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 captures Abram's remarkable act of selfless leadership and profound trust in divine providence as he offers Lot the first choice of land to resolve the escalating conflict between their herdsmen. This pivotal moment not only prevents strife within the family but also highlights Abram's unwavering faith in God's ultimate provision, even when relinquishing apparent advantage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Abram and Lot's return from Egypt, where they had both accumulated significant wealth in livestock, silver, and gold. The preceding verses (Genesis 13:5-8) describe the growing friction between their herdsmen due to the inability of the land to support their combined flocks. This tension sets the stage for Abram's proactive peacemaking initiative. Following Abram's generous offer in [Genesis 13:9](/genesis/13-9 "Abram's offer to Lot"), Lot chooses the fertile plain of Jordan, leading to their separation (Genesis 13:10-12). This separation then prompts God to reaffirm and expand His covenant promises to Abram, emphasizing the land and his numerous descendants (Genesis 13:14-17), underscoring that Abram's blessing is not contingent on his immediate possession of the "best" land but on God's faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, land was the primary source of wealth and sustenance, and disputes over grazing rights were common, often leading to violent conflict. The patriarchal society placed significant emphasis on the authority and prerogative of the elder, making Abram's concession to Lot, his nephew, particularly striking. The concept of "right" and "left" hands often carried symbolic weight, with the right typically signifying strength, honor, and preference. The land of Canaan, though promised to Abram, was still inhabited by Canaanites and Perizzites (Genesis 13:7), implying a shared and potentially contested territory, which further necessitated a clear division between Abram and Lot to avoid internal conflict that could weaken them against external threats.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 13:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, as Abram's trust in God's ability to provide, irrespective of his immediate circumstances or Lot's choice, stands in stark contrast to Lot's worldly calculation. It also underscores the **Priority of Peace and Relationships** within the covenant community, demonstrating that familial harmony is more valuable than material gain or personal rights. Furthermore, it highlights **Abram's Developing Faith** and his role as a model of righteous conduct, particularly his **Humility and Selflessness**. This episode also subtly introduces the theme of **Consequences of Choice**, foreshadowing Lot's eventual entanglement with the wicked cities of the plain, a direct outcome of his self-serving decision (see [Genesis 13:10-13](/genesis/13-10-13 "Lot's choice and its consequences")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ʼerets (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; this word refers to "the earth (at large, or partitively a land)." In this context, it specifically denotes the vast, available territory before Abram and Lot, emphasizing the abundance that paradoxically led to their conflict and the scope of Abram's generous offer. It signifies not just physical ground, but the means of livelihood and prosperity.
* **pânîym (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** A plural noun (always singular in usage) meaning "the face (as the part that turns)." Used here with a prepositional prefix, "before thee," it conveys the sense of something being directly in front of, accessible, and available for choice. It highlights the open invitation Abram extends to Lot, emphasizing that the entire expanse of land is laid out for Lot's consideration and selection.
* **pârad (Hebrew, _pârad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to break through, i.e. spread or separate (oneself)." This verb is crucial as it describes the decisive action Abram proposes. It's not merely a suggestion but a call for a clear, definitive division to resolve the conflict. Abram initiates this "separation" as a proactive measure to preserve peace, demonstrating his leadership and willingness to act decisively.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Is not the whole land before thee?"**: This rhetorical question, posed by Abram to Lot, serves multiple purposes. First, it acknowledges the vastness of the available territory, implying that there is enough for both of them, thus mitigating the perceived scarcity that fueled the conflict. Second, it subtly shifts the burden of choice to Lot, empowering him while simultaneously setting the stage for Abram's gracious concession. It also underscores Abram's faith that God's provision is not limited by their immediate circumstances or the need for separation.
* **"separate thyself, I pray thee, from me:"**: This is Abram's direct and humble plea to Lot. The phrase "I pray thee" (נָא, _naʼ_) softens the command, making it a gentle entreaty rather than an authoritative demand. The verb "separate thyself" (H6504, _pârad_) implies a complete and decisive division, a parting of ways to ensure the cessation of strife. Abram initiates this separation as a necessary step for peace, prioritizing relational harmony over any claim to rights or territory.
* **"if [thou wilt take] the left hand, then I will go to the right;"**: Abram here presents Lot with the initial option: if Lot chooses to go to the left (typically associated with the north or a less favorable direction in some contexts, though here simply one of two directions), Abram commits to going to the right. This demonstrates Abram's radical generosity and willingness to yield the advantage. He is not merely offering a choice but guaranteeing that he will accommodate Lot's decision, no matter which direction Lot prefers.
* **"or if [thou depart] to the right hand, then I will go to the left."**: This clause completes the comprehensive nature of Abram's offer. It reiterates his commitment to accommodate Lot's choice, covering all possibilities. By giving Lot complete freedom to choose either direction, Abram showcases his profound trust in God's overarching plan and provision, rather than relying on his own strategic advantage or the perceived quality of the land. This selflessness is a hallmark of his developing faith.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. A prominent one is the **Rhetorical Question** ("Is not the whole land before thee?"). This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful point: the land is vast enough for both, and the conflict is unnecessary. It also serves to set up Abram's magnanimous offer by highlighting the ample opportunity for separation. Additionally, the verse uses **Antithesis** and **Parallelism** through the contrasting directions: "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 symmetrical structure emphasizes the completeness and fairness of Abram's offer, demonstrating that he is willing to take whichever portion Lot does not choose. This highlights his selfless character and his unwavering commitment to peace. The narrative also contains a subtle element of **Foreshadowing**, as Lot's subsequent choice of the well-watered plain of Jordan, driven by worldly appeal rather than divine guidance, sets him on a path that ultimately leads to his entanglement with the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abram's actions in Genesis 13:9 are a powerful demonstration of faith, humility, and peacemaking, offering profound theological insights. His willingness to cede the advantage to Lot, despite being the elder and the recipient of God's covenant promises, underscores a radical trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and provision. Abram understood that his blessing and inheritance came from God's faithfulness, not from securing the most fertile land or asserting his rights. This act elevates the importance of relational harmony and peace within the community of faith above material gain or personal prerogative, setting a foundational principle for conflict resolution among believers. It challenges the human tendency to grasp for advantage, instead modeling a selfless spirit that trusts God to vindicate and provide.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abram")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Humility and Selflessness")
* [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Blessed are the Peacemakers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abram's conduct in Genesis 13:9 provides timeless and challenging lessons for believers in every generation. In a world often driven by self-interest, competition, and the pursuit of personal gain, Abram exemplifies a counter-cultural approach rooted in faith and love. 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, reminding us that our ultimate security and provision come from God, not from our shrewdness, negotiation skills, or ability to secure the "best" earthly portion. By prioritizing relationships, demonstrating selfless love, and trusting in God's unfailing care, we reflect His character and live out our faith in a way that honors Him. This trust allows us to release our grip on what we perceive as our rights or entitlements, confident that God will guide and provide for us, regardless of the "left" or "right" hand we are left with.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to prioritize personal gain or rights over peace and relational harmony?**
* **How does Abram's act of radical generosity challenge my understanding of God's provision and my own security?**
* **What specific steps can I take today to be a proactive peacemaker in a difficult relationship or situation?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, allowing me to release control and yield advantage for the sake of others?**

### 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. In ancient Near Eastern society, the elder typically held precedence, making Abram's concession particularly striking. It demonstrated his unwavering trust in God's ultimate provision over any perceived human right or advantage, prioritizing familial harmony and the avoidance of strife over personal gain. His security was in God's covenant, not in the physical land itself, as reaffirmed by God later in [Genesis 13:14-17](/genesis/13-14-17 "God reaffirms His promise to Abram").

**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 and necessary solution for this specific conflict rooted in resource scarcity and the inability of the land to sustain both households, it is not a universal mandate for all conflicts. Abram's primary goal was peace, and separation was the means to achieve it in this particular context. Other conflicts may require different solutions, such as reconciliation, mediation, or forgiveness. However, the underlying principle of prioritizing peace, demonstrating humility, and seeking a resolution that honors God and others remains paramount, even if it means a difficult parting of ways.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abram's extraordinary act of selflessness in [Genesis 13:9](/genesis/13-9 "Abram's offer to Lot"), where he willingly relinquishes his rights and prioritizes peace and the well-being of another, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate self-giving of Jesus Christ. Just as Abram, the patriarch and recipient of divine promises, chose to humble himself for the sake of peace, so too did Christ, though eternally God, "make himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Christ's humility in Philippians 2:7")). He laid aside His divine prerogatives, not merely offering a choice of land, but offering His very life to reconcile humanity to God. Jesus is the ultimate Peacemaker, who, through His sacrificial death on the cross, resolved the greatest conflict—that between a holy God and sinful humanity—and secured for us an inheritance far greater and more enduring than any earthly land (Ephesians 2:14-16). Abram's trust in God's provision finds its ultimate vindication in Christ, through whom all the promises of God are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "God's promises are 'Yea and Amen' in 2 Corinthians 1:20")), guaranteeing true and eternal blessing to all who trust in Him.

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

1 Peter 3:8

¶ Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:

1 Peter 3:12

For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil.

Hebrews 12:14

Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Genesis 34:10

And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein.

Genesis 20:15

And Abimelech said, Behold, my land [is] before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.

1 Corinthians 6:7

Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather [suffer yourselves to] be defrauded?

Psalms 120:7

I [am for] peace: but when I speak, they [are] for war.