And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.

And the land could not support them, that they might dwell together, for their property was great; and they could not dwell together.

and the land hath not suffered them to dwell together, for their substance hath been much, and they have not been able to dwell together;

So that the land was not wide enough for the two of them: their property was so great that there was not room for them together.

Neither was the land able to contain them, so that they might dwell together. Indeed, their substance was so great that they could not live in common.

Et non ferebat eos terra, ut habitarent pariter: quia erat substantia eorum multa, et non poterant habitare pariter.

Their substance was great - As their families increased, it was necessary their flocks should increase also, as from those flocks they derived their clothing, food, and drink. Many also were offered in sacrifice to God.
They could not dwell together - 1. Because their flocks were great. 2. Because the Canaanites and the Perizzites had already occupied a considerable part of the land. 3. Because there appears to have been envy between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot. To prevent disputes among them, that might have ultimately disturbed the peace of the two families, it was necessary that a separation should take place.

And the land was not able to (c) bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
(c) This inconvenience came by their riches, which break friendships and the bounds of nature.

And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together,.... That part of the country where Abram and Lot were could not afford them room enough for their several tents; or however could not furnish them with sufficient pasturage for their flocks and herds, they were so numerous; at least could not do it so as to be contiguous to each other, that there was a necessity of one of them going further off:
for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together; we have before an account of the substance of each of them, how great it was; and here now is noted an inconvenience which arises from a large increase of riches, that relations and friends are obliged to part, and cannot dwell together; what one would think would make them more comfortable together, is the cause and occasion of their separation.

The land was not able to bear them - The place was too strait for them, and they had not room for their flocks.