King James Version

What Does Genesis 13:7 Mean?

Genesis 13:7 in the King James Version says “And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 13:7 · KJV

Context

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

9

Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

Read Genesis 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and th... 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. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַֽיְהִי1 of 15
H1961

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

רִ֗יב2 of 15

“And there was a strife”

H7379

a contest (personal or legal)

בֵּ֚ין3 of 15
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

רֹעֵ֣י4 of 15

“and the herdmen”

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

מִקְנֵה5 of 15

“cattle”

H4735

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

אַבְרָ֔ם6 of 15

“of Abram's”

H87

abram, the original name of abraham

וּבֵ֖ין7 of 15
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

רֹעֵ֣י8 of 15

“and the herdmen”

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

מִקְנֵה9 of 15

“cattle”

H4735

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

ל֑וֹט10 of 15

“of Lot's”

H3876

lot, abraham's nephew

וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙11 of 15

“and the Canaanite”

H3669

a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c

וְהַפְּרִזִּ֔י12 of 15

“and the Perizzite”

H6522

a perizzite, one of the canaanitish tribes

אָ֖ז13 of 15
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

יֹשֵׁ֥ב14 of 15

“dwelled”

H3427

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

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃15 of 15

“then in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 13:7 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 13:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 26:20Genesis 12:6James 3:161 Peter 2:12Galatians 5:20Genesis 34:30

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