Genesis 26:14

KJV

For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he had possession {H4735} of flocks {H6629}, and possession {H4735} of herds {H1241}, and great store {H7227} of servants {H5657}: and the Philistines {H6430} envied {H7065} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

He had flocks, cattle and a large household; and the P'lishtim envied him.

Berean Standard Bible

He owned so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him.

American Standard Version

and he had possessions of flocks, and possessions of herds, and a great household: and the Philistines envied him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 26:14 vividly portrays Isaac's extraordinary prosperity, a direct and abundant blessing from God that manifested in vast possessions of flocks, herds, and a numerous retinue of servants. This immense wealth, indicative of divine favor and covenant faithfulness, unfortunately ignited intense envy and animosity among the Philistines, the indigenous inhabitants of Gerar, thereby setting the stage for subsequent conflict and demonstrating the tension between divine blessing and human sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 26:14 is nestled within the narrative of Isaac's sojourn in Gerar, following a severe famine in the land (Genesis 26:1). This chapter deliberately echoes themes and events from Abraham's life, such as sojourning in a foreign land, divine instruction, and conflict over wells. Immediately preceding this verse, God reaffirms the Abrahamic covenant with Isaac, promising blessing, land, and numerous descendants if he remains in Gerar (Genesis 26:2-5). Isaac's obedience leads to miraculous agricultural success, reaping a hundredfold in the same year (Genesis 26:12). Verse 13 then states that Isaac "waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great." Genesis 26:14 elaborates on the components of this "very great" prosperity, detailing his specific assets, and directly introduces the consequential Philistine envy, which then leads into the narrative of conflict over wells and Isaac's eventual relocation (Genesis 26:15-22).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wealth was primarily measured by livestock (flocks and herds) and the number of servants or dependents a household commanded. These assets represented not only economic power but also social status, security, and influence. The Philistines were a settled, agricultural, and urbanized people inhabiting the coastal plain of Canaan, known for their distinct culture and military prowess. Their presence in Gerar, a significant city-state, suggests a complex relationship with semi-nomadic pastoralists like Isaac. In an arid region, control over water sources (wells) was paramount for survival and prosperity, making Isaac's burgeoning wealth and his need for extensive grazing lands a direct challenge to the Philistines' established control and resources. Their envy was likely fueled by a combination of economic threat, fear of demographic shifts, and a perceived challenge to their sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises**, demonstrating His ability to bless and prosper His chosen people even in challenging circumstances like famine, as seen in Isaac's hundredfold harvest (Genesis 26:12) and his subsequent accumulation of wealth. Secondly, it highlights the **tension between God's blessing and human sin**, particularly the destructive power of envy and hostility that arises when the world reacts negatively to divine favor. This theme recurs throughout biblical history, from Cain and Abel to the persecution of Christ. Finally, it underscores the **nature of the Abrahamic covenant as a source of material and spiritual blessing**, which, while bringing prosperity, also often precipitates conflict with those outside the covenant, foreshadowing the ongoing struggle between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent found throughout [the Pentateuch](/genesis/1-1 "The Pentateuch - Genesis to Deuteronomy") and beyond.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 26:14 provides a concise yet potent summary of Isaac's immense prosperity and the immediate negative consequence it elicited from his neighbors. The verse functions as a pivotal point, explaining *why* the Philistines reacted with hostility in the subsequent narrative.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Possession (Hebrew, _miqneh'_):** From the root _qanah_ (to acquire, buy), this term (H4735) specifically refers to "something bought," but in this context, it exclusively denotes **livestock** or **acquired property in the form of animals**. Its repetition ("possession of flocks, and possession of herds") emphasizes the sheer scale and comprehensive nature of Isaac's animal wealth, which was the primary measure of affluence in the ancient world.
* **Herds (Hebrew, _bâqâr'_):** This word (H1241) refers to **beef cattle or animals of the ox family**, collectively a herd. It signifies large, valuable livestock, distinct from smaller "flocks" (sheep and goats). The inclusion of both "flocks" (_tsôʼn_, H6629) and "herds" underscores the diverse and extensive nature of Isaac's pastoral wealth, indicating a well-rounded and substantial agricultural enterprise.
* **Great store (Hebrew, _rab'_):** This term (H7227) is an adjective meaning **abundant, numerous, great, or much**. When combined with "servants" (_ʻăbuddâh_, H5657), it indicates a **large multitude of servants or a numerous household**. In ancient societies, a large retinue of servants signified not only available labor but also significant social status, power, and security, further amplifying Isaac's perceived threat to the Philistines.
* **Envied (Hebrew, _qânâʼ'_):** This primitive root (H7065) means **to be zealous, or causatively, to make jealous or envious**. While it can describe righteous zeal, here it carries the negative connotation of **ill-will, resentment, or animosity arising from another's good fortune**. The Philistines' envy was not passive; it was an active, consuming emotion that led directly to their aggressive actions, such as stopping up Isaac's wells (Genesis 26:15).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds":** This clause immediately establishes the foundation of Isaac's immense wealth, focusing on his livestock. The deliberate repetition of "possession of" (miqneh) highlights the vast quantity and comprehensive nature of his animal assets, which included both smaller animals (sheep and goats) and larger, more valuable cattle. This was the primary form of capital and a clear indicator of prosperity in the ancient Near East.
* **"and great store of servants":** Building on the previous clause, this phrase further elaborates on Isaac's economic power and social standing. A "great store" or multitude of servants implies not only a large workforce to manage his extensive livestock and agricultural endeavors but also signifies his authority, influence, and the size of his household. Servants were a valuable asset, representing labor, security, and prestige.
* **"and the Philistines envied him":** This final clause introduces the immediate and pivotal consequence of Isaac's prosperity. The Philistines, as the local inhabitants and a settled people, viewed Isaac's rapidly expanding wealth and influence as a direct threat to their own resources, status, and control over the land. Their "envy" (qânâʼ) was a powerful, negative emotion that would soon translate into active hostility and attempts to diminish Isaac's standing, setting the stage for the conflicts described in the verses that follow.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. The **Repetition** of "possession of flocks, and possession of herds" serves to emphasize the sheer scale and comprehensiveness of Isaac's wealth, underscoring its impressive nature. This technique highlights the primary source of his prosperity. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition**, placing Isaac's divinely blessed prosperity directly alongside the Philistines' human envy. This sharp contrast immediately sets up the central conflict of the narrative, demonstrating how divine favor can provoke worldly opposition. Furthermore, the description of Isaac's wealth acts as **Hyperbole**, implying an extraordinary, almost unparalleled, level of prosperity that transcends typical human accumulation, thereby justifying the intense reaction of the Philistines. The Philistines' "envy" itself is a form of **Pathos**, appealing to the reader's understanding of human emotions and their destructive potential, making their subsequent actions more understandable, though not excusable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 26:14 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, demonstrating His power to bless abundantly those who walk in obedience, even amidst famine and adversity. Isaac's prosperity is not merely a result of good fortune or shrewd management, but a direct manifestation of divine favor, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham and reaffirmed to Isaac that his descendants would be blessed and become numerous. However, this divine blessing also exposes the destructive nature of human sin, particularly envy, which corrupts relationships and incites conflict. The Philistines' reaction serves as a stark reminder that God's people, even when living righteously and receiving His favor, will often face opposition and hostility from a world that resents divine blessing and the light it casts upon their own darkness. This tension underscores the ongoing spiritual conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world.

* [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God gives power to get wealth")
* [Proverbs 27:4](/proverbs/27-4 "Proverbs 27:4 - Envy is cruel")
* [James 4:5](/james/4-5 "James 4:5 - The spirit that dwells in us yearns jealously")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 26:14 offers profound insights for contemporary believers regarding the nature of divine blessing and the human response to it. It compels us to recognize that all true and lasting prosperity, whether material or spiritual, ultimately flows from the gracious hand of God. When we experience God's favor, it should cultivate in us a spirit of humility, gratitude, and generosity, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of all good things, rather than fostering pride or self-reliance. Furthermore, this verse serves as a sober warning that divine blessings in our lives may, unfortunately, provoke envy and opposition from others. In a world often driven by comparison and covetousness, our flourishing in God can sometimes become a target for resentment. Like Isaac, who eventually chose peace over conflict by moving and redigging wells, we are called to respond to such hostility with wisdom, grace, and a commitment to peace, as far as it depends on us. This may mean exercising patience, seeking reconciliation, or even, at times, withdrawing from contentious situations, trusting that God will provide and vindicate us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I witness others experiencing significant blessings or prosperity? Do I find myself prone to envy or genuinely able to rejoice with them?**
* **In what ways has God blessed me, and how do I acknowledge Him as the source of these blessings in my daily life?**
* **Have I ever experienced opposition or resentment from others because of God's favor in my life? How did I respond, and what can I learn from Isaac's example?**
* **How does my understanding of God's sovereignty over prosperity influence my pursuit of wealth or my attitude toward material possessions?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Philistines envy Isaac so much?**

Answer: The Philistines, as a settled and established people in Gerar, likely perceived Isaac's extraordinary and rapidly escalating wealth as a direct economic, social, and potentially political threat. His vast possessions of flocks and herds, especially during a famine, meant he commanded significant resources and influence, potentially outstripping their own. This unprecedented prosperity, coupled with his growing number of servants, would have made him a formidable presence, stirring deep resentment and fear of being overshadowed, displaced, or having their own resources (like water for their livestock and crops) diminished by his expansion. Their envy was rooted in a sense of insecurity and a perceived challenge to their dominion.

**Is material prosperity always a sign of God's blessing?**

Answer: While Isaac's prosperity in Genesis 26:14 is explicitly presented as a direct divine blessing and a fulfillment of God's covenant promises to him, the Bible teaches a nuanced view of material wealth. Not all material prosperity is automatically a sign of God's approval, nor is poverty always a sign of His disfavor. The Bible acknowledges that the wicked can prosper (Psalm 73), and righteous individuals can experience hardship (Job). God blesses His people in various ways, encompassing spiritual richness, peace, wisdom, righteousness, and eternal life, which are often emphasized as far more significant than material abundance. The New Testament, in particular, often cautions against the dangers of wealth and emphasizes spiritual blessings in Christ, such as those described in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with all spiritual blessings").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaac's experience in Genesis 26:14, where he is supremely blessed by God with abundant prosperity yet faces intense envy and persecution from the world, serves as a profound foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the ultimate heir of the Abrahamic covenant and the Son of God, was the embodiment of divine blessing, "full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word became flesh")). He brought a spiritual prosperity far surpassing any earthly wealth, offering eternal life, forgiveness, and the riches of God's kingdom to humanity ([Ephesians 2:7](/ephesians/2-7 "Ephesians 2:7 - The exceeding riches of His grace")). Yet, precisely because of His divine favor, His unparalleled authority, and the spiritual abundance He offered, He provoked intense envy and hostility from the religious leaders and the world, who perceived Him as a threat to their own power, traditions, and control ([Matthew 27:18](/matthew/27-18 "Matthew 27:18 - Pilate knew they had delivered Him out of envy")). Just as Isaac was forced to move from place to place and redig wells due to Philistine opposition, Christ, though innocent, was rejected by His own people and suffered outside the city gates ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrew/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus suffered outside the gate")). However, His suffering and rejection ultimately led to the greater fulfillment of God's promises, establishing a new covenant and opening the wellspring of eternal life for all nations, a spiritual inheritance infinitely more valuable and enduring than any earthly "possession of flocks, and possession of herds" ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - A well of water springing up into everlasting life")).

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 37:11

And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

1 Samuel 18:9

And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.

Job 1:3

His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.

Psalms 112:3

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

Proverbs 27:4

Wrath [is] cruel, and anger [is] outrageous; but who [is] able to stand before envy?

Ecclesiastes 4:4

¶ Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit.

Proverbs 10:22

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