Genesis 14:4
Genesis 14:4 in Multiple Translations
For twelve years they had been subject to Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
For twelve years they were under the rule of Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they put off his control.
They had been under the rule of Chedorlaomer for twelve years, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled against him.
Twelue yeere were they subiect to Chedor-laomer, but in the thirteenth yeere they rebelled.
twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and the thirteenth year they rebelled.
They served Chedorlaomer for twelve years, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
For they had served Chodorlahomor twelve years, and in the thirteenth year they revolted from him.
For twelve years he ruled them. But during the thirteenth year they rebelled and refused to keep giving him tribute money.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 14:4
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 14:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שְׁתֵּ֤ים
עֶשְׂרֵה֙
שָׁנָ֔ה
עָבְד֖וּ
אֶת
כְּדָרְלָעֹ֑מֶר
וּ/שְׁלֹשׁ
עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה
שָׁנָ֖ה
מָרָֽדוּ
שְׁתֵּ֤ים
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
עֶשְׂרֵה֙
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
שָׁנָ֔ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
עָבְד֖וּ
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כְּדָרְלָעֹ֑מֶר
Kᵉdorlâʻômer
H3540
Chedorlaomer
N-proper
וּ/שְׁלֹשׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Conj | Adj
עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
שָׁנָ֖ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
מָרָֽדוּ
mârad
H4775
to rebel
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 14:4
שְׁתֵּ֤ים
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
עֶשְׂרֵה֙
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
שָׁנָ֔ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
עָבְד֖וּ
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כְּדָרְלָעֹ֑מֶר
Kᵉdorlâʻômer
H3540
"Chedorlaomer"
N-proper
Chedorlaomer was an early king of Elam who was defeated by Abraham, as told in Genesis 14. His name means handful of sheaves.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.14.1 § Chedorlaomer = "handful of sheaves" the king of Elam defeated by Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Chedorlaomer. See also: Genesis 14:1; Genesis 14:5; Genesis 14:17.
וּ/שְׁלֹשׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
שָׁנָ֖ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
מָרָֽדוּ
mârad
H4775
"to rebel"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To rebel means to resist or defy authority, like the Israelites who rebelled against God in the wilderness. This Hebrew word is used to describe rebellion against human leaders, like kings, or against God Himself. It appears in stories like Exodus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) to rebel, revolt, be rebellious 1a) (Qal) to rebel, revolt 1a1) against human king 1a2) against God 1a3) against light (poetic)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: rebel(-lious). See also: Genesis 14:4; 2 Chronicles 36:13; Isaiah 36:5.
Study Notes — Genesis 14:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 14:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 14:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 14:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 14:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 14:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 14:4
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 14:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 14:4
- Sermons on Genesis 14:4
Context — The War of the Kings
2went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar).
3The latter five came as allies to the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea ).
4For twelve years they had been subject to Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
5In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaites in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh-kiriathaim, 6and the Horites in the area of Mount Seir, as far as El-paran, which is near the desert.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 9:25–26 | he said, “Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.” He also declared: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the servant of Shem. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 17:15 | But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending his envoys to Egypt to ask for horses and a large army. Will he flourish? Will the one who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape?’ |
Genesis 14:4 Summary
Genesis 14:4 tells us that the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela had been under the rule of Chedorlaomer for twelve years before they decided to rebel against him. This event is a reminder that God is the ultimate ruler of all nations and kingdoms, as seen in Psalm 103:19 and Daniel 4:17. Just as these kings sought freedom from Chedorlaomer's rule, we can seek freedom from the power of sin and death through faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 6:14 and Galatians 5:1. By trusting in God's sovereignty and submitting to His will, we can find true liberty and peace, as seen in John 8:31-32 and 2 Corinthians 3:17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of the kings rebelling against Chedorlaomer in Genesis 14:4?
The kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela had been under Chedorlaomer's rule for twelve years before they rebelled, as stated in Genesis 14:4, and this event is also connected to the larger narrative of God's judgment on these cities, as seen in Genesis 18:20 and Genesis 19:1-29.
Why did the kings rebel against Chedorlaomer after twelve years of being subject to him?
The Bible does not provide a direct reason for the rebellion, but it can be inferred that the kings grew tired of Chedorlaomer's rule and sought independence, similar to the Israelites' desire for freedom from Egyptian rule, as seen in Exodus 1:14 and Exodus 2:23-25.
Is Chedorlaomer a significant figure in the Bible beyond Genesis 14:4?
Chedorlaomer is mentioned in Genesis 14:1-16 as the king of Elam who ruled over the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela, but he is not a major figure in the rest of the Bible, although his actions have implications for the narrative of Genesis, particularly in relation to Abraham's story, as seen in Genesis 14:13-16.
How does Genesis 14:4 relate to the rest of the biblical narrative?
Genesis 14:4 is part of the larger story of God's dealings with humanity, particularly in relation to the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3, and it serves as a backdrop for the events that unfold in the rest of the book of Genesis, including the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as seen in Genesis 18:1-33 and Genesis 19:1-29.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I might be 'subject' to worldly powers or influences, and how can I seek freedom in Christ, as seen in Galatians 5:1 and Romans 6:14?
- How do I respond to authority or leadership in my life, and what can I learn from the example of the kings in Genesis 14:4?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with difficult circumstances or oppressive systems, as seen in Psalm 37:1-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
- How can I balance the desire for independence and self-rule with the need for humility and submission to God's will, as seen in James 4:6-10 and 1 Peter 5:6-7?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 14:4
Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer,.... King of Elam, who was of the race of Shem, and so the prophecy of Noah began to be fulfilled, that Canaan should be servant to Shem, Genesis 9:26; for the kings of Sodom, c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 14:4
Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer - i:e., were tributary to him (cf. 2 Kings 18:7). And in the thirteenth year.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 14:4
He was their lord, either, 1. By inheritance, as the issue of Elam, Shem’ s son, . Or, 2. By conquest, having subdued those people in a former war, which Josephus speaks of.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 14:4
Genesis 14:4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.Ver. 4. They rebelled.] Which they ought not to have done, if they had promised fidelity, unless in case of extreme necessity: and then also, at first, to have been on the defensive only. Alsted.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 14:4
(4) They served.—That is, paid a yearly tribute, that they might be exempt from Chedorlaomer’s marauding expeditions (see 2 Kings 18:7). There must, therefore, have been envoys going from time to time to and from the Jordan valley to Shinar.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 14:4
4. they served] The five kings “served,” i.e. were vassals, and paid tribute to, the king of Elam who was their over-lord. rebelled] Probably by omitting to pay tribute or to send gifts, as they had done for 12 years. The distance from southern Palestine to Elam was great. The five kings were doubtless petty princes, who took part in a wide-spread rebellion. Perhaps they took advantage of the decline of the power of Elam, and of the growth of the power of Babylonia. This is a justifiable conjecture if “Amraphel” be the same as Hammurabi. For Hammurabi threw off the yoke of Elam, united Babylonia, and founded the Dynasty of Babylon. Compare the description in 2 Kings 24:1, “Jehoiakim became his [Nebuchadnezzar’s] servant three years; then he turned, and rebelled against him.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 14:4
4. Twelve years they served — During these years they were probably required to pay annual tribute to the king of Elam, the leader and most powerful of the eastern kings.
Sermons on Genesis 14:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Revelation) Part 1 the Scarlet Womans Future Judgement by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation Chapter 17 and the woman mentioned in the text. The woman is described as sitting upon many waters, representing peoples, nations |
|
Come Over Into Macedonia by Charles Alexander | In this sermon, the speaker begins by mentioning that he is under orders to confine his remarks to ten minutes. He expresses his gratitude for being in Canada for the first time an |
|
Answers for Modern Science Questions by Ken Ham | This sermon emphasizes the biblical perspective on race, explaining that all humans belong to one biological race but can be divided into two spiritual races based on their relatio |
|
The Abrahamic Covenant by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink explores the significance of the Abrahamic Covenant, emphasizing Abraham's unique role as 'the friend of God' and the father of all believers. He highlights how the coven |