Bible Strands
Genesis 36:7
For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together; the land where they stayed could not support them because of their livestock.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator describes the moment Esau relocates his entire household, livestock, and acquired property away from Jacob in Canaan. This separation occurs after years of coexistence in the same region.
The words — The Hebrew רָב (rav) means "too much" or "excessive," modifying רְכוּשָׁם (re.khu.sham), "their possessions." Together with יָכְלָה (ya.khe.lah), "it was able," the phrase declares the land's inability to sustain both families.
The thread — This capacity constraint echoes Genesis 13:6, where the land similarly fails to support Abraham and Lot together. It also contrasts with the covenant promise in Genesis 17:8 and 28:4 that the land itself will be an eternal possession for the chosen line.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that physical space limits human coexistence, requiring practical separation when resources are exhausted. It establishes a historical precedent for territorial division without implying divine rejection of either party.
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
For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle.
Cross-references
- Genesis 13:6 But the land was unable to support both of them while they stayed together, for they had so many possessions that they were unable to coexist.
- Genesis 17:8 And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.”
- Genesis 28:4 And may He give the blessing of Abraham to you and your descendants, so that you may possess the land where you dwell as a foreigner, the land God gave to Abraham.”
- Genesis 13:11 So Lot chose the whole plain of the Jordan for himself and set out toward the east. And Abram and Lot parted company.
- Hebrews 11:9 By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.