Genesis 13:17

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 13:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for unto thee will I give it.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for unto thee will I give it.
Genesis 13:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for unto thee will I give it.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Arise, walk through the land, etc.] And take a survey of it, and see what a land it is, how good and how large, and take possession of it for himself and his, though he was only to be a sojourner in it; and so the Targum of Jonathan adds, and making in it a possession, which in civil law was done by walking: in the length of it, and in the breadth of it; the extent of it is variously settled by geographers; some giving it no more than about one hundred and seventy or eighty miles in length, from north to south, and about one hundred and forty in breadth from east to west, where broadest, as it is towards the south, and but about seventy where narrowest, as it is towards the north: but it is…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- Abram and Lot Separate 7. פרזי perı̂zı̂y, Perizzi, “descendant of Paraz.” פרז pārāz, “leader,” or inhabitant of the plain or open country. 10. ככר kı̂kar, “circle, border, vale, cake, talent;” related: “bow, bend, go round, dance.” ירדן yardēn, Jardan, “descending.” Usually with the article in prose. צער tso‛ar, Tso‘ar, “smallness.” 18. ממרא mamrē', Mamre, “fat, strong, ruler.” חברון chebrôn, Chebron, “conjunction, confederacy.” Lot has been hitherto kept in association with Abram by the ties of kinmanship. But it becomes gradually manifest that he has an independent interest, and is no longer disposed to follow the fortunes of the chosen of God. In the natural course of things, this…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification