As a result of this discovery the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen. For translation suggestions regarding herdsmen see 13.7. See the quarrels over pasture lands between the servants of Abraham and Lot in 13.6-11 and between Abimelech and Abraham over water wells in 21.25. Quarreled translates a verb meaning to “argue” or “dispute.” In Exo 21.18 quarrel is used in the context of a physical struggle. In verses 20 and 21 the strife appears to be verbal.

“The water is ours” is the claim made by the herdsmen of Gerar. In translation it may be necessary to make them claim the source of the water; for example, “That spring belongs to us.” Languages that distinguish between inclusive and exclusive plural pronouns will use the exclusive form here.

Called the name of the well Esek: the Hebrew says well, but translators should call the source of the water by the term used in the translation of verse 19. Esek (see Revised Standard Version footnote) may be translated as “quarrel,” “strife,” “dispute,” “contention.”

Because they contended with him: contend means to be in rivalry or in opposition. Because the reason clause is suggested in the word quarrel, Good News Translation does not repeat it. However, most modern translations retain the full form. We may also translate, for example, “So Isaac named the well ‘Quarrel,’ because the men of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s men.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .