Old Testament
Genesis 13:4
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, Abram returns to a significant place where he had previously built an altar.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
This was the location of the altar he had built earlier, and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.
Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Abram returns to a significant place where he had previously built an altar. This altar symbolizes his relationship with God and his commitment to worship. By calling on the name of the LORD, Abram is expressing his faith and reliance on God. It’s a moment of reconnection, showing that despite life's challenges, he seeks to honor God. This act of worship is not just a ritual; it reflects Abram's heart and his desire to communicate with God. The altar serves as a reminder of God's presence and promises. For us, it highlights the importance of having places or moments in our lives where we can pause, reflect, and reach out to God. Just as Abram did, we can create our own sacred spaces to nurture our spiritual lives and deepen our relationship with the divine. This passage encourages us to remember our commitments and to actively seek God in our daily lives, reinforcing the idea that worship is a vital part of our journey of faith. It’s about making space for God amidst our busy lives.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 13:4 to your life
Consider creating a personal space or time for reflection and prayer in your life. This could be a quiet corner in your home or a moment during your day. Use this time to connect with God, express your thoughts, and seek guidance. Remember, it’s about nurturing your relationship with the divine and honoring your commitments to faith. Make it a regular practice to call on God in your life, just as Abram did at his
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 13:4 teach about worship?
Genesis 13:4 highlights the importance of worship in Abram's life. By returning to the altar he built, Abram demonstrates his commitment to honoring God. This act of calling on the name of the LORD signifies a personal relationship with God, emphasizing that worship is not just a ritual but a heartfelt expression of faith and reliance on the divine.
Why is the altar significant in Genesis 13:4?
The altar in Genesis 13:4 represents a physical space where Abram connected with God. It symbolizes his faith and commitment to worship. This location serves as a reminder of God's presence and promises in Abram's life, illustrating the importance of having sacred spaces where we can reflect and communicate with God.
How can I apply Genesis 13:4 in my daily life?
You can apply Genesis 13:4 by creating your own sacred space for reflection and prayer. Set aside a specific time and place to connect with God, just as Abram did. Use this time to express your thoughts, seek guidance, and nurture your relationship with the divine. Regularly calling on God can help deepen your faith and commitment.
What does calling on the name of the LORD mean?
Calling on the name of the LORD, as Abram did in Genesis 13:4, means reaching out to God in prayer and worship. It signifies a desire for communication and connection with the divine. This act reflects faith, trust, and reliance on God, highlighting the importance of actively seeking God's presence in our lives.

The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
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