Genesis 26:21

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.

Complete Jewish Bible:

They dug another well and quarreled over that one too. So he called it Sitnah [enmity].

Berean Standard Bible:

Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah.

American Standard Version:

And they digged another well, and they strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And they digged^{H2658} another^{H312} well^{H875}, and strove^{H7378} for that also: and he called^{H7121} the name of it^{H8034} Sitnah^{H7856}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 26:21

Genesis 26:21 is part of the narrative involving Isaac, the son of Abraham, and his experiences in the land of the Philistines, specifically in Gerar. The broader context of this verse is found in Genesis 26, where Isaac faces similar challenges to those of his father, Abraham, including famine and dealing with local rulers.

**Themes:**
1. **Struggle and Perseverance:** The verse reflects the theme of conflict and struggle as Isaac's herders contend with the herders of Gerar over water rights. Despite facing opposition, Isaac persists in his efforts to secure wells for his flocks, demonstrating perseverance.
2. **Name Significance:** The naming of the well "Sitnah," which means "enmity" or "hostility," signifies the strife associated with the location. This theme of naming places to commemorate significant events is recurrent in the Bible.
3. **Providence and Blessing:** The overall narrative of Genesis 26 shows God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to Isaac. Despite the conflicts, Isaac's wealth and influence grow, indicating divine favor and blessing.

**Historical Context:**
During the time of the patriarchs, wells were vital for survival in the arid regions of Canaan. They were a source of life for people and their livestock, often leading to disputes over ownership and access. The conflict over wells in this chapter underscores the importance of water rights and the potential for conflict between nomadic herders (like Isaac) and settled populations (like the Philistines in Gerar).

Isaac's experiences in Gerar echo the earlier experiences of his father, Abraham, who also had encounters with Abimelech, the king of Gerar, and faced conflicts over wells (as seen in Genesis 21 and Genesis 26:15). This repetition of themes highlights the patriarchal patterns in the lives of the ancestors of Israel, emphasizing their faith and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

In summary, Genesis 26:21 reflects the themes of struggle and perseverance in the face of conflict, the significance of names in commemorating historical events, and the overarching theme of God's providence and blessing in the lives of the patriarchs. The historical context underscores the importance of wells as a source of contention in the ancient Near East and the ongoing fulfillment of God's covenant with the patriarchs.

*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: H2658
   There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חָפַר
   Transliteration: châphar
   Pronunciation: khaw-far'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore; dig, paw, search out, seek.
   
2. Strong's Number: H312
   There are 271 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַחֵר
   Transliteration: ʼachêr
   Pronunciation: akh-air'
   Description: from אָחַר; properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc.; (an-) other man, following, next, strange.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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.
   
5. 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.
   
6. 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.
   
7. Strong's Number: H7856
   There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שִׂטְנָה
   Transliteration: Siṭnâh
   Pronunciation: sit-naw'
   Description: the same as שִׂטְנָה; Sitnah, the name of a well in Pal; Sitnah.