Genesis 13:8
New International Version
So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives.

New Living Translation
Finally Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives!

English Standard Version
Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren.

New American Standard Bible
So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are relatives!

NASB 1995
So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers.

NASB 1977
Then Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers.

Amplified Bible
So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife and disagreement between you and me, nor between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, because we are relatives.

Christian Standard Bible
So Abram said to Lot, “Please, let’s not have quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, since we are relatives.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Abram said to Lot, “Please, let’s not have quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, since we are relatives.

American Standard Version
And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen; for we are brethren.

Contemporary English Version
Abram said to Lot, "We are close relatives. We shouldn't argue, and our men shouldn't be fighting one another.

English Revised 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 are brethren.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Abram said to Lot, "Please, let's not have any more quarrels between us or between our herders. After all, we're relatives.

Good News Translation
Then Abram said to Lot, "We are relatives, and your men and my men shouldn't be quarreling.

International Standard Version
So Abram told Lot, "Please, let's not have strife between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, since we are relatives.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no quarreling between me and you, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are close relatives.

New Heart English Bible
Abram said to Lot, "Please, let there be no strife between me and you, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are relatives.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Abram said to Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we are brethren.

World English Bible
Abram said to Lot, “Please, let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen; for we are relatives.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Abram says to Lot, “Please let there not be strife between me and you, and between my shepherds and your shepherds, for we [are] men—brothers.

Young's Literal Translation
And Abram saith unto Lot, 'Let there not, I pray thee, be strife between me and thee, and between my shepherds and thy shepherds, for we are men -- brethren.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Abram will say to Lot, Now there shall not be strife between me and between thee, and between my shepherds and between thy shepherds, for we are men brethren.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Abram therefore said to Lot: Let there be no quarrel, I beseech thee, between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen: for we are brethren.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, Abram said to Lot: “I ask you, let there be no quarrel between me and you, and between my shepherds and your shepherds. For we are brothers.

New American Bible
So Abram said to Lot: “Let there be no strife between you and me, or between your herders and my herders, for we are kindred.

New Revised Standard Version
Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herders and my herders; for we are kindred.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Abram said to Lot, Let there be no strife between me and you, and between my shepherds and your shepherds; for we are brethren.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Abram said to Lot, “There will not be strife between me and you and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen because we men are brothers.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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 are brethren.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abram said to Lot, Let there not be a strife between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen, for we are brethren.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Abram and Lot Part Ways
7And there was discord between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were also living in the land. 8So 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 brothers. 9Is not the whole land before you? Now separate yourself from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.”…

Cross References
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Romans 12:18
If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.

Hebrews 12:14
Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.

1 Corinthians 6:7
The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?

Ephesians 4:3
and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. / Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.

Colossians 3:13-15
Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. / And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. / Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.

Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

1 Peter 3:11
He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.

Proverbs 17:14
To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.

Proverbs 20:3
It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.

Proverbs 25:8-10
do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame? / Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, / lest the one who hears may disgrace you, and your infamy never go away.

Proverbs 26:20
Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases.

Proverbs 29:22
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.


Treasury of Scripture

And Abram said to Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray you, between me and you, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we be brothers.

Let.

Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

1 Corinthians 6:6,7
But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers…

brethren.

Genesis 11:27-31
Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot…

Genesis 45:24
So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.

Exodus 2:13
And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?

Jump to Previous
Abram Argument Herdmen Herdsmen Kinsmen Lot Please Quarreling Relatives Shepherds Strife
Jump to Next
Abram Argument Herdmen Herdsmen Kinsmen Lot Please Quarreling Relatives Shepherds Strife
Genesis 13
1. Abram and Lot return with great riches out of Egypt.
6. Strife arises between Abram's herdsmen and those of Lot.
8. Abram allows Lot to choose his part of the country,
10. and Lot goes toward Sodom.
14. God renews his promise to Abram.
18. He moves to Hebron, and there builds an altar.














So Abram said to Lot
Abram, later known as Abraham, is the patriarch of the Hebrew people. His relationship with Lot, his nephew, is significant as it demonstrates family dynamics and the importance of kinship in ancient cultures. Abram's leadership and wisdom are evident as he takes the initiative to address potential conflict. This reflects his role as a peacemaker, a trait that is valued throughout Scripture.

Please let there be no contention between you and me
Abram's plea for peace highlights the biblical principle of living in harmony with others. Contention and strife are often seen as destructive forces in the Bible, and Abram's desire to avoid them aligns with teachings found in Proverbs 17:14 and Romans 12:18. This phrase underscores the importance of resolving disputes amicably and prioritizing relationships over material possessions.

or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen
The mention of herdsmen indicates the pastoral lifestyle of Abram and Lot, which was common in the ancient Near East. The conflict likely arose from competition for resources such as water and grazing land, which were vital for their livestock. This situation reflects the broader theme of human conflict over resources, a recurring issue throughout history and Scripture.

After all, we are kinsmen
Abram appeals to their familial bond to resolve the conflict, emphasizing the importance of family unity. The term "kinsmen" signifies a close relationship, which in the cultural context of the time, carried obligations of loyalty and mutual support. This appeal to kinship is a recurring theme in the Bible, seen in stories like Joseph and his brothers, and is a precursor to the New Testament's emphasis on the family of believers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Abram
Later known as Abraham, he is a key patriarch in the Bible, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. In this passage, he demonstrates wisdom and peacemaking.

2. Lot
Abram's nephew, who traveled with him from Haran. Lot's herdsmen were in conflict with Abram's, prompting Abram to seek a peaceful resolution.

3. Canaan
The land where Abram and Lot were dwelling at the time. It was a land promised to Abram's descendants by God.

4. Herdsmen
The servants of Abram and Lot who were responsible for tending their flocks. Their conflict over resources led to the need for resolution.

5. Conflict
The strife between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot, which serves as the catalyst for Abram's proposal for peace.
Teaching Points
Peacemaking as a Godly Trait
Abram's initiative to resolve conflict highlights the importance of peacemaking as a reflection of God's character.

Family Unity
Abram's reminder that they are "brothers" underscores the value of maintaining unity and harmony within families and communities.

Prioritizing Relationships Over Material Gain
Abram's willingness to let Lot choose the land first shows a prioritization of relationships over possessions.

Wisdom in Conflict Resolution
Abram's approach demonstrates the wisdom of addressing issues directly and seeking amicable solutions.

Trust in God's Provision
By allowing Lot to choose first, Abram shows trust in God's provision and promises, rather than relying on his own understanding.(8, 9) Let there be no strife.--It is evident that Lot was beginning to take part with his herdmen, and regard himself as an injured man. But Abram meets him with the utmost generosity, acknowledges that their growth in wealth rendered a separation necessary, and gives him his choice. And Lot accepts it. Instead of feeling that it was due to his uncle's age and rank to yield to him the preference, he greedily accepts the offer, selects the region that seemed to offer the greatest earthly advantages, but finds in the long run that it has perils which far outweigh its promises of wealth and pleasure.

Verse 8. - And Abram said unto Lot. Perceiving probably that Lot's face was not towards him as usual, and being desirous to avert the danger of collision between his nephew and himself. Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and (i.e. either identifying himself and his nephew with their subordinates, or fearing that the strife of their subordinates might spread to themselves, hence, as) between my herd-men and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Literally, men brethren (cf. Genesis 11:27, 31; Exodus 2:13; Psalm 133:1). Abram and Lot were kinsmen by nature, by relationship, and by faith (vide Genesis 11:31; 2 Peter 2:7).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Abram
אַבְרָ֜ם (’aḇ·rām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 87: Abram -- 'exalted father', the original name of Abraham

said
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Lot,
ל֗וֹט (lō·wṭ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3876: Lot -- Abraham's nephew

“Please
נָ֨א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

let there be
תְהִ֤י (ṯə·hî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

no
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

contention
מְרִיבָה֙ (mə·rî·ḇāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4808: Strife, contention

between you and me,
בֵּינִ֣י (bê·nî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

or between
וּבֵינֶ֔יךָ (ū·ḇê·ne·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

your herdsmen
רֹעַ֖י (rō·‘ay)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7473: Pastoral, a shepherd

and my herdsmen.
רֹעֶ֑יךָ (rō·‘e·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7473: Pastoral, a shepherd

After all,
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

we
אֲנָֽחְנוּ׃ (’ă·nā·ḥə·nū)
Pronoun - first person common plural
Strong's 587: We

are brothers.
אַחִ֖ים (’a·ḥîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 251: A brother, )


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OT Law: Genesis 13:8 Abram said to Lot Please let there (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 13:7
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