Near East, where conflicts over resources like water were common. It also illustrates cultural practices like naming, the fulfillment of divine promises, and the social mechanisms for resolving disputes peacefully.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- 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. - Strong's Number: H1642
There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גְּרָר
Transliteration: Gᵉrâr
Pronunciation: gher-awr'
Description: probably from גָּרַר; a rolling country; Gerar, a Philistine city; Gerar. - Strong's Number: H7378
There are 59 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רִיב
Transliteration: rîyb
Pronunciation: reeb
Description: or רוּב; a primitive root; properly, to toss, i.e. grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend; adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. - Strong's Number: H3327
There are 101 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יִצְחָק
Transliteration: Yitschâq
Pronunciation: yits-khawk'
Description: from צָחַק; laughter (i.e. mochery); Jitschak (or Isaac), son of Abraham; Isaac. Compare יִשְׂחָק. - 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. - Strong's Number: H4325
There are 525 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מַיִם
Transliteration: mayim
Pronunciation: mah'-yim
Description: dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen; [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). - Strong's Number: H7121
There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָרָא
Transliteration: qârâʼ
Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. - Strong's Number: H8034
There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֵׁם
Transliteration: shêm
Pronunciation: shame
Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. - Strong's Number: H875
There are 255 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בְּאֵר
Transliteration: bᵉʼêr
Pronunciation: be-ayr'
Description: from בָּאַר; a pit; especially a well; pit, well. - Strong's Number: H6230
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עֵשֶׂק
Transliteration: ʻêseq
Pronunciation: ay'sek
Description: from עָשַׂק; strife; Esek. - Strong's Number: H6229
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָשַׂק
Transliteration: ʻâsaq
Pronunciation: aw-sak
Description: a primitive root (identical with עָשַׁק); to press upon, i.e. quarrel; strive with.