Bible Strands
Genesis 13:8
So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are kinsmen.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Abram addresses his nephew Lot immediately after the herdsmen of both men began fighting over grazing land. He speaks to prevent further conflict between their respective groups.
The words — The Hebrew term מְרִיבָה (merivah) literally means “strife” or “contention,” capturing the core dispute over resources. Abram uses אַל־ נָא (al na) to plead “please let there be no” such conflict.
The thread — This plea for kin-based harmony echoes the New Testament warning against believers taking disputes to unbelieving courts (1 Corinthians 6:6) and parallels the call to reconcile fighting Israelites in Acts 7:26, while contrasting with the psalmist’s ideal of brothers dwelling in unity (Psalms 133:1).
Why it lands — It requires the reader to prioritize relational peace over territorial advantage. The text demands active de-escalation when shared resources threaten to fracture family ties.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 6:6 Instead, one brother goes to law against another, and this in front of unbelievers!
- Acts 7:26 The next day he came upon two Israelites who were fighting, and he tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why are you mistreating each other?’
- Psalms 133:1 A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!
- Genesis 11:27 This is the account of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. And Haran became the father of Lot.
- Genesis 45:24 Then Joseph sent his brothers on their way, and as they were leaving, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the way!”
- Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
- Proverbs 20:3 It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.
- Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
- Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
- 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.