New International VersionIsaac asked them, “Why have you come to me, since you were hostile to me and sent me away?”
New Living Translation“Why have you come here?” Isaac asked. “You obviously hate me, since you kicked me off your land.”
English Standard VersionIsaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, seeing that you hate me and have sent me away from you?”
Berean Standard Bible“Why have you come to me?” Isaac asked them. “You hated me and sent me away.”
King James BibleAnd Isaac said unto them, Wherefore come ye to me, seeing ye hate me, and have sent me away from you?
New King James VersionAnd Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?”
New American Standard BibleIsaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?”
NASB 1995Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?”
NASB 1977And Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me, and have sent me away from you?”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?”
Amplified BibleIsaac said to them, “Why have you [people] come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?”
Christian Standard BibleIsaac said to them, “Why have you come to me? You hated me and sent me away from you.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleIsaac said to them, “Why have you come to me? You hated me and sent me away from you.”
American Standard VersionAnd Isaac said unto them, Wherefore are ye come unto me, seeing ye hate me, and have sent me away from you?
Contemporary English VersionWhen they arrived, Isaac asked, "Why are you here? Didn't you send me away because you hated me?"
English Revised VersionAnd Isaac said unto them, Wherefore are ye come unto me, seeing ye hate me, and have sent me away from you?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationIsaac asked them, "Why have you come to me, since you hate me and sent me away from you?"
Good News TranslationSo Isaac asked, "Why have you now come to see me, when you were so unfriendly to me before and made me leave your country?"
International Standard Version"Why have you come to see me," Isaac asked them, "since you hate me so much that you sent me away from you?"
NET BibleIsaac asked them, "Why have you come to me? You hate me and sent me away from you."
New Heart English BibleIsaac said to them, "Why have you come to me, since you hate me, and have sent me away from you?"
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Isaac said to them, Why come ye to me, seeing ye hate me, and have sent me away from you? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Why have you come to me?” Isaac asked them. “You hated me and sent me away.”
World English BibleIsaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me, and have sent me away from you?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Isaac says to them, “Why have you come to me, and you have hated me, and you send me away from you?”
Young's Literal Translation and Isaac saith unto them, 'Wherefore have ye come unto me, and ye have hated me, and ye send me away from you?'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Isaak will say to them, Wherefore came ye to me, and ye hated me, and will send me away from you? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIsaac said to them: Why are ye come to me, a man whom you hate, and have thrust out from you?
Catholic Public Domain VersionIsaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, a man whom you hate, and whom you have expelled from among you?”
New American BibleIsaac asked them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have driven me away from you?”
New Revised Standard VersionIsaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, seeing that you hate me and have sent me away from you?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Isaac said to them, Why have you come to me, seeing that you hate me, and have sent me away from you?
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Isaaq said to them, “Why have you come to me? You have hated me and sent me from your presence.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Isaac said unto them: 'Wherefore are ye come unto me, seeing ye hate me, and have sent me away from you?'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Isaac said to them, Wherefore have ye come to me? whereas ye hated me, and sent me away from you.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Isaac's Covenant with Abimelech26Later, Abimelech came to Isaac from Gerar, with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army. 27“Whyhave you cometo me?”Isaacaskedthem.“Youhatedmeand sent me away.”28“We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you…
Cross References Genesis 21:25-32But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized, / Abimelech replied, “I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, so I have not heard about it until today.” / So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant. ...
Genesis 31:36-42Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me? / You have searched all my goods! Have you found anything that belongs to you? Put it here before my brothers and yours, that they may judge between the two of us. / I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. ...
Genesis 50:15-21When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge? Then he will surely repay us for all the evil that we did to him.” / So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, / ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. ...
Exodus 18:7So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent.
1 Samuel 24:9-15and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’? / Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’ / See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. ...
1 Samuel 26:18-25And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand? / Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ / So do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. For the king of Israel has come out to look for a flea, like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.” ...
2 Samuel 3:23-25When Joab and all his troops arrived, he was informed, “Abner son of Ner came to see the king, who sent him on his way in peace.” / So Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Look, Abner came to you. Why did you dismiss him? Now he is getting away! / Surely you realize that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you and to track your movements and all that you are doing.”
2 Kings 1:9-15Then King Ahaziah sent to Elijah a captain with his company of fifty men. So the captain went up to Elijah, who was sitting on top of a hill, and said to him, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down!’” / Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men. / So the king sent to Elijah another captain with his fifty men. And the captain said to Elijah, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down at once!’” ...
Proverbs 16:7When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.
Proverbs 25:21-22If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
Matthew 5:9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:23-24So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 18:15-17If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
Luke 6:27-31But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. / If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well. ...
Luke 17:3-4Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. / Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
Treasury of Scripture And Isaac said to them, Why come you to me, seeing you hate me, and have sent me away from you? seeing. Genesis 26:14,16 For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him… Judges 11:7 And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, Did not ye hate me, and expel me out of my father's house? and why are ye come unto me now when ye are in distress? Acts 7:9,14,27,35 And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, … sent me. Genesis 26:16 And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we. Jump to Previous DrivenHateHatedHostileIsaacWhereforeJump to Next DrivenHateHatedHostileIsaacWhereforeGenesis 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.“Why have you come to me?”Isaac's question reflects a moment of confrontation and surprise. This encounter occurs after Isaac has settled in the region of Gerar, where he experienced conflict over water wells with the Philistines. The question highlights the tension between Isaac and the Philistines, who had previously shown hostility towards him. This mirrors earlier biblical narratives where patriarchs face opposition from surrounding peoples, such as Abraham's interactions with Abimelech in Genesis 21. The question also underscores the theme of divine providence and reconciliation, as God often uses such encounters to fulfill His promises to the patriarchs. “Isaac asked them.”
Isaac's direct engagement with the Philistines demonstrates his leadership and willingness to address conflict. This reflects the patriarchal role of mediating disputes and maintaining peace, a responsibility seen throughout the narratives of the patriarchs. Isaac's approach can be compared to Abraham's negotiation with God over Sodom (Genesis 18) and Jacob's later reconciliation with Esau (Genesis 33). It also foreshadows the role of Christ as a mediator, who addresses humanity's estrangement from God. “You hated me”
The accusation of hatred points to the deep-seated animosity and jealousy the Philistines had towards Isaac, primarily due to his prosperity and God's blessing upon him. This enmity is reminiscent of Cain's hatred for Abel (Genesis 4) and foreshadows the persecution of God's people throughout biblical history. It also prefigures the world's hatred towards Christ and His followers, as Jesus warned inJohn 15:18-19. The theme of divine favor provoking human jealousy is a recurring motif in Scripture. “and sent me away.”
Isaac's expulsion from Gerar by the Philistines is a significant event that echoes the experiences of other biblical figures who faced rejection. This parallels Abraham's earlier expulsion from Egypt (Genesis 12) and foreshadows Israel's future exodus from Egypt. It also prefigures Christ's rejection by His own people, as noted inJohn 1:11. The act of being sent away often serves as a catalyst for God's greater purposes, leading to the fulfillment of His promises and the expansion of His covenant blessings. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaacThe son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac is a patriarch of Israel. In this chapter, he is dealing with conflict and reconciliation with the Philistines. 2. AbimelechThe king of the Philistines in Gerar, who initially shows hostility towards Isaac by sending him away but later seeks peace. 3. PhilistinesA group of people living in the region of Gerar, who initially oppose Isaac but later recognize God's blessing upon him. 4. GerarA region in the land of the Philistines where Isaac temporarily settles and experiences both conflict and eventual peace. 5. Conflict and ReconciliationThe event where Isaac confronts Abimelech and his men about their previous hostility, leading to a covenant of peace. Teaching Points The Importance of ReconciliationIsaac's willingness to confront past hostility and seek peace demonstrates the biblical principle of reconciliation. Christians are called to pursue peace and resolve conflicts in a godly manner. God's Blessing Recognized by OthersThe Philistines' change of heart towards Isaac shows how God's blessing can be evident to others, even those who may initially oppose us. Believers should live in such a way that God's favor is visible to all. Responding to Hostility with GraceIsaac's response to the Philistines' hostility is marked by grace and a desire for peace. Christians are encouraged to respond to opposition with grace and seek peaceful resolutions. Trusting God's ProvisionDespite being sent away, Isaac continued to prosper because of God's provision. This teaches believers to trust in God's faithfulness even when facing rejection or adversity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 26:27?
2.How does Genesis 26:27 demonstrate resolving conflict through peaceful dialogue?
3.What can we learn from Isaac's approach to conflict in Genesis 26:27?
4.How does Genesis 26:27 connect with Matthew 5:9 about peacemakers?
5.How can we apply Isaac's example of peace in our daily conflicts?
6.What role does humility play in Isaac's response in Genesis 26:27?
7.Why did Isaac question Abimelech's intentions in Genesis 26:27?
8.How does Genesis 26:27 reflect on human conflict resolution?
9.What historical context surrounds Isaac's encounter with Abimelech in Genesis 26:27?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 26?
11.What key events define Isaac's life in the Bible?
12.Does the account in Genesis 20 conflict with similar narratives in Genesis 12:10-20 and Genesis 26:1-11, implying a repeated pattern of deception?
13.In Genesis 26:1, how could there be a famine severe enough to threaten Isaac in a land often praised for its fertility?
14.Genesis 26:18 mentions Isaac re-digging Abraham's wells. Why is there no clear archaeological record of these wells or any direct mention outside the biblical text?What Does Genesis 26:27 Mean Why have you come to me?Isaac’s opening question exposes a sudden, unexpected visit from Abimelech and his entourage (Genesis 26:26). The patriarch knows the recent history: he was forced out of Gerar because his prosperity stirred jealousy. This question, therefore, is not curiosity but discernment—he is testing motives, just as Paul later urges believers to “test everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). The scene mirrors Abraham’s earlier encounter with another Abimelech, where a covenant conversation began only after motives were clarified (Genesis 21:22–24). Key thoughts: • Isaac waits for explanation before engaging—echoingProverbs 18:13, which cautions against answering a matter before hearing it. • His tone underscores godly wisdom: peace without naivete, readiness for reconciliation without ignoring past wrongs (Romans 12:18).
Isaac asked them.The Spirit-inspired narrative highlights Isaac’s agency. He is not passive; he initiates dialogue. Genesis repeatedly portrays covenant heads taking decisive steps—Noah building, Abraham journeying, Jacob vowing. Isaac, too, steps into his God-given role, echoing the promise inGenesis 26:3–5 that he would inherit and steward the oath sworn to Abraham. Consider: • A leader’s questions can guide others toward truth (Job 38:2–3;Luke 20:3–4). • Isaac’s question sets the stage for peace talks, illustratingMatthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” even while acknowledging past hurt.
You hated meIsaac frankly names their hostility. Scripture commends truthful speech (Ephesians 4:25). Hatred had been evident through envy that clogged wells (Genesis 26:15–16). Isaac’s plain words force his visitors to confront sin, much like Nathan’s rebuke to David (2 Samuel 12:7) or Stephen’s indictment of the Sanhedrin (Acts 7:51). Points to note: • Sin must be identified before reconciliation can be genuine (1 John 1:9). • Acknowledging hate prepares the ground for possible repentance and covenant (Proverbs 28:13).
and sent me away.The expulsion from Gerar was unjust, yet God used it for Isaac’s good, multiplying his herds in the Valley of Gerar (Genesis 26:12–14, 19–22). By restating the wrong, Isaac highlights the contrast between human rejection and divine favor—“The LORD has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land” (Genesis 26:22). This recalls Joseph’s later words, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Takeaways: • God’s covenant blessing is not thwarted by opposition (Psalm 118:6). • Believers may be pushed away by the world yet drawn deeper into God’s provision (John 15:18–19). • Recounting past wrongs is not bitterness but a step toward covenant clarity, as Paul rehearsed his persecutions to show God’s faithfulness (2 Corinthians 11:23–27).
summaryGenesis 26:27 records Isaac’s careful, candid confrontation: he invites explanation, asserts leadership, names hatred, and recalls expulsion. These words teach discernment, truthful speech, and confidence that God’s favor overrides human rejection. When opposition arises, believers can act like Isaac—seeking peace, speaking truth, and trusting the Lord who turns every exile into an opportunity for greater blessing. (27) Wherefore come ye to me?--Isaac's return had brought matters to a crisis, and the king must now decide whether there was to be peace or war. Verse 27. - And Isaac said unto them, Wherefore - מַדּוּעַ, contr, from מָה יָדוּעַ, what is taught? - for what reason (cf. τί μαθών) -come ye to me, seeing (literally, and) ye hate me, and have sent me away from you? While animadverting to the personal hostility to which he had been subjected, Isaac says nothing about the wells of which he had been deprived: a second point of difference between this and the preceding narrative of Abraham's covenant with the Philistine king.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew “Whyמַדּ֖וּעַ(mad·dū·a‘)Interrogative
Strong's 4069:Why? for what reason?have you comeבָּאתֶ֣ם(bā·ṯem)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goto me?”אֵלָ֑י(’ê·lāy)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toIsaacיִצְחָ֔ק(yiṣ·ḥāq)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3327:Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarahaskedוַיֹּ֤אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, saythem.אֲלֵהֶם֙(’ă·lê·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to“Youוְאַתֶּם֙(wə·’at·tem)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youhatedשְׂנֵאתֶ֣ם(śə·nê·ṯem)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 8130:To hatemeאֹתִ֔י(’ō·ṯî)Direct object marker | first person common singular
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative caseand sent me away.”וַתְּשַׁלְּח֖וּנִי(wat·tə·šal·lə·ḥū·nî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine plural | first person common singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, out
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OT Law: Genesis 26:27 Isaac said to them Why have you (Gen. Ge Gn) |
