Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But the herders of Gerar quarreled with those of Isaac and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they disputed with him. New Living Translation But then the shepherds from Gerar came and claimed the spring. “This is our water,” they said, and they argued over it with Isaac’s herdsmen. So Isaac named the well Esek (which means “argument”). English Standard Version the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. Berean Standard Bible But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him. King James Bible And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him. New King James Version But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they quarreled with him. New American Standard Bible the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with the herdsmen of Isaac, saying, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they argued with him. NASB 1995 the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with the herdsmen of Isaac, saying, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him. NASB 1977 the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with the herdsmen of Isaac, saying, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him. Legacy Standard Bible And the herdsmen of Gerar contended with the herdsmen of Isaac, saying, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they quarreled with him. Amplified Bible the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours!” So Isaac named the well Esek (quarreling), because they quarreled with him. Christian Standard Bible But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours! ” So he named the well Esek because they argued with him. Holman Christian Standard Bible But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Quarrel because they quarreled with him. American Standard Version And the herdsmen of Gerar strove with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. Contemporary English Version But the shepherds of Gerar Valley quarreled with Isaac's shepherds and claimed the water belonged to them. So this well was named "Quarrel," because they had quarreled with Isaac. English Revised Version And the herdmen of Gerar strove with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they contended with him. GOD'S WORD® Translation The herders from Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herders, claiming, "This water is ours!" So Isaac named the well Esek [Argument], because they had argued with him. Good News Translation The shepherds of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's shepherds and said, "This water belongs to us." So Isaac named the well "Quarrel." International Standard Version But the herdsmen who lived in Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen. "The water is ours," they said. As a result, Isaac named the well Esek, for they had fiercely disputed with him about it. Majority Standard Bible But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac?s herdsmen and said, ?The water is ours!? So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him. NET Bible the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, "The water belongs to us!" So Isaac named the well Esek because they argued with him about it. New Heart English Bible The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, "The water is ours." He called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. Webster's Bible Translation And the herdmen of Gerar contended with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him. World English Bible The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand shepherds of Gerar strive with shepherds of Isaac, saying, “The water [is] ours”; and he calls the name of the well “Strife,” because they have striven habitually with him; Young's Literal Translation and shepherds of Gerar strive with shepherds of Isaac, saying, 'The water is ours;' and he calleth the name of the well 'Strife,' because they have striven habitually with him; Smith's Literal Translation And the shepherds of Gerar will contend with Isaak's shepherds, saying; The waters are to us: and he will call the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut there also the herdsmen of Gerara strove against the herdsmen of Isaac, saying: It is our water. Wherefore he called the name of the well, on occasion of that which had happened, Calumny. Catholic Public Domain Version But in that place also the shepherds of Gerar argued against the shepherds of Isaac, by saying, “It is our water.” For this reason, he called the name of the well, because of what had happened, ‘Calumny.’ New American Bible the shepherds of Gerar argued with Isaac’s shepherds, saying, “The water belongs to us!” So he named the well Esek, because they had quarreled there. New Revised Standard Version the herders of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herders, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the well Esek, because they contended with him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the herdsmen of Gadar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, The water is ours; and he called the name of the well Aska (difficulty); because they disputed with him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the herdsmen of Gadar contended with the herdsmen of Isaac and they said, “The waters are ours”, and he called the name of the well Asqa, because they disputed with him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the herdmen of Gerar strove with Isaac's herdmen, saying: 'The water is ours.' And he called the name of the well Esek; because they contended with him. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the shepherds of Gerara strove with the shepherds of Isaac, saying that the water was theirs; and they called the name of the well, Injury, for they injured him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Isaac's Prosperity…19Then Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found a well of fresh water there. 20But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him. 21Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah.… Cross References Genesis 13:7 And 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. Genesis 21:25 But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized, Exodus 17:7 He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?” Numbers 20:3 The people quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had perished with our brothers before the LORD! Numbers 20:13 These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed His holiness among them. Judges 6:31-32 But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Are you contending for Baal? Are you trying to save him? Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! If Baal is a god, let him contend for himself with the one who has torn down his altar.” / So on that day Gideon was called Jerubbaal, that is to say, “Let Baal contend with him,” because he had torn down Baal’s altar. 1 Samuel 2:25 If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death. 1 Samuel 15:19 So why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you rush upon the plunder and do evil in the sight of the LORD?” 1 Kings 18:17-18 When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” / “I have not troubled Israel,” Elijah replied, “but you and your father’s house have, for you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals. 2 Chronicles 13:12 Now behold, God Himself is with us as our head, and His priests with their trumpets sound the battle call against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.” Psalm 106:32-33 At the waters of Meribah they angered the LORD, and trouble came to Moses because of them. / For they rebelled against His Spirit, and Moses spoke rashly with his lips. Proverbs 25:8 do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame? Isaiah 41:11-12 Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. / You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing. Jeremiah 2:29 Why do you bring a case against Me? You have all rebelled against Me,” declares the LORD. Matthew 5:25 Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Treasury of Scripture And the herdsmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him. did strive. Genesis 21:25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away. Esek. Jump to Previous Argued Contended Disputed Fight Gerar Habitually Herdmen Herdsmen Isaac Isaac's Ours Quarreled Shepherds Spring Strife Strive Striven Strove WaterJump to Next Argued Contended Disputed Fight Gerar Habitually Herdmen Herdsmen Isaac Isaac's Ours Quarreled Shepherds Spring Strife Strive Striven Strove WaterGenesis 26 1. Isaac, because of famine, sojourns in Gerar, and the Lord blesses him.7. He is reproved by Abimelech for denying his wife. 12. He grows rich, and the Philistines envy his prosperity. 18. He digs wells. 23. God appears to him at Beersheba, and blesses him; 26. and Abimelech makes a covenant with him. 34. Esau's wives. But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen This phrase highlights the ongoing tension between Isaac and the Philistines in Gerar. The herdsmen of Gerar represent the local inhabitants who were protective of their resources. This conflict over water rights reflects the broader theme of strife between God's chosen people and the surrounding nations. Historically, water was a precious commodity in the arid regions of the Near East, and disputes over wells were common. This incident echoes earlier conflicts, such as those between Abraham and Abimelech over wells (Genesis 21:25). It underscores the challenges faced by the patriarchs in securing their livelihoods and the fulfillment of God's promises. and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek because they contended with him Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaacThe son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac is a patriarch of the Israelites. In this passage, he is continuing the legacy of his father by reopening wells that Abraham had originally dug. 2. Herdsmen of Gerar These are the local inhabitants of the region of Gerar, who dispute with Isaac's herdsmen over the ownership of the well. 3. Isaac’s Herdsmen These are the servants of Isaac who are responsible for tending his flocks and managing his resources, including the wells. 4. Gerar A region in the land of the Philistines where Isaac temporarily resides. It is significant as a place of conflict over resources. 5. Esek The name given to the well, meaning "contention" or "dispute" in Hebrew, reflecting the conflict over the water rights. Teaching Points Conflict ResolutionIsaac's response to the dispute over the well teaches us the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions rather than engaging in prolonged conflict. Trust in God's Provision Despite the loss of the well, Isaac trusts that God will provide for him and his household, demonstrating faith in God's continued provision. Naming as a Reflection of Experience The naming of the well "Esek" serves as a reminder of the conflict, but also of Isaac's decision to move forward. It highlights the power of naming in acknowledging and processing experiences. Legacy and Inheritance Isaac's actions in reopening his father's wells show the importance of maintaining and valuing the legacy and blessings passed down through generations. Humility and Patience Isaac's willingness to move on from the conflict without retaliation exemplifies humility and patience, virtues that are essential in our walk with God.Verse 20. - And the herdmen of Gerar - i.e. Abimelech's servants (Genesis 21:25) - did strive with Isaac's herdmen, - as Lot's with those of Abraham (Genesis 13:7) - saying, The water is ours: - literally, to us (belong) the waters - and he called the name of the well Esek ("Strife"); because they strove with him - the verb being עָשַׂק, to strive about anything. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But the herdsmenרֹעֵ֣י (rō·‘ê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 7473: Pastoral, a shepherd of Gerar גְרָ֗ר (ḡə·rār) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1642: Gerar -- a place South of Gaza quarreled וַיָּרִ֜יבוּ (way·yā·rî·ḇū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7378: To toss, grapple, to wrangle, controversy, to defend with עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with Isaac’s יִצְחָ֛ק (yiṣ·ḥāq) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3327: Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah herdsmen רֹעֵ֥י (rō·‘ê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 7473: Pastoral, a shepherd and said, לֵאמֹ֖ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say “The water is ours!” הַמָּ֑יִם (ham·mā·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen So he named וַיִּקְרָ֤א (way·yiq·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read the well הַבְּאֵר֙ (hab·bə·’êr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 875: A pit, a well Esek, עֵ֔שֶׂק (‘ê·śeq) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 6230: Esek -- 'contention', a well in Gerar because כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction they contended הִֽתְעַשְּׂק֖וּ (hiṯ·‘aś·śə·qū) Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 6229: To press upon, quarrel with him. עִמּֽוֹ׃ (‘im·mōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with Links Genesis 26:20 NIVGenesis 26:20 NLT Genesis 26:20 ESV Genesis 26:20 NASB Genesis 26:20 KJV Genesis 26:20 BibleApps.com Genesis 26:20 Biblia Paralela Genesis 26:20 Chinese Bible Genesis 26:20 French Bible Genesis 26:20 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 26:20 The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac's (Gen. 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