Genesis 14:13
Genesis 14:13 in Multiple Translations
Then an escapee came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the Oaks of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and Aner, all of whom were bound by treaty to Abram.
¶ And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew: now he dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner; and these were confederate with Abram.
And one who had got away from the fight came and gave word of it to Abram the Hebrew, who was living by the holy tree of Mamre, the Amorite, the brother of Eshcol and Aner, who were friends of Abram.
But one of those captured escaped and went and told Abram the Hebrew what had happened. Abram was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, whose brothers were Eshcol and Aner. All of them were Abram's allies.
Then came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Ebrew, which dwelt in the plaine of Mamre ye Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner, which were confederat with Abram.
And one who is escaping cometh and declareth to Abram the Hebrew, and he is dwelling among the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner, and they [are] Abram's allies.
One who had escaped came and told Abram, the Hebrew. At that time, he lived by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner. They were allies of Abram.
And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
And behold one that had escaped told Abram the Hebrew, who dwelt in the vale of Mambre the Amorrhite, the brother of Escol, and the brother of Aner: for these had made league with Abram.
Abram was living near the big trees near Mamre, who belonged to the Amor people-group. Abram had made an agreement with Mamre and his two brothers, Eshcol and Aner, that they would help each other if there was a war.
A man got away from Kedorlayomer and his mob, and he went and told Abram that they got Lot. At that time, Abram was living near the big trees that belonged to a man called Mamreh. Abram was a good friend of Mamreh, and also of Mamreh’s 2 brothers. Their names were Eskol and Aner. Mamreh and his brothers belonged to the Amor tribe, and Abram belonged to the Hebrew tribe, but they all looked after each other.A man told Abram that Kedorlayomer’s mob got Lot Abram had 318 men that knew how to fight. They worked for Abram all their lives, and Abram really trusted them. So Abram got those men, and Mamreh, Eskol and Aner got their fighting men, and they all went to fight Kedorlayomer and his soldiers. They followed them, and they found them at a place to the north, called Dan.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 14:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 14:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹא֙
הַ/פָּלִ֔יט
וַ/יַּגֵּ֖ד
לְ/אַבְרָ֣ם
הָ/עִבְרִ֑י
וְ/הוּא֩
שֹׁכֵ֨ן
בְּ/אֵֽלֹנֵ֜י
מַמְרֵ֣א
הָ/אֱמֹרִ֗י
אֲחִ֤י
אֶשְׁכֹּל֙
וַ/אֲחִ֣י
עָנֵ֔ר
וְ/הֵ֖ם
בַּעֲלֵ֥י
בְרִית
אַבְרָֽם
וַ/יָּבֹא֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/פָּלִ֔יט
pâlîyṭ
H6412
survivor
Art | N-ms
וַ/יַּגֵּ֖ד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/אַבְרָ֣ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
Abram
Prep | N-proper
הָ/עִבְרִ֑י
ʻIbrîy
H5680
Hebrew
Art | Ngmsa
וְ/הוּא֩
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
שֹׁכֵ֨ן
shâkan
H7931
to dwell
V-Qal
בְּ/אֵֽלֹנֵ֜י
ʼêlôwn
H436
terebinth
Prep | N-mp
מַמְרֵ֣א
Mamrêʼ
H4471
Mamre
N-proper
הָ/אֱמֹרִ֗י
ʼĔmôrîy
H567
Amorite
Art | Ngmsa
אֲחִ֤י
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms
אֶשְׁכֹּל֙
ʼEshkôl
H812
Eshcol
N-proper
וַ/אֲחִ֣י
ʼâch
H251
brother
Conj | N-ms
עָנֵ֔ר
ʻÂnêr
H6063
Aner
N-proper
וְ/הֵ֖ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
בַּעֲלֵ֥י
baʻal
H1167
master
N-mp
בְרִית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs
אַבְרָֽם
ʼAbrâm
H87
Abram
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 14:13
וַ/יָּבֹא֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הַ/פָּלִ֔יט
pâlîyṭ
H6412
"survivor"
Art | N-ms
A survivor refers to a refugee or fugitive who has escaped, as seen in the stories of those who fled from danger in the Bible.
Definition: refugee, fugitive, escaped one Also means: pa.let (פָּלֵיט "survivor" H6412B)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: (that have) escape(-d, -th), fugitive. See also: Genesis 14:13; Jeremiah 50:28; Isaiah 45:20.
וַ/יַּגֵּ֖ד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לְ/אַבְרָ֣ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
"Abram"
Prep | N-proper
Abram was the original name of Abraham, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Terah, brother of Nahor and Haran, and husband of Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah, as told in Genesis 11:26--17:5.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x Another name of av.ra.ham (אַבְרָהָם "Abraham" H0085) § Abram = "exalted father" original name of Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: Abram. See also: Genesis 11:26; Genesis 14:13; Nehemiah 9:7.
הָ/עִבְרִ֑י
ʻIbrîy
H5680
"Hebrew"
Art | Ngmsa
Ibriy refers to a Hebrew person, a descendant of Eber, and is first mentioned in Genesis 14:13. It describes the Israelites and their ancestors, including Abraham and his family.
Definition: Someone descended from Heber (H2268)(?), first mentioned at Gen.14.13 Also named: Hebraios (Ἑβραῖος "Hebrew" G1445) § Hebrew = "one from beyond" n pr 1) a designation of the patriarchs and the Israelites adj 2) a designation of the patriarchs and the Israelites
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Hebrew(-ess, woman). See also: Genesis 14:13; Exodus 9:1; Jeremiah 34:9.
וְ/הוּא֩
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
שֹׁכֵ֨ן
shâkan
H7931
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.
Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.
בְּ/אֵֽלֹנֵ֜י
ʼêlôwn
H436
"terebinth"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a strong tree, like an oak or a terebinth. It is also the name of a place in the Bible, often translated as a plain. It appears in stories about Abraham and others.
Definition: 1) tree, great tree, terebinth 2) plain
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: plain. See also H356 (אֵילוֹן). See also: Genesis 12:6; Deuteronomy 11:30; 1 Samuel 10:3.
מַמְרֵ֣א
Mamrêʼ
H4471
"Mamre"
N-proper
Mamre was an Amorite who allied with Abraham, and his name means strength or fatness. The Bible mentions Mamre in Genesis 14:13 as a brother of Eshcol and Aner. Mamre's land had a notable oak grove where Abraham dwelt.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, only mentioned at Gen.14.13; brother of: Eshcol (H0812) and Aner (H6063) § Mamre = "strength" or "fatness" 1) an Amorite who allied himself with Abram 2) an oak grove on Mamre's land in Palestine where Abraham dwelt 3) a place near Abraham's burial place, apparently identified with Hebron
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Mamre. See also: Genesis 13:18; Genesis 23:19; Genesis 50:13.
הָ/אֱמֹרִ֗י
ʼĔmôrîy
H567
"Amorite"
Art | Ngmsa
An Amorite is a member of a Canaanite tribe, first mentioned in Genesis 10:16, descended from Canaan. The Israelites displaced them as they entered the Promised Land.
Definition: Someone descended from Amor(?), first mentioned at Gen.10.16; descended from Canaan (H3667); along with Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577) § Amorite = "a sayer" one of the peoples of east Canaan and beyond the Jordan, dispossessed by the Israelite incursion from Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: Amorite. See also: Genesis 10:16; Joshua 9:1; Psalms 135:11.
אֲחִ֤י
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
אֶשְׁכֹּל֙
ʼEshkôl
H812
"Eshcol"
N-proper
Eshcol refers to a valley in Palestine, named after an Amorite, meaning cluster. It is located in the area of Hebron. The name is used to describe a specific region.
Definition: Eshcol = "cluster" This name is used for an area of Hebron, the valley of Eshcol Combined with na.chal (נַ֫חַל " Valley" H5158H)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Eshcol. See also: Genesis 14:13; Numbers 13:24; Deuteronomy 1:24.
וַ/אֲחִ֣י
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
עָנֵ֔ר
ʻÂnêr
H6063
"Aner"
N-proper
Aner refers to a city in ancient Palestine, also the name of an Amorite, meaning boy. It was a Levitical city in Manasseh, as seen in the Bible. Aner is mentioned as a place where Kohathite Levites lived.
Definition: Aner = "boy" a Levitical city west of the Jordan in Manasseh allotted to the Kohathite Levites Another name of ta.a.nakh (תַּעֲנָךְ "Taanach" H8590)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Aner. See also: Genesis 14:13; Genesis 14:24; 1 Chronicles 6:55.
וְ/הֵ֖ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
בַּעֲלֵ֥י
baʻal
H1167
"master"
N-mp
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
בְרִית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
אַבְרָֽם
ʼAbrâm
H87
"Abram"
N-proper
Abram was the original name of Abraham, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Terah, brother of Nahor and Haran, and husband of Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah, as told in Genesis 11:26--17:5.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x Another name of av.ra.ham (אַבְרָהָם "Abraham" H0085) § Abram = "exalted father" original name of Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: Abram. See also: Genesis 11:26; Genesis 14:13; Nehemiah 9:7.
Study Notes — Genesis 14:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 14:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 14:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 14:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 14:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 14:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 14:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 14:13
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 14:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 14:13
- Sermons on Genesis 14:13
Context — Abram Rescues Lot
11The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food, and they went on their way.
12They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since Lot was living in Sodom.
13Then an escapee came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the Oaks of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and Aner, all of whom were bound by treaty to Abram.
14And when Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan. 15During the night, Abram divided his forces and routed Chedorlaomer’s army, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 13:18 | So Abram moved his tent and went to live near the Oaks of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD. |
| 2 | Genesis 14:24 | I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share for the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. They may take their portion.” |
| 3 | Genesis 40:15 | For I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing for which they should have put me in this dungeon.” |
| 4 | Jonah 1:9 | “I am a Hebrew,” replied Jonah. “I worship the LORD, the God of the heavens, who made the sea and the dry land.” |
| 5 | Philippians 2:5 | Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 4:12 | That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line all the way to Shiloh, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. |
| 7 | Job 1:15 | the Sabeans swooped down and took them away. They put the servants to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” |
| 8 | Exodus 2:6 | When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the little boy was crying. So she had compassion on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrew children.” |
| 9 | Exodus 2:11 | One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to his own people and observed their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. |
| 10 | Genesis 41:12 | Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams and he interpreted them for us individually. |
Genesis 14:13 Summary
Genesis 14:13 tells us that Abram was living near the Oaks of Mamre when he received news that his nephew Lot had been taken captive. This news came from an escapee who had managed to flee from the battle between the four kings and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, as described in Genesis 14:11-12. Abram's response to this news shows that he was a man of action and faith, much like the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11:1-40. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn about the importance of standing up for our loved ones and trusting in God's power, just as Abram did when he went to rescue Lot (Genesis 14:14-16).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the escapee that reported to Abram in Genesis 14:13?
The Bible does not provide the name of the escapee, but we can infer that it was someone who survived the battle between the four kings and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, as described in Genesis 14:11-12.
What does it mean that Abram was a Hebrew in Genesis 14:13?
The term 'Hebrew' in Genesis 14:13 refers to Abram's ethnic and cultural identity as a descendant of Eber, a great-grandson of Noah, as mentioned in Genesis 10:21-25 and 11:10-26.
What is the significance of the Oaks of Mamre in Genesis 14:13?
The Oaks of Mamre was a sacred place where Abram had set up his tent, and it is also where God appeared to him in Genesis 18:1, reinforcing the idea that this location held spiritual significance for Abram.
Why were Eshcol, Aner, and Mamre bound by treaty to Abram in Genesis 14:13?
The fact that Eshcol, Aner, and Mamre were bound by treaty to Abram suggests that they had formed an alliance with him, possibly for mutual protection or trade, as seen in other biblical accounts of covenant-making, such as Genesis 21:27 and 26:28.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about Abram's relationships with the people around him, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does the report of the escapee affect Abram, and what does this say about his character?
- What role do you think the Oaks of Mamre played in Abram's spiritual life, and how can we find similar places of spiritual refreshment in our own lives?
- How does this verse set the stage for the events that unfold in the rest of Genesis 14, and what can we learn from Abram's response to the news?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 14:13
And there came one that escaped,.... Both the sword of the enemy and the slimepits; either one of the inhabitants of Sodom, who had an acquaintance with Lot and a friendship for him, and knew his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 14:13
And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 14:13
Abram the Hebrew; so called, either, 1. From his great and good predecessor Eber, 11:14, in and by whom the primitive language and true religion were preserved; and therefore though Abram had five other progenitors between Eber and him, which were persons of less note, he is rightly denominated from Eber, the Hebrew, because he was the first that revived the memory and the work of Eber, that kept up the same language, and eminently propagated the same true religion. Or, 2. As others think, from his passing over the river Euphrates, from beyond which he came into Canaan. These were confederate with Abram, i.e. had entered into a league for their mutual defence against common enemies. Whence we learn that it is not simply and universally unlawful to make a league with persons of a false religion.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 14:13
Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these [were] confederate with Abram.Ver. 13. And there came one that had escaped.] A Sodomite likely, but a servant to God’ s good providence, for Lot’ s rescue. "The Lord knoweth how to deliver his," &c. He that "led captivity captive," can "turn our captivity as the streams in the south".
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 14:13
(13) One that had escaped.—Heb., the escaped; not any one in particular, but the fugitives generally. As Sodom lay at the north-western end of the Dead Sea, the region where Abram was dwelling would be their natural place of refuge. Abram the Hebrew.—That is, the immigrant (from beyond the Euphrates), but also his patronymic from Eber, who in like manner had crossed the Tigris. It was, no doubt, the usual title of Abram among the Canaanites, and has been preserved from the original document, whence also probably was taken the exact description of Lot in Genesis 14:12. The plain of Mamre . . . these were confederate with Abram.—Heb., the oak of Mamre (see Genesis 13:18), and lords, or owners of a covenant. Abram had not occupied Mamre without the consent of the dominant Amorites, and probably there was also a league for mutual defence between him and them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 14:13
Verse 13. Abram the Hebrew] See Clarke on Genesis 10:21. It is very likely that Abram had this appellation from his coming from beyond the river Euphrates to enter Canaan; for העברי haibri, which we render the Hebrew, comes from עבר abar, to pass over, or come from beyond. It is supposed by many that he got this name from Eber or Heber, son of Salah; see Genesis 11:15. But why he should get a name from Heber, rather than from his own father, or some other of his progenitors, no person has yet been able to discover. We may, therefore, safely conclude that he bears the appellation of Hebrew or Ibrite from the above circumstance, and not from one of his progenitors, of whom we know nothing but the name, and who preceded Abram not less than six generations; and during the whole of that time till the time marked here, none of his descendants were ever called Hebrews; this is a demonstration that Abram was not called the Hebrew from Heber; see Genesis 11:15-27. These were confederate with Abram.] It seems that a kind of convention was made between Abram and the three brothers, Mamre, Eshcol, and Aner, who were probably all chieftains in the vicinity of Abram's dwelling: all petty princes, similar to the nine kings before mentioned.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 14:13
13–16. Abram’s Victory 13. Abram the Hebrew] Abram is described, as Lot in the previous verse, as if mentioned for the first time: an indication of the independent origin of the narrative. The name “Hebrew” here occurs for the first time in Scripture. It is a title used of Israelites, either by foreigners, or in speaking of them to foreigners, or in contrast with foreigners. The word was popularly explained as a patronymic meaning “descendant of Eber,” see notes on Genesis 10:24, Genesis 11:14. Its formation, from the root ‘br, suggests that it means “one who has come from the other side,” probably, of the river Euphrates, cf. Joshua 24:2. The LXX renders here ὁπεράτης, Lat. transeuphratensis. It is sometimes claimed that the name is identical with that of the Ḥ ?abiri, a nomad, restless people, mentioned in the Tel-el-Amarna tablets as making war upon the Canaanite towns and communities (circ. 1400).
The name Ḥ ?abiri is akin to Hebron, and may denote “the confederates.” The identification of ‘Ibri = “Hebrew” with Ḥ ?abiri would require a change of the first consonant, and an alteration of root meaning1[16]. [16] See Appendix D.the oaks of Mamre] Better, terebinths. See note on Genesis 13:18. Mamre, though probably the name of a place, is here personified in its occupant. But there is no indication in Genesis 13:18 that “the oaks of Mamre” were called by the name of a local chieftain. Eshcol] The well-known name, meaning “a bunch of grapes,” given to a valley near Hebron (cf. Numbers 13:23), is here transferred to a person. Aner] has not been identified as a place near Hebron, but appears as the name of a town in 1 Chronicles 6:70. confederate with Abram] Lit. “lords of the covenant of Abram,” i.e. allies with him by mutual compact, like Abimelech the Philistine, Genesis 21:22-23; Genesis 21:32, Genesis 26:28-31.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 14:13
ABRAM’S VICTORY, Genesis 14:13-16. 13. One that had escaped — Hebrews the fugitive, emphatic as representing a class, or company. The Hebrew — Or the Eberite, a patronymic of Eber, (Genesis 10:21,) the ancestor of Abram.
Sermons on Genesis 14:13
| Sermon | Description | |
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Purpose, Principles, and the Person: A Personal Testimony by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his 60 years of ministry and shares a basic lesson on God's purpose as depicted in the book of Genesis. He emphasizes that God not only has |
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I Am Your Great Reward by Anton Bosch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not stopping at the end of a chapter when reading the Bible, as it can cause us to miss out on powerful blessings and the c |
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Abrahams' Journey by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not wasting one's life and youth by going back to worldly ways. He uses the example of Abraham and the prodigal son to illu |
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Where Would You Pitch Your Tent? by Percy Ray | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing and following the word of God without being influenced by those who try to undermine it. He encourages the congr |
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Old Testament Survey - Part 8 by Dick Woodward | This sermon delves into the story of Abraham in the book of Genesis, highlighting the importance of faith in pleasing God and the journey of surrendering everything to Him. It expl |
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The Life of Abraham - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Abraham in the Book of Genesis. He emphasizes the theme of restoration and how God can bring us out of the mess we create for o |
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The Committed Life by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the significance of a committed life through the example of Abraham, who was called by God during a time of great moral decline. God revealed Himself to Abr |