Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But the herders of Gerar quarreled with those of Isaac and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they disputed with him. New Living Translation But then the shepherds from Gerar came and claimed the spring. “This is our water,” they said, and they argued over it with Isaac’s herdsmen. So Isaac named the well Esek (which means “argument”). English Standard Version the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible And the shepherds of Gerar strove with the shepherds of Isaac, saying, “The water is ours!” And he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. King James Bible 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. New King James Version But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they quarreled with him. New American Standard Bible the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with the herdsmen of Isaac, saying, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they argued with him. NASB 1995 the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with the herdsmen of Isaac, saying, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him. NASB 1977 the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with the herdsmen of Isaac, saying, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him. Legacy Standard Bible And the herdsmen of Gerar contended with the herdsmen of Isaac, saying, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they quarreled with him. Amplified Bible the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours!” So Isaac named the well Esek (quarreling), because they quarreled with him. Berean Annotated Bible But the herdsmen of Gerar (a lodging place) quarreled with Isaac’s (he laughs) herdsmen and said, “The water is ours! So he named the well Esek (contention), because they contended with him. Christian Standard Bible But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours! ” So he named the well Esek because they argued with him. Holman Christian Standard Bible But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Quarrel because they quarreled with him. American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version But the shepherds of Gerar Valley quarreled with Isaac's shepherds and claimed the water belonged to them. So this well was named "Quarrel," because they had quarreled with Isaac. English Revised Version And the herdmen of Gerar strove with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they contended with him. GOD'S WORD® Translation The herders from Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herders, claiming, "This water is ours!" So Isaac named the well Esek [Argument], because they had argued with him. Good News Translation The shepherds of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's shepherds and said, "This water belongs to us." So Isaac named the well "Quarrel." International Standard Version But the herdsmen who lived in Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen. "The water is ours," they said. As a result, Isaac named the well Esek, for they had fiercely disputed with him about it. NET Bible the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, "The water belongs to us!" So Isaac named the well Esek because they argued with him about it. New Heart English Bible The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, "The water is ours." He called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut 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. World English Bible 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. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand shepherds of Gerar strive with shepherds of Isaac, saying, “The water [is] ours”; and he calls the name of the well “Strife,” because they have striven habitually with him; Berean Literal Bible And the shepherds of Gerar strove with the shepherds of Isaac, saying, “The water is ours!” And he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. Young's Literal Translation 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; Smith's Literal Translation And the shepherds of Gerar will contend with Isaak's shepherds, saying; The waters are to us: and he will call the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut 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. Catholic Public Domain Version But in that place also the shepherds of Gerar argued against the shepherds of Isaac, by saying, “It is our water.” For this reason, he called the name of the well, because of what had happened, ‘Calumny.’ New American Bible the shepherds of Gerar argued with Isaac’s shepherds, saying, “The water belongs to us!” So he named the well Esek, because they had quarreled there. New Revised Standard Version the herders of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herders, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the well Esek, because they contended with him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the herdsmen of Gadar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, The water is ours; and he called the name of the well Aska (difficulty); because they disputed with him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the herdsmen of Gadar contended with the herdsmen of Isaac and they said, “The waters are ours”, and he called the name of the well Asqa, because they disputed with him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the herdmen of Gerar strove with Isaac's herdmen, saying: 'The water is ours.' And he called the name of the well Esek; because they contended with him. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the shepherds of Gerara strove with the shepherds of Isaac, saying that the water was theirs; and they called the name of the well, Injury, for they injured him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Isaac's Prosperity…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.… Cross References But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen Genesis 13:7-8 And there was discord between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were also living in the land. / So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are kinsmen. Genesis 31:36-42 Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me? / You have searched all my goods! Have you found anything that belongs to you? Put it here before my brothers and yours, that they may judge between the two of us. / I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. … Exodus 2:17 And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock. and said, “The water is ours!” Proverbs 5:15-17 Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well. / Why should your springs flow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? / Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. Deuteronomy 6:10-11 And when the LORD your God brings you into the land He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that He would give you—a land with great and splendid cities that you did not build, / with houses full of every good thing with which you did not fill them, with wells that you did not dig, and with vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant—and when you eat and are satisfied, 2 Kings 3:16-17 and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’ / For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’ So he named the well Esek, Genesis 16:14 Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi. It is located between Kadesh and Bered. Judges 6:24 So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. 1 Samuel 7:12 Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” because they contended with him. Exodus 17:7 He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?” Numbers 20:13 These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed His holiness among them. Proverbs 17:14 To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out. Genesis 21:25 But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized, Numbers 20:3 The people quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had perished with our brothers before the LORD! Judges 6:31-32 But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Are you contending for Baal? Are you trying to save him? Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! If Baal is a god, let him contend for himself with the one who has torn down his altar.” / So on that day Gideon was called Jerubbaal, that is to say, “Let Baal contend with him,” because he had torn down Baal’s altar. 1 Samuel 2:25 If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death. Treasury of Scripture And the herdsmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him. did strive. Genesis 21:25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away. Esek. Jump to Previous Argued Contended Disputed Fight Gerar Habitually Herdmen Herdsmen Isaac Isaac's Ours Quarreled Shepherds Spring Strife Strive Striven Strove WaterJump to Next Argued Contended Disputed Fight Gerar Habitually Herdmen Herdsmen Isaac Isaac's Ours Quarreled Shepherds Spring Strife Strive Striven Strove WaterGenesis 26 1. Isaac, because of famine, sojourns in Gerar, and the Lord blesses him.7. He is reproved by Abimelech for denying his wife. 12. He grows rich, and the Philistines envy his prosperity. 18. He digs wells. 23. God appears to him at Beersheba, and blesses him; 26. and Abimelech makes a covenant with him. 34. Esau's wives. But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen This phrase highlights the ongoing tension between Isaac and the Philistines in Gerar. The herdsmen of Gerar represent the local inhabitants who were protective of their resources. This conflict over water rights reflects the broader theme of strife between God's chosen people and the surrounding nations. Historically, water was a precious commodity in the arid regions of the Near East, and disputes over wells were common. This incident echoes earlier conflicts, such as those between Abraham and Abimelech over wells (Genesis 21:25). It underscores the challenges faced by the patriarchs in securing their livelihoods and the fulfillment of God's promises. and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek because they contended with him Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaacThe son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac is a patriarch of the Israelites. In this passage, he is continuing the legacy of his father by reopening wells that Abraham had originally dug. 2. Herdsmen of Gerar These are the local inhabitants of the region of Gerar, who dispute with Isaac's herdsmen over the ownership of the well. 3. Isaac’s Herdsmen These are the servants of Isaac who are responsible for tending his flocks and managing his resources, including the wells. 4. Gerar A region in the land of the Philistines where Isaac temporarily resides. It is significant as a place of conflict over resources. 5. Esek The name given to the well, meaning "contention" or "dispute" in Hebrew, reflecting the conflict over the water rights. Teaching Points Conflict ResolutionIsaac's response to the dispute over the well teaches us the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions rather than engaging in prolonged conflict. Trust in God's Provision Despite the loss of the well, Isaac trusts that God will provide for him and his household, demonstrating faith in God's continued provision. Naming as a Reflection of Experience The naming of the well "Esek" serves as a reminder of the conflict, but also of Isaac's decision to move forward. It highlights the power of naming in acknowledging and processing experiences. Legacy and Inheritance Isaac's actions in reopening his father's wells show the importance of maintaining and valuing the legacy and blessings passed down through generations. Humility and Patience Isaac's willingness to move on from the conflict without retaliation exemplifies humility and patience, virtues that are essential in our walk with God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 26:20?2. How does Genesis 26:20 illustrate conflict resolution through faith and patience? 3. What lessons on trust in God can we learn from Isaac's response? 4. How does Genesis 26:20 connect to Matthew 5:9 about peacemakers? 5. How can we apply Isaac's example of avoiding strife in our lives? 6. What does "the water is ours" reveal about human nature and entitlement? 7. Why did the herdsmen of Gerar quarrel with Isaac's herdsmen over the well in Genesis 26:20? 8. What does the conflict over the well in Genesis 26:20 symbolize in a spiritual context? 9. How does Genesis 26:20 reflect the recurring theme of conflict over resources in the Bible? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 26? 11. Why did Isaac plant crops during a famine? 12. In Genesis 26:7, does Isaac's deception about Rebekah mirror Abraham's story too closely, suggesting the same incident was repeated or borrowed? 13. Does the account in Genesis 20 conflict with similar narratives in Genesis 12:10-20 and Genesis 26:1-11, implying a repeated pattern of deception? 14. How do we reconcile the figure called Abimelech here (Genesis 26:8) with the Abimelech who interacted with Abraham generations earlier? What Does Genesis 26:20 Mean But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled• The word “But” turns our attention back to the tension already brewing (Genesis 26:14-16). • Gerar sits in Philistine territory, where Abraham had once sojourned and faced similar strife over wells (Genesis 21:25). • Quarreling reveals jealousy toward Isaac’s growing prosperity, a pattern God’s people often meet (Exodus 1:8-10; Acts 7:9). • Scripture urges believers to expect opposition while seeking peace: “If it is possible … live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). with Isaac’s herdsmen • Isaac’s servants lawfully reopened and dug wells (Genesis 26:18-19); access to water was vital for survival and covenant promise (Genesis 26:3-4). • Their work pictures faithful stewardship—doing daily tasks under God’s blessing (Colossians 3:23). • Conflict finds its way even into honest labor, reminding us that obedience does not guarantee a trouble-free path (2 Timothy 3:12). and said, “The water is ours!” • A straightforward claim of ownership; no negotiation, only demand. • Water rights in the desert meant power. The Philistines tried to push Isaac into scarcity, yet God had pledged abundance (Psalm 23:5). • The cry echoes later disputes where unbelief challenges God’s provision (Numbers 20:2-5; James 4:1-2). So he named the well Esek • “Esek” means “contention,” a deliberate memorial. • Naming the site preserves the lesson for future generations, as Joshua later did with his stone witness (Joshua 24:27). • Scripture often marks places of conflict to highlight God’s faithfulness beyond the struggle (Genesis 32:30; 1 Samuel 7:12). because they contended with him • Isaac does not retaliate; he moves on to dig again (Genesis 26:22). • His meek response mirrors the wisdom of Proverbs 15:1 and anticipates Jesus’ instruction to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). • God uses contention to deepen reliance on Him: “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). summary Genesis 26:20 records a real, historical dispute over life-sustaining water. The Philistine herdsmen’s jealousy clashes with Isaac’s God-given prosperity, but Isaac responds with calm surrender, trusting the Lord to provide another source. The well named Esek stands as a reminder that contention may follow obedience, yet peaceable perseverance keeps us in step with God’s ongoing provision and promise. Verse 20. - And the herdmen of Gerar - i.e. Abimelech's servants (Genesis 21:25) - did strive with Isaac's herdmen, - as Lot's with those of Abraham (Genesis 13:7) - saying, The water is ours: - literally, to us (belong) the waters - and he called the name of the well Esek ("Strife"); because they strove with him - the verb being עָשַׂק, to strive about anything.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But the herdsmenרֹעֵ֣י (rō·‘ê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 7473: Pastoral, a shepherd of Gerar גְרָ֗ר (ḡə·rār) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1642: Gerar -- a place South of Gaza quarreled וַיָּרִ֜יבוּ (way·yā·rî·ḇū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7378: To toss, grapple, to wrangle, controversy, to defend with עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with Isaac’s יִצְחָ֛ק (yiṣ·ḥāq) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3327: Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah herdsmen רֹעֵ֥י (rō·‘ê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 7473: Pastoral, a shepherd and said, לֵאמֹ֖ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say “The water is ours!” הַמָּ֑יִם (ham·mā·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen So he named וַיִּקְרָ֤א (way·yiq·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read the well הַבְּאֵר֙ (hab·bə·’êr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 875: A pit, a well Esek, עֵ֔שֶׂק (‘ê·śeq) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 6230: Esek -- 'contention', a well in Gerar because כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction they contended הִֽתְעַשְּׂק֖וּ (hiṯ·‘aś·śə·qū) Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 6229: To press upon, quarrel with him. עִמּֽוֹ׃ (‘im·mōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with Links Genesis 26:20 NIVGenesis 26:20 NLT Genesis 26:20 ESV Genesis 26:20 NASB Genesis 26:20 KJV Genesis 26:20 BibleApps.com Genesis 26:20 Biblia Paralela Genesis 26:20 Chinese Bible Genesis 26:20 French Bible Genesis 26:20 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 26:20 The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac's (Gen. Ge Gn) |
    |