Keraia
Genesis 26

Genesis 26:21

Isaac’s Prosperity · Genesis 26:12–25
Read Genesis 26

Translations

Modern
Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah.
Traditional
And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.
Literal
And they dug another well, and they strove also over it. And he called its name Sitnah.
Latin
Foderunt autem et alium: et pro illo quoque rixati sunt, appellavitque eum Inimicitias.

Original

Hebrew
English
Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah.

Notes

Genesis 26:17–22

Isaac left … in the Valley of Gerar: This was away from the city of Gerar itself, but probably still within 16 kilometers (10 miles).

When he got there, Isaac reopened the wells of his father. Although people opposed him there, Isaac chose not to fight back. He gave up one well after another until God's blessing overcame the opposition. Whenever Isaac reopened a well, even if enemies filled it in, he found water. God blessed Isaac, and nothing could stop it. Finally, the Philistines left Isaac alone.

Genesis 26:1–35

This section pauses Jacob’s story to focus on Isaac. Isaac’s success and wealth in chapter 26 show that God’s blessing had passed to him (compare 25:11), even though he sometimes failed to trust God.

Places

Sitnah: Well dug by Isaac, disputed by Philistines

Glossary

Abimelech Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Gerar Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the Philistia, Philistines Rebecca, Rebekah Sitnah Well

Topics

Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Isaac Dishonesty: Abimelech's Servants Confiscate a Well Gerar: A Valley Isaac: The Miraculous Son of Abraham: Digs Wells, and is Defrauded of Them by the Herdsmen of Abimelech Isaac: The Miraculous Son of Abraham: His Peaceableness Meekness: Isaac Patience: Isaac Toward the People of Gerar Property in Real Estate: Rights In, Violated Sitnah: A Name Given by Isaac to a Particular Well where Strife had Occurred Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Wells were a Frequent Cause of Strife Wells: Sitnah Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Isaac and Abimelech