King James Version

What Does Genesis 26:14 Mean?

Genesis 26:14 in the King James Version says “For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him. s...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 26:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.

Read Genesis 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Phili... 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. What theological truths about Isaac's Life emerge from this passage?
  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 · 11 words
וַֽיְהִי1 of 11
H1961

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

ל֤וֹ2 of 11
H0
וּמִקְנֵ֣ה3 of 11

“For he had possession”

H4735

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

צֹאן֙4 of 11

“of flocks”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

וּמִקְנֵ֣ה5 of 11

“For he had possession”

H4735

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

בָקָ֔ר6 of 11

“of herds”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

וַֽעֲבֻדָּ֖ה7 of 11

“of servants”

H5657

something wrought, i.e., (concretely) service

רַבָּ֑ה8 of 11

“and great store”

H7227

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

וַיְקַנְא֥וּ9 of 11

“envied”

H7065

to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious

אֹת֖וֹ10 of 11
H853

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

פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃11 of 11

“and the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

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 26:14 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 26:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 37:11Genesis 13:2Proverbs 27:4Genesis 12:16Ecclesiastes 4:4Psalms 112:3

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