Genesis 26:21
Genesis 26:21 in Multiple Translations
Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah.
And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.
And they digged another well, and they strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.
Then they made another water-hole, and there was a fight about that, so he gave it the name of Sitnah.
He had another well dug, and they argued over that one too. He named the well, “Opposition.”
Afterwarde they digged another well, and stroue for that also, and he called the name of it Sitnah.
and they dig another well, and they strive also for it, and he calleth its name 'Hatred.'
They dug another well, and they argued over that, also. So he called its name Sitnah.
And they digged another well, and contended for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.
And they digged also another; and for that they quarrelled likewise, and he called the name of it, Enmity.
Then Isaac’s servants dug another well, but they quarreled about who owned that one also. So Isaac named it Sitnah, which means ‘opposition’.
After that, Isaac’s workers dug another water-hole, but the men from Gerar came and argued with them about that water-hole too. So Isaac called that water-hole Sitnah. That name means they are enemies.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 26:21
BAB
Word Study
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Genesis 26:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יַּחְפְּרוּ֙
בְּאֵ֣ר
אַחֶ֔רֶת
וַ/יָּרִ֖יבוּ
גַּם
עָלֶ֑י/הָ
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
שְׁמָ֖/הּ
שִׂטְנָֽה
וַֽ/יַּחְפְּרוּ֙
châphar
H2658
to search
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְּאֵ֣ר
bᵉʼêr
H875
well
N-fs
אַחֶ֔רֶת
ʼachêr
H312
another
Adj
וַ/יָּרִ֖יבוּ
rîyb
H7378
to contend
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
עָלֶ֑י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׁמָ֖/הּ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
שִׂטְנָֽה
Siṭnâh
H7856
Sitnah
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 26:21
וַֽ/יַּחְפְּרוּ֙
châphar
H2658
"to search"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
The Hebrew word châphar means to search or dig, often used to describe seeking something deeply. In Psalm 139:1, David asks God to search him, knowing God already knows everything. It implies a thorough examination.
Definition: 1) to dig, search for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dig 1a2) to search, search out, explore
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: dig, paw, search out, seek. See also: Genesis 21:30; Deuteronomy 23:14; Psalms 7:16.
בְּאֵ֣ר
bᵉʼêr
H875
"well"
N-fs
A well or pit, like a water source, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a spring, and is often translated as a well or pit in the Bible.
Definition: well, pit, spring
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: pit, well. See also: Genesis 14:10; Genesis 29:3; Psalms 55:24.
אַחֶ֔רֶת
ʼachêr
H312
"another"
Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
וַ/יָּרִ֖יבוּ
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
עָלֶ֑י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
שְׁמָ֖/הּ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
שִׂטְנָֽה
Siṭnâh
H7856
"Sitnah"
N-proper
Sitnah is a place name in the Bible, referring to a well in the valley of Gerar dug by Isaac, meaning strife. It is the second well mentioned in the story, symbolizing the ongoing conflict between Isaac and the Philistines. This event is recorded in Genesis 26.
Definition: § Sitnah = "strife" the 2nd of the 2 wells dug by Isaac in the valley of Gerar
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Sitnah. See also: Genesis 26:21.
Study Notes — Genesis 26:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 26:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 26:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 26:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 26:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 26:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 26:21
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 26:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 26:21
Context — Isaac’s Prosperity
19Then Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found a well of fresh water there.
20But 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.
21Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah.
22He moved on from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. He named it Rehoboth and said, “At last the LORD has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land.” 23From there Isaac went up to Beersheba,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 4:6 | At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, an accusation was lodged against the people of Judah and Jerusalem. |
Genesis 26:21 Summary
This verse tells us that Isaac's servants dug another well, but the people of Gerar quarreled with them over it, just like they had with the first well. Isaac named this well 'Sitnah', which means 'opposition', because of the conflict that happened. This shows us that even when we face opposition or conflict, we can trust in God's provision and sovereignty, just like Isaac did. As it says in Psalm 23:4, 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me', and in Romans 8:28, 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the herdsmen of Gerar quarrel with Isaac's herdsmen over the wells?
The herdsmen of Gerar likely quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen because they wanted to claim the water sources for themselves, as seen in Genesis 26:20 where they said, 'The water is ours!' This dispute may have been driven by a desire to control the resources in the area, similar to the struggles over land and resources in other parts of the Bible, such as in Exodus 17:2 where the Israelites contended with Moses over water.
What does the name 'Sitnah' mean and why did Isaac choose it for the well?
The name 'Sitnah' is derived from a Hebrew word that means 'opposition' or 'enmity', which reflects the conflict and quarreling that occurred over the well, as described in Genesis 26:21. Isaac may have chosen this name to acknowledge the strife and to trust that God would ultimately bring peace and resolution, as seen in other instances where names were given to reflect significant events or characteristics, such as in Genesis 16:14 where a well was named 'Beer-lahai-roi' to commemorate a divine encounter.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Isaac's life and the promises of God?
This verse is part of a larger narrative that showcases Isaac's trust in God's promises, even in the face of opposition and conflict, as seen in Genesis 26:3-4 where God reaffirms His covenant with Isaac. The struggles over the wells may have been a test of Isaac's faith, but they also demonstrate his perseverance and reliance on God's provision, which is a common theme throughout the biblical account of the patriarchs, such as in Genesis 22:1-14 where Abraham's faith is tested through the sacrifice of Isaac.
What can we learn from Isaac's response to the quarreling and opposition he faced?
Isaac's response to the quarreling and opposition, as seen in Genesis 26:21-22, teaches us the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of conflict. By moving on and digging another well, Isaac demonstrated his faith that God would provide for him and his household, which is a principle that is reinforced in other parts of the Bible, such as in Psalm 37:3-7 where believers are encouraged to trust in God and do good, and in Romans 8:28 where it is written that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
Reflection Questions
- How do you respond to opposition or conflict in your own life, and what can you learn from Isaac's example in this verse?
- In what ways do you trust in God's provision and sovereignty, even when faced with challenges or uncertainty, as seen in Genesis 26:21-22?
- What are some areas in your life where you may be experiencing 'quarreling' or opposition, and how can you apply the principles of trust and perseverance seen in this verse?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in God's promises and to have faith that He will ultimately bring peace and resolution to your circumstances, as seen in Genesis 26:22 where Isaac names the well 'Rehoboth' and says, 'At last the LORD has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land'?
- In what ways can you 'move on' and trust in God's provision, as Isaac did when he dug another well and named it 'Rehoboth', and how can this impact your relationship with God and others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 26:21
And they digged another well,.... That is, Isaac's servants: and strove for that also; the herdsmen of Gerar disputed their right to that also, and strove to get it from them: and he called the name
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 26:21
And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah. Sitnah , [ SiTnaah (H7856)] - hatred, accusation. Wilton suggests that this well was dug in Wady esh-Shutein.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 26:21
Genesis 26:21 And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.Ver. 21. And he called the name of it Sitnah.] Of Satan; to hate deadly, as the devil doth. So the Preacher in his Travels tells us of a place called, The mouth of hell. And we read of a country called, Terra del fuego. Savoy, for the strait passages infested with thieves, was once called Malvoy; till a worthy adventurer cleared the coasts, and then it was called Salvoy, or Savoy, quasi salva via. So, King Alfred, as he divided the kingdom into shires, so the subjects, in the several shires, into tens, or tithings; every of which should give bond for the good bearing of each other. The most ancient of the ten, was called the tithing man. And the kingdom was called Regnum Dei, and Albion, quasi Olbion, happy; as Angli quasi Angeli; for that then a poor girl might safely travel with a bag of gold in her hand, and none durst meddle with her. Preach. Trav., p. 10.
Heyl., Geog. 130. Ibid., 474 Polyd., Virg.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 26:21
(18-22) Isaac digged again the wells . . . —This activity of Isaac called forth anew the opposition of the Philistines, His first well was in the wady of Gerar, and was the more valuable because it was not the mere remains of the water of the torrent, but was fed by a spring, as we learn from its being called “a well of living water.” But though Isaac had a right to these wells by reason of the old covenant between his father and the king, yet when his claim was resisted he abandoned the well, but in token of displeasure called it Esek, contention. When compelled to resign his next well he called it by a harsher name—Sitnah, enmity; for their opposition was developing into bitter persecution. And now, wearied with the strife, he withdrew far away, and the Philistines, having gained their end, followed him no farther. In quiet, therefore, he again dug a well, and called it Rehoboth, wide open spaces. It has been identified with one in the wady Ruhaibeh now stopped up, but originally twelve feet in diameter and cased with hewn stone. It lies to the south of Beer-sheba, at a distance of 8⅓ ? leagues, and about forty miles; away from Gerar.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 26:21
Verse 21. They digged another well] Never did any man more implicitly follow the Divine command, Resist not evil, than Isaac; whenever he found that his work was likely to be a subject of strife and contention, he gave place, and rather chose to suffer wrong than to have his own peace of mind disturbed. Thus he overcame evil with good.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 26:21
21. Sitnah] That is, Enmity. This name is connected with the same root as the word satan, “adversary”; cf. Numbers 20:22; 1 Samuel 29:4. It has been doubtfully identified with a modern name, Wady-Sutem.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 26:21
20-22. Esek… Sitnah… Rehoboth — These appear to have been new wells digged, in addition to the old ones re-opened, and the names mean, respectively, Strife, Opposition, (from the same root as Satan,) and Broad Places, Room.