King James Version

What Does Genesis 26:13 Mean?

Genesis 26:13 in the King James Version says “And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: went: Heb. went going” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: went: Heb. went going”

Genesis 26:13 · KJV

Context

11

And Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.

12

Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold : and the LORD blessed him. received: Heb. found

13

And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: went: Heb. went going

14

For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him. servants: or, husbandry

15

For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth.

Read Genesis 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
גָדַ֖ל1 of 9

“great”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

הָאִ֑ישׁ2 of 9

“And the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הָלוֹךְ֙3 of 9

“forward”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

הָלוֹךְ֙4 of 9

“forward”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

גָדַ֖ל5 of 9

“great”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

עַ֥ד6 of 9
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

כִּֽי7 of 9
H3588

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

גָדַ֖ל8 of 9

“great”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

מְאֹֽד׃9 of 9

“very”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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 26:13 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 26:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 10:22Psalms 112:3Genesis 24:35

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 26 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes