Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text subtly highlights that Abram's wealth was not just in land or possessions, but also in the intangible "silver and gold." This points to his deep spiritual riches and inner value, which were often more significant than his material abundance. It suggests that true wealth encompasses both the seen and the unseen, the tangible and the spiritual.
Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Abram has recently returned to Canaan after a difficult sojourn in Egypt, where he acquired significant wealth. His prosperity, however, immediately creates a conflict as his and his nephew Lot's large households and numerous possessions compete for limited grazing land, leading to strife between their shepherds. This dispute forces Abram to propose a separation with Lot, offering his nephew the first choice of land.
The Bible doesn't shy away from talking about wealth. Abram was incredibly rich, possessing vast amounts of livestock, silver, and gold. But what does this abundance signify?
Genesis 13:2 highlights Abram's immense wealth. The text notes he was rich in "cattle, in silver, and in gold." This wasn't just a casual mention; it was a profound indicator of God's favor and blessing upon Abram's life.
Divine Provision
Beyond Material Gain
Abram's incredible wealth, while a sign of blessing, quickly led to a serious problem. What can this teach us about possessions?
Ask a follow-up
Genesis 13:2 mentions Abram's abundance, but the very next verses reveal that this wealth became a source of conflict. The growing herds of Abram and Lot, along with their numerous dependents, required vast amounts of pasture and water, leading to strife between their shepherds.
The Challenge of Plenty
God's Wisdom in Strife
c. 2000-1800 BC— this verse
Patriarchal Period in the Ancient Near East
Abram (later Abraham) lived during a time when wealth was primarily measured in livestock, with silver and gold being valuable commodities, often obtained through trade or gifts.
c. 2000-1800 BC
Egyptian Influence and Trade
Egypt was a significant regional power with established mining and refining processes for gold and silver, influencing trade and wealth accumulation in surrounding regions.
c. 2000-1800 BC
Settlement in Canaan
Abram and his nephew Lot settled in Canaan, a land inhabited by other peoples like the Canaanites and Perizzites, where pastureland was a key resource for their large flocks and herds.
c. 2000-1800 BC
Abram's Return from Egypt
Following a stay in Egypt where his wealth was significantly increased, Abram returned to Canaan with increased possessions, leading to conflict over resources with Lot's possessions.
c. 2000-1800 BC
Dispute Over Pastureland
The growing wealth of Abram and Lot led to strife between their shepherds over limited grazing lands, necessitating a separation to maintain peace.
This verse directly follows Abram's return from Egypt and also describes his abundance, indicating a pattern of God's blessing upon him, both before and after his time in Egypt.
Job 1:3This passage highlights Job's immense wealth in livestock, silver, and gold, mirroring Abram's description and showing that great material prosperity was not unique to Abram but also a characteristic of other faithful servants of God.
1 Chronicles 29:12This verse speaks of riches and honor coming from God, reinforcing the idea that Abram's wealth was not merely accumulated but was a gift from the Almighty, aligning with the spiritual understanding of his prosperity.
Proverbs 10:22This proverb states that 'the blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it,' which speaks to the nature of Abram's wealth as a divine blessing, contrasting with wealth gained through ill means or that brings trouble.
Deuteronomy 8:18This verse reminds the Israelites that God gives them the ability to produce wealth, urging them not to forget Him. It provides a theological framework for understanding Abram's riches as a gift from God, which he must not misuse or take for granted.
gillGenesis 13:2: "And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold."
And Abram was very rich,.... He was rich in spiritual things, in faith, and in all other graces, and was an heir of the kingdom of heaven; and in temporal things, as it sometimes is the lot of good men to be, though but rarely, at least to be exceeding rich, as Abram was; or "very heavy" (r), as the word signifies, he was loaded with wealth and riches, and sometimes an abundance of riches are a burden to a man, and, inst…
clarkeGenesis 13:2: "And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold."
Abram was very rich - The property of these patriarchal times did not consist in flocks only, but also in silver and gold; and in all these respects Abram was דבד מאד cabed meod, exceeding rich. Josephus says that a part of this property was acquired by teaching the Egyptians arts and sciences. Thus did God fulfill his promises to him, by protecting and giving him a great profusion of temporal blessings, which were to h…
The text subtly highlights that Abram's wealth was not just in land or possessions, but also in the intangible "silver and gold." This points to his deep spiritual riches and inner value, which were often more significant than his material abundance. It suggests that true wealth encompasses both the seen and the unseen, the tangible and the spiritual.
Abram has recently returned to Canaan after a difficult sojourn in Egypt, where he acquired significant wealth. His prosperity, however, immediately creates a conflict as his and his nephew Lot's large households and numerous possessions compete for limited grazing land, leading to strife between their shepherds. This dispute forces Abram to propose a separation with Lot, offering his nephew the first choice of land.
Abram has recently returned to Canaan after a difficult sojourn in Egypt, where he acquired significant wealth. His prosperity, however, immediately creates a conflict as his and his nephew Lot's large households and numerous possessions compete for limited grazing land, leading to strife between their shepherds. This dispute forces Abram to propose a separation with Lot, offering his nephew the first choice of land.
"Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold." — The text subtly highlights that Abram's wealth was not just in land or possessions, but also in the intangible "silver and gold." This points to his deep spiritual riches and inner value, which were…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026