Genesis 13:9 kjv
Is 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.
Genesis 13:9 nkjv
Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left."
Genesis 13:9 niv
Is not the whole land before you? Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left."
Genesis 13:9 esv
Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left."
Genesis 13:9 nlt
The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I'll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I'll go to the left."
Genesis 13 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 12:7 | The LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." | God's prior promise of the land to Abraham. |
| Gen 13:2 | Abram had become very wealthy in livestock... | Source of the conflict: large possessions. |
| Gen 13:6 | ...the land could not support both of them dwelling together... | Explains the necessity of separation. |
| Gen 13:10 | Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the whole Jordan Valley was well watered.. | Lot's choice driven by sight/prosperity. |
| Gen 13:11 | So Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley... | Lot acts on his sight-based choice. |
| Gen 13:12 | Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the plain... | Consequences of their differing choices. |
| Gen 13:14 | The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, "Lift up your eyes..." | God reaffirms promise after Abraham's act of faith. |
| Phil 2:3-4 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. | Echoes Abraham's selfless action. |
| 1 Cor 10:24 | Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. | Reinforces the principle of other-centeredness. |
| Rom 12:18 | If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. | Abraham's proactive peace-making. |
| Heb 12:14 | Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. | Emphasizes the pursuit of peace. |
| Prov 15:1 | A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. | Wisdom in de-escalating conflict. |
| Matt 5:9 | Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. | Divine blessing on peacemakers like Abraham. |
| Prov 3:5-6 | Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. | Abraham's trust in God, not circumstances. |
| Ps 37:3-6 | Trust in the LORD, and do good... delight yourself in the LORD... | Calls to trust God's provision over self-reliance. |
| Matt 6:33 | But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. | Abraham prioritizes harmony, trusting God for provision. |
| Heb 11:8 | By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place... | Abraham's journey defined by faith and obedience. |
| Heb 11:9-10 | For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. | Abraham's eternal perspective on land. |
| Jam 3:17 | But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason... | Reflects the wisdom behind Abraham's proposal. |
| Gen 14:23 | I will take nothing... lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ | Abraham's consistent rejection of gain from questionable sources. |
Genesis 13 verses
Genesis 13 9 Meaning
This verse captures Abraham’s remarkable generosity and humility, where he (Abram at this point) offers his nephew Lot the first choice of land to prevent conflict between their herdsmen. Despite being the elder patriarch and the recipient of God's land promises, Abraham willingly relinquishes his right to choose first, trusting entirely in God's provision regardless of Lot's decision. His proposal highlights a desire for peace and harmony over personal gain or earthly possessions.
Genesis 13 9 Context
Genesis chapter 13 details the increasing wealth of Abram and Lot, particularly in livestock, leading to inevitable conflict between their respective herdsmen over limited pasturage and water sources. This strife threatened the peace and relationship between the uncle and nephew. As the patriarch, Abram initiated a resolution to avoid further discord, making a profoundly selfless offer to Lot. Historically, land and grazing rights were vital for survival and prosperity in the ancient Near East. The usual custom would grant the elder and more prominent individual (Abram) the right of first choice. By offering Lot the selection, Abram not only displays humility but also an profound trust in God's ability to provide, transcending typical human self-interest. This act contrasts with common practices of greed and disputes over resources, presenting a divine model of conflict resolution.
Genesis 13 9 Word analysis
- Is not: A rhetorical question (Hebrew: הֲלוֹא, haloʾ), used to emphasize that the whole land is undeniably available, defusing any perception of scarcity and highlighting the ample resources. It suggests a logical and generous proposition.
- the whole land: Hebrew: כָל־הָאָרֶץ (kol-ha'arets). ʼerets (land/earth) refers to the entire country, stressing the vastness of the territory available for occupation. It counters any claim that insufficient space exists for both.
- before you: This phrase signifies open availability for Lot's discernment and selection. The land is directly accessible for him to choose from, visually and practically.
- Please separate: Hebrew: הִפָּרֶד־נָא (hippared-naʾ). Nāʾ (please/pray tell) is a particle of entreaty or mild request, making the command gentle rather than authoritarian. Pārad (separate) means to divide or part, indicating a peaceful, negotiated split. This shows Abraham’s desire for an amicable division rather than a contentious one.
- from me: Clear delineation of the desired physical distance.
- If you take: Hebrew: אִם־הַיָּמִין תַּחַזִק (ʾim-hayyamīn tachăzīq). ʾIm introduces a condition, emphasizing Lot's freedom of choice. Tachăzīq (take/grasp) implies a firm choice or appropriation of land.
- the left hand... the right hand: These phrases refer to geographical directions. From a fixed orientation (e.g., facing east, north would be "left," south "right"), these are general directions, implying Lot could choose to move towards the northern or southern regions (or any distinct division) from their current position. It represents a simple binary choice for dividing territory.
- then I will go: A direct consequence of Lot's choice, demonstrating Abraham’s complete deference and flexibility.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "Is not the whole land before you?": This rhetorical opening establishes the context of abundant land, removing any pretense of necessity for dispute. It positions Abram as one seeking peace and equity rather than exclusive possession.
- "Please separate from me.": This gentle yet firm appeal for separation underscores Abram's priority of familial harmony over shared resources that are causing contention. The politeness embedded in "please" reflects his magnanimous character.
- "If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.": This statement vividly illustrates Abram's complete submission to Lot's decision and his absolute trust in divine provision. It highlights his selfless relinquishing of his elder's privilege. This sets up the critical moment of Lot's choice based on sight (Gen 13:10) versus Abram's underlying faith.
Genesis 13 9 Bonus section
This specific interaction between Abram and Lot provides a profound contrast in decision-making principles. While Abram trusts in unseen divine promises, Lot makes his choice based on immediate visible prosperity, a theme echoed in other biblical narratives comparing faith and sight (2 Cor 5:7). This seemingly simple division of land foreshadows the distinct spiritual and material outcomes for both Lot's lineage and Abraham's, highlighting the long-term implications of choices made by faith versus sight. Abram's magnanimous gesture also confirms his integrity, refusing to be enriched by conflict or by taking advantage of another. This paves the way for God's renewed promise and blessing to him immediately after Lot departs (Gen 13:14-17), affirming God's faithfulness to those who walk in His ways.
Genesis 13 9 Commentary
Abraham's proposal in Genesis 13:9 is a pivotal demonstration of his mature faith and exemplary character. As the elder patriarch and recipient of God's direct promises of land, custom dictated that he held the prerogative to choose first. Yet, in an act of extraordinary humility and spiritual maturity, he extends this right to his nephew Lot. This selflessness is born from a profound trust in God, believing that God would fulfill His promises to him irrespective of Lot's immediate, advantageous choice. Abram’s action prioritizes peace and familial harmony over personal gain, thereby defusing potential escalating conflict. This choice aligns him with God's principles of love, peace, and valuing others above oneself, setting a high standard for resolving disputes within God’s covenant people. His example shows that true security lies not in tangible possessions but in unreserved reliance on the Lord’s provision and guidance.