Genesis 26:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And the man {H376} waxed great {H1431}, and went {H3212} forward {H1980}, and grew {H1432} until he became {H1431} very {H3966} great {H1431}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The man became rich and prospered more and more, until he had become very wealthy indeed.

Berean Standard Bible

and he became richer and richer, until he was exceedingly wealthy.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaac, the son of Abraham, during a severe regional famine. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and continuous blessing upon Isaac, portraying his escalating growth in wealth, possessions, and societal influence to an unprecedented degree. It marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting the divine hand behind Isaac's success despite challenging circumstances and human opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Genesis 26:13](/genesis/26-13 "Isaac's Growth in Gerar") is the culminating statement in a series of verses detailing Isaac's residence in Gerar and God's remarkable provision for him. The narrative begins with a severe famine, prompting Isaac to consider going to Egypt, much like his father Abraham had done. However, God intervenes, commanding Isaac to remain in the land He would show him, promising His presence, blessing, and the multiplication of his offspring, reiterating the Abrahamic covenant ([Genesis 26:1-5](/genesis/26-1-5 "God's Command and Promise to Isaac")). Isaac obeys, settling in Gerar among the Philistines ([Genesis 26:6](/genesis/26-6 "Isaac's Obedience in Gerar")). Despite the famine, Isaac sows in that land and miraculously reaps a hundredfold in the same year, a clear sign of divine favor ([Genesis 26:12](/genesis/26-12 "Isaac's Hundredfold Harvest")). [Genesis 26:13](/genesis/26-13 "The Culmination of Isaac's Blessing") then describes the continuous, exponential nature of this blessing, emphasizing that his prosperity was not a one-time event but an ongoing, ever-increasing phenomenon. This escalating wealth ultimately leads to envy from the Philistines and their king, Abimelech, setting the stage for subsequent conflicts over wells and Isaac's eventual departure from Gerar ([Genesis 26:14-17](/genesis/26-14-17 "Philistine Envy and Isaac's Departure")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of [Genesis 26](/genesis/26 "Isaac's Sojourn in Gerar") is a period of severe famine, a common and devastating occurrence in the ancient Near East due to unpredictable rainfall. Such conditions made agricultural success exceptionally difficult and often led to migration, as seen with Abraham and Jacob. Gerar, a Philistine city-state, was likely a more fertile region or had access to water sources, making it a temporary refuge. For a nomadic patriarch like Isaac, wealth was measured not just in land, but in livestock, servants, and the ability to sustain a large household. The concept of "greatness" or "waxing great" in this context implies not only material accumulation but also social standing, power, and influence within the region. Such rapid and extensive prosperity, especially for a foreigner during a famine, would naturally elicit envy and suspicion from the indigenous population, who would perceive it as a threat to their own resources and authority. The Philistines' reaction in [Genesis 26:14-16](/genesis/26-14-16 "Philistine Envy of Isaac") underscores the socio-political implications of Isaac's immense wealth.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 26:13](/genesis/26-13 "Themes in Isaac's Prosperity") powerfully illustrates several foundational themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to the promises made to Abraham and now extended to Isaac ([Genesis 26:3-4](/genesis/26-3-4 "God's Covenant with Isaac")). Even in adverse circumstances like famine, God proves His ability to provide and prosper His chosen ones. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Blessing and Prosperity**, showing that true wealth and success are ultimately gifts from God, not merely products of human effort or favorable conditions. Isaac's hundredfold harvest in a famine ([Genesis 26:12](/genesis/26-12 "Isaac's Hundredfold Harvest")) and his continuous growth are direct manifestations of divine favor. Thirdly, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Obedience and its Rewards**, as Isaac's initial decision to obey God's command not to go to Egypt ([Genesis 26:6](/genesis/26-6 "Isaac's Obedience")) sets the stage for the blessings that follow. Finally, the verse contributes to the overarching theme of **God's Preservation of the Seed**, ensuring the continuity of the covenant line through Isaac, despite external challenges and internal human failings, paving the way for the future nation of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** This term (H376) refers to Isaac as an individual or a male person. In this context, it emphasizes Isaac as the specific recipient of God's blessing, highlighting his personal journey and the direct fulfillment of the covenant promises through him. It sets him apart as the singular focus of this divine favor.
* **Waxed great (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** This primitive root (H1431) signifies to be or to make large, to advance, grow up, or increase. It encompasses growth in body, mind, estate, or honor. Here, it denotes Isaac's initial and continuous increase in wealth, possessions, and influence, implying a significant expansion of his resources and standing. The repetition of this root throughout the verse emphasizes the extraordinary nature of his prosperity.
* **Forward (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** Akin to _yâlak_ (H3212), this primitive root (H1980) means to walk, go, or advance. When combined with "went" (from _yâlak_), it creates an idiomatic expression signifying continuous progress, advancement, or moving steadily onward. It portrays Isaac's prosperity not as static but as dynamic and ever-increasing, a relentless forward momentum of blessing.
* **Very (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd'_):** This word (H3966) denotes vehemence or intensity. Often used as an intensive or superlative, especially when repeated, it amplifies the preceding word. In "very great," it underscores the extreme magnitude and unparalleled extent of Isaac's final state of prosperity, far exceeding typical or expected growth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the man waxed great":** This opening clause introduces the initial phase of Isaac's burgeoning prosperity. The Hebrew verb _gâdal_ (H1431) here suggests a significant increase in his wealth, possessions, and overall stature. It points to the commencement of God's promised blessing taking tangible form in Isaac's life, moving him from a state of mere sustenance to one of noticeable abundance. This "greatness" encompasses not just material wealth but also the growing influence and respect he commanded.
* **"and went forward":** This phrase, using the Hebrew verb _yâlak_ (H3212) followed by the adverbial form of _hâlak_ (H1980), describes a continuous, progressive advancement. It indicates that Isaac's prosperity was not a static condition but an ongoing, dynamic process of growth. He was not merely accumulating wealth but was actively expanding his operations, influence, and reach. This implies a steady, relentless upward trajectory in his fortunes, suggesting divine momentum behind his endeavors.
* **"and grew until he became very great":** This final clause provides the climax and ultimate extent of Isaac's prosperity, employing a powerful repetition and intensification of the root _gâdal_ (H1431) with the emphatic adverb _mᵉʼôd_ (H3966, "very"). The first "grew" (H1432, _gâdêl_) is an adjective meaning "large," while "became very great" reiterates and amplifies the initial "waxed great." This emphatic repetition underscores the overwhelming and unprecedented magnitude of Isaac's wealth and influence. It signifies a level of prosperity that was far beyond ordinary, reaching an extraordinary and undeniable peak, making him a figure of immense power and envy in the land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Repetition** and **Climax** to emphasize the extraordinary nature of Isaac's prosperity. The Hebrew root _gâdal_ ("waxed great," "grew," "very great") is repeated multiple times, creating a sense of continuous and escalating increase. This repetition is not redundant but rather builds a **Crescendo**, moving from an initial state of "greatness" to a final, overwhelming state of "very great." The use of the intensive adverb _mᵉʼôd_ ("very") further amplifies this climax, signifying a prosperity that surpassed all expectations and became undeniably immense. This literary technique powerfully conveys the divine, supernatural quality of Isaac's blessing, highlighting its magnitude and the unwavering faithfulness of God's covenant promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Genesis 26:13](/genesis/26-13 "Theological Implications of Isaac's Prosperity") serves as a profound theological statement about God's sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It demonstrates that divine blessing is not contingent upon favorable human circumstances but flows from God's character and His word. Even in a time of severe famine, God supernaturally provides and multiplies Isaac's resources, illustrating His ability to transcend natural limitations. This passage underscores the continuity of the Abrahamic covenant, showing that God's promises to bless Abraham's descendants are being actively fulfilled in Isaac's life. It teaches that true prosperity, in the biblical sense, is ultimately a gift from God, intended not just for personal gain but also to demonstrate His glory and faithfulness to a watching world. Isaac's "greatness" was a visible sign of an invisible God at work, fulfilling His redemptive plan.

* [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "God Gives Power to Get Wealth")
* [Psalm 1:3](/psalm/1-3 "The Blessed Man's Prosperity")
* [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "The Blessing of the Lord Brings Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 26:13](/genesis/26-13 "Lessons from Isaac's Prosperity") offers enduring encouragement and practical wisdom for believers today. It reminds us that our ultimate source of provision and prosperity is God Himself, not our circumstances or even our diligent efforts alone. While Isaac's obedience and hard work (sowing in famine) were present, it was God's supernatural multiplication that led to his extraordinary "greatness." This calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's faithfulness, especially when faced with challenging or seemingly barren seasons of life. It challenges us to be diligent stewards of whatever resources and opportunities God provides, recognizing that our efforts, when surrendered to His will, can be supernaturally blessed. Furthermore, Isaac's prosperity, which eventually drew envy, reminds us that God's blessings often come with responsibilities and challenges, requiring grace to navigate them with humility and integrity. Our "greatness" in God's eyes is measured not just by what we accumulate, but by how we live out His covenant in a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing a "famine" or significant challenge, and how might this verse encourage you to trust in God's supernatural provision?**
* **How does Isaac's experience of "waxing great" challenge or affirm your understanding of biblical prosperity today?**
* **What does Isaac's diligence in sowing during a famine teach you about the relationship between human effort and divine blessing?**
* **How can you, like Isaac, demonstrate God's faithfulness and blessing in your own life in a way that points others to Him, even if it draws envy?**

### FAQ

**Why is Isaac's growth described with such repetition and emphasis?**

Answer: The Hebrew text of [Genesis 26:13](/genesis/26-13 "The Emphasis on Isaac's Growth") employs emphatic repetition of the root _gâdal_ ("waxed great," "grew," "very great") along with the progressive sense of _hâlak_ ("went forward") to stress the continuous, accelerating, and overwhelming nature of God's blessing upon Isaac. This literary device, known as **climax** or **crescendo**, highlights the extraordinary extent of Isaac's prosperity, far beyond normal growth. It underscores the divine origin and magnitude of his wealth and influence, making it clear that this was not merely good fortune but a supernatural manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness and power, intended to be a visible testimony to those around him.

**Does Isaac's prosperity imply a "prosperity gospel"?**

Answer: Isaac's prosperity, as depicted in [Genesis 26:13](/genesis/26-13 "Isaac's Prosperity and the Prosperity Gospel"), is presented as a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham and a reward for Isaac's specific obedience, particularly his decision to stay in the land rather than flee to Egypt during the famine ([Genesis 26:2-6](/genesis/26-2-6 "God's Command to Isaac")). While God does bless His people, this passage emphasizes divine faithfulness and covenantal blessing within a specific historical and theological context, rather than a universal, formulaic guarantee of material wealth for all obedience. It underscores God's ability to provide abundantly for His chosen, even in adverse conditions, and to demonstrate His power through their lives. It is distinct from the modern "prosperity gospel," which often suggests that material wealth is a guaranteed outcome of faith or a direct measure of one's spiritual standing, often overlooking the biblical emphasis on spiritual riches, suffering for Christ, and God's sovereign purposes that may not always include material abundance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaac, as the son of promise through whom the Abrahamic covenant continued, and who received immeasurable blessing in a time of famine, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual abundance found in Christ. Just as Isaac was the designated heir through whom God's promises to Abraham would be realized, Christ is the true "seed" of Abraham, the ultimate heir of all things, through whom all the nations of the earth are truly blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Christ as the Seed of Abraham")). Isaac's "waxing great" in material wealth points to the infinitely greater spiritual riches and inexhaustible grace that are ours in Christ Jesus ([Ephesians 1:7-8](/ephesians/1-7-8 "Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). While Isaac experienced earthly prosperity, Christ offers a kingdom not of this world, providing true sustenance, eternal life, and spiritual "greatness" that transcends all earthly limitations ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The "very great" blessing upon Isaac ultimately finds its most profound and enduring fulfillment in the "immeasurable riches of His grace" toward us in Christ Jesus ([Ephesians 2:7](/ephesians/2-7 "God's Grace in Christ Jesus")), who is the true and ultimate inheritor of all God's promises, in whom all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises Fulfilled in Christ")).

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

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 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.