Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Abram's offer isn't just polite generosity; it's a radical act of humility, giving his nephew the first choice of the entire land. He's not just suggesting a separation, but offering Lot the power to claim any part of God's promise first, demonstrating that maintaining peace is worth yielding his own perceived right.
Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a dispute between their shepherds over pastureland, Abraham generously offers his nephew Lot the first choice of any territory. Abraham, acknowledging the land's abundance, asks Lot to choose his portion, vowing to take whatever land Lot leaves behind, whether to the left or right.
Why would the patriarch, who had God's promise of this land, offer his nephew the first choice? It wasn't just politeness; it was a profound strategy for peace.
The conflict between Abram and Lot's herdsmen escalated, threatening their entire relationship. Abram, the elder and the one to whom the land was promised, could have easily asserted his right. Instead, he chose a path of radical generosity.
A Grand Gesture
Abram declared, 'Is not the whole land before you?' He opened up the entire territory, not just a small portion. This wasn't a grudging offer; it was an expansive gesture designed to remove any possible cause for further dispute.
The Cost of Peace
This wasn't just about avoiding a fight. Abram recognized that wealth could breed division, even within families. By sacrificing his own immediate claim, he prioritized the long-term peace and integrity of his household and his relationship with Lot. He chose to 'separate in habitation rather than be separate in heart.'
Lot looked at the 'well watered' plain and saw immediate benefit. Abram, however, looked with a different kind of vision. What did he see?
Lot's choice was driven by what was immediately apparent – the fertile Jordan plain. This decision, while seemingly practical, led him toward Sodom and away from Abram's spiritual influence.
A Different Perspective
Abram, by contrast, wasn't focused solely on the immediate landscape. His vision extended beyond the visible. He trusted in God's promise that the land, not just the most attractive part, would belong to him and his descendants.
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Faith's True Wealth
This wasn't about greed or claiming more territory. It was about faith. Abram's willingness to let Lot choose first stemmed from his deep conviction that God's promises were more valuable and more certain than any piece of land, no matter how appealing.
Abram's generous offer to Lot showcases his commitment to peace and his deep trust in God's promises, even when faced with potential loss and separation from his beloved nephew.
c. 2000 BC
Abram and Lot leave Ur
Abram, his nephew Lot, and their families leave their ancestral home in Ur, following God's call to a new land. This marks the beginning of their nomadic journey.
c. 2000 BC
Famine forces move to Egypt
A severe famine in Canaan compels Abram and Lot to sojourn in Egypt. They return to Canaan with increased wealth.
c. 2000 BC
Return to Bethel and wealth increases
Abram and Lot return to the Bethel area, where their combined livestock and households have grown so large that the land can no longer support them together.
c. 2000 BC
Strife between shepherds arises
The growing herds of Abram and Lot lead to conflict between their shepherds over grazing land and water sources. This dispute threatens the peace between the two men.
c. 2000 BC— this verse
Abram proposes separation to Lot
To resolve the conflict, Abram generously offers Lot the first choice of land. He tells Lot that if Lot takes one direction, Abram will take the other, ensuring peace.
c. 2000 BC
Lot chooses the Jordan plain
Lot, seeking fertile land, chooses the well-watered plain of the Jordan, which was known for its abundance before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
c. 2000 BC
Abram and Lot separate
Abram settles in Canaan, while Lot moves his family and possessions toward the cities of the plain, eventually settling near Sodom.
This passage speaks about pride leading to disgrace and humility leading to wisdom, mirroring Abram's humble, peace-seeking offer to Lot, which contrasted with Lot's subsequent choice driven by a desire for earthly abundance.
Philippians 2:3-4Abram's selfless offer to Lot, allowing his nephew to choose first, embodies the principle of looking out for the interests of others and not being motivated by selfish ambition or conceit.
1 Corinthians 6:7The conflict between Abram's and Lot's herdsmen highlights how disputes over possessions can arise; Abram's wise resolution demonstrates a desire to avoid even the appearance of conflict among believers.
Matthew 6:33Lot's choice of the well-watered plains of Jordan, seemingly for worldly gain, stands in contrast to the principle of seeking first God's kingdom and righteousness, a principle Abram exemplified by his trust in God's provision.
Galatians 5:22-23Abram's generous and peaceable spirit in offering Lot the first choice reflects the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, gentleness, and self-control, which were evidently lacking in the circumstances leading to the separation.
gillGenesis 13:9: "Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left."
Is not the whole land before thee?.... Signifying, that though there were not room and convenience for them both in that part of the country in which they were, yet there were in other parts; and though the land was given to Abram, he did not desire Lot to depart out of it; nay, h…
clarkeGenesis 13:9: "Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left."
Is not the whole land before thee - As the patriarch or head of the family, Abram, by prescriptive right, might have chosen his own portion first, and appointed Lot his; but intent upon peace, and feeling pure and parental affection for his nephew, he permitted him to make his cho…
Abram's offer isn't just polite generosity; it's a radical act of humility, giving his nephew the first choice of the entire land. He's not just suggesting a separation, but offering Lot the power to claim any part of God's promise first, demonstrating that maintaining peace is worth yielding his own perceived right.
Following a dispute between their shepherds over pastureland, Abraham generously offers his nephew Lot the first choice of any territory. Abraham, acknowledging the land's abundance, asks Lot to choose his portion, vowing to take whatever land Lot leaves behind, whether to the left or right.
Following a dispute between their shepherds over pastureland, Abraham generously offers his nephew Lot the first choice of any territory. Abraham, acknowledging the land's abundance, asks Lot to choose his portion, vowing to take whatever land Lot leaves behind, whether to the left or right.
"Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.”" — Abram's offer isn't just polite generosity; it's a radical act of humility, giving his nephew the first choice of the entire land. He's not just suggesting a separation, but offering Lot the power to…
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Last reviewed October 2026