Genesis 13:3
Genesis 13:3 in Multiple Translations
From the Negev he journeyed from place to place toward Bethel, until he came to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been pitched,
And he went on his journeys from the south even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Hai;
And he went on his journeys from the South even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Ai,
And travelling on from the South, he came to Beth-el, to the place where his tent had been before, between Beth-el and Ai;
He left the Negev and traveled in stages to Bethel, back to the place where he'd camped before, between Bethel and Ai.
And he went on his iourney from ye South toward Beth-el, to the place where his tent had bene at ye beginning, betweene Beth-el and Haai,
And he goeth on his journeyings from the south, even unto Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the commencement, between Bethel and Hai —
He went on his journeys from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,
And he went on his journeys from the south even to Beth-el, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Hai;
And he returned by the way that he came, from the south to Bethel, to the place where before he had pitched his tent between Bethel and Hai:
They continued traveling from place to place from the Negev Desert toward Bethel town to the place between Bethel and Ai where they had previously set up their tents,
They were in that dry desert country for a while, then they went north from place to place until they got back to the town called Bethel. They camped in the same place that they camped at before. It was between Bethel and the town called Ayi.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 13:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 13:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ֙
לְ/מַסָּעָ֔י/ו
מִ/נֶּ֖גֶב
וְ/עַד
בֵּֽית
אֵ֑ל
עַד
הַ/מָּק֗וֹם
אֲשֶׁר
הָ֨יָה
שָׁ֤ם
אהל/ה
אָֽהֳל/וֹ֙
בַּ/תְּחִלָּ֔ה
בֵּ֥ין
בֵּֽית
אֵ֖ל
וּ/בֵ֥ין
הָ/עָֽי
וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ֙
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/מַסָּעָ֔י/ו
maççaʻ
H4550
journey
Prep | N-mp | Suff
מִ/נֶּ֖גֶב
negeb
H5045
Negeb
Prep | N-ms
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
בֵּֽית
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
Bethel
N-proper
אֵ֑ל
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
Bethel
N-proper
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הַ/מָּק֗וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הָ֨יָה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
שָׁ֤ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
אהל/ה
ʼôhel
H168
tent
N-ms | Suff
אָֽהֳל/וֹ֙
ʼôhel
H168
tent
N-ms | Suff
בַּ/תְּחִלָּ֔ה
tᵉchillâh
H8462
beginning
Prep | N-fs
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
בֵּֽית
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
Bethel
N-proper
אֵ֖ל
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
Bethel
N-proper
וּ/בֵ֥ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
הָ/עָֽי
ʻAy
H5857
Ai
Art | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 13:3
וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ֙
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
לְ/מַסָּעָ֔י/ו
maççaʻ
H4550
"journey"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
A journey or march is what this word describes, often involving the movement of people or armies. It appears in books like Numbers and Isaiah, describing the Israelites' travels. This word can also mean a station or stopping point along the way.
Definition: 1) a pulling up (of stakes), breaking camp, setting out, journey 1a) pulling up, breaking camp 1b) setting out 1c) station, stage, journey
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: journey(-ing). See also: Genesis 13:3; Numbers 10:6; Deuteronomy 10:11.
מִ/נֶּ֖גֶב
negeb
H5045
"Negeb"
Prep | N-ms
The Negeb is the southern district of Judah, also known as the south country, and can occasionally refer to Egypt, which is south of Palestine.
Definition: region of southern Judah Also named: ne.gev (נֶ֫גֶב "south" H5045H) This name means south-country
Usage: Occurs in 97 OT verses. KJV: south (country, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 12:9; 1 Samuel 14:5; Psalms 126:4.
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
בֵּֽית
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
"Bethel"
N-proper
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.
אֵ֑ל
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
"Bethel"
N-proper
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הַ/מָּק֗וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Art | N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הָ֨יָה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
שָׁ֤ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אהל/ה
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
אָֽהֳל/וֹ֙
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
בַּ/תְּחִלָּ֔ה
tᵉchillâh
H8462
"beginning"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word means the start of something, like the beginning of a project or a new phase of life, as seen in Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) beginning, first 1a) the first time 1b) from the beginning, in the beginning (with prep)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: begin(-ning), first (time). See also: Genesis 13:3; 2 Kings 17:25; Proverbs 9:10.
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
בֵּֽית
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
"Bethel"
N-proper
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.
אֵ֖ל
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
"Bethel"
N-proper
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.
וּ/בֵ֥ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הָ/עָֽי
ʻAy
H5857
"Ai"
Art | N-proper
Ai means 'heap of ruins', a city in Palestine east of the Jordan River, mentioned in the Bible as part of the Ammonites' territory. It appears in the book of Joshua and is associated with Heshbon. The city's name reflects its history of destruction.
Definition: § Ai or Aija or Aiath or Hai = "heap of ruins" a city of the Ammonites on the east of the Jordan and apparently attached to Heshbon
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Ai, Aija, Aijath, Hai. See also: Genesis 12:8; Joshua 8:20; Isaiah 10:28.
Study Notes — Genesis 13:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 13:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 13:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 13:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 13:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 13:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 13:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 13:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 13:3
- Sermons on Genesis 13:3
Context — Abram and Lot Part Ways
1So Abram went up out of Egypt into the Negev—he and his wife and all his possessions—and Lot was with him.
2And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold.
3From the Negev he journeyed from place to place toward Bethel, until he came to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been pitched,
4to the site where he had built the altar. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD. 5Now Lot, who was traveling with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 12:8–9 | From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD, and he called on the name of the LORD. And Abram journeyed on toward the Negev. |
| 2 | Genesis 12:6 | Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the Oak of Moreh at Shechem. And at that time the Canaanites were in the land. |
Genesis 13:3 Summary
[In Genesis 13:3, Abram returns to a place that holds spiritual significance for him, between Bethel and Ai, where he had previously worshiped and called on the name of the LORD (as seen in Genesis 12:8). This verse shows us that Abram prioritized his spiritual life and sought to reconnect with God after his time in Egypt, demonstrating a strong faith and trust in God's presence and provision. We can learn from Abram's example to prioritize our own spiritual lives and return to places or practices that help us connect with God, such as prayer, reading Scripture, or worship, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105 and Matthew 4:4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abram return to the place between Bethel and Ai?
Abram returned to this place because it was where he had formerly worshiped and called on the name of the LORD, as seen in Genesis 12:8, and he wanted to reconnect with God after his time in Egypt.
What is the significance of Bethel in Abram's journey?
Bethel was a significant location for Abram because it was where he had built an altar and called on the name of the LORD, as mentioned in Genesis 12:8, and it represented a place of spiritual renewal and connection with God.
How did Abram's wealth and possessions affect his relationship with God?
Abram's wealth and possessions, gained during his time in Egypt, did not seem to hinder his desire to reconnect with God, as he still sought to worship and call on the name of the LORD, demonstrating his priority on his spiritual life (Genesis 13:4).
What can we learn from Abram's decision to return to a familiar place of worship?
We can learn from Abram's example that it's essential to prioritize our spiritual lives and return to places or practices that help us connect with God, just as Abram did, and as encouraged in Psalm 100:4, to enter His gates with thanksgiving and praise.
Reflection Questions
- What are some places or practices in my life that help me feel connected to God, and how can I prioritize them?
- How do I balance my material possessions and wealth with my spiritual priorities, and what does the Bible teach about this balance, as seen in Matthew 6:24 and 1 Timothy 6:10?
- What are some ways I can, like Abram, return to a place of spiritual renewal and reconnect with God after a time of spiritual dryness or distraction?
- How can I, like Abram, demonstrate my faith and trust in God's presence and provision in my life, even in the midst of wealth and material comfort?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 13:3
And he went on in his journeys from the south,.... He took the same tour, went the same road, stopping at the same resting places, as when he went down to Egypt; having learned, as Jarchi observes,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 13:3
And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai; Went on his journeys.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 13:3
He went on his journey, or rather, according to his journeys, which he took as he came, going in the same road, and resting in the same place, of which he had experience.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 13:3
Genesis 13:3 And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai;Ver. 3. And he went on his journeys.] Many a weary step, and rested not till he came to his old altar at Bethel. Lo here a pattern of great piety and singular zeal, in father Abram. Egypt, with all her plenty and pleasure, had not stolen away his heart, so as not to hold his own in the promised land. Neither had he so laden himself with thick clay, but that he went "from strength to strength" (as those good souls did, Psalms 84:7); he took long strides; perexit per profectiones suas , as it is here. He went journey after journey, till he appeared before God at his altar, there to sanctify that good he bad got in Egypt, and to give God thanks for it; yea, to consecrate all to him the bestower of it. Oh, let us show ourselves children of Abram indeed, by "walking in these steps of our father Abram" Otherwise our outward profession and privileges will profit us no more than it did Dives in hell, that be could call Abraham, father.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 13:3
XIII. ABRAM’S RETURN FROM EGYPT AND HIS FROM LOT.(1-4) He went on his journeys.—Or, according to his stations, which the Vulgate very reasonably translates, “by the same route by which he had come.” This route was first into the south, the Negeb, which is virtually a proper name, and thence to the spot between Beth-el and Ai mentioned in Genesis 12:8. At the first does not mean that this was the first altar erected by Abram, but that he built it on his first arrival there. His first altar was at Shechem. As regards his wealth, while his cattle had been greatly increased in Egypt, he had probably brought the silver and gold with him from Mesopotamia. Gold, however, was plentiful at that time in Egypt, but silver rare.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 13:3
Verse 3. Beth-el] See chap. 8.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 13:3
3. On his journeys — An expression peculiar to the nomadic life — a pulling up of tent-pins, breaking up of camp, and moving onward. Comp. Genesis 12:9, note. Even to Beth-el — See on Genesis 12:8. At the beginning — Formerly.
Sermons on Genesis 13:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Quiet Time by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being filled with the word of God and maintaining a life of victory. He encourages the audience to avoid seeking other way |
|
An Invitation to Closeness by J.B. Buffington | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having goals in various aspects of life, such as personal, church, family, and business goals. He highlights that without |
|
The Life of Abraham - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Abraham in the Book of Genesis. He emphasizes the theme of restoration and how God can bring us out of the mess we create for o |
|
From Altar to Altar by George Warnock | George Warnock preaches about Abraham's journey of obedience, highlighting the lessons learned through wandering, famine, and moving his altar to different places to acquaint himse |
|
The Committed Life by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the significance of a committed life through the example of Abraham, who was called by God during a time of great moral decline. God revealed Himself to Abr |