Genesis 13:6

6 and the land might not take them, that they should dwell together, for the cattle of them was much, and they might not dwell in common. (and the land could not support both of them, for each of them had many livestock, and so they could not live there 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 in the place of the altar which he made before, and inwardly called there the name of the Lord. (at the place where he had made the altar before, and had inwardly called on the Lord's name.)
5 But also flocks of sheep, and droves of oxen, and tabernacles were to Lot, that was with Abram; (And Lot, who was with Abram, also had flocks of sheep, and herds of oxen, and tents;)
6 and the land might not take them, that they should dwell together, for the cattle of them was much, and they might not dwell in common. (and the land could not support both of them, for each of them had many livestock, and so they could not live there together.)
7 Wherefore also strife was made betwixt the keepers of [the] flocks of Abram and of Lot. Forsooth Canaanites and Perizzites (also) dwelled in that land in that time.
8 Therefore Abram said to Lot, I beseech thee, that no strife be betwixt me and thee, and betwixt my shepherds and thy shepherds; for we be brethren (for we be kinsmen).
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.