Genesis 13:3
New International Version
From the Negev he went from place to place until he came to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had been earlier

New Living Translation
From the Negev, they continued traveling by stages toward Bethel, and they pitched their tents between Bethel and Ai, where they had camped before.

English Standard Version
And he journeyed on from the Negeb as far as Bethel to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,

Berean Standard Bible
From the Negev he journeyed from place to place toward Bethel, until he came to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been pitched,

King James Bible
And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai;

New King James Version
And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,

New American Standard Bible
And he went on his journeys from the Negev as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,

NASB 1995
He went on his journeys from the Negev as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,

NASB 1977
And he went on his journeys from the Negev as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,

Legacy Standard Bible
And he went on his journeys from the Negev as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,

Amplified Bible
He journeyed on from the Negev as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,

Christian Standard Bible
He went by stages from the Negev to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He went by stages from the Negev to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been,

American Standard Version
And he went on his journeys from the South even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Ai,

Contemporary English Version
Abram moved from place to place in the Southern Desert. And finally, he went north and set up his tents between Bethel and Ai,

English Revised Version
And he went on his journeys from the South even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Ai;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He traveled from place to place. He went from the Negev as far as Bethel, to the area between Bethel and Ai where his tent had been originally,

Good News Translation
Then he left there and moved from place to place, going toward Bethel. He reached the place between Bethel and Ai where he had camped before

International Standard Version
He journeyed by stages from the Negev to Bethel, the place where his tent had formerly been, between Bethel and Ai,

Majority Standard Bible
From the Negev he journeyed from place to place toward Bethel, until he came to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been pitched,

NET Bible
And he journeyed from place to place from the Negev as far as Bethel. He returned to the place where he had pitched his tent at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai.

New Heart English Bible
He went on his journeys from the Negev even to Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,

Webster's Bible Translation
And he went on his journeys from the south even to Beth-el, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Hai;

World English Bible
He went on his journeys from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he goes on his journeys from the south, even to Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the commencement, between Bethel and Hai—

Young's Literal Translation
And he goeth on his journeyings from the south, even unto Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the commencement, between Bethel and Hai --

Smith's Literal Translation
And Abram shall go his journey from the desert to the house of God to the place which was there his tent in the beginning, between Bethel and between Hai;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he returned by the way that he came, from the south to Bethel, to the place where before he had pitched his tent between Bethel and Hai:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he returned by the way that he came, from the meridian into Bethel, all the way to the place where before he had pitched his tent, between Bethel and Hai.

New American Bible
From the Negeb he traveled by stages toward Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly stood,

New Revised Standard Version
He journeyed on by stages from the Negeb as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he went on his journey from the south as far as Beth-el, to the place where he had pitched his tent at first, between Beth-el and Ai;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he went on to his journey from the south and unto BaythEil, as far as to the place where he had pitched his tent at the first, between BaythEil and Ai;
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he went on his journeys from the South even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Ai;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he went to the place whence he came, into the wilderness as far as Baethel, as far as the place where his tent was before, between Baethel and Aggai,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Abram and Lot Part Ways
2And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold. 3From the Negev he journeyed from place to place toward Bethel, until he came to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been pitched, 4to the site where he had built the altar. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD.…

Cross References
Genesis 12:8
From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD, and he called on the name of the LORD.

Genesis 12:9
And Abram journeyed on toward the Negev.

Genesis 28:10-19
Meanwhile Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. / On reaching a certain place, he spent the night there because the sun had set. And taking one of the stones from that place, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. / And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. ...

Genesis 35:1-7
Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” / So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments. / Then let us arise and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to God, who answered me in my day of distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone.” ...

Genesis 22:19
Abraham went back to his servants, and they got up and set out together for Beersheba. And Abraham settled in Beersheba.

Genesis 31:13
I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and made a solemn vow to Me. Now get up, leave this land at once, and return to your native land.’”

Genesis 46:1
So Israel set out with all that he had, and when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.

Exodus 3:1
Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.

Exodus 17:1
Then the whole congregation of Israel left the Desert of Sin, moving from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.

Numbers 13:26
and they went back to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report for the whole congregation and showed them the fruit of the land.

Deuteronomy 11:30
Are not these mountains across the Jordan, west of the road toward the sunset, in the land of the Canaanites who live in the Arabah opposite Gilgal near the Oak of Moreh?

Joshua 7:2
Meanwhile, Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai.

1 Samuel 7:16
Every year he would go on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all these places.

1 Kings 12:29
One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan.

2 Kings 2:2
and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.


Treasury of Scripture

And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai;

from.

Genesis 12:6,8,9
And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land…

Beth-el and Hai.

Genesis 28:19
And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.

Jump to Previous
Ai Beginning Bethel Beth-El Commencement Earlier Far Hai Journeyed Journeyings Journeys Negeb Negev South Tent Travelling
Jump to Next
Ai Beginning Bethel Beth-El Commencement Earlier Far Hai Journeyed Journeyings Journeys Negeb Negev South Tent Travelling
Genesis 13
1. Abram and Lot return with great riches out of Egypt.
6. Strife arises between Abram's herdsmen and those of Lot.
8. Abram allows Lot to choose his part of the country,
10. and Lot goes toward Sodom.
14. God renews his promise to Abram.
18. He moves to Hebron, and there builds an altar.














From the Negev
The Negev, a desert region in southern Israel, is significant in biblical history as a place of testing and faith. The Hebrew root for Negev (נֶגֶב) implies dryness or parched land, symbolizing spiritual barrenness or trials. Abram's journey from the Negev represents a transition from a place of desolation to one of promise, reflecting the believer's journey from spiritual dryness to renewal in faith.

he continued on his journey
This phrase underscores Abram's perseverance and obedience to God's call. The Hebrew verb for "continued" (נָסַע, nasa) conveys movement and progression, suggesting a steadfast commitment to God's direction. Abram's journey is emblematic of the Christian walk, where faith requires continuous movement towards God's promises, despite uncertainties.

from place to place
Abram's movement "from place to place" indicates a nomadic lifestyle, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This phrase highlights the transient nature of life and the believer's status as a sojourner on earth. It serves as a reminder that our ultimate home is not in this world, but in the eternal presence of God.

until he came to Bethel
Bethel, meaning "House of God" in Hebrew (בֵּית אֵל), is a significant spiritual landmark. It represents a place of divine encounter and worship. Abram's return to Bethel signifies a return to spiritual roots and a renewal of his relationship with God. For believers, Bethel symbolizes the importance of returning to foundational truths and the presence of God in times of uncertainty.

to the site between Bethel and Ai
The location between Bethel and Ai holds historical and spiritual significance. Ai, meaning "ruin" in Hebrew (עַי), contrasts with Bethel, the "House of God." This juxtaposition represents the choices between following God's path or facing spiritual ruin. Abram's choice to dwell near Bethel reflects the believer's call to choose God's presence over worldly ruin.

where his tent had formerly been pitched
The act of pitching a tent signifies temporary dwelling and readiness to move at God's command. Abram's return to the place where his tent was formerly pitched symbolizes a return to previous commitments and spiritual milestones. It encourages believers to revisit and reaffirm their foundational commitments to God, recognizing that spiritual growth often involves revisiting and strengthening past encounters with God.

Verses 3, 4. - And he went on his journeys. Literally, in his journeyings or stations!cf. Genesis 11:2; Exodus 17:1; Numbers 10:6, 12). The renderings καὶ ἐπορεύθη ὅθεν η΅λθεν (LXX.) and reversus est per iter quo venerat (Vulgate) imply without warrant that he used the same camping grounds in his ascent which he had previously occupied in his descent. From the south even to Bethel (vide Genesis 12:8), unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning. Before his emigration into Egypt, i.e. not to Shechem, the site of his first altar, where probably he had not encamped for any length of time, if at all, but to a spot between Bethel and Ai (the exact situation being more minutely described as) unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first. After entering the promised land. In reality it was the second altar he had erected (vide Genesis 12:7, 8). And there Abram called on the name of the Lord. Professed the true and pure worship of God (Calvin); preached and taught his family and Canaanitish neighbors the true religion (Luther). Vide Genesis 12:8; Genesis 4:26.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
From the Negev
מִנֶּ֖גֶב (min·ne·ḡeḇ)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5045: South country, the Negeb, south

he journeyed
וַיֵּ֙לֶךְ֙ (way·yê·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

from place to place
לְמַסָּעָ֔יו (lə·mas·sā·‘āw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4550: A pulling up, breaking (camp), setting out, a journey

toward
בֵּֽית־ (bêṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's Hebrew

Bethel,
אֵ֑ל (’êl)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1008: Bethel -- 'house of God', a city in Ephraim, also a place in southern Judah

until he came
וְעַד־ (wə·‘aḏ-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

to
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the place
הַמָּק֗וֹם (ham·mā·qō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

between
בֵּ֥ין (bên)
Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

Bethel
אֵ֖ל (’êl)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1008: Bethel -- 'house of God', a city in Ephraim, also a place in southern Judah

and Ai
הָעָֽי׃ (hā·‘āy)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5857: Ai -- a Canaanite city

where
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

his tent
אָֽהֳלוֹ֙ (’ā·ho·lōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 168: A tent

had formerly
בַּתְּחִלָּ֔ה (bat·tə·ḥil·lāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8462: A commencement, rel, original

been pitched,
הָ֨יָה (hā·yāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be


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OT Law: Genesis 13:3 He went on his journeys (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 13:2
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