Genesis 13:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The land cannot support both Abram and Lot's combined flocks and herds, so they cannot share the space.
The Context of Genesis 13:6
The land cannot support both families' herds together.
What Does Genesis 13:6 Mean?
The territory available could not sustain the grazing needs of both households' livestock. Their substance—the size of their herds and holdings—had grown so large that pastureland and water became scarce. This practical constraint forces a decision: they must separate or conflict will follow.
Material blessing, while a sign of God's favor, can create practical friction. The same abundance that shows divine provision also brings the challenge of stewardship and the need to make wise choices about resources and boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 13:6
What does Genesis 13:6 mean?
The land cannot support both Abram and Lot's combined flocks and herds, so they cannot share the space.
What is the context of Genesis 13:6?
The land cannot support both families' herds together.