Genesis 14:15
Genesis 14:15 in Multiple Translations
During the night, Abram divided his forces and routed Chedorlaomer’s army, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.
And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
And he divided himself against them by night, he and his servants, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
And separating his forces by night, he overcame them, putting them to flight and going after them as far as Hobah, which is on the north side of Damascus.
There he divided his men into groups and attacked at night, defeating the enemy and chasing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.
Then he, and his seruants deuided them selues against them by night, and smote them and pursued them vnto Hobah, which is on the left side of Damascus,
And he divideth himself against them by night, he and his servants, and smiteth them, and pursueth them unto Hobah, which [is] at the left of Damascus;
He divided himself against them by night, he and his servants, and struck them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
And he divided himself against them, he and his servants by night, and smote them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
And dividing his company, he rushed upon them in the night: and defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hoba, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
During the night, Abram divided the men into several groups, and they attacked their enemies from various directions and defeated them. They pursued them as far as Hobah, which was north of Damascus city.
Then, in the night time, Abram split up all the fighting men into groups, and they attacked Kedorlayomer and his soldiers. Abram and his men won that fight, and they chased those other soldiers all the way to a town called Hobah, north of Damascus town.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 14:15
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 14:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּחָלֵ֨ק
עֲלֵי/הֶ֧ם
לַ֛יְלָה
ה֥וּא
וַ/עֲבָדָ֖י/ו
וַ/יַּכֵּ֑/ם
וַֽ/יִּרְדְּפֵ/ם֙
עַד
חוֹבָ֔ה
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
מִ/שְּׂמֹ֖אל
לְ/דַמָּֽשֶׂק
וַ/יֵּחָלֵ֨ק
châlaq
H2505
to divide
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֲלֵי/הֶ֧ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
לַ֛יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
N-ms
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וַ/עֲבָדָ֖י/ו
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Conj | N-mp | Suff
וַ/יַּכֵּ֑/ם
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
וַֽ/יִּרְדְּפֵ/ם֙
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
חוֹבָ֔ה
chôwbâh
H2327
Hobah
N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
מִ/שְּׂמֹ֖אל
sᵉmôʼwl
H8040
left
Prep | N-ms
לְ/דַמָּֽשֶׂק
Dammeseq
H1834
Damascus
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 14:15
וַ/יֵּחָלֵ֨ק
châlaq
H2505
"to divide"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To smooth means to make something slippery or deceitful, like in Proverbs where it warns against flattery. It can also mean to divide or separate something, like an inheritance.
Definition: 1) to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assign 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide, apportion 1a2) to assign, distribute 1a3) to assign, impart 1a4) to share 1a5) to divide up, plunder 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide oneself 1b2) to be divided 1b3) to assign, distribute 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to divide, apportion 1c2) to assign, distribute 1c3) to scatter 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) to receive a portion or part 1f) (Hithpael) to divide among themselves
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er). See also: Genesis 14:15; Job 27:17; Psalms 5:10.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֧ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
לַ֛יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
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.
וַ/עֲבָדָ֖י/ו
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
וַ/יַּכֵּ֑/ם
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
וַֽ/יִּרְדְּפֵ/ם֙
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
חוֹבָ֔ה
chôwbâh
H2327
"Hobah"
N-proper
Hobah is a place in Syria where Abraham chased after some kings who had attacked his friends in Genesis 14. It is a significant location in biblical history and geography.
Definition: § Hobah = "hiding place" a city north of Damascus to which Abraham pursued the kings who had pillaged Sodom
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Hobah. See also: Genesis 14:15.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
מִ/שְּׂמֹ֖אל
sᵉmôʼwl
H8040
"left"
Prep | N-ms
This word means 'left' or 'north', referring to the left hand or side, as seen in KJV translations. It describes direction or orientation.
Definition: 1) the left, the left hand, the left side 1a) left 1b) left hand 1c) north (as one faces east)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: left (hand, side). See also: Genesis 13:9; 1 Kings 22:19; Proverbs 3:16.
לְ/דַמָּֽשֶׂק
Dammeseq
H1834
"Damascus"
Prep | N-proper
Damascus, the capital city of Syria, is mentioned in the Bible as an important trading center. It is located northeast of Jerusalem and is referenced in several biblical stories.
Definition: § Damascus = "silent is the sackcloth weaver" an ancient trading city, capital of Syria, located in the plain east of Hermon, 130 (205 km) miles northeast of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Damascus. See also: Genesis 14:15; 2 Chronicles 28:5; Isaiah 7:8.
Study Notes — Genesis 14:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 14:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 14:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 14:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 14:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 14:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 14:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 14:15
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 14:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 14:15
- Sermons on Genesis 14:15
Context — Abram Rescues Lot
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.
16He retrieved all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people. 17After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 9:2 | and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. |
| 2 | Psalms 112:5 | It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 15:18 | So Asa withdrew all the silver and gold that remained in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace. He entrusted it to his servants and sent them with this message to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus: |
| 4 | Isaiah 41:2–3 | Who has aroused one from the east and called him to his feet in righteousness ? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow. He pursues them, going on safely, hardly touching the path with his feet. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 15:2 | This is the manner of remission: Every creditor shall cancel what he has loaned to his neighbor. He is not to collect anything from his neighbor or brother, because the LORD’s time of release has been proclaimed. |
Genesis 14:15 Summary
[Genesis 14:15 shows us that Abram trusted God to help him defeat his enemies, even when the odds seemed against him. He divided his forces at night and pursued Chedorlaomer's army, trusting that God would give him victory, just as God had promised to be with him in Genesis 12:2-3. This verse teaches us to have faith in God's power and provision, even in difficult situations, and to trust that He will work everything out for our good, as Romans 8:28 says. By trusting God and taking bold action, we can experience His power and protection in our lives, just like Abram did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we learn from Abram's decision to divide his forces at night in Genesis 14:15?
Abram's decision to divide his forces at night shows his trust in God's power and provision, as seen in Genesis 14:15, and his willingness to take bold action in faith, similar to what is encouraged in Psalm 27:14.
How did Abram's military strategy in Genesis 14:15 reflect his faith in God?
Abram's strategy to divide his forces at night and pursue Chedorlaomer's army reflects his faith in God's power and sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 21:31, which says that the horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
What does the location 'Hobah, north of Damascus' in Genesis 14:15 signify?
The location 'Hobah, north of Damascus' signifies the extent of Abram's pursuit and victory over Chedorlaomer's army, demonstrating God's blessing and protection over Abram, as promised in Genesis 12:2-3.
How does Genesis 14:15 relate to the broader theme of God's covenant with Abram?
Genesis 14:15 relates to the broader theme of God's covenant with Abram, as seen in Genesis 15:1-6, where God reaffirms His promise to Abram, demonstrating that God is faithful to His promises and will protect and provide for those who trust in Him, as stated in Deuteronomy 7:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply Abram's faith and trust in God to my own life, especially in challenging situations?
- How can I, like Abram, take bold action in faith and trust that God will provide and protect me?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's power and sovereignty, just as Abram did in Genesis 14:15?
- How can I reflect on God's past faithfulness in my life, just as Abram did after his victory in Genesis 14:15, and use that to strengthen my faith for the future?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 14:15
And he divided himself against them, he and his servants by night,.... Together with his confederates; and very probably their whole three was divided into four parts, under their four leaders; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 14:15
And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 14:15
He divided himself, i.e. his forces into several parties, that coming upon them from several quarters he might strike them with greater terror, whilst they thought his army far more numerous than it was.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 14:15
Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which [is] on the left hand of Damascus.Ver. 15. Smote them, and pursued them.] Abram came upon them as they were, - secure, sleepy, and drunken, as Josephus writeth. So did David upon the Amalekites, and Ahab the Syrians. The division of his company, and taking benefit of the night, teacheth the use of godly policies and stratagems.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 14:15
(15) Hobah . . . on the left hand of Damascus.—That is, to the north, as the Hebrews looked eastward in defining the quarters of the heaven. The victory had thus been followed up with great energy, the pursuit having lasted, according to Josephus, the whole of the next day and night after that on which the attack was made. At Hobah the mountains cease, and the great plain of Damascus begins, and further pursuit was therefore useless.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 14:15
Verse 15. And he divided himself against them] It required both considerable courage and address in Abram to lead him to attack the victorious armies of these four kings with so small a number of troops, and on this occasion both his skill and his courage are exercised. His affection for Lot appears to have been his chief motive; he cheerfully risks his life for that nephew who had lately chosen the best part of the land, and left his uncle to live as he might, on what he did not think worthy his own acceptance. But it is the property of a great and generous mind, not only to forgive, but to forget offences; and at all times to repay evil with good.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 14:15
15. divided himself against them by night] Abram divides his forces into three bands, and from three different quarters delivers a simultaneous night attack. The same manoeuvre was adopted by Gideon (Judges 7:20-22), when a small force similarly routed a large army. Cf. 1 Samuel 11:11. The surprise was complete. Chedorlaomer’s panic-stricken troops are chased for over 100 miles, and all the prisoners and booty recovered. There is no mention of Abram’s confederates (see Genesis 14:13; Genesis 14:24). The credit of the victories lies with Abram and his household force. unto Hobah] Probably a place about 50 miles north of Damascus. Skinner rightly points out that “it is idle to pretend that Abram’s victory was merely a surprise attack on the rearguard, and the recovery of part of the booty. A pursuit carried so far implies the rout of the main body of the enemy” (p. 267). which is on the left hand of Damascus] For “left hand,” R.V. marg. has north. An Israelite always spoke as if he were facing eastward; and the north is, therefore, on his left hand; cf.
Genesis 2:24. Damascus, the capital of Syria (Heb. Damméseḳ ? = Assyr. Dimashḳ ?i, = Dimashk esh-Shâm, i.e. “Damascus of Syria”), a famous city, mentioned in Egyptian inscriptions as early as the 16th century. On the fable of Abram’s capture of it, see note on Genesis 12:5.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 14:15
15. Divided himself against them — Abram was the leader and commander in the war, and the forces of his confederates, as well as his own servants, were at his disposal.
Sermons on Genesis 14:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 14:12-17 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Abraham and his victory in battle. Abraham divided his servants into two groups, one attacking from the rear while the other wen |
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The Power of Prayer and Fasting by Herald Weitsz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of devotion, consecration, holiness, and power in the life of a believer. He mentions the missionary journeys of the Apostle P |
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K-518 Tv Show Part 2 Testimony by Art Katz | In this video, two Jewish men, Art Katz and Paul Gordon, share their personal experiences with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They express their dissatisfaction with life an |
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From Genesis to Revelation by George Warnock | George Warnock emphasizes the journey from Genesis to Revelation, illustrating God's unchanging nature as Alpha and Omega, and His desire to transform His people from their beginni |
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The People of the Way by George Warnock | George Warnock emphasizes that Jesus is not just a guide, a teacher, or a giver of life, but that we must fully unite with Him in all aspects - the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. Be |
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Lend, Expecting Nothing by David Servant | David Servant delves into Jesus' command to 'lend, expecting nothing in return,' emphasizing the importance of lending without expecting repayment, especially to the poor and needy |
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Of the Practice of Covetousness in Keeping Wealth by William Gouge | William Gouge preaches about covetousness in keeping wealth, highlighting two practices: hoarding excessively out of fear for the future, as seen in the parable of the rich fool in |