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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="study" id="study"></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 /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/genesis/26.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>But the herdsmen of Gerar</b><br />The "herdsmen of Gerar" refers to the local inhabitants of the region where Isaac had settled. Gerar was a Philistine city, and its people were often in conflict with the patriarchs over resources. Historically, the Philistines were known for their advanced culture and military prowess, often clashing with the Israelites. This phrase sets the stage for the recurring theme of conflict over resources, a common issue in the arid regions of the ancient Near East.<p><b>quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen</b><br />The word "quarreled" indicates a dispute or contention, which in Hebrew is "רִיב" (riv). This term often implies a legal or formal dispute, suggesting that the conflict was significant and possibly involved claims of rights or ownership. Isaac's herdsmen, representing his household and wealth, were in direct conflict with the locals, highlighting the challenges of living as a sojourner in a foreign land.<p><b>and said, 'The water is ours!'</b><br />Water was a precious and scarce resource in the ancient Near East, essential for survival and prosperity. The claim "The water is ours!" underscores the importance of wells and water rights in the region. This declaration by the herdsmen of Gerar reflects the broader struggle for control over life-sustaining resources, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.<p><b>So he named the well Esek</b><br />"Esek" means "contention" or "dispute" in Hebrew. Naming the well Esek serves as a memorial to the conflict that occurred there. In biblical times, naming places after events was a common practice, serving as a reminder of God's provision and the challenges faced by His people. This act of naming also reflects Isaac's response to adversity, choosing to move forward rather than engage in prolonged conflict.<p><b>because they contended with him</b><br />The phrase "they contended with him" reiterates the conflict and highlights Isaac's role as a peacemaker. Despite the contention, Isaac chose not to retaliate but instead moved on to dig another well. This response exemplifies a godly character, emphasizing peace and trust in God's provision. Isaac's actions serve as an inspiration for believers to seek peace and rely on God's faithfulness in times of conflict.<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>