Genesis 13:6

6 But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together.

Genesis 13:6 in Other Translations

6 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.

6 so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together,

6 But the land could not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and herds living so close together.

6 But the land couldn't support both of them; they had too many possessions. They couldn't both live there -

6 But the land was unable to support them as long as they stayed together, for they had so many possessions that they could not stay together,

Genesis 13:6 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 13:6

And the land was not able to bear them, that they might
dwell together
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 part, and cannot dwell together; what one would think would make them more comfortable together, is the cause and occasion of their separation.

Genesis 13:6 In-Context

4 and where he had first built an altar. There Abram called on the name of the LORD.

5 Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents.

6 But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together.

7 And quarreling arose between Abram’s herders and Lot’s. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time.

8 So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives.

Cross References

• 1. S Genesis 12:5; Genesis 33:9; Genesis 36:7