Genesis 13:2

KJV

And Abram [was] very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abram {H87} was very {H3966} rich {H3513} in cattle {H4735}, in silver {H3701}, and in gold {H2091}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avram became wealthy, with much cattle, silver and gold.

Berean Standard Bible

And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold.

American Standard Version

And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Upon his return from Egypt, Abram is described as possessing immense wealth in livestock, silver, and gold. This verse succinctly highlights God's providential blessing and faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in the wake of Abram's human failings. This significant material abundance not only underscores Abram's elevated status but also sets the stage for the practical challenges of shared resources that will soon necessitate his separation from Lot.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 13:2 immediately follows Abram's departure from Egypt and his return to the Negev, then to Bethel, where he had previously built an altar and called upon the name of the Lord ([Genesis 12:9](/genesis/12-9 "Abram's journey south") and [Genesis 12:8](/genesis/12-8 "Abram builds an altar at Bethel")). The preceding chapter details Abram's sojourn in Egypt due to a famine, where he deceptively presented Sarai as his sister, leading to Pharaoh taking her into his household. Despite this moral lapse, Pharaoh bestowed significant gifts upon Abram ([Genesis 12:16](/genesis/12-16 "Pharaoh's gifts to Abram")), which directly accounts for the wealth described in this verse. This immediate literary flow emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, demonstrating His ability to bless His chosen even amidst their imperfections, and sets the stage for the impending conflict with Lot over land and resources.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wealth was primarily measured in terms of livestock (cattle, sheep, goats), precious metals (silver and gold), and servants. Livestock represented mobile capital, a source of food, clothing, and trade, while silver and gold served as currency, a store of value, and indicators of high social status and influence. The mention of "cattle, silver, and gold" in [Genesis 13:2](/genesis/13-2 "Abram's great wealth") is a standard way of describing comprehensive prosperity for a nomadic patriarch. Such immense wealth would have conferred significant power and respect, allowing Abram to sustain a large household and retinue, and to command authority in the region. The geographical setting, with its limited pasturelands, would soon make the co-existence of two large, prosperous households (Abram's and Lot's) unsustainable, leading to the narrative's next crucial development.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence and Blessing**, showing God's active involvement in Abram's life and His commitment to fulfilling His promises, even when human actions are flawed. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as Abram's prosperity is a tangible sign of God's initial outworking of the promise to "make your name great" and "bless you" from [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's promises to Abram"). Thirdly, it introduces the practical challenges of **Wealth and Stewardship**, demonstrating how abundance can lead to relational friction and necessitate wise decision-making, as will be seen in the separation of Abram and Lot in [Genesis 13:5-12](/genesis/13-5-12 "Abram and Lot separate").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rich (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** From H3513, this root means "to be heavy" or "weighty." In a good sense, it implies being numerous, rich, or honorable. When applied to possessions, it conveys not just a large quantity but substantial, weighty, and significant wealth. Abram's wealth was not merely abundant but possessed immense substance and influence.
* **very (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd'_):** From H3966, this word denotes vehemence or intensity. It functions as an intensive or superlative, meaning "exceedingly," "greatly," or "mightily." When combined with "rich" (*kâbad*), it emphasizes the extraordinary, overwhelming extent of Abram's wealth, signifying that he was not just rich, but *exceedingly* or *extremely* rich.
* **gold (Hebrew, _zâhâb'_):** From H2091, this refers to the precious metal, gold. In the ancient world, gold was a primary indicator of immense wealth, status, and a store of value, often used for significant transactions, ornaments, and royal treasuries. Its inclusion alongside cattle and silver completes the picture of Abram's comprehensive and substantial material prosperity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abram [was] very rich":** This opening clause immediately establishes the central point of the verse: Abram's extraordinary prosperity. The Hebrew phrase *kaved me'od* (כבד מאד) literally means "very heavy" or "very weighty," conveying a sense of immense substance and significance. This is not merely a statement of quantity but an emphatic declaration of Abram's elevated status and the substantial nature of his possessions, a direct result of God's blessing and providence, even through his time in Egypt.
* **"in cattle":** Livestock, particularly cattle, were the primary form of wealth in the nomadic, pastoral society of the ancient Near East. They represented mobile capital, a source of food (milk, meat), clothing (hides, wool from sheep/goats), and a means of exchange. Possessing large herds indicated not only material wealth but also the ability to sustain a large household, servants, and retainers, signifying power and influence within the region.
* **"in silver, and in gold":** These precious metals served as the most concentrated forms of wealth, used for trade, large transactions, and as a stable store of value. Unlike livestock, they were not perishable and were easily transportable, making them ideal for long-term savings and significant purchases. The mention of both silver and gold indicates a comprehensive and diversified portfolio of wealth, solidifying Abram's standing as an exceptionally prosperous individual in his time.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey Abram's immense wealth. The use of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification** is evident in the phrase "very rich" (Hebrew *kaved me'od*), which literally means "very heavy" or "very weighty." This emphasizes the extraordinary, almost overwhelming, nature of Abram's possessions, beyond mere abundance. Furthermore, the listing of "cattle, silver, and gold" functions as a **Merism**, representing the totality of Abram's assets by naming its most significant components. This comprehensive enumeration paints a complete picture of his diverse and substantial prosperity, encompassing all major forms of ancient wealth. Finally, the description of Abram's wealth carries **Symbolism**, serving as a tangible manifestation of God's covenant blessing and faithfulness to His promise to make Abram great ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's promises to Abram")), even amidst the complexities of human imperfection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's sovereign providence and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, demonstrating His ability to bless and provide for His chosen people even when their actions are flawed. Abram's immense wealth, acquired partly through Pharaoh's gifts despite Abram's deception in Egypt, underscores that God's plans are not thwarted by human weakness; rather, He orchestrates circumstances to fulfill His purposes and promises. This material abundance is a tangible sign of God's blessing, yet it also introduces the complexities of stewardship and the potential for conflict that wealth can bring, setting the stage for the necessary separation between Abram and Lot.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Initial Promises to Abram")
* [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "God gives power to get wealth")
* [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "The blessing of the Lord brings wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 13:2 serves as a powerful reminder of God's abundant provision and unwavering faithfulness, even in the face of human imperfection. Abram's wealth was not merely a result of his own efforts or Pharaoh's generosity, but ultimately a manifestation of God's blessing, fulfilling His promise to make Abram great. For us, this verse challenges us to recognize that all our resources, talents, and opportunities are gifts from God, intended not solely for personal comfort but for His glory and purposes. It prompts us to consider how our own blessings, whether material or otherwise, might create new responsibilities or present tests of character, particularly in our relationships and stewardship. Like Abram, who would soon demonstrate wisdom and generosity in resolving conflict over resources, we are called to manage our possessions with humility, integrity, and a willingness to prioritize peace and relationships over personal gain, always seeking to honor God in our handling of His provisions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abram's wealth, acquired even through a period of human weakness, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's faithfulness and providence?**
* **In what ways might the blessings God has given you (material or otherwise) present new responsibilities or tests of character in your own life?**
* **How can you cultivate a spirit of wise stewardship and generosity with the resources God has entrusted to you, particularly in situations that might lead to conflict or division?**

### FAQ
**How did Abram acquire such immense wealth?**

Answer: Abram's significant wealth was largely acquired during his sojourn in Egypt, where Pharaoh bestowed upon him numerous gifts, including livestock, silver, and gold, despite Abram's deceptive act concerning Sarai ([Genesis 12:16](/genesis/12-16 "Pharaoh's gifts to Abram")). This demonstrates God's providential care and ability to bless His covenant people even through challenging circumstances and human weakness, orchestrating events to fulfill His promises even amidst human imperfection.

**Does Abram's wealth signify God's approval of material prosperity?**

Answer: Abram's wealth is presented as a tangible manifestation of God's blessing and faithfulness to His covenant promise to bless Abram and make him great ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's promise to Abram")). While the Bible does not inherently condemn wealth, it consistently emphasizes that material prosperity is a gift from God that comes with responsibilities of stewardship, generosity, and reliance on God rather than riches. Abram's wealth, therefore, signifies God's provision and the initial fulfillment of His promises, but it also serves as a test of character, as seen in the subsequent conflict with Lot and Abram's generous resolution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abram's material wealth, a tangible sign of God's covenant blessing and faithfulness, foreshadows the far greater spiritual riches and eternal inheritance found in Christ Jesus. While Abram received earthly prosperity as a patriarch, Christ Himself is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to bless all the families of the earth through Abram's seed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's promise to bless all nations")). In Christ, believers are "blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Every spiritual blessing in Christ")), receiving an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "The believer's imperishable inheritance")). This spiritual wealth, secured by Christ's atoning work and sealed by the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Sealed with the Holy Spirit")), transcends any earthly possession, providing eternal security, peace, and an unimaginable abundance in God's presence, far surpassing the temporary riches of Abram.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 24:35

And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.

Psalms 112:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD, [that] delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Psalms 112:3

Wealth and riches [shall be] in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

Proverbs 10:22

¶ The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

Genesis 26:12

¶ Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.

Genesis 26:13

And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:

Deuteronomy 8:18

But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as [it is] this day.