Genesis 26:20

KJV

And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water [is] ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the herdmen {H7462} of Gerar {H1642} did strive {H7378} with Isaac's {H3327} herdmen {H7462}, saying {H559}, The water {H4325} is ours: and he called {H7121} the name {H8034} of the well {H875} Esek {H6230}; because they strove {H6229} with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the herdsmen of G'rar quarreled with Yitz'chak's herdsmen, claiming, "That water is ours!" So he called the well 'Esek [quarrel], because they quarreled with him.

Berean Standard Bible

But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him.

American Standard Version

And the herdsmen of Gerar strove with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 26:20 records a significant moment of conflict between Isaac's herdsmen and the Philistine herdsmen of Gerar over access to a vital water source. The Philistines aggressively claimed ownership of the newly dug well, asserting "The water is ours." In response to this persistent contention, Isaac chose to name the well "Esek," a Hebrew word meaning "strife" or "contention," thereby memorializing the dispute before strategically moving on to find new pastures and dig another well.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger narrative in [Genesis 26](/genesis/26 "Isaac's Sojourn in Gerar and God's Blessing") that details Isaac's experiences during a famine. Following God's instruction to remain in the land of Gerar rather than go to Egypt ([Genesis 26:2-3](/genesis/26-2-3 "God's Command and Promise to Isaac")), Isaac begins to prosper immensely. His wealth, particularly in flocks and herds, provokes envy among the Philistines, leading to repeated disputes over essential resources. The immediate preceding verses recount how Isaac re-opened wells dug by his father Abraham, which the Philistines had deliberately stopped up, and how he named one Sitnah ([Genesis 26:17-19](/genesis/26-17-19 "Isaac Reopens Wells and Faces Contention")). [Genesis 26:20](/genesis/26-20 "The Conflict at Esek") describes the second of three named wells of contention, preceding the naming of Rehoboth ([Genesis 26:22](/genesis/26-22 "Isaac Names the Well Rehoboth")). This sequence highlights Isaac's patient and non-confrontational approach to conflict resolution.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Water was the most precious commodity in the arid ancient Near East, especially for nomadic pastoralists like Isaac. Control over wells was synonymous with survival, prosperity, and territorial rights. Disputes over water sources were common and often violent. The Philistines, as settled inhabitants of Gerar, likely viewed Isaac's growing wealth and his re-digging of wells as an encroachment on their land and resources. Their act of filling Abraham's wells and then claiming Isaac's newly dug ones demonstrates a clear intent to hinder his prosperity and perhaps force him to leave. Isaac's practice of naming wells was a common cultural tradition, serving as a permanent marker of events, experiences, or claims associated with a specific location.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 26](/genesis/26 "Isaac's Life and God's Faithfulness") contributes to several major themes within the broader book of Genesis. The theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Provision** is prominent, as God repeatedly blesses Isaac despite famine and Philistine opposition ([Genesis 26:12-14](/genesis/26-12-14 "Isaac's Prosperity and Philistine Envy")). The narrative also emphasizes **Covenant Inheritance and the Promised Land**, as Isaac's struggles for water and grazing land subtly underscore the ongoing tension between the patriarchs and the inhabitants of the land God promised to Abraham's descendants ([Genesis 26:3](/genesis/26-3 "God's Promise of Land to Isaac")). Furthermore, Isaac's response to conflict introduces the theme of **Peacemaking and Trust in God's Sovereignty**, contrasting human contention with divine provision and demonstrating a model of patient endurance rather than aggressive retaliation. This chapter serves as a bridge, showing the continuation of God's covenant with Abraham through Isaac, even amidst adversity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 26:20](/genesis/26-20 "The Well of Esek") precisely details the nature of the conflict: "And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water [is] ours." This verse captures the essence of the contention—a direct claim of ownership over a vital resource, driven by the Philistines' envy and desire to control Isaac's movements and prosperity. Isaac's response, naming the well "Esek," encapsulates his pragmatic and peace-oriented approach.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **strive (Hebrew, _rîyb'_):** From H7378, this primitive root means "to toss, i.e. grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. hold a controversy." It implies a legal dispute or a strong verbal challenge over rights, indicating a persistent and irritating opposition rather than merely physical violence. The Philistines were not just disagreeing; they were actively contending for ownership.
* **Esek (Hebrew, _ʻêseq'_):** From H6230, this noun is derived from the root H6229, meaning "to press upon, i.e. quarrel." "Esek" literally translates to "strife" or "contention." By naming the well Esek, Isaac was giving a public, permanent memorial to the dispute that occurred there, acknowledging the conflict without engaging in prolonged battle.
* **water (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** From H4325, this noun refers to "water" in a literal sense. In the context of the ancient Near East, water was not merely a beverage but the very essence of life, sustaining flocks, herds, and human communities. The Philistines' claim, "The water is ours," was a claim to life itself, highlighting the severity and existential nature of the dispute.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen":** This clause establishes the direct parties involved in the conflict: the local Philistine herdsmen from Gerar and Isaac's own pastoral workers. The use of "strive" (H7378, _rîyb_) indicates a contentious dispute, likely involving verbal arguments and legalistic claims rather than immediate physical violence. It highlights the ongoing nature of the Philistines' opposition to Isaac's presence and prosperity.
* **"saying, The water [is] ours":** This phrase reveals the core of the dispute—a direct and possessive claim over the newly discovered water source. The Philistines' assertion of ownership, despite Isaac's men having dug the well, underscores their territorial jealousy and their determination to impede Isaac's ability to thrive in their land. It reflects a mindset of scarcity and exclusion.
* **"and he called the name of the well Esek":** This details Isaac's immediate and symbolic response to the contention. Rather than fighting, Isaac names the well "Esek," meaning "strife" or "contention" (H6230, _ʻêseq_). This act serves as a public declaration of the dispute, marking the place with the memory of the conflict, and signaling his decision to move on rather than engage in a protracted battle over the resource.
* **"because they strove with him":** This final clause provides the explicit reason for the well's name. It reiterates the nature of the interaction, confirming that the Philistines' aggressive contention was the direct cause of Isaac's naming decision. It emphasizes the persistent and unwelcome opposition Isaac faced, solidifying the meaning behind "Esek."

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Naming** is a prominent device, as Isaac names the well "Esek" to commemorate the strife. This act of naming is not merely descriptive but also performative, marking the place with its defining characteristic and serving as a mnemonic for future generations. The **Repetition** of the root word for "strive" (H7378, _rîyb_, and H6229, _ʻâsaq_ for Esek) emphasizes the pervasive and recurring nature of the conflict Isaac faced. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Symbolism**, where water is not just a physical resource but a symbol of life, prosperity, and God's blessing. The Philistines' efforts to deny Isaac water symbolize their attempt to thwart God's covenant promises of fruitfulness and multiplication for Isaac. Isaac's patient withdrawal, rather than fighting, also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at a pattern of peacemaking that will characterize his and, later, Christ's approach to conflict.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of Isaac at the well of Esek profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people face human opposition and injustice. Isaac's consistent experience of finding water, despite Philistine interference, underscores the theme of divine provision that transcends earthly scarcity and human malice. His choice to withdraw from conflict rather than retaliate exemplifies a profound trust in God's sovereignty and a commitment to peace, demonstrating that true prosperity comes from God's blessing, not from human contention or material accumulation. This account serves as a powerful reminder that God can make a way in the wilderness, providing for His own even when circumstances seem dire or unfair, and that His people are called to pursue peace even at personal cost.

* [Psalm 34:14](/psalms/34-14 "Seek Peace and Pursue It")
* [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Blessed are the Peacemakers")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Live Peaceably With All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Isaac and the well of Esek offers profound lessons for navigating conflict and trusting in divine provision in our contemporary lives. Isaac's repeated decision to yield and move on, rather than engage in prolonged and potentially violent disputes over resources, demonstrates a remarkable wisdom rooted in faith. In a world often characterized by competition, territoriality, and the assertion of rights, Isaac's example challenges us to consider the value of peace and the power of non-retaliation. His actions remind us that true blessing and abundance are not contingent on winning every earthly battle but on trusting God to provide, even when it means relinquishing what we might feel entitled to. This narrative encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of patience and perseverance, knowing that God will ultimately make room for them and fulfill His promises, just as He did for Isaac at Rehoboth ([Genesis 26:22](/genesis/26-22 "Isaac Names the Well Rehoboth")). It also serves as a cautionary tale against the destructive nature of envy and greed, which can lead to unnecessary strife and hinder flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing "Esek"—strife or contention?**
* **How might Isaac's approach of yielding and moving on, rather than fighting, be applicable to your current conflicts?**
* **What does this passage teach you about trusting God's provision when resources or opportunities seem scarce or contested?**
* **How can you cultivate a spirit of peacemaking in your relationships, even when faced with injustice or unfair claims?**

### FAQ
**Why did Isaac repeatedly yield his claim to the wells instead of fighting for them?**

Isaac's repeated yielding demonstrates a profound trust in God's abundant provision and a strategic commitment to peace over worldly contention. By choosing not to fight for the wells, Isaac avoided escalating conflict with the Philistines, preserving peace and demonstrating a reliance on divine blessing rather than human strength. This approach allowed God to lead him to new, unhindered sources of water and prosperity, ultimately proving that God's favor was more valuable than any earthly possession. His actions align with a spiritual perspective that prioritizes divine guidance and the preservation of peace over asserting human rights through force, ultimately leading to greater prosperity and a clear demonstration of God's favor, as seen in the subsequent naming of Rehoboth ([Genesis 26:22](/genesis/26-22 "Isaac Names the Well Rehoboth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaac's patient endurance and his willingness to yield his rights rather than engage in strife profoundly foreshadow the ultimate Peacemaker, Jesus Christ. While Isaac moved from wells of contention (Esek and Sitnah) to a well of room (Rehoboth), Christ, the living water, did not merely move away from conflict but entered into the ultimate contention on the cross. He willingly yielded His divine rights and life, enduring the ultimate strife of sin and death, to reconcile humanity to God ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")). His sacrifice at Calvary resolved the deepest human strife—that between humanity and God ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Our Peace"))—providing an everlasting wellspring of life and peace that no one can contend for or take away ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "Jesus Offers Living Water to the Samaritan Woman")). Isaac's trust in God's provision amidst scarcity points to Christ as the ultimate provider and sustainer, who offers water that truly quenches spiritual thirst forever, inviting all who are thirsty to come and drink freely ([Revelation 22:17](/revelation/22-17 "The Invitation to the Water of 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 21:25

And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.