Genesis 13:6

6 And the land could not {support them} [so as] to live together, because their possessions were [so] many that they were not able to live 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 to the place where he had made an altar at the beginning. And Abram called on the name of Yahweh there.

5 And Lot, who went with Abram, also had herds and tents.

6 And the land could not {support them} [so as] to live together, because their possessions were [so] many that they were not able to live together.

7 And there was a quarrel between the herdsmen of the livestock of Abram and the herdsmen of the livestock of Lot. Now at that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were living in the land.

8 Then Abram said to Lot, "Please, let there not be quarreling between me and you, and between my shepherds and your shepherds, for we men [are] brothers.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "lift them up"
• [b]. Or "and"