And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, saying, “For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Isaac didn't just find water; he found space. After bitter conflict over previous wells, this new one was so clearly outside the contentious territory that no one disputed it, allowing Isaac to name it "Room" and recognize God's direct provision for peace and fruitfulness.
And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, saying, “For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Isaac's attempts to dig wells were met with conflict and his wells were taken or stopped by the Philistines, he moves again and digs another well. This time, there's no quarrel over it, and he names it Rehoboth, declaring that God has finally given them room to flourish. This peaceful success marks a turning point after previous disputes and sets the stage for his eventual journey to Beersheba.
Isaac faced constant conflict over wells, a vital resource. Instead of fighting, he chose a different path. What can we learn from his strategic move?
The story of Isaac's wells is a powerful lesson in peacemaking. After digging two wells that led to strife (Esek and Sitnah, meaning 'Dispute' and 'Enmity'), Isaac didn't dig in his heels. Instead, he 'removed from thence' – he strategically moved away.
This wasn't a sign of weakness, but wisdom. By moving to a new location and digging another well, Isaac created space for peace. The Philistines didn't quarrel over this new well because it wasn't directly on their contested ground.
This demonstrates that sometimes the path to flourishing isn't through confrontation, but through peaceful, strategic retreat. It requires discernment to know when to stand firm and when to yield ground to preserve peace and create opportunity.
The name 'Rehoboth' signifies more than just a place; it's a declaration of God's favor. What does this 'room' truly represent?
The well Isaac dug that brought no strife was named Rehoboth, meaning 'broad places' or 'room.' This wasn't just about physical space; it was a spiritual declaration. Isaac proclaimed, 'For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.'
This highlights a crucial theological truth: true fruitfulness and expansion come from God's provision of space and peace. When conflict ceases, and we are no longer drained by disputes, God opens up opportunities for growth and blessing.
Rehoboth signifies freedom from opposition, allowing Isaac's family and flocks to thrive. It's a reminder that God desires not just survival, but abundant life and fruitfulness for His people, often after periods of struggle.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
Rehoboth · Hebrew Proper Noun
Meaning 'broad places' or 'wide spaces.' It symbolizes the freedom or space granted by God to dwell or operate without restriction.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His self-existence, faithfulness, and relationship with His people.
parah · Hebrew Verb
To be productive, specifically in the context of offspring, lineage, or material prosperity. It is often linked to the divine command and blessing of fertility.
This well-digging narrative highlights Isaac's experience of conflict and displacement, mirroring his father Abraham's, but ultimately finding God's provision and blessing amidst opposition.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham sojourns in Gerar
Abraham and his wife Sarah live in the region of Gerar, a Philistine city, during a famine. He twice deceives King Abimelech about Sarah being his wife, fearing for his life.
c. 1970 BC
Philistines stop up Abraham's wells
After Abraham's departure or death, the Philistines, driven by envy of his prosperity, fill in the wells that Abraham's servants had dug.
c. 1950 BC
Isaac sojourns in Gerar
A famine prompts Isaac to go to Gerar. Like his father, he initially lies about his wife Rebekah being his sister, fearing for his life. King Abimelech discovers the truth and protects them.
c. 1950 BC
Isaac digs wells in Gerar
Isaac's servants dig new wells, but the local herdsmen of Gerar quarrel with them, claiming the water as their own. Isaac names two wells Esek ('contention') and Sitnah ('hatred') due to these disputes.
c. 1950 BC— this verse
Isaac moves and digs Rehoboth
Isaac moves from the area of contention and digs another well. This time, the Philistines do not dispute his claim to the water, and he names it Rehoboth ('room' or 'broad places'), recognizing God's provision.
c. 1950 BC
Isaac moves to Beersheba
Following the success at Rehoboth, Isaac moves on to Beersheba, where God reaffirms His covenant promises to him.
c. 1950 BC
Isaac makes a covenant with Abimelech
The Philistine king Abimelech, realizing God is with Isaac, comes to Beersheba to make a peace treaty with him, acknowledging Isaac's growing power and God's favor.
This psalm speaks of God leading the sheep to 'lush meadows' and 'quiet waters,' echoing the sense of relief and provision found in Rehoboth after a time of hardship and contention.
Isaiah 54:2-3This prophecy of future expansion and fruitfulness for God's people, urging them to 'enlarge your tent,' parallels Isaac's naming of the well Rehoboth, signifying God making room and leading to abundance.
John 10:9Jesus' declaration, 'I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved; they will come in and go out, and find pasture,' connects the idea of access and provision (finding pasture) with God's divine provision, similar to Isaac finding a well where there was no strife.
Galatians 5:1The call to stand fast in freedom, as Christ has set us free, resonates with the freedom from strife and quarreling that Isaac experienced when he dug the well named Rehoboth, signifying God's blessing of liberty and space.
Philippians 4:6-7This passage encourages bringing petitions to God with thanksgiving, assuring that His peace will guard hearts and minds, mirroring the peace and relief Isaac found in Rehoboth after the conflict, trusting that God would provide.
gillGenesis 26:22: "And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land."
And he removed from thence,.... A little further from their border, to cut off all pretence, and put a stop to all dispute and controversy for the future: and digged another well; in the place he removed to: and for that they strove not; it being at such a distance fro…
calvinGenesis 26:1-35: "And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar."
And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
Deinde fuit fames in terra praeter famem superiorem, quae fuerat in diebus Abraham: et profectus est Ishac ad Abimelech regem Pelisthim in Gerar
And th…
Isaac didn't just find water; he found space. After bitter conflict over previous wells, this new one was so clearly outside the contentious territory that no one disputed it, allowing Isaac to name it "Room" and recognize God's direct provision for peace and fruitfulness.
After Isaac's attempts to dig wells were met with conflict and his wells were taken or stopped by the Philistines, he moves again and digs another well. This time, there's no quarrel over it, and he names it Rehoboth, declaring that God has finally given them room to flourish. This peaceful success marks a turning point after previous disputes and sets the stage for his eventual journey to Beersheba.
After Isaac's attempts to dig wells were met with conflict and his wells were taken or stopped by the Philistines, he moves again and digs another well. This time, there's no quarrel over it, and he names it Rehoboth, declaring that God has finally given them room to flourish. This peaceful success marks a turning point after previous disputes and sets the stage for his eventual journey to Beersheba.
"And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, saying, “For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”" — Isaac didn't just find water; he found space. After bitter conflict over previous wells, this new one was so clearly outside the contentious territory that no one disputed it, allowing Isaac to nam…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026