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◄ Genesis 14:10►

New International Version
Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and when the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some of the men fell into them and the rest fled to the hills.

New Living Translation
As it happened, the valley of the Dead Sea was filled with tar pits. And as the army of the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into the tar pits, while the rest escaped into the mountains.

English Standard Version
Now the Valley of Siddim was full of bitumen pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, and the rest fled to the hill country.

Berean Standard Bible
Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some men fell into the pits, but the survivors fled to the hill country.

King James Bible
And the vale of Siddimwas full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain.

New King James Version
Now the Valley of Siddimwas full of asphalt pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled;some fell there, and the remainder fled to the mountains.

New American Standard Bible
Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them. But those who survived fled to the hill country.

NASB 1995
Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them. But those who survived fled to the hill country.

NASB 1977
Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them. But those who survived fled to the hill country.

Legacy Standard Bible
now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits—and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them; but those who remained behind fled to the hill country.

Amplified Bible
Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar (bitumen) pits; and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, they fell into them. But the remainder [of the kings] who survived fled to the hill country.

Christian Standard Bible
Now the Siddim Valley contained many asphalt pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, but the rest fled to the mountains.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now the Valley of Siddim contained many asphalt pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, but the rest fled to the mountains.

American Standard Version
Now the vale of Siddim was full of slime pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell there, and they that remained fled to the mountain.

Contemporary English Version
was full of tar pits, and when the troops from Sodom and Gomorrah started running away, some of them fell into the pits. Others escaped to the hill country.

English Revised Version
Now the vale of Siddim was full of slime pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell there, and they that remained fled to the mountain.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The valley of Siddim was full of tar pits. As the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, they fell because of the tar pits, but the other kings fled to the hills.

Good News Translation
The valley was full of tar pits, and when the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah tried to run away from the battle, they fell into the pits; but the other three kings escaped to the mountains.

International Standard Version
Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, so when the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some of their people fell into them, while the rest fled to the hill country.

NET Bible
Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits. When the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, they fell into them, but some survivors fled to the hills.

New Heart English Bible
Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah fled, and they fell there, and those who remained fled to the hills.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the vale of Siddim was full of slime-pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there: and they that remained fled to the mountain.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some men fell into the pits, but the survivors fled to the hill country.

World English Bible
Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and some fell there. Those who remained fled to the hills.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the Valley of Siddim [is] full of bitumen-pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah flee, and fall there, and those left have fled to the mountain.

Young's Literal Translation
And the valley of Siddim is full of bitumen-pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah flee, and fall there, and those left have fled to the mountain.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the valley of Siddim, pit, pit of pitch; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah shall flee and shall fall there; and those having remained shall flee to the mountain.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Now the woodland vale had many pits of slime. And the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrha turned their backs and were overthrown there: and they that remained fled to the mountain.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now the wooded valley had many pits of bitumen. And so the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah turned back and they fell there. And those who remained, fled to the mountain.

New American Bible
Now the Valley of Siddim was full of bitumen pits; and as the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah fled, they fell into these, while the rest fled to the mountains.

New Revised Standard Version
Now the Valley of Siddim was full of bitumen pits; and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, and the rest fled to the hill country.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the valley of Siddim was full of bitumen pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and those who survived fled to the mountain.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the valley of Sedumia was pits upon pits of tar and the Kings of Sadom fled and the King of Amora and they fell there, and those who survived fled to the mountains.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Now the vale of Siddim was full of slime pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell there, and they that remained fled to the mountain.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Now the salt valleyconsists of slime-pits. And the king of Sodom fled and the king of Gomorrha, and they fell in there: and they that were left fled to the mountain country.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Lot Seized by the Four Kings
10Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits,and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled,some men fell into the pits,but the survivors fled to the hill country.11The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food, and they went on their way.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

2 Kings 3:9
So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out, and after they had traveled a roundabout route for seven days, they had no water for their army or for their animals.

2 Kings 3:16-20
and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’ / For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’ / This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. ...

2 Kings 3:22-23
When they got up early in the morning, the sun was shining on the water, and it looked as red as blood to the Moabites across the way. / “This is blood!” they exclaimed. “The kings have clashed swords and slaughtered one another. Now to the plunder, Moab!”

2 Kings 3:26-27
When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him seven hundred swordsmen to break through to the king of Edom, but they could not prevail. / So he took his firstborn son, who was to succeed him, and offered him as a burnt offering on the city wall. And there was great fury against the Israelites, so they withdrew and returned to their own land.

Psalm 83:9-10
Do to them as You did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the River Kishon, / who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground.

Judges 7:22
And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath.

Judges 8:10-12
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army of about fifteen thousand men—all that were left of the armies of the people of the east. A hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had already fallen. / And Gideon went up by way of the caravan route east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and he attacked their army, taking them by surprise. / When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, Gideon pursued and captured these two kings of Midian, routing their entire army.

Isaiah 34:9
Edom’s streams will be turned to tar, and her soil to sulfur; her land will become a blazing pitch.

Isaiah 63:1-6
Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.” / Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? / “I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained. ...

Jeremiah 48:44
“Whoever flees the panic will fall into the pit, and whoever climbs from the pit will be caught in the snare. For I will bring upon Moab the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD.

Ezekiel 47:11
But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt.

Revelation 14:20
And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and the blood that flowed from it rose as high as the bridles of the horses for a distance of 1,600 stadia.

Revelation 16:16
And they assembled the kings in the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

Revelation 19:17-21
Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out in a loud voice to all the birds flying overhead, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, / so that you may eat the flesh of kings and commanders and mighty men, of horses and riders, of everyone slave and free, small and great.” / Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army. ...

Luke 10:30
Jesus took up this question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead.

Treasury of Scripture

And the vale of Siddim was full of slime pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain.

slime pits.

Genesis 11:3
And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.

fell.

Joshua 8:24
And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword.

Psalm 83:10
Which perished at Endor: they becameas dung for the earth.

Isaiah 24:18
And it shall come to pass,that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.

the mountain.

Genesis 19:17,30
And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed…

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Bitumen Country Earth End Fell Fled Flee Flight Full Gomorrah Gomor'rah Hill Hills Holes Kings Mountain Pits Rest Siddim Slime Sodom Sticky Survived Tar Vale Valley

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Bitumen Country Earth End Fell Fled Flee Flight Full Gomorrah Gomor'rah Hill Hills Holes Kings Mountain Pits Rest Siddim Slime Sodom Sticky Survived Tar Vale Valley

Genesis 14

1.The battle of four kings against the king of Sodom and his allies.
12.Lot is taken prisoner.
14.Abram rescues him.
17.Melchizedek blesses Abram, who gives him tithes.
21.Abram restores the rest of the spoil to the king of Sodom.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits
The Valley of Siddim is identified with the area around the Dead Sea, known for its bitumen or tar pits. These natural asphalt deposits were common in the region, providing a valuable resource in ancient times for waterproofing and construction. The presence of tar pits indicates a geologically active area, which aligns with the biblical narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction by fire and brimstone. The tar pits symbolize the treacherous and unstable nature of the region, both physically and morally, as Sodom and Gomorrah were known for their wickedness.

and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled
The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah were part of a coalition of five cities that rebelled against the rule of Chedorlaomer and his allies. Their flight signifies a defeat in battle, highlighting the vulnerability and eventual downfall of these cities. This event foreshadows the ultimate judgment and destruction that would later befall Sodom and Gomorrah due to their sinfulness, as recounted inGenesis 19.

some men fell into the pits
The phrase indicates the chaos and desperation of the retreating forces. Falling into the tar pits would have been a deadly consequence, illustrating the perilous nature of the terrain. This imagery serves as a metaphor for the moral pitfalls that ensnared the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, leading to their eventual destruction. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of judgment and the consequences of sin.

but the survivors fled to the hill country
The survivors' escape to the hill country suggests a strategic retreat to a more defensible position. The hill country often represents a place of refuge and safety in biblical narratives. This movement can be seen as a temporary reprieve from judgment, contrasting with the ultimate fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. The hill country is also significant in biblical history as a place where God's people often found protection and guidance, such as David's refuge from Saul.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Valley of Siddim
This is the location where the battle took place. It is described as being full of tar pits, which played a significant role in the outcome of the battle.

2.Kings of Sodom and Gomorrah
These are the rulers who were involved in the battle against the coalition of kings led by Chedorlaomer. Their flight and fall into the tar pits symbolize their defeat and vulnerability.

3.Tar Pits
Natural asphalt deposits that were prevalent in the Valley of Siddim. These pits were hazardous and contributed to the defeat of the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah.

4.Survivors
Those who managed to escape the battle and the tar pits, fleeing to the hill country for safety.

5.Hill Country
The area to which the survivors fled, representing a place of refuge and safety away from the battlefield.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
The defeat of Sodom and Gomorrah's kings serves as a reminder of the consequences of living in sin and rebellion against God. Just as they fell into the tar pits, sin can entrap and lead to downfall.

Seeking Refuge in God
The survivors fleeing to the hill country symbolize the need to seek refuge in God during times of trouble. God is our ultimate place of safety and deliverance.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
The battle in the Valley of Siddim is a physical representation of the spiritual battles we face. We must be vigilant and prepared, relying on God's strength and guidance.

God's Sovereignty in History
The events inGenesis 14 demonstrate God's control over historical events. Even in chaos, God's purposes are being fulfilled, and His justice will prevail.

Learning from the Past
The account encourages us to learn from the past mistakes of others, such as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, to avoid similar pitfalls in our spiritual journey.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Genesis 14:10?

2.How does Genesis 14:10 illustrate the consequences of choosing worldly alliances?

3.What spiritual lessons can we learn from the "tar pits" in Genesis 14:10?

4.How does Genesis 14:10 connect to God's protection over His people elsewhere in Scripture?

5.In what ways can we avoid the "traps" seen in Genesis 14:10 today?

6.How can Genesis 14:10 encourage us to seek God's guidance in decisions?

7.What is the significance of the tar pits in Genesis 14:10 for ancient warfare strategies?

8.How does Genesis 14:10 reflect the historical accuracy of the Bible's account of ancient battles?

9.What do the tar pits symbolize in the broader narrative of Genesis 14?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 14?

11.Where is the Valley of Siddim located?

12.Where is the Valley of Siddim located?

13.What were Admah and Zeboiim in biblical history?

14.2 Peter 2:6 mentions Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction; do historical or archaeological findings verify this account?

What Does Genesis 14:10 Mean

Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits

• Scripture records a literal location south of the Dead Sea, confirming a real battlefield (Genesis 14:3).

• Natural bitumen seeps dotted the plain, the same material used at Babel (Genesis 11:3) and on Moses’ ark-basket (Exodus 2:3).

• The detail underscores God’s all-knowing authorship: He sets the scene with accuracy that archaeology now verifies.

as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled

• These rulers had joined four other city-states to revolt against Kedorlaomer (Genesis 14:1-4).

• Their retreat shows human weakness; earthly power collapses when the Lord is not honored (Psalm 33:16-17).

• The flight contrasts sharply with later moments when God’s people stand firm by His command, such as in2 Chronicles 20:17.

some men fell into the pits

• Panic plus treacherous terrain produced judgment-like consequences, hinting at the moral decay soon judged by fire (Genesis 19:24-25).

• The scene illustratesProverbs 16:18—pride precedes a fall—fitting the cities’ reputation for sin (Genesis 13:13).

•Psalm 9:15 notes that the wicked often sink into traps of their own making; the tar pits become an object lesson.

but the survivors fled to the hill country

• Elevation offered temporary safety, a pattern repeated when Lot is later told, “Flee to the mountains” (Genesis 19:17).

• Climbing upward pictures mercy still available; even in judgment God leaves room for repentance (Isaiah 55:7).

• Hills around the Dead Sea foreshadow places of refuge God provides elsewhere, such as Adullam for David (1 Samuel 22:1).

summary

Genesis 14:10 is historically precise and spiritually rich. The tar-filled plain, the panicked kings, the fatal pits, and the mountain refuge together reveal God’s sovereign control over geography, nations, and individual destinies, affirming that His word is both factual and instructive for every generation.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(10)The vale of Siddim was full of slimepits.--That is, of holes whence bitumen had been excavated. Layers of this natural asphalte, well known both to the Greeks and Romans aspia Judaica,Judean pitch, still exist on the western side of the Dead Sea; and the places whence it had been dug out, and which are often very deep, formed dangerous impediments in the way of the defeated side.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 10. -And the vale of Siddim was full of slime-pits. Literally,waspits,pits (cf.2 Kings 3:16;Ezekiel 42:12 for examples of repeated nouns)of slime, bitumen or asphalte, and therefore unfavorable for flight. "Some of the wells near the Dead Sea are 116 feet deep, with a stratum of bitumen fifteen feet in depth, and as black as jet" (Inglis).And the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled and fell there. Stumbled into the pits and perished (Keil, Lange, Murphy), though if the king of Sodom escaped (Ver. 17), the language may only mean that they were overthrown there (Knobel, Rosenmüller, Bush, 'Speaker's Commentary').And they that remained fled to the mountain, of Moab, with its numerous defiles.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Now the Valley
וְעֵ֣מֶק(wə·‘ê·meq)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6010:A vale

of Siddim
הַשִׂדִּ֗ים‪‬(ha·śid·dîm)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7708:Siddim -- a valley near the Dead Sea

was full of tar
חֵמָ֔ר(ḥê·mār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2564:Bitumen, asphalt

pits,
בֶּֽאֱרֹ֤ת(be·’ĕ·rōṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 875:A pit, a well

and as the kings
מֶֽלֶךְ־(me·leḵ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A king

of Sodom
סְדֹ֥ם(sə·ḏōm)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5467:Sodom -- a Canaanite city near the Dead Sea

and Gomorrah
וַעֲמֹרָ֖ה(wa·‘ă·mō·rāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6017:Gomorrah -- a city in the Jordan Valley

fled,
וַיָּנֻ֛סוּ(way·yā·nu·sū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5127:To flit, vanish away

some men fell
וַיִּפְּלוּ־(way·yip·pə·lū-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5307:To fall, lie

into [the pits],
שָׁ֑מָּה(šām·māh)
Adverb | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8033:There, then, thither

but the survivors
וְהַנִּשְׁאָרִ֖ים(wə·han·niš·’ā·rîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7604:To swell up, be, redundant

fled
נָּֽסוּ׃(nā·sū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5127:To flit, vanish away

to the hill country.
הֶ֥רָה(he·rāh)
Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 2022:Mountain, hill, hill country

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OT Law: Genesis 14:10 Now the valley of Siddim was full (Gen. Ge Gn)