King James Version

What Does Genesis 26:21 Mean?

Genesis 26:21 in the King James Version says “And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah. Sitnah: that is, Hatred” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah. Sitnah: that is, Hatred”

Genesis 26:21 · KJV

Context

19

And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water. springing: Heb. living

20

And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him. Esek: that is, Contention

21

And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah. Sitnah: that is, Hatred

22

And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land. Rehoboth: that is Room

23

And he went up from thence to Beersheba.

Read Genesis 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.... 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.

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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 can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַֽיַּחְפְּרוּ֙1 of 9

“And they digged”

H2658

properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore

בְּאֵ֣ר2 of 9

“well”

H875

a pit; especially a well

אַחֶ֔רֶת3 of 9

“another”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וַיָּרִ֖יבוּ4 of 9

“and strove”

H7378

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

גַּם5 of 9
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

עָלֶ֑יהָ6 of 9
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וַיִּקְרָ֥א7 of 9

“for that also and he called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמָ֖הּ8 of 9

“the name of it”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שִׂטְנָֽה׃9 of 9

“Sitnah”

H7856

sitnah, the name of a well in pal

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 26:21 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 26:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 4:6

Places in This Verse

SitnahWell · Modern: Ruheibeh · 31.03°N, 34.57°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Genesis 26 →

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