Old Testament
Genesis 26:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They dug yet another well, and there was conflict over that one too. So he named it Sitnah.
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And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.
What Genesis 26:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a situation where people are digging wells, which are essential for water. However, each time they find water, there is conflict over it. This particular well, named Sitnah, represents struggle and opposition. The name itself suggests hostility, as it comes from a root word meaning 'to oppose.' This reflects the challenges we often face in life when pursuing our needs and desires. Just like the people in this story, we may encounter obstacles that make us feel frustrated or defeated. Yet, it’s important to remember that conflict can lead to growth and resilience. Each challenge we face can teach us valuable lessons about perseverance and faith. The act of digging wells symbolizes our efforts to find sustenance and support, even when faced with opposition. It reminds us that while struggles are part of life, they can also lead to deeper understanding and strength in our journey. We can learn to navigate these conflicts with grace and determination.
How to apply Genesis 26:21 to your life
When faced with challenges, remember that they can lead to personal growth. Embrace the struggles as opportunities to learn and become stronger. Just like the well diggers, keep pushing forward, even when opposition arises. Your perseverance can lead to unexpected blessings and insights in your life. Stay determined and resilient in your journey toward fulfillment and peace.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
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Illustrated scene from Isaac's story: The Wells of Isaac (Genesis 26:12–33)
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Isaac
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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Keep studying Genesis 26:21
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does the name Sitnah mean in Genesis 26:21?
The name Sitnah comes from a root word meaning 'to oppose' or 'hostility.' In Genesis 26:21, it reflects the conflict and struggle that arose over the well that was dug. This name symbolizes the challenges and opposition we often face in life when pursuing our needs, serving as a reminder that struggles can be part of our journey.
How can Genesis 26:21 apply to my life today?
Genesis 26:21 teaches us that conflict and opposition are common when we strive for our goals. Just like the well diggers faced challenges, we too encounter obstacles in our pursuits. This verse encourages us to embrace these struggles as opportunities for growth and resilience, reminding us that perseverance can lead to valuable lessons and unexpected blessings.
What is the significance of digging wells in the Bible?
In the Bible, digging wells symbolizes the search for sustenance and support, particularly in arid regions where water is essential for survival. Wells represent the efforts we make to secure our needs and the challenges that often accompany those efforts. The act of digging wells highlights the importance of perseverance in the face of opposition and the potential for growth through struggle.
What lessons can we learn from the conflict over the well in Genesis 26:21?
The conflict over the well in Genesis 26:21 teaches us that struggles are a natural part of life. It reminds us that when we pursue our desires, we may face opposition, but these challenges can lead to personal growth and resilience. The story encourages us to remain determined and to view conflicts as opportunities to learn and strengthen our faith.
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