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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 26:20 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/26-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/01_Gen_26_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 26:20 - Isaac's Prosperity" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen and said, The water is ours! 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So Isaac named the well Esek (which means “argument”).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water <i>is</i> ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water <i>is</i> ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they quarreled with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with the herdsmen of Isaac, saying, &#8220The water is ours!&#8221 So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac&#8217s herdsmen and said, &#8220The water is ours!&#8221 So he named the well Quarrel because they quarreled with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The shepherds of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's shepherds and said, "This water belongs to us." So Isaac named the well "Quarrel." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />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. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and 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;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 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;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But 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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />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.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/26-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=6181" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/26.htm">Isaac's Prosperity</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>Then Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found a well of fresh water there. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: rō·‘ê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">But the herdsmen</a> <a href="/hebrew/1642.htm" title="1642: ḡə·rār (N-proper-fs) -- A place S. of Gaza. Probably from garar; a rolling country; Gerar, a Philistine city.">of Gerar</a> <a href="/hebrew/7378.htm" title="7378: way·yā·rî·ḇū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- Or ruwb; a primitive root; properly, to toss, i.e. Grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. Hold a controversy; to defend.">quarreled</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/3327.htm" title="3327: yiṣ·ḥāq (N-proper-ms) -- He laughs, son of Abraham and Sarah. From tsachaq; laughter; Jitschak, son of Abraham.">Isaac’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: rō·‘ê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">herdsmen</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: ham·mā·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">“The water is ours!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">So he named</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šêm- (N-msc) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character."></a> <a href="/hebrew/875.htm" title="875: hab·bə·’êr (Art:: N-fs) -- A well, pit. From ba'ar; a pit; especially a well.">the well</a> <a href="/hebrew/6230.htm" title="6230: ‘ê·śeq (N-proper-fs) -- Contention, a well in Gerar. From asaq; strife.">Esek,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/6229.htm" title="6229: hiṯ·‘aś·śə·qū (V-Hitpael-Perf-3cp) -- To contend. A primitive root; to press upon, i.e. Quarrel.">they contended</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/13-7.htm">Genesis 13:7</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/21-25.htm">Genesis 21:25</a></span><br />But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/17-7.htm">Exodus 17:7</a></span><br />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?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/20-3.htm">Numbers 20:3</a></span><br />The people quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had perished with our brothers before the LORD!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/20-13.htm">Numbers 20:13</a></span><br />These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed His holiness among them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/6-31.htm">Judges 6:31-32</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-25.htm">1 Samuel 2:25</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-19.htm">1 Samuel 15:19</a></span><br />So why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you rush upon the plunder and do evil in the sight of the LORD?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-17.htm">1 Kings 18:17-18</a></span><br />When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” / “I have not troubled Israel,” Elijah replied, “but you and your father’s house have, for you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/13-12.htm">2 Chronicles 13:12</a></span><br />Now behold, God Himself is with us as our head, and His priests with their trumpets sound the battle call against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-32.htm">Psalm 106:32-33</a></span><br />At the waters of Meribah they angered the LORD, and trouble came to Moses because of them. / For they rebelled against His Spirit, and Moses spoke rashly with his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-8.htm">Proverbs 25:8</a></span><br />do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-11.htm">Isaiah 41:11-12</a></span><br />Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. / You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/2-29.htm">Jeremiah 2:29</a></span><br />Why do you bring a case against Me? You have all rebelled against Me,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Matthew 5:25</a></span><br />Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">did strive.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/21-25.htm">Genesis 21:25</a></b></br> And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.</p><p class="hdg">Esek.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jude/1-9.htm">Argued</a> <a href="/philippians/4-3.htm">Contended</a> <a href="/jude/1-9.htm">Disputed</a> <a href="/revelation/13-4.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/genesis/26-17.htm">Gerar</a> <a href="/genesis/24-40.htm">Habitually</a> <a href="/genesis/13-8.htm">Herdmen</a> <a href="/genesis/13-8.htm">Herdsmen</a> <a href="/genesis/26-18.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/genesis/26-19.htm">Isaac's</a> <a href="/revelation/1-9.htm">Ours</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-6.htm">Quarreled</a> <a href="/genesis/13-8.htm">Shepherds</a> <a href="/genesis/26-19.htm">Spring</a> <a href="/genesis/13-8.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/genesis/6-3.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">Striven</a> <a href="/acts/26-11.htm">Strove</a> <a href="/genesis/26-19.htm">Water</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/26-21.htm">Argued</a> <a href="/genesis/26-21.htm">Contended</a> <a href="/genesis/31-36.htm">Disputed</a> <a href="/genesis/26-21.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/genesis/26-26.htm">Gerar</a> <a href="/genesis/48-15.htm">Habitually</a> <a href="/genesis/29-4.htm">Herdmen</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-7.htm">Herdsmen</a> <a href="/genesis/26-25.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/genesis/26-25.htm">Isaac's</a> <a href="/genesis/31-16.htm">Ours</a> <a href="/genesis/26-21.htm">Quarreled</a> <a href="/genesis/29-3.htm">Shepherds</a> <a href="/genesis/35-11.htm">Spring</a> <a href="/exodus/17-7.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/genesis/26-21.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/genesis/26-22.htm">Striven</a> <a href="/genesis/26-21.htm">Strove</a> <a href="/genesis/26-32.htm">Water</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 26</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/26-1.htm">Isaac, because of famine, sojourns in Gerar, and the Lord blesses him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">He is reproved by Abimelech for denying his wife.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/26-12.htm">He grows rich, and the Philistines envy his prosperity.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/26-18.htm">He digs wells.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/26-23.htm">God appears to him at Beersheba, and blesses him; </a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/26-26.htm">and Abimelech makes a covenant with him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/26-34.htm">Esau's wives.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/26.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen</b><br>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 (<a href="/genesis/21-25.htm">Genesis 21:25</a>). It underscores the challenges faced by the patriarchs in securing their livelihoods and the fulfillment of God's promises.<p><b>and said, “The water is ours!”</b><br>The claim "The water is ours!" signifies the assertion of ownership and control over essential resources. In the ancient Near East, water rights were crucial for survival, agriculture, and prosperity. This declaration by the herdsmen of Gerar can be seen as an attempt to assert dominance and challenge Isaac's growing influence and wealth. Theologically, this reflects the recurring theme of opposition to God's covenant people, as seen throughout the Old Testament. It also foreshadows the spiritual battles believers face, where worldly forces claim what God has provided for His people.<p><b>So he named the well Esek</b><br>The naming of the well Esek, which means "contention" or "dispute," serves as a memorial to the conflict Isaac faced. Naming places after significant events was a common practice in biblical times, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the challenges overcome. This act of naming also reflects Isaac's character; rather than retaliating, he acknowledges the conflict and moves on, trusting in God's provision. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who, when faced with opposition, often chose the path of peace and reconciliation.<p><b>because they contended with him</b><br>The contention over the well is emblematic of the broader spiritual and physical struggles faced by God's people. This phrase highlights the persistent opposition Isaac encountered, despite being in the land promised to his father Abraham. It serves as a reminder of the trials believers may face even when walking in obedience to God's will. Theologically, it points to the reality of living in a fallen world where conflict is inevitable. This contention also prefigures the ultimate victory of Christ, who overcame the world and its opposition through His death and resurrection, offering peace to those who follow Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaac.htm">Isaac</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/herdsmen_of_gerar.htm">Herdsmen of Gerar</a></b><br>These are the local inhabitants of the region of Gerar, who dispute with Isaac's herdsmen over the ownership of the well.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaac's_herdsmen.htm">Isaac’s Herdsmen</a></b><br>These are the servants of Isaac who are responsible for tending his flocks and managing his resources, including the wells.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/gerar.htm">Gerar</a></b><br>A region in the land of the Philistines where Isaac temporarily resides. It is significant as a place of conflict over resources.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/esek.htm">Esek</a></b><br>The name given to the well, meaning "contention" or "dispute" in Hebrew, reflecting the conflict over the water rights.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/conflict_resolution.htm">Conflict Resolution</a></b><br>Isaac's response to the dispute over the well teaches us the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions rather than engaging in prolonged conflict.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God's Provision</a></b><br>Despite the loss of the well, Isaac trusts that God will provide for him and his household, demonstrating faith in God's continued provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/n/naming_as_a_reflection_of_experience.htm">Naming as a Reflection of Experience</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/legacy_and_inheritance.htm">Legacy and Inheritance</a></b><br>Isaac's actions in reopening his father's wells show the importance of maintaining and valuing the legacy and blessings passed down through generations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_and_patience.htm">Humility and Patience</a></b><br>Isaac's willingness to move on from the conflict without retaliation exemplifies humility and patience, virtues that are essential in our walk with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 26</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_plant_crops_in_a_famine.htm">Why did Isaac plant crops during a famine?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_isaac's_lie_in_gen_26_7_mirror_abraham's.htm">In Genesis 26:7, does Isaac's deception about Rebekah mirror Abraham's story too closely, suggesting the same incident was repeated or borrowed?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_genesis_20_a_repeated_deception_pattern.htm">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?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_abimelech_in_genesis_26_8_related.htm">How do we reconcile the figure called Abimelech here (Genesis 26:8) with the Abimelech who interacted with Abraham generations earlier?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And the herdmen of Gerar</span> - <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. Abimelech's servants (<a href="/genesis/21-25.htm">Genesis 21:25</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">did strive with Isaac's herdmen</span>, - as Lot's with those of Abraham (<a href="/genesis/13-7.htm">Genesis 13:7</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">saying, The water is ours</span>: - literally, <span class="accented">to us</span> (belong) <span class="accented">the waters</span> - <span class="cmt_word">and he called the name of the well Esek</span> ("Strife"); <span class="cmt_word">because they strove with him</span> - the verb being <span class="hebrew">עָשַׂק</span>, to strive about anything. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/26-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But the herdsmen</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹעֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(rō·‘ê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7473.htm">Strong's 7473: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pastoral, a shepherd</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Gerar</span><br /><span class="heb">גְרָ֗ר</span> <span class="translit">(ḡə·rār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1642.htm">Strong's 1642: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gerar -- a place South of Gaza</span><br /><br /><span class="word">quarreled</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּרִ֜יבוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·rî·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7378.htm">Strong's 7378: </a> </span><span class="str2">To toss, grapple, to wrangle, controversy, to defend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="heb">עִם־</span> <span class="translit">(‘im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Isaac’s</span><br /><span class="heb">יִצְחָ֛ק</span> <span class="translit">(yiṣ·ḥāq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3327.htm">Strong's 3327: </a> </span><span class="str2">Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">herdsmen</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹעֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(rō·‘ê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7473.htm">Strong's 7473: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pastoral, a shepherd</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and said,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵאמֹ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(lê·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“The water is ours!”</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמָּ֑יִם</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mā·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> </span><span class="str2">Water, juice, urine, semen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">So he named</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקְרָ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the well</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבְּאֵר֙</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bə·’êr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_875.htm">Strong's 875: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pit, a well</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Esek,</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵ֔שֶׂק</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·śeq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6230.htm">Strong's 6230: </a> </span><span class="str2">Esek -- 'contention', a well in Gerar</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they contended</span><br /><span class="heb">הִֽתְעַשְּׂק֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(hiṯ·‘aś·śə·qū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6229.htm">Strong's 6229: </a> </span><span class="str2">To press upon, quarrel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with him.</span><br /><span class="heb">עִמּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘im·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/26-20.htm">Genesis 26:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/26-20.htm">Genesis 26:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/26-20.htm">Genesis 26:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/26-20.htm">Genesis 26:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/26-20.htm">Genesis 26:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/26-20.htm">Genesis 26:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/26-20.htm">Genesis 26:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/26-20.htm">Genesis 26:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/26-20.htm">Genesis 26:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/26-20.htm">Genesis 26:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/26-20.htm">OT Law: Genesis 26:20 The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac's (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/26-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 26:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 26:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/26-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 26:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 26:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>