so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text emphasizes that the land could not support their combined presence, but it's easy to miss the underlying irony: their immense wealth, a blessing, became the very thing forcing them apart, creating a tension between prosperity and proximity.
so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Abram and Lot, now incredibly wealthy after their time in Egypt, found their vast flocks and herds stretching the land beyond its capacity to provide enough pasture for both of them. This abundance, rather than bringing them closer, created tension between their herdsmen, making it impossible for the two families to live together peacefully in the same area.
We often think of hardship as the main test of faith. But what happens when things go too well?
This verse highlights a surprising challenge: abundance. Abram and Lot's flocks and herds had grown so large that the land simply couldn't support them both in the same area.
The Problem of Plenty
Conflict arose, and a choice had to be made. How did Abram handle this difficult moment, and what does it teach us about navigating relational tension?
The escalating strife between the herdsmen forced Abram, as the elder statesman, to address the situation. His response wasn't to assert his rights but to offer Lot a generous separation, demonstrating remarkable wisdom and grace.
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Abram's Generous Solution
Understand the original words
'erets · Hebrew Noun
The physical territory or ground given by God to His people; it carries deep theological significance as a place of blessing, dwelling, and covenant fulfillment.
The immense growth of Abram and Lot's wealth, while a blessing, created practical challenges. The need to manage resources and avoid conflict among their large households directly led to their separation, highlighting how prosperity can test relationships and necessitate difficult choices.
c. 2000-1800 BC
Patriarchal Period Begins
Abram (later Abraham) is called by God to leave his homeland and journey to Canaan. This marks the beginning of a new era for his family and for God's covenant promises.
c. 1900 BC— this verse
Abram and Lot's Return to Canaan
Following a sojourn in Egypt, Abram and his nephew Lot return to Canaan with greatly increased possessions, including numerous flocks and herds.
c. 1900 BC
Strife Between Shepherds
The large number of livestock belonging to Abram and Lot leads to disputes between their shepherds over scarce grazing land and water sources.
c. 1900 BC
Abram Proposes Separation
To resolve the conflict and preserve peace, Abram generously offers Lot the first choice of land, proposing they separate.
c. 1900 BC
Lot Chooses the Jordan Plain
Lot selects the fertile, well-watered plain of the Jordan, which was then near the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
c. 1900 BC
God Reaffirms Promises to Abram
After Lot's departure, God speaks to Abram, promising him and his descendants the entire land of Canaan as an everlasting inheritance.
This passage shows Isaac, like Abraham, prospering immensely in a foreign land to the point where the inhabitants become envious, mirroring the theme of great possessions causing conflict and separation.
Exodus 3:7-9This passage describes God's awareness of the suffering of His people due to oppression, highlighting the concept of a land being unable to 'bear' the burden of injustice and hardship, similar to how the land couldn't support the contentious cohabitation of Abraham and Lot.
1 Corinthians 6:7-8This New Testament passage addresses internal disputes within the Christian community, emphasizing that strife and injustice among believers can arise even when wealth is not the primary issue, underscoring the difficulty of people with differing interests coexisting peacefully.
Galatians 5:19-21This passage lists 'works of the flesh,' including quarrels and envy, which are the very issues that led to Abraham and Lot's separation, showing how such behaviors can create an environment where peaceful coexistence is impossible.
gillGenesis 13:6: "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."
And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together,.... That part of the country where Abram and Lot were could not afford them room enough for their several tents; or however could not furnish them with sufficient pasturage for their flocks and herds, they were so numerous; at least could not do it so as to be contiguo…
clarkeGenesis 13:6: "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."
Their substance was great - As their families increased, it was necessary their flocks should increase also, as from those flocks they derived their clothing, food, and drink. Many also were offered in sacrifice to God. They could not dwell together - 1. Because their flocks were great. 2. Because the Canaanites and the Perizzites had alre…
The text emphasizes that the land could not support their combined presence, but it's easy to miss the underlying irony: their immense wealth, a blessing, became the very thing forcing them apart, creating a tension between prosperity and proximity.
Abram and Lot, now incredibly wealthy after their time in Egypt, found their vast flocks and herds stretching the land beyond its capacity to provide enough pasture for both of them. This abundance, rather than bringing them closer, created tension between their herdsmen, making it impossible for the two families to live together peacefully in the same area.
Abram and Lot, now incredibly wealthy after their time in Egypt, found their vast flocks and herds stretching the land beyond its capacity to provide enough pasture for both of them. This abundance, rather than bringing them closer, created tension between their herdsmen, making it impossible for the two families to live together peacefully in the same area.
"so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together," — The text emphasizes that the land could not support their combined presence, but it's easy to miss the underlying irony: their immense wealth, a blessing, became the very thing forcing them apart,…
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Last reviewed October 2026