Genesis 26:20
Genesis 26:20 in Multiple Translations
But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him.
And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac’s herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
And the herdsmen of Gerar strove with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him.
But the herdmen of Gerar had a fight with Isaac's herdmen, for they said, The spring is ours: so he gave the spring the name of Esek, because there was a fight about it.
But the herdsmen from Gerar argued with Isaac's herdsmen, claiming, “That's our water!” So Isaac named the well, “Argument,” because they argued with him.
But the herdmen of Gerar did striue with Izhaks herdmen, saying, The water is ours: therefore called he the name of the well Esek, because they were at strife with him.
and shepherds of Gerar strive with shepherds of Isaac, saying, 'The water [is] ours;' and he calleth the name of the well 'Strife,' because they have striven habitually with him;
The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him.
And the herdmen of Gerar contended with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
But there also the herdsmen of Gerara strove against the herdsmen of Isaac, saying: It is our water. Wherefore he called the name of the well, on occasion of that which had happened, Calumny.
But other men who lived in Gerar Valley who took care of their animals argued/quarreled with the men who took care of Isaac’s animals, and said, “The water in this well is ours!” So Isaac named the well Esek, which means ‘dispute’, because they disputed about who owned it.
But there were some men there from Gerar, looking after their animals, and those men came and argued with the men that looked after Isaac’s animals. The men from Gerar said, “That water belongs to us.” So Isaac called that water-hole Esek. That name means they argue.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 26:20
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 26:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּרִ֜יבוּ
רֹעֵ֣י
גְרָ֗ר
עִם
רֹעֵ֥י
יִצְחָ֛ק
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
לָ֣/נוּ
הַ/מָּ֑יִם
וַ/יִּקְרָ֤א
שֵֽׁם
הַ/בְּאֵר֙
עֵ֔שֶׂק
כִּ֥י
הִֽתְעַשְּׂק֖וּ
עִמּֽ/וֹ
וַ/יָּרִ֜יבוּ
rîyb
H7378
to contend
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
רֹעֵ֣י
rôʻîy
H7473
to shepherd
V-Qal
גְרָ֗ר
Gᵉrâr
H1642
Gerar
N-proper
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
רֹעֵ֥י
rôʻîy
H7473
to shepherd
V-Qal
יִצְחָ֛ק
Yitschâq
H3327
Isaac
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לָ֣/נוּ
Prep | Suff
הַ/מָּ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
וַ/יִּקְרָ֤א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שֵֽׁם
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms
הַ/בְּאֵר֙
bᵉʼêr
H875
well
Art | N-fs
עֵ֔שֶׂק
ʻêseq
H6230
Esek
N-proper
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הִֽתְעַשְּׂק֖וּ
ʻâsaq
H6229
to contend
V-Hithpael-Perf-3cp
עִמּֽ/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 26:20
וַ/יָּרִ֜יבוּ
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
רֹעֵ֣י
rôʻîy
H7473
"to shepherd"
V-Qal
This word means to act as a shepherd, guiding and caring for people or animals, like a pastor. It is related to the verb to pasture, found in the Bible as a noun, referring to a shepherd.
Definition: shepherd (subst) A grammatical form of ra.ah (רָעָה "to pasture" H7462B)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: shipherd. See also: Genesis 13:7; Isaiah 38:12; Isaiah 44:28.
גְרָ֗ר
Gᵉrâr
H1642
"Gerar"
N-proper
Gerar was a city in the land of the Philistines, south of Gaza, where Abraham and Isaac both had encounters with King Abimelech, as told in Genesis.
Definition: § Gerar = "a lodging place" a Philistine town south of Gaza, modern 'Umm'
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Gerar. See also: Genesis 10:19; Genesis 26:17; 2 Chronicles 14:13.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
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.
רֹעֵ֥י
rôʻîy
H7473
"to shepherd"
V-Qal
This word means to act as a shepherd, guiding and caring for people or animals, like a pastor. It is related to the verb to pasture, found in the Bible as a noun, referring to a shepherd.
Definition: shepherd (subst) A grammatical form of ra.ah (רָעָה "to pasture" H7462B)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: shipherd. See also: Genesis 13:7; Isaiah 38:12; Isaiah 44:28.
יִצְחָ֛ק
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.
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
לָ֣/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/מָּ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וַ/יִּקְרָ֤א
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.
שֵֽׁם
shêm
H8034
"name"
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.
הַ/בְּאֵר֙
bᵉʼêr
H875
"well"
Art | N-fs
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.
עֵ֔שֶׂק
ʻêseq
H6230
"Esek"
N-proper
Esek means contention, referring to a well dug by Isaac's herdsmen in the valley of Gerar. It is mentioned as a place of strife in the Bible.
Definition: § Esek = "contention" a well which the herdsmen of Isaac dug in the valley of Gerar
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Esek. See also: Genesis 26:20.
כִּ֥י
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.
הִֽתְעַשְּׂק֖וּ
ʻâsaq
H6229
"to contend"
V-Hithpael-Perf-3cp
To contend or strive with someone means to quarrel or dispute with them. In the Bible, this word is used to describe conflicts between individuals, like Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis. It can also describe a struggle with sin or spiritual forces.
Definition: (Hithpael) to strive, contend, quarrel
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: strive with. See also: Genesis 26:20.
עִמּֽ/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 26:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 26:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 26:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 26:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 26:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 26:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 26:20
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 26:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 26:20
Context — Isaac’s Prosperity
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.
19Then Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found a well of fresh water there.
20But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him.
21Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah. 22He moved on from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. He named it Rehoboth and said, “At last the LORD has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 21:25 | But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized, |
Genesis 26:20 Summary
In Genesis 26:20, we see that Isaac's herdsmen had a dispute with the herdsmen of Gerar over a well, and Isaac named the well 'Esek' because of the contention. This verse teaches us that even in the face of conflict or adversity, we can trust in God's provision and care for us, as seen in Genesis 28:15 and Psalm 23:1-4. We can also learn from Isaac's example to avoid being drawn into unnecessary conflicts and instead seek to live at peace with those around us. By trusting in God and seeking to live at peace with others, we can experience the peace and provision that God promises us, as stated in Philippians 4:7 and 19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the herdsmen of Gerar quarrel with Isaac's herdsmen?
The herdsmen of Gerar likely quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen because they felt threatened by Isaac's presence and the discovery of a new well, as seen in Genesis 26:20. This was a common issue in the ancient Near East, where access to water was crucial for survival, as noted in Genesis 21:25.
What does the name 'Esek' mean?
The name 'Esek' means 'contention' or 'quarrel', which reflects the conflict between Isaac's herdsmen and the herdsmen of Gerar, as stated in Genesis 26:20. This naming convention is similar to what we see in other parts of the Bible, such as Genesis 16:14.
How did Isaac respond to the quarrel?
Isaac responded to the quarrel by naming the well 'Esek' and likely moving on to find another source of water, as seen in Genesis 26:21-22. This response shows Isaac's trust in God's provision and his desire to avoid conflict, as encouraged in Romans 12:18.
What can we learn from Isaac's experience?
We can learn from Isaac's experience the importance of trusting in God's provision and avoiding conflict whenever possible, as taught in Proverbs 15:1 and Matthew 5:9. Isaac's story also highlights the value of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity, as seen in Genesis 26:22.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when others contend with me or challenge my rights, and what can I learn from Isaac's example in Genesis 26:20?
- In what ways can I trust in God's provision and care for me, even in the midst of conflict or uncertainty, as Isaac did in Genesis 26:20-22?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and how can I apply the lessons from Genesis 26:20 to those situations?
- How can I avoid being drawn into unnecessary conflicts or quarrels, and instead seek to live at peace with those around me, as encouraged in Genesis 26:20 and Romans 12:18?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 26:20
And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen,.... About the well which was dug in the valley; and this shows it was near Gerar or at least was upon the border of the country, and so it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 26:20
And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 26:20
The water is ours, because digged in our soil; which was no good argument, because he digged it by their consent or permission at his own charge, and for his own use.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 26:20
Genesis 26:20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac’ s herdmen, saying, The water [is] ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.Ver. 20. And the herdmen of Gerar.] Not content to have cast him out, they pursued him, with cruel hatred; and, by denying him water, went about to destroy both him and his herds. Crosses seldom come single, but in a crowd. "The clouds return after the rain," and cluster against a new storm. See, therefore, that ye keep your cloak close about you.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 26:20
(18-22) Isaac digged again the wells . . . —This activity of Isaac called forth anew the opposition of the Philistines, His first well was in the wady of Gerar, and was the more valuable because it was not the mere remains of the water of the torrent, but was fed by a spring, as we learn from its being called “a well of living water.” But though Isaac had a right to these wells by reason of the old covenant between his father and the king, yet when his claim was resisted he abandoned the well, but in token of displeasure called it Esek, contention. When compelled to resign his next well he called it by a harsher name—Sitnah, enmity; for their opposition was developing into bitter persecution. And now, wearied with the strife, he withdrew far away, and the Philistines, having gained their end, followed him no farther. In quiet, therefore, he again dug a well, and called it Rehoboth, wide open spaces. It has been identified with one in the wady Ruhaibeh now stopped up, but originally twelve feet in diameter and cased with hewn stone. It lies to the south of Beer-sheba, at a distance of 8⅓ ? leagues, and about forty miles; away from Gerar.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 26:20
20. Esek] That is, Contention. LXX Ἀ ?äéêßá; Lat. Calumnia. In this and the two following verses we have popular tradition as to the origin of the names of wells in the region associated with the sojournings of the patriarch.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 26:20
20-22. Esek… Sitnah… Rehoboth — These appear to have been new wells digged, in addition to the old ones re-opened, and the names mean, respectively, Strife, Opposition, (from the same root as Satan,) and Broad Places, Room.