Genesis 13:4
Genesis 13:4 in Multiple Translations
to the site where he had built the altar. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD.
Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.
unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of Jehovah.
To the place where he had made his first altar, and there Abram gave worship to the name of the Lord.
This was where he'd first built an altar. He worshiped the Lord there as he had done previously.
Vnto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the Name of the Lord.
unto the place of the altar which he made there at the first, and there doth Abram preach in the name of Jehovah.
to the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first. There Abram called on the LORD’s name.
To the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.
In the place of the altar which he had made before; and there he called upon the name of the Lord.
and where Abram had made a stone altar and worshiped Yahweh.
That was the place where Abram built a special stone table to burn animals, to show respect to God. After Abram got back there, he prayed to God, and he called God by his special name Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 13:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 13:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶל
מְקוֹם֙
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֔חַ
אֲשֶׁר
עָ֥שָׂה
שָׁ֖ם
בָּ/רִאשֹׁנָ֑ה
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
שָׁ֛ם
אַבְרָ֖ם
בְּ/שֵׁ֥ם
יְהוָֽה
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מְקוֹם֙
mâqôwm
H4725
place
N-ms
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֔חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָ֥שָׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
בָּ/רִאשֹׁנָ֑ה
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Prep | Adj
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁ֛ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
אַבְרָ֖ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
Abram
N-proper
בְּ/שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 13:4
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מְקוֹם֙
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֔חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Art | N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָ֥שָׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
בָּ/רִאשֹׁנָ֑ה
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Prep | Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
שָׁ֛ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אַבְרָ֖ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
"Abram"
N-proper
Abram was the original name of Abraham, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Terah, brother of Nahor and Haran, and husband of Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah, as told in Genesis 11:26--17:5.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x Another name of av.ra.ham (אַבְרָהָם "Abraham" H0085) § Abram = "exalted father" original name of Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: Abram. See also: Genesis 11:26; Genesis 14:13; Nehemiah 9:7.
בְּ/שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Genesis 13:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 13:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 13:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 13:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 13:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 13:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 13:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 13:4
- Sermons on Genesis 13:4
Context — Abram and Lot Part Ways
2And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold.
3From the Negev he journeyed from place to place toward Bethel, until he came to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been pitched,
4to the site where he had built the altar. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 29:12 | Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. |
| 2 | Genesis 12:7–8 | Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring. ” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD, and he called on the name of the LORD. |
| 3 | Isaiah 58:9 | Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry out, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and malicious talk, |
| 4 | Ephesians 6:18–19 | Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, |
| 5 | Zephaniah 3:9 | For then I will restore pure lips to the peoples, that all may call upon the name of the LORD and serve Him shoulder to shoulder. |
| 6 | Psalms 65:1–2 | Praise awaits You, O God, in Zion; to You our vows will be fulfilled. O You who listen to prayer, all people will come to You. |
| 7 | Psalms 116:2 | Because He has inclined His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. |
| 8 | Psalms 116:17 | I will offer to You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. |
| 9 | Psalms 84:10 | For better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. |
| 10 | Psalms 42:1–2 | As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence? |
Genesis 13:4 Summary
In Genesis 13:4, Abram returns to a special place where he had built an altar to worship and call on the name of the Lord. This shows us the importance of having a personal and intimate relationship with God, and of regularly seeking His presence and guidance in our lives (as in Psalm 119:145-152). Just like Abram, we can trust in God's faithfulness and provision, and seek to deepen our intimacy with Him through prayer and worship (as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:12-13). By doing so, we can experience God's presence and power in our lives, just as Abram did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the altar Abram built in Genesis 13:4?
The altar represented a place of worship and sacrifice for Abram, where he could call on the name of the Lord and seek His guidance and provision, as seen in Genesis 12:7-8 where he first built an altar to the Lord.
Why did Abram return to the site where he had built the altar?
Abram returned to this site to reconnect with the Lord and to reaffirm his commitment to following God's will, as he had previously done in Genesis 12:8, and to seek God's direction in the face of the challenges he was facing with Lot.
What does it mean to 'call on the name of the Lord' as Abram did in Genesis 13:4?
To call on the name of the Lord means to invoke God's presence, power, and provision in one's life, seeking a personal and intimate relationship with Him, as expressed in Psalm 145:18 and Romans 10:13.
How can we apply Abram's example in Genesis 13:4 to our own lives?
We can apply Abram's example by regularly seeking the Lord in prayer and worship, just as Abram did, and by trusting in God's faithfulness and provision in our own lives, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:12-13 and Hebrews 11:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can create space in my life to 'call on the name of the Lord' and seek His presence and guidance?
- How can I, like Abram, trust in God's faithfulness and provision even in the midst of challenges and uncertainties?
- What are some 'altars' in my life where I have previously experienced God's presence and power, and how can I return to those places to reconnect with Him?
- In what ways can I prioritize my relationship with God and seek to deepen my intimacy with Him, just as Abram did in Genesis 13:4?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 13:4
Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first,.... When he first came to that place, and before he went down to Egypt: it is not said he came to the altar, but "to the place",
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 13:4
Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD. There Abram called.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 13:4
Unto the place of the altar, i.e. where the altar was; for the altar itself was either fallen down, as being probably built of earth, as afterwards, , or overthrown by the wicked Canaanites. He worshipped God by prayer, and preaching to his family, , and offering sacrifices. See 12:8.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 13:4
Genesis 13:4 Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.Ver. 4. Unto the place of the altar, &c.] There he had found God to his comfort, and there he looks now to find him so again. It will be some help to us, for the strengthening of our faith in prayer, to hold ourselves to the same place, to have a set oratory.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 13:4
XIII. ABRAM’S RETURN FROM EGYPT AND HIS FROM LOT.(1-4) He went on his journeys.—Or, according to his stations, which the Vulgate very reasonably translates, “by the same route by which he had come.” This route was first into the south, the Negeb, which is virtually a proper name, and thence to the spot between Beth-el and Ai mentioned in Genesis 12:8. At the first does not mean that this was the first altar erected by Abram, but that he built it on his first arrival there. His first altar was at Shechem. As regards his wealth, while his cattle had been greatly increased in Egypt, he had probably brought the silver and gold with him from Mesopotamia. Gold, however, was plentiful at that time in Egypt, but silver rare.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 13:4
4. There Abram called on the name of the Lord — At the old altar, where he had once faithfully worshipped the holy Name, he offers sacrifice again, and calls aloud in praise and prayer to Him who has
Sermons on Genesis 13:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Altar - a Basic Principle in Man by G.W. North | G.W. North explores the concept of altars and sacrifice, emphasizing that the instinct to offer sacrifices is deeply embedded in human nature, transcending cultures and ages. He hi |
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Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love: A Personal Journey by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the transformative power of prayer as a means of walking in love, sharing his personal journey of experiencing God's love through answered prayers. He recou |
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Seeking God With All Our Heart by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to reflect on their lives and identify where they may have gone astray from following God. He emphasizes the importance of prior |
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The Lord Has Promised to Deliver You - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the theme of deliverance, drawing from the story of Hezekiah and the assurance that God hears the cries of His people and delivers them from all troubles. It |
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Shocking Message on Prayer (Prayerfest) by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the power of prayer, highlighting the essential role of prayer in the life of a believer and the church. It calls for a return to a deep, humble, and surrend |
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David's Actions in Praise for God's Deliverance by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses David's actions in praise for God's deliverance. He focuses on 2 Samuel, chapter 22, where David describes how God intervened in his li |
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An Unforgettable Illustration - the Power of Prayer and Fasting by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the transformative power of prayer and fasting, illustrating that true desperation for God can be gauged by our willingness to sacrifice meals for spiritua |