King James Version

What Does Genesis 13:6 Mean?

Genesis 13:6 in the King James Version says “And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they coul...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 13:6 · KJV

Context

4

Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.

5

And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.

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.

7

And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.

8

And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. brethren: Heb. men brethren

Read Genesis 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was grea... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נָשָׂ֥א2 of 14

“was not able to bear”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֹתָ֛ם3 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאָ֖רֶץ4 of 14

“And the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לָשֶׁ֥בֶת5 of 14

“not dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יַחְדָּֽו׃6 of 14

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

כִּֽי7 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הָיָ֤ה8 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

רְכוּשָׁם֙9 of 14

“for their substance”

H7399

property (as gathered)

רָ֔ב10 of 14

“was great”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וְלֹ֥א11 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָֽכְל֖וּ12 of 14

“so that they could”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לָשֶׁ֥בֶת13 of 14

“not dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יַחְדָּֽו׃14 of 14

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 13:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 13:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 36:6-71 Timothy 6:9Luke 12:17-18Ecclesiastes 5:10-11

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