Genesis 14:21
Genesis 14:21 in Multiple Translations
The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the goods for yourself.”
And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the prisoners and take the goods for yourself.
The king of Sodom told Abram, “Let me have the people back, and you can keep everything else for yourself.”
Then the King of Sodom saide to Abram, Giue me the persons, and take the goodes to thy selfe.
And the king of Sodom saith unto Abram, 'Give to me the persons, and the substance take to thyself,'
The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, and take the goods for yourself.”
And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
And the king of Sodom said to Abram: Give me the persons, and the rest take to thyself.
The king of Sodom said to Abram, “You can keep all the goods you recovered. Just let me take back the people from my city whom you rescued.”
Then the leader of Sodom said to Abram, “I only want my people back. You can keep those other things.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 14:21
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 14:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
מֶֽלֶךְ
סְדֹ֖ם
אֶל
אַבְרָ֑ם
תֶּן
לִ֣/י
הַ/נֶּ֔פֶשׁ
וְ/הָ/רְכֻ֖שׁ
קַֽח
לָֽ/ךְ
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
סְדֹ֖ם
Çᵉdôm
H5467
Sodom
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַבְרָ֑ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
Abram
N-proper
תֶּן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לִ֣/י
Prep | Suff
הַ/נֶּ֔פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Art | N-cs
וְ/הָ/רְכֻ֖שׁ
rᵉkûwsh
H7399
property
Conj | Art | N-ms
קַֽח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לָֽ/ךְ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 14:21
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
סְדֹ֖ם
Çᵉdôm
H5467
"Sodom"
N-proper
Sodom was a city near the Dead Sea, known for its wickedness and corruption. According to the book of Genesis, God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah as a judgment for their sins. The city has become a symbol of evil and immorality.
Definition: Sodom = "burning" a Canaanite city, usually paired with Gomorrah, located in the area of the Dead Sea and the Jordan river; both cities destroyed by God in judgment Also named: Sodoma (Σόδομα "Sodom" G4670)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: Sodom. See also: Genesis 10:19; Genesis 19:28; Isaiah 1:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַבְרָ֑ם
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.
תֶּן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לִ֣/י
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/נֶּ֔פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
וְ/הָ/רְכֻ֖שׁ
rᵉkûwsh
H7399
"property"
Conj | Art | N-ms
It refers to property or possessions, such as livestock or goods, like the riches of King Solomon in 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) property, goods, possessions 1a) property, goods 1a1) general term for all movable goods 1a2) of livestock 1a3) of stores, utensils, etc
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: good, riches, substance. See also: Genesis 12:5; 1 Chronicles 28:1; Daniel 11:28.
קַֽח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
לָֽ/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Genesis 14:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Melchizedek Blesses Abram
19and he blessed Abram and said: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,
20and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.
21The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the goods for 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, 23that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’Genesis 14:21 Summary
In Genesis 14:21, the king of Sodom asks Abram to give him back his people, but lets Abram keep the goods they recovered from the battle. This shows that the king is more interested in controlling his people than in thanking Abram for rescuing them (as seen in Genesis 14:16). Abram's response in Genesis 14:22-23 teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's provision and care, rather than relying on earthly leaders or material possessions (as also noted in Psalm 37:3-7 and Matthew 6:24). By prioritizing our relationship with God and trusting in His goodness, we can learn to put people first and not just focus on what we can gain from them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the king of Sodom's request to Abram in Genesis 14:21?
The king of Sodom's request to Abram in Genesis 14:21 shows that he is more interested in regaining control over his people than in thanking Abram for their rescue, as seen in Genesis 14:16. This reveals the king's priorities and character, which are later contrasted with Abram's response in Genesis 14:22-23.
Why does the king of Sodom offer Abram the goods, but ask for the people in return?
The king of Sodom offers Abram the goods as a way of showing appreciation for his help in rescuing the people, but by asking for the people in return, he is trying to maintain control over them, as seen in Genesis 14:21. This is a common theme in the Bible, where earthly leaders seek to exert power over others, as noted in Psalm 2:2.
How does this verse fit into the broader story of Abram's life and faith?
Genesis 14:21 is part of a larger narrative about Abram's trust in God and his commitment to following God's will, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 15:1-6. Abram's response to the king of Sodom in Genesis 14:22-23 demonstrates his faith and obedience to God, which is a key theme throughout the book of Genesis.
What can we learn from the king of Sodom's request in terms of our own relationships with others?
The king of Sodom's request in Genesis 14:21 teaches us about the importance of prioritizing people over material possessions, as Jesus also taught in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 12:15. By putting people first, we demonstrate our love and care for them, rather than just using them for our own gain.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I prioritize material possessions over people in my own life, and how can I change this?
- How does the king of Sodom's request reflect his values and priorities, and what can I learn from this about my own values?
- In what ways can I show appreciation and gratitude to others, like the king of Sodom tries to do in Genesis 14:21, but without expecting something in return?
- How can I, like Abram, trust in God's provision and care, rather than relying on earthly leaders or material possessions for security?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my commitment to following God's will, like Abram does in Genesis 14:22-23?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 14:21
And the king of Sodom said unto Abram,.... After the conversation between him and Melchizedek was over: give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself; meaning by "persons" or "souls", as in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 14:21
And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. The king of Sodom ... Give ... persons.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 14:21
Genesis 14:21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.Ver. 21. And the king of Sodom said.] He that a few days since faced the heavens, and cared not for four kings, can now become suppliant to a forlorn foreigner. Affliction will tame and take down the proudest spirits; they buckle in adversity that bore their heads on high in prosperity. "In their month you may find these wild asses." Give me the persons.] Abram did so, and yet they were no whit amended by their late captivity, or former servitude; from both which now they are freed by Abram, but still held captive by the devil, who owes them yet a further spite, as we shall see, Genesis 19:1-38.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 14:21
(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.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 14:21
21. the king of Sodom] This verse resumes the narrative of Gen 14:17. The incident of Melchizedek is parenthetical.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 14:21
ABRAM AND THE KING OF SODOM, Genesis 14:21-24. 21. King of Sodom said — His northward journey to meet Abram is mentioned in Genesis 14:17, but his action was anticipated by that of Melchizedek.