Genesis 26:21

KJV

And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they digged {H2658} another {H312} well {H875}, and strove {H7378} for that also: and he called {H7121} the name of it {H8034} Sitnah {H7856}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They dug another well and quarreled over that one too. So he called it Sitnah [enmity].

Berean Standard Bible

Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah.

American Standard Version

And they digged another well, and they strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
records Isaac's continued struggle for essential water resources amidst persistent Philistine opposition. Following previous disputes over wells, Isaac's servants dug another well, only to face renewed contention. Isaac named this well Sitnah, a Hebrew term profoundly signifying "enmity," "accusation," or "opposition," thereby acknowledging the deep-seated, adversarial nature of the challenges he encountered during his sojourn in Gerar.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Isaac's sojourn in Gerar, following a famine that led him to the land of the Philistines. The preceding verses (e.g., [Genesis 26:12-17](/genesis/26-12-17 "Isaac's Prosperity and Philistine Envy")) establish Isaac's extraordinary prosperity, which incited the envy of the Philistines, leading them to stop up the wells dug by his father Abraham. Isaac's subsequent departure from Gerar at the command of Abimelech, and his re-digging of Abraham's wells, set the stage for the recurring conflicts over water. [Genesis 26:20](/genesis/26-20 "The Well Esek") describes the first new well Isaac's servants dug, named Esek ("contention"), due to the strife. [Genesis 26:21](/genesis/26-21 "The Well Sitnah") then details the digging of a *third* well, indicating Isaac's persistent efforts to find peace and provision, even as the opposition followed him. This sequence highlights a pattern of conflict and Isaac's non-confrontational response.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Water was the most critical resource in the arid and semi-arid regions of the ancient Near East, making wells central to survival, livestock, and agricultural prosperity. Control over water sources often determined settlement viability and economic power. Disputes over wells were common and could escalate into significant conflicts, as evidenced by various biblical and extra-biblical accounts. The Philistines' actions of stopping up wells (as in [Genesis 26:15](/genesis/26-15 "Philistines Stop Abraham's Wells")) were not merely acts of vandalism but economic warfare, designed to hinder Isaac's prosperity and force his departure. Isaac's repeated digging and moving, rather than fighting, reflects a strategic choice in a context where armed conflict over resources was a real and dangerous possibility.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative of Isaac's wells contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**, as God consistently blesses Isaac and provides water despite human opposition, fulfilling promises made to Abraham and reiterated to Isaac in [Genesis 26:3-5](/genesis/26-3-5 "God's Covenant with Isaac"). Secondly, it exemplifies **Isaac's Peacemaking Character**; unlike his father Abraham who sometimes engaged in conflict, Isaac consistently chooses to yield ground and avoid confrontation, embodying a spirit of patient endurance and reliance on God's ultimate vindication, which foreshadows the principles of peace found in the [New Testament](/matthew/5-9 "Blessed are the peacemakers"). Finally, the naming of Sitnah introduces the theme of **Adversarial Opposition**, hinting at a deeper, spiritual dimension to the conflicts faced by God's people, suggesting that some struggles are not merely human but have an underlying "adversary" at work, a concept developed further in passages like [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "The Devil Prowls Like a Roaring Lion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **digged (Hebrew, _châphar'_):** From H2658, this primitive root means "to pry into," "to delve," or "to explore." In this context, it literally refers to the physical act of digging a well, but it also carries a sense of persistent effort and investigation to find a hidden or difficult-to-access resource. Isaac's men were not merely scratching the surface but actively delving deep to secure water.
* **strove (Hebrew, _rîyb'_):** From H7378, this root means "to toss," or "to grapple," and figuratively "to wrangle" or "hold a controversy." It indicates a heated dispute, a legal or physical contention over rights or possessions. The repetition of this action ("strove for that also") emphasizes the relentless and aggressive nature of the Philistines' opposition, suggesting a deep-seated animosity rather than isolated incidents.
* **Sitnah (Hebrew, _Siṭnâh'_):** From H7856, this is the name of the well, meaning "enmity" or "opposition." It is directly related to the Hebrew root for "Satan" (שָׂṭָן, _śāṭān_), meaning "adversary" or "accuser." By naming the well Sitnah, Isaac was not just describing a physical conflict over water; he was acknowledging a deeper, pervasive level of adversarial opposition that seemed to dog his steps. This choice of name reflects a profound insight into the nature of the opposition he faced, recognizing it as a form of "adversary" or "enmity."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they digged another well":** This phrase indicates Isaac's continued efforts to secure vital water resources. Despite the previous conflict over Esek, Isaac's servants, under his direction, persevered in seeking a new source of water. The word "another" (H312, _ʼachêr_) emphasizes that this was a distinct, third attempt to establish a well, demonstrating Isaac's resilience and determination to provide for his large household and flocks.
* **"and strove for that also":** This clause highlights the relentless and pervasive nature of the Philistine opposition. The phrase "for that also" underscores that the contention was not an isolated incident but a recurring pattern, suggesting that the animosity was directed at Isaac himself, irrespective of the specific location. The Philistines' envy and hostility followed him, leading to disputes even over this newly discovered water source.
* **"and he called the name of it Sitnah":** Isaac's act of naming the well is highly significant. Names in the ancient world often conveyed the character or circumstances of a person or place. By calling it "Sitnah," meaning "enmity" or "opposition," Isaac formally recognized the adversarial nature of the conflict. This name, related to the Hebrew word for "adversary" or "accuser" (Satan), suggests that Isaac perceived the opposition as more than mere human squabbling over resources; it was a deep-seated, persistent hostility, almost as if an "adversary" was at work against him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Repetition** and **Symbolism**. The repetition of conflict over wells ("strove for that also") emphasizes the persistent and pervasive nature of the Philistine opposition, highlighting Isaac's enduring patience and the deep-seated envy he faced. The well itself serves as potent **Symbolism** for life, prosperity, and God's provision in an arid land. The act of naming the well "Sitnah" transforms it from a mere physical location into a **Symbol** of the adversarial forces at play. This **Symbolism** extends beyond a simple dispute over water, suggesting a deeper, perhaps spiritual, "enmity" or "opposition" (related to the root of "Satan") that Isaac encountered. This naming acts as a **Metonymy**, where the name of the well stands in for the entire experience of relentless hostility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 26:21 powerfully illustrates the reality of persistent opposition faced by God's people, even when walking in His blessing. Isaac's experience reveals that divine favor can often provoke human envy and hostility, yet God's faithfulness remains steadfast. Isaac's patient response—choosing to move and re-dig rather than fight—demonstrates a profound trust in God's ultimate provision and vindication, rather than relying on human strength or retaliation. The naming of "Sitnah" also introduces a crucial theological insight: some forms of conflict are not merely human disagreements but manifest deeper, adversarial forces of "enmity" or "accusation," reminding believers of the spiritual dimension of their struggles.

* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Live peaceably with all")
* [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "Your adversary the devil")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaac's journey through the land of Gerar, marked by repeated conflict over wells, offers a profound lesson in navigating adversity with faith and patience. His consistent choice to yield ground and move on, rather than escalate disputes, is a powerful model of peacemaking and reliance on God's sovereignty. In a world often characterized by contention and the pursuit of rights, Isaac's example challenges us to consider whether our response to opposition truly reflects a trust in God's ultimate provision and justice. The naming of "Sitnah" also serves as a potent reminder that not all conflict is purely human; some struggles may stem from deeper, spiritual forces of enmity and accusation. This calls for spiritual discernment, prayer, and a reliance on God's strength to overcome, rather than engaging in battles on purely human terms. Ultimately, Isaac's story encourages us to persevere in faith, knowing that even in the face of persistent "Sitnah," God will ultimately lead us to "Rehoboth"—a place of spaciousness, peace, and abundant provision, where there is room for us to flourish without strife.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when faced with persistent opposition or conflict, especially when I feel my rights are being infringed upon?**
* **In what ways might the "Sitnah" (enmity/opposition) I experience in my life have a deeper, spiritual dimension, and how does recognizing this change my approach?**
* **What does Isaac's patient endurance teach me about trusting God's provision even when resources seem scarce or are contended for?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Isaac naming the well Sitnah?**

Answer: Isaac named the well Sitnah (Hebrew: שִׂטְנָה, _śiṭnāh_) because it became a place of intense strife and opposition, even after he had moved away from previous conflicts. The name itself means "enmity" or "accusation." Crucially, it is derived from the same Hebrew root as "Satan" (שָׂטָן, _śāṭān_), which means "adversary" or "accuser." By choosing this name, Isaac was not just describing a physical conflict over water; he was acknowledging a deeper, more pervasive level of adversarial opposition that seemed to follow him. It suggests that he perceived the conflict as stemming from a hostile, persistent force, perhaps even recognizing a spiritual dimension to the ongoing human disputes, indicating that the "adversary" was at work. This naming highlights the profound and relentless nature of the opposition Isaac faced, which went beyond mere resource squabbles to a more fundamental "enmity."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaac's patient endurance in the face of relentless "Sitnah" (enmity and opposition) and his ultimate reliance on God's provision profoundly foreshadow the perfect example of Christ. Isaac, by repeatedly yielding ground and seeking peace rather than escalating conflict, prefigures the One who would not strive or cry out, but would humbly submit to the ultimate "Sitnah"—the adversarial forces of sin and Satan that sought to thwart God's redemptive plan. Jesus faced the true Adversary in the wilderness temptations ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "The Temptation of Jesus")) and endured the ultimate "accusation" and "enmity" on the cross, where He triumphed decisively over all spiritual opposition and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). While Isaac found temporary "Rehoboth" (spaciousness) through God's provision of physical water, Christ offers the "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")) that satisfies eternal thirst and provides true spiritual rest and spaciousness for all who believe. In Him, there is no more strife or accusation, only the abundance of His grace and eternal peace, as He has overcome the world and its "adversary" ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "Jesus Overcomes the World")).

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

Ezra 4:6

¶ And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they [unto him] an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.