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Genesis 26:21 - Conflict over water rights

Genesis 26:21 - בראשית 26:21

Hebrew Text

וַיַּחְפְּרוּ בְּאֵר אַחֶרֶת וַיָּרִיבוּ גַּם־עָלֶיהָ וַיִּקְרָא שְׁמָהּ שִׂטְנָה׃

English Translation

And they dug another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitna.

Transliteration

Vayachperu be'er acheret vayarivu gam-aleha vayikra shemah Sitnah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיַּחְפְּרוּ֙ בְּאֵ֣ר אַחֶ֔רֶת וַיָּרִ֖יבוּ גַּם־עָלֶ֑יהָ וַיִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמָ֖הּ שִׂטְנָֽה׃
וַֽיַּחְפְּרוּ֙ בְּאֵ֣ר אַחֶ֔רֶת וַיָּרִ֖יבוּ גַּם־עָלֶ֑יהָ וַיִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמָ֖הּ שִׂטְנָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Bereishit

The verse (Bereishit 26:21) describes Yitzchak Avinu's efforts to dig wells in Gerar, following in the footsteps of his father Avraham. The Philistines had stopped up Avraham's wells, and Yitzchak reopens them, only to face contention from the local shepherds. This particular well is the second one dug, which also becomes a source of strife.

Meaning of "Sitna"

The name "Sitna" (שִׂטְנָה) derives from the root שׂ.ט.נ., meaning "hatred" or "accusation." Rashi explains that the name reflects the increased hostility Yitzchak faced from the Philistines, as this well became another point of contention. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 64:6) connects this to the concept of satan (adversary), suggesting that the opposition Yitzchak faced was not merely physical but also spiritually charged.

Symbolism of the Wells

The Ramban (Nachmanides) teaches that Yitzchak's wells symbolize the future spiritual struggles of the Jewish people:

  • The first well, Esek ("contention"), represents the challenges faced during the First Temple period.
  • This second well, Sitna, foreshadows the greater conflicts of the Second Temple era, marked by internal strife and external persecution.
  • The third well, Rechovot ("broad spaces"), symbolizes the ultimate redemption when Hashem will "broaden our boundaries" (see Mishlei 18:19).

Halachic Perspective on Disputes

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 7a) derives from this episode that one should avoid disputes, as they lead to destruction. The Maharal (Gur Aryeh) adds that Yitzchak's response—moving on rather than escalating the conflict—teaches the importance of pursuing peace, even at personal cost.

Practical Lesson

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Yitzchak's persistence in digging wells, despite opposition, models the Jewish people's resilience. Just as Yitzchak ultimately found a place of peace (Rechovot), so too will our consistent efforts in Torah and mitzvot lead to redemption.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the name 'Sitna' mean in Genesis 26:21?
A: The name 'Sitna' (שִׂטְנָה) comes from the Hebrew root שׂ-ט-נ, meaning 'hatred' or 'accusation.' Rashi explains that it reflects the strife and opposition Yitzchak (Isaac) faced from the Philistines over the well. The naming shows how the conflict affected him.
Q: Why did Yitzchak keep digging wells despite the disputes?
A: Yitzchak persisted in digging wells because water was essential for survival in the land. The Midrash teaches that his patience and refusal to retaliate mirrored Avraham’s (Abraham’s) traits of kindness and trust in Hashem. His perseverance also demonstrated his right to the land promised to his descendants.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yitzchak’s reaction to the quarrels over the wells?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 64a) teaches that peace is precious, and Yitzchak chose to avoid further conflict by moving on rather than escalating disputes. This teaches us the value of compromise and seeking harmony, even when we are in the right.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish people’s relationship with Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel)?
A: Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that Yitzchak’s wells symbolize Jewish claims to the land. Despite opposition, his efforts affirmed the divine promise of Eretz Yisrael to his descendants. The struggles foreshadow later Jewish history, where persistence in the land reflects our covenantal bond with it.
Q: Why does the Torah mention these seemingly minor disputes over wells?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 64:7) explains that these events highlight Yitzchak’s righteousness and Hashem’s protection. Even in hardship, Yitzchak remained steadfast, and his actions laid the foundation for future blessings. The details remind us that everyday struggles can have profound spiritual significance.