New International VersionThe king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.”
New Living TranslationThe king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.”
English Standard VersionAnd the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.”
Berean Standard BibleThe king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the goods for yourself.”
King James BibleAnd the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
New King James VersionNow the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.”
New American Standard BibleThen the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the possessions for yourself.”
NASB 1995The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.”
NASB 1977And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me, but take the possessions for yourself.”
Amplified BibleThe king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods (spoils of battle) for yourself.”
Christian Standard BibleThen the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the possessions for yourself.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the possessions for yourself.”
American Standard VersionAnd the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
Contemporary English VersionThe king of Sodom said to Abram, "All I want are my people. You can keep everything else."
English Revised VersionAnd the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people, and keep everything else for yourself."
Good News TranslationThe king of Sodom said to Abram, "Keep the loot, but give me back all my people."
International Standard VersionThe king of Sodom told Abram, "Return the people to me, and you take the possessions for yourself."
NET BibleThen the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people and take the possessions for yourself."
New Heart English BibleNow the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people, and take the possessions for yourself."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the goods for yourself.”
World English BibleThe king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, and take the goods for yourself.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the king of Sodom says to Abram, “Give to me the persons, and take the substance to yourself,”
Young's Literal Translation And the king of Sodom saith unto Abram, 'Give to me the persons, and the substance take to thyself,'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the king of Sodom will say to Abram, Give to me the living creature, and take the susbtancesubstance to thyself.Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims Bible
And the king of Sodom said to Abram: Give me the persons, and the rest take to thyself.
Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me these souls, and take the rest for yourself.”
New American Bible
The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the captives; the goods you may keep.”
New Revised Standard Version
Then the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.”Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the people, and take the goods for yourself.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the King of Sadom said to Abram, “Give to me the souls, and the possessions take to yourselves.OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
And the king of Sodom said unto Abram: 'Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.'
Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the men, and take the horses to thyself.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Melchizedek Blesses Abram… 20and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything. 21The kingof SodomsaidtoAbram,“Givemethe people,but takethe goodsfor yourself.”22But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,…
Cross References Hebrews 7:1-2This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, / and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness.” Then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.”
Genesis 19:17-26As soon as the men had brought them out, one of them said, “Run for your lives! Do not look back, and do not stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” / But Lot replied, “No, my lords, please! / Your servant has indeed found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness by sparing my life. But I cannot run to the mountains; the disaster will overtake me, and I will die. ...
Matthew 4:8-10Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. / “All this I will give You,” he said, “if You will fall down and worship me.” / “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”
1 John 2:15-17Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.
Luke 4:5-8Then the devil led Him up to a high place and showed Him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. / “I will give You authority over all these kingdoms and all their glory,” he said. “For it has been relinquished to me, and I can give it to anyone I wish. / So if You worship me, it will all be Yours.” ...
2 Peter 2:7-8and if He rescued Lot, a righteous man distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless / (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)—
Revelation 18:4Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues.
1 Timothy 6:9-10Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
James 4:4You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.
Romans 12:2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
2 Corinthians 6:17“Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”
Joshua 7:21When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”
1 Samuel 15:19So why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you rush upon the plunder and do evil in the sight of the LORD?”
1 Kings 21:2-3So Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard to use as a vegetable garden, since it is next to my palace. I will give you a better vineyard in its place—or if you prefer, I will give you its value in silver.” / But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.”
Isaiah 33:15-16He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears against murderous plots and shuts his eyes tightly against evil— / he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured.
Treasury of Scripture And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to yourself. persons. Genesis 14:21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. Jump to Previous AbramGoodsPersonsPrisonersPropertySodomSoulsSubstanceThyselfJump to Next AbramGoodsPersonsPrisonersPropertySodomSoulsSubstanceThyselfGenesis 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.The king of Sodom said to AbramThe king of Sodom, likely Bera, represents a city known for its wickedness, as seen in Genesis 13:13. This encounter follows Abram's victory over the coalition of kings who had captured Lot. The king's approach to Abram highlights the cultural practice of negotiating spoils after a battle. Abram's role as a victorious leader is emphasized, showcasing his growing influence and God's favor upon him. This interaction foreshadows the moral decline of Sodom, setting the stage for its eventual destruction in Genesis 19. “Give me the people,
The request for the people, or "souls," indicates the king's priority on human resources over material wealth. In ancient Near Eastern culture, captives were often taken as slaves or used to repopulate a city. This reflects the king's desire to restore his city's population and maintain his power. The emphasis on people over goods contrasts with Abram's values, as he prioritizes righteousness and divine promises over earthly possessions. but take the goods for yourself.”
The offer to Abram to keep the goods aligns with the ancient custom of rewarding victors with spoils of war. However, Abram's refusal, as seen in the following verses, underscores his commitment to God's provision and his desire to avoid any association with Sodom's corruption. This decision highlights Abram's faith and integrity, serving as a type of Christ, who also rejected earthly power and wealth for a higher purpose. Abram's actions prefigure the call for believers to seek heavenly treasures over earthly gains, as echoed inMatthew 6:19-21. Persons / Places / Events 1. Abram (Abraham)The central figure in this passage, Abram is a man of faith and the recipient of God's promises. He has just returned from a victorious battle to rescue his nephew Lot. 2. King of SodomThe ruler of the city of Sodom, who approaches Abram with a proposal after Abram's victory over the kings who captured Lot and the people of Sodom. 3. SodomA city known for its wickedness, which was involved in a conflict with other regional kings. The king of Sodom's request reflects the city's moral state. 4. The Battle of the KingsA significant event where Abram defeats a coalition of kings to rescue Lot, demonstrating his leadership and God's favor upon him. 5. LotAbram's nephew, who was living in Sodom and was taken captive during the battle. His rescue is a key element of the account. Teaching Points Integrity Over Material GainAbram's refusal to accept the goods from the king of Sodom demonstrates a commitment to integrity and reliance on God's provision rather than worldly wealth. Discernment in AlliancesThe interaction with the king of Sodom teaches the importance of discerning the character and intentions of those with whom we align ourselves. Faith in God's PromisesAbram's actions reflect a deep trust in God's promises, reminding believers to prioritize spiritual blessings over temporary material possessions. God's Sovereignty in VictoryThe victory over the kings and the subsequent events underscore God's sovereignty and faithfulness in delivering His people. Witness to the WorldAbram's decision serves as a testimony to the surrounding nations of God's power and the distinctiveness of His people. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 14:21?
2.How does Genesis 14:21 illustrate the importance of resisting worldly temptations?
3.What can we learn about integrity from Abram's response in Genesis 14:21?
4.How does Abram's choice connect to Jesus' teachings on material wealth?
5.In what ways can Genesis 14:21 guide our decisions in daily life?
6.How does Genesis 14:21 encourage reliance on God over earthly rewards?
7.What does Genesis 14:21 reveal about the character of the king of Sodom?
8.How does Genesis 14:21 reflect the cultural practices of ancient Near Eastern kings?
9.Why does the king of Sodom offer goods to Abram in Genesis 14:21?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 14?
11.How did Abraham interact with the King of Sodom?
12.Who was Chedorlaomer in the Bible?
13.Genesis 14:21-23: Why does Abram refuse the spoils from the King of Sodom, differing from typical ancient Near Eastern war customs?
14.Genesis 14:18: Who is Melchizedek, and why is there no clear historical or biblical lineage to verify his existence?What Does Genesis 14:21 Mean The king of Sodom“The king of Sodom” (Genesis 14:21) points us back to a ruler whose city is already marked by profound wickedness (Genesis 13:13; compare2 Peter 2:6). Having survived a crushing defeat (Genesis 14:10-12) and been rescued by Abram, this king now returns to the scene. His title reminds us that earthly authority, even when morally compromised, must still answer to the God who “rules over the nations” (Psalm 22:28).
said to AbramThe rescued ruler addresses the rescuer. Abram, fresh from a miraculous victory won by God’s hand (Genesis 14:14-17;Psalm 44:3), stands as the covenant bearer (Genesis 12:1-3). Their dialogue contrasts worldly power with divine promise, foreshadowing later moments when faithful believers are offered tempting bargains (Daniel 1:8;Matthew 4:8-10).
Give me the peopleThe king’s first demand centers on souls, not stuff. In ancient warfare, captives became property, so requesting “the people” reveals the king’s priorities—he wants control of lives more than possession of wealth. Scripture consistently elevates human life over material gain (Genesis 9:6;Jonah 4:11). Abram’s later refusal (v. 23) shows that true faith fights for people’s freedom, echoing Moses’ later plea, “Let My people go” (Exodus 5:1).
but take the goods for yourselfHere comes the temptation: wealth without compromise. The king offers Abram everything except the captives. Yet Abram, already blessed by God Most High (Genesis 14:19-20), rejects the windfall so that no one can say, “I have made Abram rich” (v. 23). His choice aligns with Jesus’ teaching, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Abram’s contentment foreshadows the pilgrim mindset praised inHebrews 11:9-10—treasuring God’s promises above earthly treasure.
summaryGenesis 14:21 captures a stark contrast: a worldly king values possessions second to domination over people, while God’s man prizes freedom and testimony over riches. Abram’s refusal to profit from evil underscores that the Lord—not human kingship—supplies his reward (Genesis 15:1). The verse invites believers in every age to choose people over possessions and God’s glory over earthly gain. (21) Grive me the persons.--To this day it is the rule among the Arabs that, if a camp be plundered, anyone who recovers the booty gives up only the persons, and takes the rest for himself. But Abram, with noble generosity, will accept nothing. The "lifting up of the hand" to give solemnity to an oath is mentioned here for the first time. Verse 21. - And the king of Sodom (who, though first coming, appears to have retired in favor of the greater personage, Melchisedeck, and to have witnessed the interview between him and Abram, but who now, on its termination, advances - said unto Abram, - perhaps anticipating that like donations from the spoils might be made to him as to Melchisedeck, in which case he evinced a remarkable degree of generosity - Give me the persons - literally, the souls, i.e. those of my people whom you have recovered (cf. Genesis 12:5, in which the term is employed to describe domestic slaves) - and take the goods to thyself (which, Michaelis observes, he was justly entitled to do by right of conquest).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew The kingמֶֽלֶךְ־(me·leḵ-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Sodomסְדֹ֖ם(sə·ḏōm)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5467:Sodom -- a Canaanite city near the Dead Seasaidוַיֹּ֥אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, saytoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toAbram,אַבְרָ֑ם(’aḇ·rām)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 87:Abram -- 'exalted father', the original name of Abraham“Giveתֶּן־(ten-)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setme the people,הַנֶּ֔פֶשׁ(han·ne·p̄eš)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotionbut takeקַֽח־(qaḥ-)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 3947:To takethe goods for yourself.”וְהָרְכֻ֖שׁ(wə·hā·rə·ḵuš)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7399:Property, goods
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OT Law: Genesis 14:21 The king of Sodom said to Abram (Gen. Ge Gn) |
