Genesis 26:15
Genesis 26:15 in Multiple Translations
So the Philistines took dirt and stopped up all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the days of his father Abraham.
For all the wells which his father’s servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth.
Now all the wells which his father’s servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped, and filled with earth.
Now all the water-holes, which his father's servants had made in the days of Abraham, had been stopped up with earth by the Philistines.
So the Philistines used dirt to block up all the wells his father Abraham's servants had dug.
In so much that the Philistims stopped and filled vp with earth all the welles, which his fathers seruantes digged in his father Abrahams time.
and all the wells which his father's servants digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines have stopped them, and fill them with dust.
Now all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped, and filled with earth.
For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth.
Stopped up at that time all the wells, that the servants of his father Abraham had digged, filling them up with earth:
So all the wells that the servants of his father Abraham had dug during the time when he was alive, the people filled up with dirt.
So they got dirt and filled up the water-holes that Isaac was using. A long time before that, Isaac’s father Abraham got his workers to dig those water-holes.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 26:15
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 26:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כָל
הַ/בְּאֵרֹ֗ת
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
חָֽפְרוּ֙
עַבְדֵ֣י
אָבִ֔י/ו
בִּ/ימֵ֖י
אַבְרָהָ֣ם
אָבִ֑י/ו
סִתְּמ֣וּ/ם
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
וַ/יְמַלְא֖וּ/ם
עָפָֽר
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
הַ/בְּאֵרֹ֗ת
bᵉʼêr
H875
well
Art | N-fp
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
חָֽפְרוּ֙
châphar
H2658
to search
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עַבְדֵ֣י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp
אָבִ֔י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
בִּ/ימֵ֖י
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-mp
אַבְרָהָ֣ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
אָבִ֑י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
סִתְּמ֣וּ/ם
çâtham
H5640
to close
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
וַ/יְמַלְא֖וּ/ם
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
עָפָֽר
ʻâphâr
H6083
dust
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 26:15
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/בְּאֵרֹ֗ת
bᵉʼêr
H875
"well"
Art | N-fp
A well or pit, like a water source, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a spring, and is often translated as a well or pit in the Bible.
Definition: well, pit, spring
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: pit, well. See also: Genesis 14:10; Genesis 29:3; Psalms 55:24.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
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.
חָֽפְרוּ֙
châphar
H2658
"to search"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word châphar means to search or dig, often used to describe seeking something deeply. In Psalm 139:1, David asks God to search him, knowing God already knows everything. It implies a thorough examination.
Definition: 1) to dig, search for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dig 1a2) to search, search out, explore
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: dig, paw, search out, seek. See also: Genesis 21:30; Deuteronomy 23:14; Psalms 7:16.
עַבְדֵ֣י
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
אָבִ֔י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
בִּ/ימֵ֖י
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
אַבְרָהָ֣ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
N-proper
Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.
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 § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.
אָבִ֑י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
סִתְּמ֣וּ/ם
çâtham
H5640
"to close"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to stop or block something, like covering a hole. It can also mean to keep a secret. In the Bible, it is used to describe hiding or concealing things, like in Psalm 139:15.
Definition: 1) to stop up, shut up, keep close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stop up 1a2) to shut up, keep close 1a3) secret (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stopped up 1c) (Piel) to stop up
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: closed up, hidden, secret, shut out (up), stop. See also: Genesis 26:15; Nehemiah 4:1; Psalms 51:8.
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
וַ/יְמַלְא֖וּ/ם
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
עָפָֽר
ʻâphâr
H6083
"dust"
N-ms
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
Study Notes — Genesis 26:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 26:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 26:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 26:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 26:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 26:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 26:15
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 26:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 26:15
- Sermons on Genesis 26:15
Context — Isaac’s Prosperity
13and he became richer and richer, until he was exceedingly wealthy.
14He owned so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him.
15So the Philistines took dirt and stopped up all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the days of his father Abraham.
16Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “Depart from us, for you are much too powerful for us.” 17So Isaac left that place and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 21:30 | He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well.” |
| 2 | Genesis 21:25 | But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized, |
Genesis 26:15 Summary
In Genesis 26:15, the Philistines stopped up the wells that Isaac's father's servants had dug, trying to hurt Isaac and his family. This was a mean and hurtful thing to do, and it shows how envy and jealousy can lead people to act in bad ways (as seen in Genesis 26:14). But even though the Philistines tried to stop up the wells, God was still with Isaac and took care of him, just like He promised to do in Genesis 26:3-4 and Genesis 28:15. We can learn from this story to trust in God's love and care for us, even when things seem tough or unfair, and to remember that He is our ultimate source of provision and comfort, as promised in Psalm 23:1-4 and Matthew 6:25-34.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Philistines stop up the wells that Isaac's father's servants had dug?
The Philistines stopped up the wells because they were envious of Isaac's wealth and success, as seen in Genesis 26:14, and they wanted to hinder his ability to thrive in the land, much like the Egyptians treated the Israelites in Exodus 1:9-10.
What was the significance of the wells in this context?
The wells represented a source of life and prosperity, and by stopping them up, the Philistines were trying to cut off Isaac's access to these vital resources, similar to how the Israelites relied on wells and springs in Numbers 21:16-18.
How did the Philistines' actions affect Isaac?
The Philistines' actions forced Isaac to move to a new location, as seen in Genesis 26:17, and to trust in God's provision and guidance, much like Abraham did in Genesis 12:1-3 when he was called to leave his father's household.
What can we learn from the Philistines' behavior in this verse?
We can learn that envy and jealousy can lead people to act in hurtful and destructive ways, and that we should strive to cultivate a spirit of kindness, generosity, and trust in God's sovereignty, as encouraged in Proverbs 14:30 and Psalm 37:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have experienced envy or jealousy from others, and how have I responded to it?
- How can I trust in God's provision and guidance when faced with challenges or opposition, like Isaac did in this verse?
- What are some 'wells' in my life that I rely on for sustenance and joy, and how can I ensure that they are not being 'stopped up' by negative influences or behaviors?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of contentment and gratitude, like Isaac, even in the face of adversity or hardship, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Philippians 4:11-12?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 26:15
For all the wells which his father's servants had digged, in the days of Abraham his father,.... For the watering of his flocks and herds, see Genesis 21:25: the Philistines had stopped them, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 26:15
For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 26:15
Genesis 26:15 For all the wells which his father’ s servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth.Ver. 15. The Philistines had stopped them.] They deprived themselves of the benefit of those wells, so that Isaac might not water at them. Envy doth nothing with reason. It is vitium diabolicum, saith Augustine. The devil, of pure spite, hinders men from heaven: he rageth and rangeth, roaring up and down, "seeking whom to devour"; and not caring to be doubly damned himself, so that others may not be saved. We should be so far from envying at the happiness of others, that we should rejoice in it. This were to be as the angels of God; and the contrary, is to be like the devils of hell, as Saul was, who, because he could not see David’ s heart, fed upon his own. Envy devours itself, as the worm doth the nut out of which it grows. Aug. in Ps. cxxxix.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 26:15
(15) The wells.—In the East the digger of a well is regarded as a public benefactor; but the Philistines stopped those that Abraham had digged, probably because they regarded his possession of them, though confirmed by the covenant between him and Abimelech (Genesis 21:32), as an intrusion upon their rights as the people of the country, Envious, too, at the rapid increase of an alien’s wealth, they determined to drive Isaac away; and for this no expedient would be more effectual than the preventing him from procuring water for his cattle. Following upon this came an express command of the king to depart, which Isaac obeyed; for he had sought refuge there because of the famine, and had no right to continue at Gerar, if the people refused their hospitality.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 26:15
Verse 15. For all the wells - the Philistines had stopped them] In such countries a good well was a great acquisition; and hence in predatory wars it was usual for either party to fill the wells with earth or sand, in order to distress the enemy. The filling up the wells in this case was a most unprincipled transaction, as they had pledged themselves to Abraham, by a solemn oath, not to injure each other in this or any other respect. See Genesis 21:25-31.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 26:15
15. his father’s servants] Cf. Genesis 21:25. had stopped them] Wells were of priceless value to large owners of cattle and sheep. The “Philistines” adopted the most malignant method of spiting the Hebrews, and of rendering their continued sojourn in the land impossible. See 2 Kings 3:25.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 26:15
15. Wells… filled — The wells dug by Abraham gave Isaac a sort of title to the land, and filling them up was equivalent to a declaration of war. Comp. 2 Kings 3:25; Isaiah 15:6.
Sermons on Genesis 26:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Epistle 275 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of not quenching the spirit of God within oneself or in others, as it can lead to spiritual deadness and questioning due to false fear. He urge |
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Epistle 300 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of standing in the power of God, which is the keeper unto the day of salvation, emphasizing that the kingdom stands in power and not in wor |