Genesis 13:9

KJV

[Is] not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if [thou wilt take] the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if [thou depart] to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

KJV (with Strong's)

Is not the whole land {H776} before thee {H6440}? separate thyself {H6504}, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand {H8040}, then I will go to the right {H3231}; or if thou depart to the right hand {H3225}, then I will go to the left {H8041}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Isn't the whole land there in front of you? Please separate yourself from me - if you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left."

Berean Standard Bible

Is not the whole land before you? Now separate yourself from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.”

American Standard Version

Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou take the right hand, then I will go to the left.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 13:9](/genesis/13-9 "Abram's offer to Lot") records Abram's remarkably generous proposal to Lot, offering him the first choice of land to resolve growing conflict between their herdsmen. This pivotal moment showcases Abram's wisdom, selfless leadership, and profound trust in God's provision amidst increasing prosperity.

### CONTEXT
Following their return from Egypt, both Abram and Lot had become exceedingly wealthy in livestock and possessions, leading to the land being insufficient to sustain them together. This abundance, paradoxically, caused strife between their herdsmen, threatening the peace of their family unit. Despite being the elder and the recipient of God's prior promise of the land [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's promise of land to Abram"), Abram proactively offers Lot the first choice of settlement, demonstrating a profound commitment to peace over personal advantage and a deep reliance on divine providence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
In [Genesis 13:9](/genesis/13-9 "Abram's offer to Lot"), Abram addresses the escalating conflict between his and Lot's herdsmen, which arose from their extensive combined wealth and flocks. His opening rhetorical question, "Is not the whole land before thee?" underscores the vastness of the available territory, yet also subtly highlights the need for separation to maintain peace. Abram's immediate concern is to avoid strife, prioritizing familial harmony over any perceived right to the land as the elder or the recipient of God's promise.

He then proposes, "separate thyself, I pray thee, from me." The Hebrew verb for "separate" is *פָּרַד* (parad), signifying a decisive division or departure. This is not a reluctant concession but a proactive, gracious initiative to prevent further contention. Abram's offer is remarkably open-ended: "if [thou wilt take] the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if [thou depart] to the right hand, then I will go to the left." This complete freedom of choice given to Lot reveals several key aspects of Abram's character and faith:

* **Unparalleled Generosity:** Abram, the patriarch and the one through whom God's covenant blessings would flow, cedes the advantage to his junior. This act stands in stark contrast to the typical human tendency to assert rights or claim the best.
* **Proactive Peacemaking:** Rather than allowing the dispute to fester or escalate, Abram takes immediate, decisive action to resolve the conflict, demonstrating a commitment to peace at personal cost.
* **Profound Trust in God's Providence:** Abram's willingness to let Lot choose, even potentially the most fertile land (which Lot indeed does in [Genesis 13:10](/genesis/13-10 "Lot chooses the plain of Jordan")), underscores his deep conviction that his ultimate security and blessing came from God's faithfulness, not from advantageous earthly possessions or shrewd negotiation. His security was in God's promise, not in the land itself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Sovereignty and Provision:** Abram's actions demonstrate a profound trust in God's ability to provide, regardless of human choices or circumstances. His faith illustrates that true blessing is not contingent on securing the 'best' earthly portion, but on aligning with God's will and trusting His unfailing care.
* **The Priority of Peace and Relationships:** This passage elevates the importance of peace within the community of faith above material gain or personal rights. Abram's willingness to sacrifice for peace serves as a foundational principle for conflict resolution among believers.
* **Humility and Selflessness as Marks of Faith:** Abram's humility in allowing his junior to choose first, despite his patriarchal status and divine promises, exemplifies a selfless spirit that trusts God to vindicate and provide. This humility is a hallmark of true faith.
* **The Consequences of Choice:** While Abram trusts God, Lot's subsequent choice of the well-watered plain of Jordan, without consulting God, foreshadows the different paths and consequences that arise from choices made based on worldly appeal versus divine trust ([Genesis 13:10-13](/genesis/13-10 "Lot's choice and its consequences")).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abram's conduct in [Genesis 13:9](/genesis/13-9 "Abram's offer to Lot") offers timeless lessons for believers today. We are called to be proactive peacemakers, willing to humble ourselves and even sacrifice personal advantage to preserve harmony within our families, churches, and communities. This passage encourages a radical generosity, trusting that God, not our own shrewdness or grasping, is the ultimate source of our provision and blessing. By prioritizing relationships and demonstrating selfless love, we reflect God's character and live out our faith in a way that honors Him, confident that He will guide and provide for us, regardless of the 'left' or 'right' hand we are left with.

### FAQ
**Why did Abram, as the elder, give Lot the first choice?**

Answer: Abram's decision to give Lot the first choice, despite being the elder and the recipient of God's promise of the land, was a profound act of faith, humility, and peacemaking. It demonstrated his trust in God's ultimate provision over any perceived human right or advantage, prioritizing familial harmony over personal gain.

**Does this passage suggest that separation is always the best solution for conflict?**

Answer: While [Genesis 13:9](/genesis/13-9 "Abram's offer to Lot") shows separation as an effective solution for this specific conflict rooted in resource scarcity, it's not a universal mandate. Abram's primary goal was peace, and separation was the means to achieve it in this context. Other conflicts may require different solutions, but the underlying principle of prioritizing peace and relationship remains paramount.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abram's selfless act in [Genesis 13:9](/genesis/13-9 "Abram's offer to Lot"), where he willingly gives up his rights and prioritizes peace and the well-being of another, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate self-giving of Jesus Christ. Christ, though God, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Christ's humility in Philippians 2:7")), relinquishing His divine prerogatives to reconcile humanity to God. He is the ultimate Peacemaker, who, through His sacrifice, resolved the greatest conflict—that between a holy God and sinful humanity—and secured for us an inheritance far greater than any earthly land. Abram's trust in God's provision finds its ultimate vindication in Christ, through whom all the promises of God are "Yea and Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "God's promises are 'Yea and Amen' in 2 Corinthians 1:20")).

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.