Abram Rescues Lot
Genesis 14:1-24
Gen.14.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בימי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- אמרפל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שנער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אריוך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלסר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כדרלעמר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עילם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותדעל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גוים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Gen.14:5 (verbal): Mentions Chedorlaomer and the allied kings again in the account of their campaign (the same coalition introduced in 14:1).
- Gen.14:9 (verbal): Reiterates the list of kings and describes their confrontation (the same names and coalition appear as opponents in the narrative).
- Gen.14:18-20 (structural): Immediate literary sequel: the aftermath of the campaign introduced in 14:1 leads to Abraham’s victory and his meeting with Melchizedek (shows the narrative purpose of the king-list).
- Hebrews 7:1-4 (allusion): New Testament reflection on Abraham’s victory and his encounter with Melchizedek (the events stem from the military action introduced by the kings in 14:1).
- Josh.10:1-5 (thematic): Another Old Testament episode featuring a coalition of Canaanite kings opposing Israel/other kings — parallels the motif of inter-kingdom alliances and warfare found in Gen 14:1–
Alternative generated candidates
- And it happened in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim,
- And it happened in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations:
Gen.14.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT
- ברע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ+PRT
- ברשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שנאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושמאבר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צבויים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומלך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בלע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היא: PRON,dem,sg,f
- צער: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 14:8-12 (verbal): Same war narrative and list of kings; verses 8–12 recount the coalition's capture of the cities and the taking of captives, continuing the event introduced in 14:2.
- Genesis 14:18-20 (thematic): Immediate aftermath of the battle: Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, blesses Abram and Abram gives him a tithe — a direct consequence of the victory described in 14:2.
- Genesis 14:21-24 (thematic): Follow-up to the conflict: the king of Sodom offers goods to Abram, who refuses to enrich the king, highlighting moral and covenantal implications that flow from the war in 14:2.
- Hebrews 7:1-3 (allusion): The author of Hebrews cites the Gen 14 episode (Melchizedek meeting Abram after the 'slaughter of the kings') to argue for Melchizedek’s priesthood and Abraham’s giving of tithes — a New Testament re-use of the Gen 14 tradition.
- Psalm 110:4 (allusion): ‘You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek’ echoes the Melchizedek tradition tied to Gen 14 and is used (especially in Hebrews) to interpret the significance of the priesthood introduced in the war narrative.
Alternative generated candidates
- they made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela—that is Zoar.
- They made war with Bera king of Sodom and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar).
Gen.14.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: ADJ,m,sg
- אלה: PRON,dem,pl
- חברו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אל: PREP
- עמק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלח: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Genesis 14:10 (verbal): Same scene — the Valley of Siddim is mentioned again and described as full of bitumen/slag pits; directly continues the account of the kings' battle at the Salt Sea.
- Genesis 14:1-2 (structural): Immediate context: lists the kings who mustered and went to war, framing the coalition that 'joined together' at the Valley of Siddim.
- Genesis 19:24-29 (thematic): Describes the divine overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and locates their destruction in the region of the Salt Sea; connects the geographic and moral background of the plain where the kings fought.
- Deuteronomy 29:23 (allusion): Refers to the land laid waste like Sodom and Gomorrah — 'brimstone and salt' — echoing the language and fate associated with the Salt Sea plain (the Valley of Siddim).
Alternative generated candidates
- All these joined together at the Valley of Siddim—it is the Salt Sea.
- All these joined forces at the Valley of Siddim—it is the Salt Sea.
Gen.14.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שתים: NUM,card,2
- עשרה: NUM,card
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עבדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT
- כדרלעמר: PN,ms,sg
- ושלש: CONJ+NUM,card,sg
- עשרה: NUM,card
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מרדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Judges 3:8 (thematic): Reports Israel being 'sold' into the hand of a foreign king and serving him for a specified number of years (eight) — parallels the motif of foreign domination for a set period following conflict or wrongdoing.
- Judges 3:14 (thematic): States that Israel 'served' Eglon king of Moab for eighteen years — another instance of Israelite service under a foreign ruler for a defined duration, echoing Gen 14:4's formula of years of service.
- Judges 4:3 (thematic): Notes that Israel 'served' Jabin king of Canaan for twenty years after doing evil — parallels the causal pattern of subjection to foreign kings and the concise reporting of the length of that servitude.
- Jeremiah 25:11 (verbal): Speaks of the land serving the king of Babylon 'seventy years' — uses the same verbal framework ('serve' + number of years) to describe extended domination by a foreign power, mirroring Gen 14:4's construction.
- Leviticus 25:39-40 (thematic): Regulates an Israelite becoming a servant to a fellow Israelite — thematically related through the institution and duration of servitude and the legal/social implications of serving another.
Alternative generated candidates
- Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
- Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
Gen.14.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובארבע: CONJ+PREP+NUM,f,sg,abs
- עשרה: NUM,card
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כדרלעמר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והמלכים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRT+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- את: PRT
- רפאים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בעשתרת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קרנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואת: CONJ+PRT
- הזוזים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ+PRT
- האימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- בשוה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קריתים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 14:9 (structural): Same narrative episode (Kedorlaomer’s coalition and the ensuing battle); provides immediate context for the campaign that leads to the defeats named in v.5.
- Deuteronomy 2:10-12 (allusion): Mentions the Emim (אֵימִים) as a former people of the region—connects to Genesis 14:5’s reference to the 'Emim' and their prior habitation.
- Deuteronomy 2:20-21 (verbal): Refers to the Zamzummim/Zuzim (variant name) and to the Rephaim in the same districts—verbal parallel to Genesis 14:5’s list of peoples defeated (Zuzim, Rephaim).
- Deuteronomy 3:11 (thematic): Speaks of Og king of Bashan as 'the last of the Rephaim,' thematically linking the Rephaim motif and Israelite conflicts with mighty ancient peoples mentioned in Gen 14:5.
- Joshua 12:3-4 (thematic): Lists the kings defeated in Transjordan (including Og king of Bashan), echoing the theme of regional military subjugation and connecting to the defeated groups/kings in Genesis 14.
Alternative generated candidates
- And in the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer came, and the kings who were with him, and they struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim,
- And in the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer came, and the kings who were with him, and they struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim,
Gen.14.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ+PRT
- החרי: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בהררם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,construct,3,m,pl
- שעיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- איל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פארן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- המדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Genesis 21:21 (verbal): Mentions the wilderness of Paran — the same geographic name (פארן/Paran) that frames the extent of territory in Gen 14:6.
- Numbers 10:12 (verbal): Records the divine cloud resting in the wilderness of Paran; repeats Paran as a geographic marker, linking the location-language of Gen 14:6.
- Numbers 13:3 (structural): The mission of the spies is connected with the wilderness/Paran region (the text situates Israel’s movements in the same general desert/wilderness zone named in Gen 14:6), echoing the geographic framing.
- Deuteronomy 1:7 (thematic): God’s command to advance into the hill country of the Amorites and nearby regions uses the same terrain vocabulary (hill country, wilderness, south) found in Gen 14:6’s listing of territorial zones.
Alternative generated candidates
- and the Horites in their hill country of Seir, as far as El-paran, which is by the wilderness.
- and the Horites in their hill-country of Seir, as far as El-paran, which is by the wilderness.
Gen.14.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אל: PREP
- עין: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- קדש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT
- כל: ADJ,m,sg
- שדה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העמלקי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וגם: CONJ
- את: PRT
- האמרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הישב: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg,def
- בחצצן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תמר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 17:8-16 (thematic): Israel's battle with the Amalekites — same enemy (Amalek) and the motif of striking/smoting Amalek as a hostile people against Israel.
- 1 Samuel 15:2-3 (thematic): Divine command to smite the Amalekites and destroy them — echoes the theme of wholesale attack on Amalekite territory.
- Numbers 13:26 (structural): Spies return from Canaan to Kadesh (En-mishpat/Kadesh) — identifies the same place named in Gen 14:7 (En-mishpat = Kadesh).
- Numbers 20:1 (structural): Another occurrence of Kadesh in the wilderness narratives (the death of Miriam) — confirms the recurring toponym Kadesh/En-mishpat in Israelite tradition.
- Joshua 10:40 (thematic): Joshua's campaigns 'smote all the land' and subdued nations — parallels the conquest language and the motif of completely striking a country/people as in Gen 14:7.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat—it is Kadesh—and they struck all the territory of the Amalekite, and also the Amorite who dwells in Hazazon-tamar.
- Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat—it is Kadesh—and they struck all the territory of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who dwelt in Hazazon-tamar.
Gen.14.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- סדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומלך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cons
- עמרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומלך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אדמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומלך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cons
- צבוים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומלך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בלע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- צער: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויערכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אתם: PRT+PRON,3,m,pl
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בעמק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Gen.14:1-3 (structural): Immediate context listing the same coalition of kings and the political conflict that sets up the battle in verse 8.
- Gen.14:10-12 (verbal): Continues the same battle in the Valley of Siddim—mentions the tar pits and the defeat/capture of people (including Lot), directly following v.8.
- Josh.10:1-5 (thematic): A confederation of five kings joins together to fight (against Israel/Gibeon), paralleling the motif of multiple city-kings forming an alliance for battle.
- Gen.19:24-25 (thematic): Describes divine judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah (two of the cities whose king appears in 14:8), connecting the region’s violent conflicts with its later destruction.
- Rev.16:14-16 (allusion): Depicts demonic spirits gathering the kings of the earth for a decisive battle in a named place (Armageddon), echoing the image of kings assembling for war in a valley.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king of Sodom went out, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela—it is Zoar—and they arrayed for battle with them in the Valley of Siddim,
- And the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (it is Zoar) went out, and they arrayed against them for battle in the Valley of Siddim,
Gen.14.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- את: PRT
- כדרלעמר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עילם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותדעל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גוים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואמרפל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שנער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואריוך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלסר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארבעה: NUM,m,pl,abs
- מלכים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- את: PRT
- החמשה: NUM,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Genesis 14:1-2 (structural): Immediate context: the opening verses of the chapter introduce the same coalition of kings and the political situation that leads to the battle mentioned in 14:9.
- Genesis 14:5 (thematic): Continues the military narrative about Chedorlaomer and his allies — describes their campaign and victories, showing the same coalition in action against regional peoples.
- Genesis 10:10 (verbal): Names the land of Shinar (Sinʿar/Shinar) as a geographic term earlier in Genesis (the cities of Babel/Erech/Accad/Calneh), connecting the place-name in 14:9 to the broader Genesis toponymy.
- Genesis 10:22 (verbal): Lists Elam among the descendants of Shem; provides a genealogical/ethnological link to the reference to the 'king of Elam' (Chedorlaomer) in 14:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- with Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against the five.
- with Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of nations, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against the five.
Gen.14.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועמק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- בארת: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בארת: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- חמר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וינסו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועמרה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויפלו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- שמה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והנשארים: ADJ,ptc,masc,pl,def
- הרה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נסו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Genesis 19:24–29 (thematic): Narrates the final overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah by fire and brimstone and the destruction of the plain—connects with Gen 14:10’s depiction of the ruined valley and the fate of the cities/kings.
- Deuteronomy 29:23 (verbal): Speaks of the land of Sodom and Gomorrah as brimstone, salt, and a burning waste—uses language parallel to Gen 14:10’s image of pits of bitumen/tar and the devastated plain.
- Isaiah 34:9–10 (verbal): Describes streams turned into pitch and the land becoming burning pitch—a vivid lexical and thematic parallel to the ‘valley full of tar pits’ in Gen 14:10.
- Jude 7 (allusion): Late testament example that cites Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction by fire as paradigmatic judgment—echoes the theme of cities overthrown and punished found in Gen 14:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now the Valley of Siddim was pits upon pits of bitumen; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell there, and the rest fled to the hill country.
- Now the Valley of Siddim was pits—pits of bitumen; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled and fell there, and the remainder fled to the hill country.
Gen.14.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT
- כל: ADJ,m,sg
- רכש: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- סדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועמרה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ+PRT
- כל: ADJ,m,sg
- אכלם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- וילכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Genesis 14:12 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode: repeats the taking of Lot and specifies that his goods were also taken—same verb and narrative act of seizure.
- Genesis 34:29 (verbal): After the violence at Shechem Jacob’s sons 'took' the wealth and captives of the city; similar language and motif of taking spoil and people after conflict.
- Numbers 31:9 (verbal): Report of Israel taking the spoil of Midian (men, women, livestock, goods). Uses the same idea and terminology of taking plunder following military action.
- 1 Samuel 30:16–19 (thematic): David pursues the Amalekites, rescues captives and recovers the goods taken from Ziklag—parallel motif of capture, plunder, and the recovery/rescue dynamic.
- Deuteronomy 20:14 (structural): Law regulating the taking of spoil and persons in war; provides a legal/structural background to the recurring biblical practice described in Genesis 14:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their food, and went away.
- And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way.
Gen.14.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT
- לוט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ+PRT
- רכשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,_,sg
- אברם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- ישב: PARTCP,qal,act,m,pl,cstr
- בסדם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.12:5 (structural): Earlier movement: Abram departs Haran 'with Lot'—establishes Lot’s association with Abram and explains how Lot came to be traveling/settling with him.
- Gen.13:10-13 (thematic): Describes Lot’s choice to settle in the plain of Jordan and his dwelling near Sodom; provides background for why Lot is in Sodom when taken captive.
- Gen.14:16 (structural): Immediate narrative sequel: Abram pursues the captors and rescues Lot and his possessions—directly responds to the report that Lot was taken.
- Gen.19:1-29 (allusion): Later account of Lot living in Sodom and the city's destruction—shows the consequences and moral context of Lot’s residence in Sodom mentioned in 14:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they also took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother, and his goods, and went away—he was dwelling in Sodom.
- And they also took Lot, Abram’s nephew, and his goods, and went away—he was dwelling in Sodom.
Gen.14.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,hif,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הפליט: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויגד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לאברם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העברי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- שכן: VERB,qal,ptcp,m,sg
- באלני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,const
- ממרא: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- האמרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אחי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,_,sg
- אשכל: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ואחי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,const
- ענר: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- והם: CONJ+PRON,3,m,pl
- בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אברם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 13:18 (verbal): Same locale—Abram 'dwelt by the oaks (or terebinths) of Mamre' (verbal/location repetition of Mamre/trees).
- Genesis 18:1 (verbal): Theophany occurs 'by the oaks of Mamre'—reuses the Mamre setting and ties key events to the same place.
- Genesis 14:14 (structural): Immediate narrative sequel: Abram's response to the report (he arms his trained men to rescue Lot), linking the fugitive's report in 14:13 to action in 14:14.
- Genesis 14:24 (verbal): Repeats the names Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre as Abram's allies—confirms the same associates mentioned in 14:13 and their share in the campaign.
- Exodus 2:11 (verbal): Uses the term 'Hebrew' to designate an individual of the same ethnic group (Moses sees an Egyptian strike a 'Hebrew'), illustrating biblical use of the epithet applied here to Abram. (Parallel in ethnic designation.)
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew; and he was dwelling by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and they were allies of Abram.
- Then the fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew. He was dwelling by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and they were allies of Abram.
Gen.14.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אברם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- נשבה: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- וירק: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT
- חניכיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- ילידי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- שמנה: NUM,m,sg
- עשר: NUM,card,f,sg
- ושלש: CONJ+NUM,card,sg
- מאות: NUM,card,f,pl
- וירדף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- דן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.14:12 (structural): Directly describes the event that provokes Abram's action — Lot and others are taken captive by the coalition of kings, providing the immediate cause for Abram's pursuit.
- Gen.14:15-16 (structural): Immediate continuation of the episode: Abram musters the 318 trained men, pursues the captors to Hobah (near Dan), and rescues Lot — a direct narrative parallel and resolution of v.14.
- Gen.14:18-20 (thematic): After the rescue Abram is blessed by Melchizedek and gives him a tithe; this passage thematically connects the military rescue in v.14 with divine blessing and priestly recognition of Abram's victory.
- Gen.14:21-24 (thematic): The encounter with the king of Sodom after the rescue — the offer of spoil and Abram's refusal — is a thematic consequence of the rescue, highlighting Abram's motives and integrity following the events described in v.14.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, and he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued as far as Dan.
- And when Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he mustered his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued as far as Dan.
Gen.14.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחלק: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עליהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לילה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ועבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויכם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+OBJ,3,m,pl
- וירדפם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+OBJ,3,m,pl
- עד: PREP
- חובה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- משמאל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לדמשק: PREP+PROPN,m,sg
Parallels
- Judges 7:19-22 (thematic): Gideon conducts a surprise night operation—stealth, sudden attack and rout of the enemy followed by pursuit—paralleling Abraham's nocturnal sortie and chase.
- Judges 4:15-16 (structural): After the enemy's collapse, Barak pursues Sisera and his troops to a specific locale (the river Kishon), echoing the motif of pursuit to Hobah following Abraham's victory.
- Joshua 10:12-14 (thematic): Joshua's decisive defeat and extended pursuit of Canaanite kings to particular locations mirrors the pattern of victory followed by active pursuit found in Gen 14:15.
- Exodus 14:24-28 (allusion): The Egyptian host suffers destruction during the nocturnal watches—use of the night as the decisive moment of enemy defeat resonates with Abraham's night attack.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and struck them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is to the left of Damascus.
- And he divided his forces against them by night—he and his servants—and struck them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is north of Damascus.
Gen.14.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- את: PRT
- כל: ADJ,m,sg
- הרכש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וגם: CONJ
- את: PRT
- לוט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- ורכשו: NOUN,m,sg,suff,poss:3ms
- השיב: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- וגם: CONJ
- את: PRT
- הנשים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- ואת: CONJ+PRT
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Genesis 14:11-14 (structural): These immediately preceding verses record Lot's capture (14:11–12) and Abram's pursuit and defeat of the kings (14:14), which set the stage for the result reported in 14:16—the recovery of people and goods.
- 1 Samuel 30:18–19 (verbal): After David defeats the Amalekites he 'recovered all' that had been carried away and 'rescued' his wives—language and narrative motif closely parallel to Abram's retrieval of people, women, and spoil in Gen 14:16.
- Exodus 12:35–36 (thematic): Israel 'plundered' the Egyptians and received garments, silver, and gold after leaving Egypt; shares the broader theme of goods and persons being transferred or recovered as the result of conflict/deliverance.
- Isaiah 49:24–26 (allusion): God promises to contend for his people, to 'deliver' captives and restore what was taken by enemies—echoing the rescue and restitution motif found in Gen 14:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he brought back all the goods, and also Lot his kinsman and his goods he brought back, and also the women and the people.
- And he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his kinsman Lot and his goods, and the women also, and the people.
Gen.14.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לקראתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cstr+3,m
- אחרי: PREP
- שובו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m
- מהכות: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT
- כדרלעמר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ+PRT
- המלכים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRT+PRON,3,m,sg
- אל: PREP
- עמק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- עמק: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Gen.14:18 (structural): Immediate continuation of the scene: Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, meets Abram in the valley of Shaveh and blesses him—directly connected to the arrival of the king of Sodom in v.17.
- Gen.14:21-24 (structural): Direct follow-up interaction between Abram and the king of Sodom: the offer of the spoils and Abram's refusal, which is the consequence of the meeting introduced in v.17.
- Heb.7:1-10 (allusion): New Testament treatment of the Abraham–Melchizedek episode (cf. Gen.14:18–20); Hebrews cites this meeting to argue for Melchizedek's superior priesthood and references Abraham's tithe/tribute to him.
- Ps.110:4 (allusion): The psalmic oracle 'You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek' alludes to the Melchizedek tradition introduced in the Genesis 14 scene that begins with v.17.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after his return from striking Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, to the Valley of Shaveh—it is the King’s Valley.
- And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after his return from striking Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, to the Valley of Shaveh—it is the King’s Valley.
Gen.14.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומלכי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- צדק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוציא: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויין: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- כהן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עליון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 110:4 (allusion): Explicitly connects a priesthood to ‘the order of Melchizedek’—Psalmic affirmation that echoes Genesis’ presentation of Melchizedek as priest of God Most High.
- Hebrews 7:1-3 (verbal): Directly summarizes and quotes Genesis 14: Melchizedek is called ‘king of Salem’ and ‘priest of God Most High,’ and the author treats his meeting with Abraham as the basis for a unique priesthood.
- Hebrews 6:20 (allusion): Uses Melchizedek’s priesthood as the typological model for Christ—Jesus is described as a high priest ‘after the order of Melchizedek,’ linking Genesis 14’s priest-king to Christ’s eternal priesthood.
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (thematic): Paul’s institution of the Lord’s Supper (bread and wine) resonates with Melchizedek’s offering of bread and wine, a later Christian tradition interprets as a prefiguration of eucharistic/priestly meal imagery.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; and he was priest of God Most High.
- And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; and he was priest of God Most High.
Gen.14.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויברכהו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ברוך: ADJ,m,sg
- אברם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עליון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- קנה: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- שמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וארץ: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 14:22 (verbal): Abram himself later uses the same divine title and formula—'to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth'—echoing Melchizedek's designation verbatim.
- Hebrews 7:1-3 (quotation): The author of Hebrews cites and interprets the Melchizedek episode, explicitly invoking Melchizedek as 'priest of the Most High God' and reproducing the blessing formula in a Christological argument.
- Deuteronomy 10:14 (thematic): Affirms that heaven (and the highest heavens) and the earth belong to the LORD—echoing the claim that God is the possessor/owner of heaven and earth.
- Psalm 24:1 (thematic): Declares 'The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof,' a parallel affirmation of God's sovereign ownership of the world comparable to 'possessor of heaven and earth.'
Alternative generated candidates
- And he blessed him and said, Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Maker of the heavens and the earth;
- And he blessed him and said, Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth;
Gen.14.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וברוך: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- אל: PREP
- עליון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מגן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- צריך: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ויתן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מעשר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכל: PREP
Parallels
- Hebrews 7:1-10 (quotation): The author recounts Melchizedek's blessing of Abram and Abram's giving of a tithe, using the episode to argue Christ's priesthood according to Melchizedek.
- Psalm 110:4 (allusion): Declares a priestly order 'after the order of Melchizedek,' directly connecting the Melchizedek tradition to later priestly theology.
- Genesis 28:20-22 (thematic): Jacob's vow to give a tenth of his possessions echoes the tithe motif found in Abraham's giving to Melchizedek.
- Numbers 18:21-24 (thematic): Regulates the tithe as support for the Levites/priests, thematically related to Abram's transfer of a tenth to a priestly figure (Melchizedek).
- Malachi 3:8-10 (thematic): Addresses the obligation to bring tithes and links proper giving to God's blessing—paralleling the association of tithes and divine favor in Genesis 14.
Alternative generated candidates
- and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your adversaries into your hand. And he gave him a tenth of everything.
- and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your foes into your hand. And he gave him a tenth of everything.
Gen.14.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,const
- סדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: PREP
- אברם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תן: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- הנפש: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והרכש: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- קח: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- לך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Gen.14:22-24 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Abraham explicitly refuses the king of Sodom's offer, refusing to take goods so that the king cannot claim credit or make him indebted.
- 1 Samuel 8:11-17 (thematic): Samuel's warning about what a human king will take — sons, daughters, fields, and goods — parallels the motif of a ruler claiming people and property.
- Deuteronomy 17:16-17 (thematic): Law limiting a king's accumulation of horses, wives, and silver/gold reflects concern about royal appropriation of resources and authority over people and goods.
- 2 Kings 5:15-16 (thematic): Elisha's refusal of Naaman's material gifts after healing parallels Abraham's refusal to accept spoils/gifts from the king of Sodom to preserve moral independence.
- Acts 8:20-23 (thematic): Peter's rebuke of Simon the Magician for trying to buy spiritual authority resonates with the motif of rejecting monetary or political offers that would compromise spiritual or moral integrity.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the persons, and the goods take for yourself.
- And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.
Gen.14.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אברם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: PREP
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרימתי: VERB,hifil,perf,1,m,sg
- ידי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1s
- אל: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: PREP
- עליון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.14:19 (verbal): Melchizedek's blessing uses the identical title and phrase—'God Most High (El Elyon), possessor/Creator of heaven and earth'—direct verbal parallel within the same episode.
- Ps.83:18 (verbal): Declares Yahweh as 'the LORD' and 'Most High over all the earth,' echoing the title El Elyon and the sovereignty over heaven and earth found in Gen 14:22.
- Acts 17:24 (thematic): Paul's declaration that 'God... made the world and everything in it' and is 'Lord of heaven and earth' parallels the theological claim in Gen 14:22 about God's ownership/creatorship and universal sovereignty.
- Deut.32:8 (allusion): Uses the divine title 'Most High' (Elyon) in depicting God's sovereign ordering of the nations—an Old Testament witness to the supremacy implied by 'El Elyon' in Genesis 14:22.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Maker of the heavens and the earth,
- But Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth,
Gen.14.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מחוט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- שרוך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נעל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואם: CONJ
- אקח: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- מכל: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- תאמר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- העשרתי: VERB,hiphil,perf,1,sg
- את: PRT
- אברם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.14:21 (structural): Immediate context: the king of Sodom offers Abraham the spoils; 14:23 is Abraham’s refusal of that offer — the setup and response form a structural parallel within the episode.
- Gen.14:22 (verbal): Neighboring verse in the same speech: Abraham swears to the Lord (El Elyon) and refuses to take anything 'from a thread to a sandal strap' — closely related wording and motive (so no one can say they made him rich).
- Gen.33:9 (thematic): After Jacob and Esau reconcile Jacob says 'I have enough' and refuses Esau’s gifts; thematically parallels Abraham’s refusal to accept wealth from another to avoid obligation or the appearance of being enriched by them.
- 1 Chron.29:14 (thematic): David’s confession that 'everything comes from you' and his giving of wealth to God reflects the same theological stance that wealth is God’s gift and should not be claimed as personal enrichment — similar motivation behind Abraham’s refusal.
Alternative generated candidates
- that I will not take from a thread to a sandal strap, nor will I take anything that is yours, so you will not say, I have made Abram rich,
- that I will not take—from a thread to a sandal strap—yes, I will not take anything that is yours, so that you may not say, I have made Abram rich,
Gen.14.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בלעדי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- רק: ADV
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אכלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- הנערים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וחלק: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הלכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אתי: PRON,acc,1,sg
- ענר: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- אשכל: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וממרא: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,prop
- הם: PRON,3,m,pl
- יקחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- חלקם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Gen.14:23 (verbal): Abram's fuller refusal to accept any of the king of Sodom's goods — “I will not take a thread or shoe-latchet” — is the immediate verbal parallel and continuation of the same decision recorded in v.24.
- Gen.14:13 (verbal): Earlier mention of Aner, Eshkol, and Mamre as Abram's allies in the same episode; v.24 repeats their names as the ones who may take a share.
- 1 Sam.30:24 (thematic): David’s ruling about distribution of spoil — that those who stayed with the supplies share equally with those who fought — parallels the concern in Gen 14:24 over who legitimately receives a portion of the booty.
- Judg.8:22-23 (thematic): The Israelites offer Gideon kingship and he refuses; thematically similar to Abram’s refusal of the king of Sodom’s offer, both passages treat leaders declining honours or rewards from others.
Alternative generated candidates
- except only what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre—let them take their share.
- except only what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre—let them take their share.
And it happened in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of the nations:
They made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar).
All these joined forces at the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea).
Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. And in the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer came, and the kings who were with him, and they struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim,
and the Horites in their hill-country of Seir, as far as El-paran, which is by the wilderness.
Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and they struck all the territory of the Amalekite, and also the Amorite who dwelt in Hazazon-tamar. And the king of Sodom went out, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar), and they marshaled for battle with them in the Valley of Siddim,
with Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of the nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against the five. Now the Valley of Siddim had pits, pits of bitumen, and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled and fell there; and the rest fled to the hills. And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. And they took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, and his goods, and went; for he was dwelling in Sodom. And the fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew; and he was dwelling by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and they were allies of Abram. And when Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house—three hundred and eighteen—and pursued as far as Dan. And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and struck them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is north of Damascus. And he brought back all the goods, and also Lot his kinsman and his goods he brought back, and also the women and the people. And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after his return from striking Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; and he was priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said, Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Maker of heaven and earth;
and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your adversaries into your hand. And he gave him a tenth of all. And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the persons, and the goods take for yourself. And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Maker of heaven and earth,
that I will not take from a thread even to a sandal strap, and I will not take anything that is yours, so that you will not say, I have made Abram rich,
except only what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me (Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre); let them take their share.