Genesis 26:16
Genesis 26:16 in Multiple Translations
Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “Depart from us, for you are much too powerful for us.”
And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.
And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.
And Abimelech said to Isaac, Go away from us, for you are stronger than we are.
Then Abimelech told Isaac, “You have to leave our country, because you've become much too powerful for us.”
Then Abimelech sayde vnto Izhak, Get thee from vs, for thou art mightier then wee a great deale.
And Abimelech saith unto Isaac, 'Go from us; for thou hast become much mightier than we;'
Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.”
And Abimelech said to Isaac, Go from us: for thou art much mightier than we.
Insomuch that Abimelech himself said to Isaac: Depart from us, for thou art become much mightier than we.
Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “You people have become more numerous than we are, so I want you to get out of our area.”
Then Abimelek, the big boss of the Philistia people, he said to Isaac, “Listen, you and your mob are a lot stronger than us now, so I don’t want you to keep on living here. You have to leave this place.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 26:16
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 26:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ
אֶל
יִצְחָ֑ק
לֵ֚ךְ
מֵֽ/עִמָּ֔/נוּ
כִּֽי
עָצַֽמְתָּ
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
מְאֹֽד
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
Ahimelech
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יִצְחָ֑ק
Yitschâq
H3327
Isaac
N-proper
לֵ֚ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
מֵֽ/עִמָּ֔/נוּ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Prep | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עָצַֽמְתָּ
ʻâtsam
H6105
be vast
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 26:16
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
"Ahimelech"
N-proper
Abimelech was the name of two Philistine kings and two Israelites in the Bible, including a king who met Abraham and a priest who helped David. The name means 'my father is king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17; son of: Abiathar (H0054); brother of: Jonathan (H3083I) Another spelling of a.chi.me.lekh (אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Ahimelech" H0288I) § Abimelech = "Melek is father" or "my father is king" 1) king of Gerar in Abraham's time 2) king of Gath in David's time; maybe title of Philistine kings 3) son of Gideon by a concubine 4) priest, son of Abiathar
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: Abimelech. See also: Genesis 20:2; Judges 9:20; Psalms 34:1.
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.
יִצְחָ֑ק
Yitschâq
H3327
"Isaac"
N-proper
Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah, means 'he laughs' and is the father of Esau and Israel. He is first mentioned in Genesis 17:19. Isaac is a key figure in the Bible, playing a role in the patriarchal stories.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.17.19; son of: Abraham (H0085) and Sarah (H8283); half-brother of: Ishmael (H3458), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); married to Rebekah (H7259); father of: Esau (H6215) and Israel (H3478) § Isaac = "he laughs" son of Abraham by Sarah his wife and father of Jacob and Esau
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Isaac. Compare H3446 (יִשְׂחָק). See also: Genesis 17:19; Genesis 27:30; 2 Chronicles 30:6.
לֵ֚ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
מֵֽ/עִמָּ֔/נוּ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עָצַֽמְתָּ
ʻâtsam
H6105
"be vast"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This verb means to shut one's eyes tightly or to become powerful, and can also mean to break or crunch bones. It is used in various contexts, including in the books of Psalms and Isaiah. The idea of being strong is central to this word.
Definition: 1) to be vast, be numerous, be mighty 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be mighty 1a2) to be numerous 1b) (Hiphil) to make strong, make mighty
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: break the bones, close, be great, be increased, be (wax) mighty(-ier), be more, shut, be(-come, make) strong(-er). See also: Genesis 26:16; Isaiah 31:1; Psalms 38:20.
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 26:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 26:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 26:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 26:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 26:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 26:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 26:16
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 26:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 26:16
Context — Isaac’s Prosperity
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. 18Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died. And he gave these wells the same names his father had given them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 1:9 | “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us. |
Genesis 26:16 Summary
In Genesis 26:16, Abimelech tells Isaac to leave because he has become too powerful for the Philistines. This means that Isaac had become a significant threat to the Philistines' way of life, likely due to his large flocks, herds, and servants. As Christians, we can learn from this verse to trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with challenging circumstances, and to respond in love and humility, rather than fear and hostility (see Proverbs 29:25 and 1 Peter 5:6-7). We can also learn to use our own 'power' or influence to bless others, rather than intimidating or threatening them, as seen in Genesis 12:2-3 and Matthew 5:13-16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abimelech tell Isaac to leave?
Abimelech told Isaac to leave because he had become too powerful for the Philistines, and they felt threatened by his presence, as seen in Genesis 26:16. This is similar to how the Egyptians felt about the Israelites in Exodus 1:9-10, where they saw them as a threat and sought to oppress them.
What does it mean to be 'too powerful' in this context?
Being 'too powerful' in this context means that Isaac had become a significant threat to the Philistines' way of life, likely due to his large flocks, herds, and servants, as mentioned in Genesis 26:14. This is reminiscent of how God blessed Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3, making him a blessing to others, but also potentially a threat to those who did not understand God's ways.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Isaac?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Isaac, as it shows how he is following in the footsteps of his father Abraham, who also experienced similar struggles with the Philistines, as seen in Genesis 21:25-34. It also sets the stage for Isaac's continued trust in God, despite the challenges he faces, as seen in Genesis 26:17-18.
What can we learn from Abimelech's reaction to Isaac's power?
We can learn that human beings often react with fear and hostility when they feel threatened by someone else's power or success, as seen in Abimelech's reaction to Isaac. However, as Christians, we are called to respond in love and humility, trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 29:25 and 1 Peter 5:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I feel threatened or intimidated by someone else's success or power?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with challenging circumstances, like Isaac did in Genesis 26:17-18?
- How can I balance my desire for success and prosperity with a humble and loving attitude towards others, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28?
- What are some ways that I can follow in the footsteps of Abraham and Isaac, trusting in God's promises and provision, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 26:24?
- How can I use my own 'power' or influence to bless others, rather than intimidating or threatening them, as seen in Genesis 12:2-3 and Matthew 5:13-16?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 26:16
And Abimelech said unto Isaac, go from us,.... Which was either said by way of advice, consulting Isaac's good, and the peace of his own kingdom; or else by way of command, enjoining him to depart,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 26:16
And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 26:16
Which breeds envy, and jealousy, and fear among my subjects, and may occasion greater mischiefs; and therefore it is better that we should part friends, than by continuing together be turned into enemies.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 26:16
Genesis 26:16 And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.Ver. 16. Go from us; for thou art, &c.] Isaaco ob benedictionem Dei Ostracismus indicitur. It was well they had nothing against him. Of Isaac it may be more truly said, than of Mithridates, Virtute eximius, aliquando fortuna, semper animo maximus. Dαμπρυταταμενπραξαςαλγεινοταταεπαθε as Dio saith of Pompey. Paterculus. Dio, lib. 41.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 26:16
Verse 16. Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.] This is the first instance on record of what was termed among the Greeks ostracism; i.e., the banishment of a person from the state, of whose power, influence, or riches, the people were jealous. There is a remarkable saying of Bacon on this subject, which seems to intimate that he had this very circumstance under his eye: "Public envy is an ostracism that eclipseth men when they grow too great." On this same principle Pharaoh oppressed the Israelites. The Philistines appear to have been jealous of Isaac's growing prosperity, and to have considered it, not as a due reward of his industry and holiness, but as their individual loss, as though his gain was at their expense; therefore they resolved to drive him out, and take his well-cultivated ground, &c., to themselves, and compelled Abimelech to dismiss him, who gave this reason for it, עצמת ממנו atsamta mimmennu, Thou hast obtained much wealth among us, and my people are envious of thee. Is not this the better translation? for it can hardly be supposed that Isaac was "mightier" than the king of whole tribes.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 26:16
16. Go from us] Abimelech recognized that, after such conduct on the part of his people, it would be best in the interests of peace that Isaac should withdraw. Isaac’s attitude is one of concession and compliance towards the people among whom he sojourns. He is the type of the race that grows rich, but excites envy and hatred in the land of its sojourn.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 26:16
16. Go from us — The Philistine king perceives that such a rich and prosperous chief as Isaac cannot peaceably dwell in Gerar.