Genesis 26:19

KJV

And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Isaac's {H3327} servants {H5650} digged {H2658} in the valley {H5158}, and found {H4672} there a well {H875} of springing {H2416} water {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yitz'chak's servants dug in the vadi and uncovered a spring of running water.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found a well of fresh water there.

American Standard Version

And Isaac’s servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 26:19 records the significant discovery by Isaac's servants of a well of "springing water" in the valley of Gerar. This event underscores God's faithful and abundant provision for Isaac amidst famine and Philistine hostility, signifying divine blessing and renewed favor beyond mere restoration.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated within a narrative detailing Isaac's sojourn in the land of the Philistines during a famine, echoing his father [Abraham's](/genesis/12-1 "Abraham's Call and Journey") experiences. God had specifically commanded Isaac not to go to Egypt, renewing His covenant promises of blessing and multiplication of offspring if he remained in the land [Genesis 26:3-4](/genesis/26-3 "God's Covenant Renewal with Isaac"). Isaac's subsequent prosperity became a source of intense envy for the Philistines, who had maliciously stopped up the wells dug by Abraham's servants [Genesis 26:15](/genesis/26-15 "Philistine Envy and Stopped Wells"). In response, Isaac moved to the valley of Gerar, diligently redigging and renaming those old wells [Genesis 26:18](/genesis/26-18 "Isaac Redigs Abraham's Wells"). The discovery in verse 19, however, refers to finding a *new* source of water, not just reopening an old one, signifying fresh divine favor and abundant provision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The discovery of "springing water" was a momentous event for Isaac and his household. In the semi-arid ancient Near East, water was the most vital resource, directly linked to survival and prosperity. This new well represented not just a convenience, but a profound act of divine sustenance and blessing in a land where resources were contested and often withheld.

* **Divine Provision:** The finding of "springing water" powerfully demonstrates God's faithful provision for Isaac. Even in a hostile environment and despite human opposition, God ensured His servant had access to life-sustaining resources, proving His sustaining presence.
* **Perseverance and Diligence:** Isaac's servants, under his direction, persevered in their digging efforts despite the previous hostility and the considerable labor involved. Their diligence and hard work were directly rewarded with this vital resource, illustrating the principle that persistent effort, coupled with faith, often precedes divine breakthrough.
* **Conflict Over Resources:** The narrative surrounding the wells in Genesis 26 highlights the intense value of water in ancient times, which frequently led to disputes and contention among different groups, as seen in the subsequent conflicts over wells like Esek and Sitnah [Genesis 26:20-21](/genesis/26-20 "Disputes Over Wells: Esek and Sitnah"). This underscores the real-world challenges faced by nomadic pastoralists.
* **New Blessings and "Living Water":** While Isaac had been diligently reopening old wells, this specific verse highlights the discovery of a *new* well, signifying an additional, perhaps unexpected, blessing from God that went beyond merely restoring what was lost. The KJV phrase "springing water" translates the Hebrew *mayim chayyim* (מַיִם חַיִּים), literally "living water." This term refers to fresh, flowing water from a natural spring or underground source, as opposed to stagnant water collected in a cistern or rainwater. "Living water" was highly prized for its purity, coolness, and continuous supply, making it a superior and more desirable source. This concept later takes on profound spiritual meaning in the New Testament, notably when [Jesus speaks of "living water" to the Samaritan woman](/john/4-10 "Jesus Offers Living Water to the Samaritan Woman"), symbolizing the eternal life and spiritual refreshment He offers to all who believe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **God's Covenant Faithfulness:** The discovery of the well reaffirms God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises to Isaac, demonstrating His provision even when circumstances seem bleak.
* **Sovereign Provision:** This event illustrates God's sovereign ability to provide for His people in unexpected ways and places, often exceeding human expectations or efforts.
* **Symbolism of "Living Water":** The physical "living water" found by Isaac's servants foreshadows the spiritual "living water" that God provides, which satisfies the deepest spiritual thirst and brings eternal life.
* **Blessing Amidst Adversity:** Isaac's experience shows that God's blessings are not contingent on ideal circumstances but can manifest powerfully even in the face of opposition and scarcity.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 26:19 offers timeless lessons for believers today, encouraging unwavering trust in God's provision. Just as Isaac's servants diligently sought water in a challenging environment, we are called to persist in our faith and efforts, knowing that God is capable of providing abundantly, often in unexpected ways, even when faced with adversity or opposition. This narrative reminds us that God's blessings can extend beyond merely restoring what was lost, bringing forth new sources of refreshment and life. Ultimately, it points us to the spiritual truth that our deepest thirst can only be quenched by the true "living water" that flows from God through Christ, offering eternal sustenance and spiritual renewal.

### FAQ
**Does "living water" in Genesis 26:19 have a spiritual meaning beyond physical water?**

Answer: While primarily referring to fresh, flowing spring water in its immediate context, the Hebrew term *mayim chayyim* ("living water") carries a profound spiritual resonance that develops throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, it symbolizes purity, life, and divine blessing. In the New Testament, particularly through Jesus's teachings (e.g., [John 4:10](/john/4-10 "Jesus Offers Living Water to the Samaritan Woman") and [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "Rivers of Living Water from Believers")), "living water" becomes a direct metaphor for the Holy Spirit, eternal life, and the spiritual refreshment and satisfaction that only Christ can provide to those who believe in Him. Thus, while Genesis 26:19 describes a physical blessing, it subtly foreshadows a deeper, spiritual reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The discovery of "springing water" for Isaac in Genesis 26:19 serves as a beautiful type of Christ, the ultimate source of "living water." Just as this physical water sustained Isaac's life and prosperity in a barren land, Christ offers spiritual living water that sustains eternal life and satisfies the deepest thirst of the human soul. Isaac's experience of finding a new, abundant source of water amidst contention and scarcity foreshadows Jesus's promise to give "rivers of living water" to those who believe in Him [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "Rivers of Living Water from Believers"), a provision that transcends earthly needs and offers eternal spiritual refreshment and fulfillment.

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.