Genesis 13:8 kjv

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.

Genesis 13:8 nkjv

So Abram said to Lot, "Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren.

Genesis 13:8 niv

So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives.

Genesis 13:8 esv

Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen.

Genesis 13:8 nlt

Finally Abram said to Lot, "Let's not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives!

Genesis 13 verses

Genesis 13 8 Meaning

Genesis 13:8 conveys Abram's proactive peacemaking initiative towards his nephew, Lot. Recognizing the tension and strife over land and resources between their respective herdsmen, Abram proposes a separation to prevent further conflict. His primary motivation is their deep familial bond, underscoring the sanctity of kinship and peace over material possessions. This verse highlights Abram's spiritual maturity, humility, and trust in divine provision, demonstrating a valuing of relationships and harmony within the family of God above worldly disputes.

Genesis 13 8 Context

This verse is situated immediately after Abram's and Lot's return to Canaan from Egypt, where both had significantly increased their wealth, particularly in livestock. Their combined flocks, herds, and tents were so vast that the land could not sustain them dwelling together due to insufficient pasture and water resources. This led to "strife" (מָדוֹן, madon – "contention" or "dispute") between their respective herdsmen (Gen 13:7), who were acting on behalf of their masters over these crucial resources. The historical context reflects a nomadic, patriarchal society where wealth was measured in livestock and access to land and water was paramount for survival. Family honor and unity were also vital social pillars. Abram's intervention avoids a protracted and potentially violent dispute, common in an era where tribal survival often depended on controlling resources. His peacemaking directly counters the prevalent tendency for disputes over land and resources to escalate into conflict, emphasizing a divine principle over self-interest.

Genesis 13 8 Word analysis

• So Abram (וַיֹּאמֶר אַבְרָם - va-yō’mer Avrām): "And said Abram." This simple connective signals Abram's initiative. Abram ("exalted father") consistently demonstrates a character of faith and humility, exemplified here. His leadership is not coercive but conciliatory.
• said (וַיֹּאמֶר - va-yō’mer): A straightforward past tense verb, showing Abram's decisive and vocal action. He addresses the issue directly and personally.
• to Lot (אֶל-לוֹט - ’el-Lōṭ): Specifies the recipient of Abram's communication, Lot, his nephew and a dependent family member. This personal address underlines the importance of their relationship.
• Let there be no strife (אַל-נָא תְהִי מְרִיבָה - ’al-nā’ t’hî m'rîvâ): A strong imperative "Let there not be" (אַל-נָא) expressing a plea and a command. Merivah (מְרִיבָה) signifies a quarrel, contention, or dispute. Abram actively seeks to halt the current and future escalation of conflict. This shows his commitment to proactive peacemaking.
• between you and me: Abram includes himself in the potential conflict, showing his humility and taking responsibility as the elder. He directly addresses the source of the ultimate tension, between the masters.
• and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen: Abram identifies the immediate and practical cause of the conflict—the quarreling between their employees over grazing rights. This demonstrates a clear understanding of the operational problem. He is not avoiding the issue but addressing it at all levels.
• for (כִּי - kî): This conjunction provides the vital reason or justification for Abram's request, acting as a crucial moral anchor.
• we are kinsmen (אֲנָשִׁים אַחִים אֲנַחְנוּ - ’ănāšîm ’aḥîm ’ănáḥnû): Literally, "men, brothers, we." Achim (אַחִים), while meaning "brothers," often denotes close relatives in the Old Testament, fitting Lot's status as Abram's nephew. This phrase is the moral cornerstone of Abram's plea. It highlights the paramount importance of their shared lineage, familial loyalty, and covenant relationship as the basis for maintaining peace, valuing human bonds above material gain.

Words-group analysis:

• "Abram said to Lot": Signifies Abram's decisive initiative and leadership in addressing the emerging conflict. He initiates the difficult conversation.
• "Let there be no strife... between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen": This entire phrase encapsulates Abram's comprehensive approach to resolving the dispute. It covers both the principle (himself and Lot) and the practical manifestation of the conflict (the herdsmen), aiming for complete cessation of tension.
• "for we are kinsmen": This is the theological and moral imperative that drives Abram's actions. It encapsulates the deep valuing of family bonds, brotherhood, and loyalty as a basis for peaceful coexistence, superseding worldly possessions. It speaks to their shared heritage and possibly their shared covenant with God.

Genesis 13 8 Bonus section

Abram's initiative here also functions as a subtle polemic against the "survival of the fittest" mentality prevalent in ancient tribal societies. Instead of consolidating power or demanding priority as the elder, he offers the choice to Lot, showcasing a radically different way of life guided by trust in a sovereign God rather than relying on one's own strength or earthly claim. This decision prepares the way for God's renewed, unconditional covenant promise to Abram immediately after Lot departs (Gen 13:14-17), demonstrating that divine blessing often follows acts of selflessness and faith. His emphasis on "we are kinsmen" (אֲנָשִׁים אַחִים) established a powerful precedent for brotherly love that would echo through the entire scriptural narrative, highlighting God's design for familial and communal harmony. This act is not just a pragmatic solution; it is a theological statement about God's preferred way for His people to interact.

Genesis 13 8 Commentary

Genesis 13:8 serves as a pivotal demonstration of Abram's faith and character, providing a foundational lesson in biblical peacemaking. Facing a resource conflict that could easily rupture family bonds and betray their shared spiritual calling, Abram takes swift, selfless action. He doesn't assert his seniority or demand Lot concede; instead, he humbly prioritizes peace and their sacred kinship. His willingness to offer Lot the first choice of land (in Gen 13:9) highlights an extraordinary degree of trust in God's providence, showing he believed God, not land or wealth, was his ultimate provider. This selfless act prevented not just an immediate dispute but a potential familial legacy of bitterness, safeguarding the line through which God's promises would flow. It contrasts sharply with the common ancient Near Eastern practices of self-preservation and shows how God's chosen leader operates by principles of humility, generosity, and brotherly love. Abram's act anticipates the New Testament call for believers to be peacemakers and to value spiritual relationships over temporal gain (Phil 2:3-4). His conduct embodies a mature faith that does not cling to earthly possessions when it conflicts with spiritual harmony, providing a profound model for conflict resolution within any community.

For practical usage, this verse illustrates:

• The importance of addressing conflicts proactively, before they escalate.
• Valuing relationships and unity (especially within family or spiritual community) over material gain.
• Humility and selflessness in leadership and personal interactions.