Genesis 26:16
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
And Abimelech said to Isaac, Go from us; for you are much mightier than we.
American King James Version (AKJV)
And Abimelech said to Isaac, Go from us; for you are much mightier than we.
American Standard Version (ASV)
And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us. For thou art much mightier than we.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
And Abimelech said to Isaac, Go away from us, for you are stronger than we are.
Webster's Revision
And Abimelech said to Isaac, Go from us: for thou art much mightier than we.
World English Bible
Abimelech said to Isaac, "Go from us, for you are much mightier than we."
English Revised Version (ERV)
And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.
Definitions for Genesis 26:16
Clarke's Genesis 26:16 Bible Commentary
Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we - This is the first instance on record of what was termed among the Greeks ostracism; i.e., the banishment of a person from the state, of whose power, influence, or riches, the people were jealous. There is a remarkable saying of Bacon on this subject, which seems to intimate that he had this very circumstance under his eye: "Public envy is an ostracism that eclipseth men when they grow too great." On this same principle Pharaoh oppressed the Israelites. The Philistines appear to have been jealous of Isaac's growing prosperity, and to have considered it, not as a due reward of his industry and holiness, but as their individual loss, as though his gain was at their expense; therefore they resolved to drive him out, and take his well-cultivated ground, etc., to themselves, and compelled Abimelech to dismiss him, who gave this reason for it, עצמת ממנו atsamta mimmennu, Thou hast obtained much wealth among us, and my people are envious of thee. Is not this the better translation? for it can hardly be supposed that Isaac was "mightier" than the king of whole tribes.