Lexical Summary Eseq: Quarrel, Contention Original Word: עֵשֶׂק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Esek From asaq; strife -- Esek. see HEBREW asaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom asaq Definition "contention," a well in Gerar NASB Translation Esek (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עֵ֫שֶׂק proper name, of a well in southwest Palestine Genesis 26:20 (explanation as contention); — locality unknown, ᵐ5 Ἀδικία. עשׂר (√ of following; apparently gather, unite, compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Definition and Occurrence עֵשֶׂק (ʿesek) denotes contention or strife. It appears only once in the Hebrew Scriptures—Genesis 26:20—where Isaac names a disputed well “Esek.” Historical Setting After a famine drove Isaac to the region of Gerar, he reopened the wells dug by Abraham. Ownership of wells in the semi-arid Negev meant survival, prosperity, and covenant continuity. The local herdsmen viewed Isaac’s expanding presence as a threat and laid claim to the water his servants had unearthed. Their resistance culminated in a quarrel over the first new well: “but the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herders and said, ‘The water is ours!’ So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him” (Genesis 26:20). The single occurrence captures a flashpoint between covenant heirs and the surrounding world, setting the background for Isaac’s eventual enlargement at Rehoboth and the oath of peace at Beersheba. Theological Themes 1. Covenant Tested by Conflict The dispute over Esek serves as a microcosm of Israel’s broader experience: God’s promises are certain, yet they unfold amid human opposition (Exodus 1:8–12; Nehemiah 4:1–6). The strife at Esek did not nullify the promise first given to Abraham; rather, it highlighted divine faithfulness when circumstances seemed hostile. 2. Patience and Meekness Isaac does not retaliate. He relinquishes the well and moves on, modeling the wisdom later codified in Proverbs 17:14 and reinforced by the New Testament’s call to peace (Romans 12:18; James 3:17). His restraint anticipates Christ’s own posture when reviled (1 Peter 2:23). 3. Progression from Strife to Spaciousness Esek (“contention”) is followed by Sitnah (“enmity”) and finally Rehoboth (“broad places”). The narrative arc moves from constriction to enlargement, illustrating Psalm 18:19: “He brought me out into a broad place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.” Believers can trust that seasons of contention are often preludes to wider avenues of fruitfulness. Practical Ministry Applications • Conflict Resolution: Congregations facing territorial, generational, or doctrinal quarrels can glean from Isaac’s example—yield when conscience allows, refuse to become embittered, and wait for God-provided space. Christological Foreshadowing The well motif reaches its fullness in Jesus Christ. At Esek, human hostility surrounds physical water; at Calvary, enmity culminates in violence against the One who offers “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). Christ turns ultimate contention into reconciliation, fulfilling Isaiah 12:3, “With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation.” Related Biblical Witness to Strife • Proverbs 15:18 – “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.” Conclusion עֵשֶׂק encapsulates more than a geographical label; it signifies the tension between divine blessing and human resistance. Remembering Esek urges believers to pursue peace, trust the Sovereign who enlarges their borders, and draw living water that no contention can ultimately withhold. Forms and Transliterations עֵ֔שֶׂק עשק ‘ê·śeq ‘êśeq EsekLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 26:20 HEB: שֵֽׁם־ הַבְּאֵר֙ עֵ֔שֶׂק כִּ֥י הִֽתְעַשְּׂק֖וּ NAS: the well Esek, because KJV: of the well Esek; because they strove INT: the name the well Esek because contended |