Genesis 13:6

Genesis 13:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But the land was unable to support both of them while they stayed together, for they had so many possessions that they were unable to coexist.

King James Version KJV

And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.

American Standard Version ASV

And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So that the land was not wide enough for the two of them: their property was so great that there was not room for them together.

Free Bible Version FBV

so much so that the available land couldn't support both of them—they had so much livestock they couldn't stay together anymore.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So that the land coulde not beare them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they coulde not dwell together.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and the land hath not suffered them to dwell together, for their substance hath been much, and they have not been able to dwell together;

World English Bible WEB

The land was not able to bear them, that they might live together; for their possessions were so great that they couldn’t live together.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Neither was the land able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, and they could not dwell together.

Translation for Translators T4T

But they had so many animals that they could not all stay in the same area. There was not enough land to provide water and food for all their animals.

Plain English Version PEV

But there was a problem. There were other people already living in that country. They were called the Canaan mob, and the Periz mob. And they had animals too, and all those animals needed grass and water, as well as Abram’s animals, and Lot’s animals too. But there wasn’t enough grass and water in that place for all those animals. So Abram’s work-men and Lot’s work-men started to argue and fight with each other about whose animals got the grass and water.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 13:6

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 13:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/לֹא נָשָׂ֥א אֹתָ֛/ם הָ/אָ֖רֶץ לָ/שֶׁ֣בֶת יַחְדָּ֑ו כִּֽי הָיָ֤ה רְכוּשָׁ/ם֙ רָ֔ב וְ/לֹ֥א יָֽכְל֖וּ לָ/שֶׁ֥בֶת יַחְדָּֽו

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

נָשָׂ֥א nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֹתָ֛/ם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

הָ/אָ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

לָ/שֶׁ֣בֶת yâshab H3427 to dwell Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

יַחְדָּ֑ו yachad H3162 unitedness Adv

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

הָיָ֤ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms

רְכוּשָׁ/ם֙ rᵉkûwsh H7399 property N-ms | Suff

רָ֔ב rab H7227 many Adj

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יָֽכְל֖וּ yâkôl H3201 be able V-Qal-Perf-3cp

לָ/שֶׁ֥בֶת yâshab H3427 to dwell Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

יַחְדָּֽו yachad H3162 unitedness Adv

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 13:6

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

נָשָׂ֥א nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.

Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.

אֹתָ֛/ם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הָ/אָ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

לָ/שֶׁ֣בֶת yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

יַחְדָּ֑ו yachad H3162 "unitedness" Adv

This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.

Definition: 1) union, unitedness

Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

הָיָ֤ה 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.

רְכוּשָׁ/ם֙ rᵉkûwsh H7399 "property" N-ms | Suff

It refers to property or possessions, such as livestock or goods, like the riches of King Solomon in 1 Kings.

Definition: 1) property, goods, possessions 1a) property, goods 1a1) general term for all movable goods 1a2) of livestock 1a3) of stores, utensils, etc

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: good, riches, substance. See also: Genesis 12:5; 1 Chronicles 28:1; Daniel 11:28.

רָ֔ב rab H7227 "many" Adj

This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.

Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly

Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יָֽכְל֖וּ yâkôl H3201 "be able" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)

Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.

לָ/שֶׁ֥בֶת yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

יַחְדָּֽו yachad H3162 "unitedness" Adv

This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.

Definition: 1) union, unitedness

Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.

Study Notes — Genesis 13:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 13:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 13:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 13:6
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 13:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 13:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 13:6
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 13:6
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 13:6
Sermons on Genesis 13:6

Context — Abram and Lot Part Ways

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.

6But the land was unable to support both of them while they stayed together, for they had so many possessions that they were unable to coexist.

7And there was discord between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were also living in the land. 8So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are kinsmen.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 36:6–7	Later, Esau took his wives and sons and daughters and all the people of his household, along with his livestock, all his other animals, and all the property he had acquired in Canaan, and he moved to a land far away from his brother Jacob. For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together; the land where they stayed could not support them because of their livestock.
2	Ecclesiastes 5:10–11	He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes?
3	1 Timothy 6:9	Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
4	Luke 12:17–18	So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and will build bigger ones, and there I will store up all my grain and my goods.

Genesis 13:6 Summary

This verse means that Abram and Lot had so many animals and possessions that the land could not support them both, so they had to separate. This shows us that having too many possessions can cause problems and lead to strife, as seen in Genesis 13:7. We can learn from this to be content with what we have and to prioritize our relationships with others, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:6-8 and Romans 12:18. By trusting in God's provision and being mindful of our possessions, we can avoid the kind of discord that Abram and Lot experienced and live in peace with those around us, as seen in Matthew 6:33 and Philippians 4:19.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the land was unable to support both Abram and Lot?

It means that the land did not have enough resources, such as food and water, to sustain the large number of animals and people that both Abram and Lot had, as seen in Genesis 13:6. This is similar to the situation in Genesis 12:10 where Abram went to Egypt due to a famine in the land.

Was it a sin for Abram and Lot to have so many possessions?

Having possessions in itself is not a sin, as seen in the example of Abraham's wealth in Genesis 24:35, but the love of money and possessions can be, as warned in 1 Timothy 6:10. The issue in Genesis 13:6 was that their possessions were causing strife between them.

How does this verse relate to the concept of contentment?

This verse shows that when we have an abundance of possessions, it can lead to discontentment and strife, as seen in the discord between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot in Genesis 13:7. In contrast, the Bible teaches us to be content with what we have, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:6-8 and Hebrews 13:5.

What can we learn from Abram's decision to separate from Lot?

We can learn the importance of prioritizing relationships and avoiding strife, as seen in Abram's decision to separate from Lot in Genesis 13:8-9. This decision was made to maintain peace and unity, which is a key principle in the Bible, as seen in Romans 12:18 and Matthew 5:9.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am allowing possessions or wealth to cause strife or discontentment?
How can I apply the principle of contentment to my life, and what steps can I take to prioritize relationships over material possessions?
What are some ways that I can avoid causing discord with others, and how can I be a peacemaker in my relationships, as seen in Matthew 5:9?
How can I trust God to provide for my needs, even if it means letting go of some of my possessions or desires, as seen in Matthew 6:33 and Philippians 4:19?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 13:6

And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together,.... That part of the country where Abram and Lot were could not afford them room enough for their several tents; or however

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 13:6

And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 13:6

Genesis 13:6 And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.Ver. 6. And the land was not able to bear them.] This was sour sauce to their sweet meat, lest they should surfeit of their abundance. All earthly comforts are dissweetened with crosses, and there are thorns in all the world’ s roses. It is seldom seen that God allows any, though never so dear to himself, a perfect contentment. Something they must have to complain of, that shall give an unsavoury verdure to their sweetest morsels, that they may long after heaven. It could not but be a great cut to this good couple, to be now at length sundered, and deprived of mutual society.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 13:6

(5, 6) Lot.—He, too, had possibly received presents in Egypt, for we find him rivalling his uncle in wealth; and the “tents” show that he had numerous followers, and, like Abram, was the chief of a powerful clan. The repetition that “the land was not able to bear them,” and that “they could not dwell together,” implies that the difficulty had long been felt before it led to an open rupture.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 13:6

Verse 6. Their substance was great] As their families increased, it was necessary their flocks should increase also, as from those flocks they derived their clothing, food, and drink. Many also were offered in sacrifice to God. They could not dwell together] 1. Because their flocks were great. 2. Because the Canaanites and the Perizzites had already occupied a considerable part of the land. 3. Because there appears to have been envy between the herdmen of Abram and Lot. To prevent disputes among them, that might have ultimately disturbed the peace of the two families, it was necessary that a separation should take place.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 13:6

6. And the land, &c.] The account, according to P, of the reason for Lot’s separation. The flocks and herds of the two chieftains when combined were so numerous, that there was not pasturage enough to feed them. Cf. a similar reason, in P’s narrative, for the separation of Jacob and Esau, Genesis 36:7. The word “substance” is characteristic of P. Cf. Genesis 12:5.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 13:6

6. Land was not able to bear them — Having been impoverished by the recent great famine, and being already occupied, as the next verse states, by other dwellers, they were cramped for pasturage for their immense flocks and herds.

Sermons on Genesis 13:6

	Sermon	Description
	Abraham's Altar by Keith Malcomson	Keith Malcomson preaches on the significance of the altar in the life of Abraham, emphasizing the importance of personal consecration, prayer, and obedience to God's call. The alta
	"Rebuke to Prosperity Preachers" by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon challenges the notion of prosperity gospel by questioning why God rebukes those who claim to be rich and increased with goods. It delves into the discrepancy between th
	(Basics) 45. God and Money Are Opposites by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making a choice between serving God or serving money. He compares money to fire, stating that while it can be a useful serv
	Pure Life Ministries - 2015 Annual Conference "He Who Endures to the End Shall Be saved." by Steve Gallagher	This sermon addresses the themes of deception, corruption, and the consequences of dishonesty. It emphasizes the erosion of integrity, the impact of corporate scandals on the globa
	(Amazing Facts) 5. Amazing Facts About Addiction and Frustration by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen addresses the futility of pursuing pleasure, fame, wealth, and power, emphasizing the law of diminishing returns that leads to addiction and frustration. He illustrates
	On the Danger of Increasing Riches by John Wesley	John Wesley warns about the spiritual dangers associated with increasing wealth, emphasizing that riches can lead to a heart that is set on material possessions rather than on God.
	Success and Money by Charles Stanley	Charles Stanley preaches about the deception of defining success by material wealth, highlighting the idolatrous attitude many have towards money and the warning against making ric