Genesis 13:6

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 13:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
Genesis 13:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together, etc.] That part of the country where Abram and Lot were could not afford them room enough for their several tents; or however could not furnish them with sufficient pasturage for their flocks and herds, they were so numerous; at least could not do it so as to be contiguous to each other, that there was a necessity of one of them going further off: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together; we have before an account of the substance of each of them, how great it was; and here now is noted an inconvenience which arises from a large increase of riches, that relations and friends are obliged to…”
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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