Genesis 13:5-9 · Bible study
Genesis 13:5-9 Commentary: Abram’s Gracious Pursuit of Peace
Hebrew · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why does the text highlight Lot’s prosperity alongside Abram’s?
Research Summary
- Meaning: Abram prioritizes peace and family unity over personal advantage, trusting God's provision.
- Key words: Riv (strife, quarrel), Merivah (contention), Hipared (separate, reflexive, “separate yourself”), Anashim achim (men, brothers).
- Main debate: Whether Abram’s offer was intended as a test of Lot’s character or a simple act of deference.
- Theological theme: Peacemaking as an expression of faith in God’s promises.
- Best use: A scriptural model for resolving interpersonal and familial conflict with humility and trust.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
5Now Lot, who was traveling with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents.
6But the land was unable to support both of them while they stayed together, for they had so many possessions that they were unable to coexist.
7And there was discord between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were also living in the land.
8So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are brothers.
9Is not the whole land before you? Now separate yourself from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.”
WEB World English Bible 2000
5Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks, herds, and tents.
6The land was not able to bear them, that they might live together; for their possessions were so great that they couldn’t live together.
7There was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites lived in the land at that time.
8Abram said to Lot, “Please, let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen; for we are relatives.
9Isn’t the whole land before you? Please separate yourself from me. If you go to the left hand, then I will go to the right. Or if you go to the right hand, then I will go to the left.”
KJV King James Version 1769
5And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.
6And 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.
7And 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.
8And 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.
9Is 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.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
5And Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.
6And 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.
7And there was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdsmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelt then in the land.
8And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen; for we are brethren.
9Is 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 take the right hand, then I will go to the left.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
5And also to Lot, who is going with Abram, there hath been sheep and oxen and tents;
6and the land hath not suffered them to dwell together, for their substance hath been much, and they have not been able to dwell together;
7and there is a strife between those feeding Abram's cattle and those feeding Lot's cattle; and the Canaanite and the Perizzite are then dwelling in the land.
8And Abram saith unto Lot, `Let there not, I pray thee, be strife between me and thee, and between my shepherds and thy shepherds, for we are men--brethren.
9Is not all the land before thee? be parted, I pray thee, from me; if to the left, then I to the right; and if to the right, then I to the left.'
Darby Darby Bible 1890
5And Lot also who went with Abram had flocks, and herds, and tents.
6And the land could not support them, that they might dwell together, for their property was great; and they could not dwell together.
7And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's cattle and the herdsmen of Lot's cattle. And the Canaanite and the Perizzite were dwelling then in the land.
8And Abram said to Lot, I pray thee let there be no contention between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen, for we are brethren.
9Is not the whole land before thee? Separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if to the left, then I will take the right; and if to the right, then I will take the left.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
5But Lot also, who was with Abram, had flocks of sheep, and herds of beasts, and tents.
6Neither was the land able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, and they could not dwell together.
7Whereupon also there arose a strife between the herdsmen of Abram and of Lot. And at that time the Chanaanite and the Pherezite dwelled in that country.
8Abram therefore said to Lot: Let there be no quarrel, I beseech thee, between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen: for we are brethren.
9Behold the whole land is before thee: depart from me, I pray thee: if thou wilt go to the left hand, I will take the right: if thou choose the right hand, I will pass to the left.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Genesis 13:5
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that this passage foregrounds Abram's character as a peacemaker. Adam Clarke notes that Abram, as the elder and the one with the promise, could have claimed the best land; instead he gave Lot first choice. Calvin stresses that Abram “voluntarily sacrifices his own right” for the sake of peace, a display of moderation and trust in God's provision. Matthew Henry observes that “their riches” were the occasion of the quarrel, prosperity itself becoming a source of tension. The mention of the Canaanites and the Perizzites, as Cambridge Bible notes, highlights that internal discord among God's people could embolden hostile neighbors. Keil and Delitzsch sum up the consensus: Abram was “magnanimous enough to leave the choice to his nephew.” The shared conviction is that Abram acted out of faith, not weakness, because he knew God would keep His promise regardless of which land he ended up in.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: Abram acted peaceably and generously, putting family unity and his witness above his own right to choose the best land.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Why the separation happened | The land could not support both households due to the size of their flocks (v. 6). | Some see divine orchestration to test Abram’s faith; others view it as a practical necessity that Abram managed wisely. |
| Abram’s motive in offering Lot the choice | Abram wanted to avoid strife and preserve their relationship. | Christians differ on whether Abram also intended to see if Lot would act selfishly, or if his offer was purely generous. |
| The role of the Canaanites and Perizzites | Their presence made internal conflict more dangerous and shameful. | Some commentators think it simply explains why land was scarce; others emphasize the threat to Abram’s public witness. |
| How this passage applies today | It models prioritizing peace and family unity over personal rights. | Traditions vary on whether this should be applied literally to property disputes or more broadly to any conflict involving resources. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The land of Canaan in the early second millennium BC was not an empty territory. Indigenous groups like the Canaanites and Perizzites already occupied fortified towns and controlled the most fertile plains and valleys. Abram and Lot were semi-nomadic pastoralists, moving their herds seasonally between grazing areas and water sources. Wealth in that world was measured in livestock, sheep, goats, cattle, and the tents that housed family and servants. Both men had become very rich (Genesis 13:2,5), but that blessing created a practical problem: the region around Bethel and Ai could not support their combined flocks. As Wesley notes, “the place was too strait for them.” The nearby presence of the Canaanites and Perizzites (v. 7) meant that available pasture was already limited. Disputes over wells and grazing rights were common among herders, as seen later in Genesis 21 and 26. The internal strife between Abram’s and Lot’s herdsmen was therefore predictable, but it carried an extra risk: it gave their pagan neighbors a reason to mock the God Abram worshipped and to view both families as weak and divided. Abram understood this and moved quickly to defuse the situation.
Textual Notes
The supplied commentators note no significant textual variants for Genesis 13:5-9. The Hebrew text is stable across major manuscript traditions, and the passage presents no textual difficulties that affect interpretation.
Reception History
Early church writers such as Chrysostom highlighted Abram’s humility and willingness to yield. In the Middle Ages, monastic communities cited this passage as a pattern for resolving disputes without litigation. Reformation figures like Calvin and Luther emphasized Abram’s faith: he could afford to be generous because he trusted God’s promise of the land. In modern preaching, Genesis 13:5-9 is often used as a case study in conflict resolution, especially within families and church leadership teams. The story has also inspired hymns about trusting God’s leading even when our choices seem limited.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Blessing can bring conflict. Both Abram and Lot were prosperous, but their very success caused friction. Material abundance does not automatically lead to peace; it often tests our generosity.
- Peace is more valuable than personal rights. Abram waived his right as the senior party. He didn't demand the best; he trusted God to provide wherever he ended up.
- Your witness matters more than your turf. The Canaanites and Perizzites were watching. Abram acted so that the name of Yahweh would not be dishonored.
Five-point outline
- Shared prosperity, shared problem. Both Abram and Lot had too much for the land to support (vv. 5-6).
- Strife among the servants. Conflict erupted between herdsmen, a sign that the situation was unsustainable (v. 7).
- The outside threat. The Canaanites and Perizzites were present, making internal division dangerous (v. 7).
- Abram’s initiative. He spoke first, with gentleness (“please”) and reason (“we are brothers,” v. 8).
- Absolute trust. Abram offered Lot the entire land to choose from, confident that God would fulfill His promise in any location (v. 9).
Illustration hooks
- A family business where two siblings inherit equal shares but constantly clash over decisions; the older sibling chooses to step back rather than escalate.
- Two churches sharing a building end up fighting over which group can use the sanctuary first; one pastor suggests a schedule after the other pastor offers to take the less desirable times.
Questions your congregation is asking
- How do I know when to stand my ground and when to give in for peace?
- What if my “Lot” takes advantage of my generosity?
Leading a Discussion
This story shows a crisis that was partly caused by blessing, partly by circumstances, and partly by human nature. Abram’s response, putting peace before position, is striking because he was the one with God’s promise. The group can explore what made that posture possible and what it might cost us today.
Discussion questions
- What details in verses 5-7 set up the conflict? Who is affected besides Abram and Lot?
- Why do you think the text mentions the Canaanites and Perizzites? What does that add to the story?
- Abram uses the word “please” twice in verse 8-9. What does that word choice tell you about his attitude?
- How does Abram’s offer in verse 9 reflect his faith in God’s promises (see Genesis 12:1-3, 7)?
- Have you ever been in a situation where a close relationship was strained by material resources? What helped or hurt?
- What would it look like to “give Lot the first choice” in a disagreement you are facing now?
- How can your group support one another to prioritize peace over being right?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Genesis 4:20 | Adah gave birth to Jabal, who was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. |
| Genesis 25:27 | The boys grew. Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field. Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. |
| Jeremiah 49:29 | They will take their tents and their flocks. they will carry away for themselves their curtains, all their vessels, and their camels; and they will cry to them, ‘Terror on every side!’ |
| Genesis 36:6 | Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the members of his household, with his livestock, all his animals, and all his possessions, which he had gathered in the land of Canaan, and went into a land away from his brother Jacob. |
| Genesis 36:7 | For their substance was too great for them to dwell together, and the land of their travels couldn’t bear them because of their livestock. |
| Ecclesiastes 5:10 | He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver, nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity. |
| Ecclesiastes 5:11 | When goods increase, those who eat them are increased; and what advantage is there to its owner, except to feast on them with his eyes? |
| Luke 12:17 | He reasoned within himself, saying, ‘What will I do, because I don’t have room to store my crops?’ |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
10 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke highlights that Abram’s decision to let Lot choose first was a deliberate act of humility, overriding his own prescriptive right as patriarch. He argues this gesture stemmed from pure parental affection and a firm belief that family peace outweighs any secular advantage. This choice prevented strife between their herdsmen and honored their shared faith in the same God.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin sees the strife between Abram's and Lot's herdsmen as a bitter medicine God used to prevent Abram from becoming overly attached to his wealth. He emphasizes that Abram's willingness to yield his own right and give Lot the choice was the true remedy for peace, teaching that voluntary self-sacrifice can dissolve conflict.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
This commentary points out that Genesis 13 combines two separate accounts of why Abram and
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The notes highlight that Abram’s willingness to yield the first choice demonstrates profound humility and a desire for peace over personal advantage. By offering Lot full freedom to pick any direction, Abram prioritizes their brotherly bond above material gain or strategic positioning in the land. This act reflects a spirit of generosity that prevents conflict from escalating between their respective herdsman.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights Abram's remarkable humility: though older, wealthier, and the rightful owner of the land, he offers Lot first choice to avoid strife. He also warns that the Canaanite and Perizzite neighbors, a rough and unsociable people, would exploit any discord between the two
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB emphasizes that Abraham's peaceful response to the strife was driven by his deep religious concern. He feared that a public rupture with Lot would discredit the name of true religion. So Abraham willingly set aside his own rights and gave Lot first choice, demonstrating extraordinary generosity and peaceableness.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil and Delitzsch highlight Abram’s remarkable restraint: though older and the acknowledged leader, he yields the choice of land to his younger nephew Lot. This magnanimous gesture springs from Abram’s quiet trust that God’s promise would be fulfilled regardless of which territory remained.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange emphasizes Abram's remarkable humility: he treats his nephew Lot as an equal, calling him "brother," and yields the choice of the best land to prevent conflict. The commentator notes that such generous concession is exactly what kinship and faith require, setting a model of peacemaking.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry highlights how their shared wealth, a blessing for following Abram, became the very cause of their separation. The land could not sustain both families peacefully, forcing them apart despite their close bond. He notes that even worldly comforts carry inherent cross burdens, as prosperity can create distance where intimacy once flourished.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley points out that the quarrel between Abram and Lot was especially dangerous because hostile Canaanites and Perizzites lived nearby, ready to attack. It was also scandalous: pagan neighbors watched these professed worshippers of God fighting, and their division brought reproach on the faith they claimed to follow.