Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and when the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some of the men fell into them and the rest fled to the hills. New Living Translation As it happened, the valley of the Dead Sea was filled with tar pits. And as the army of the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into the tar pits, while the rest escaped into the mountains. English Standard Version Now the Valley of Siddim was full of bitumen pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, and the rest fled to the hill country. Berean Standard Bible Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some men fell into the pits, but the survivors fled to the hill country. Berean Literal Bible And the Valley of Siddim had pits, pits of tar; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and some fell there, and the remainder fled to the mountains. King James Bible And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain. New King James Version Now the Valley of Siddim was full of asphalt pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled; some fell there, and the remainder fled to the mountains. New American Standard Bible Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them. But those who survived fled to the hill country. NASB 1995 Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them. But those who survived fled to the hill country. NASB 1977 Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them. But those who survived fled to the hill country. Legacy Standard Bible now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits—and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them; but those who remained behind fled to the hill country. Amplified Bible Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar (bitumen) pits; and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, they fell into them. But the remainder [of the kings] who survived fled to the hill country. Berean Annotated Bible Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and as the kings of Sodom (burning) and Gomorrah (submersion) fled, some men fell into the pits, but the survivors fled to the hill country. Christian Standard Bible Now the Siddim Valley contained many asphalt pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, but the rest fled to the mountains. Holman Christian Standard Bible Now the Valley of Siddim contained many asphalt pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, but the rest fled to the mountains. American Standard Version Now the vale of Siddim was full of slime pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell there, and they that remained fled to the mountain. Contemporary English Version was full of tar pits, and when the troops from Sodom and Gomorrah started running away, some of them fell into the pits. Others escaped to the hill country. English Revised Version Now the vale of Siddim was full of slime pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell there, and they that remained fled to the mountain. GOD'S WORD® Translation The valley of Siddim was full of tar pits. As the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, they fell because of the tar pits, but the other kings fled to the hills. Good News Translation The valley was full of tar pits, and when the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah tried to run away from the battle, they fell into the pits; but the other three kings escaped to the mountains. International Standard Version Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, so when the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some of their people fell into them, while the rest fled to the hill country. NET Bible Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits. When the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, they fell into them, but some survivors fled to the hills. New Heart English Bible Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah fled, and they fell there, and those who remained fled to the hills. Webster's Bible Translation And the vale of Siddim was full of slime-pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there: and they that remained fled to the mountain. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some men fell into the pits, but the survivors fled to the hill country. World English Bible Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and some fell there. Those who remained fled to the hills. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the Valley of Siddim [is] full of bitumen-pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah flee, and fall there, and those left have fled to the mountain. Berean Literal Bible And the Valley of Siddim had pits, pits of tar; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and some fell there, and the remainder fled to the mountains. Young's Literal Translation And the valley of Siddim is full of bitumen-pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah flee, and fall there, and those left have fled to the mountain. Smith's Literal Translation And the valley of Siddim, pit, pit of pitch; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah shall flee and shall fall there; and those having remained shall flee to the mountain. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow the woodland vale had many pits of slime. And the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrha turned their backs and were overthrown there: and they that remained fled to the mountain. Catholic Public Domain Version Now the wooded valley had many pits of bitumen. And so the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah turned back and they fell there. And those who remained, fled to the mountain. New American Bible Now the Valley of Siddim was full of bitumen pits; and as the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah fled, they fell into these, while the rest fled to the mountains. New Revised Standard Version Now the Valley of Siddim was full of bitumen pits; and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, and the rest fled to the hill country. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the valley of Siddim was full of bitumen pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and those who survived fled to the mountain. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the valley of Sedumia was pits upon pits of tar and the Kings of Sadom fled and the King of Amora and they fell there, and those who survived fled to the mountains. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now the vale of Siddim was full of slime pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell there, and they that remained fled to the mountain. Brenton Septuagint Translation Now the salt valley consists of slime-pits. And the king of Sodom fled and the king of Gomorrha, and they fell in there: and they that were left fled to the mountain country. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Lot Seized by the Four Kings10Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some men fell into the pits, but the survivors fled to the hill country. 11The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food, and they went on their way.… Cross References Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, Genesis 11:3 And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” So they used brick instead of stone, and tar instead of mortar. Exodus 2:3 But when she could no longer hide him, she got him a papyrus basket and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in the basket and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. Isaiah 34:9 Edom’s streams will be turned to tar, and her soil to sulfur; her land will become a blazing pitch. and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, Joshua 10:16 Now the five kings had fled and hidden in the cave at Makkedah. Genesis 19:24-25 Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. / Thus He destroyed these cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground. 2 Kings 7:7 Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives. some men fell into the pits, Psalm 57:6 They spread a net for my feet; my soul was despondent. They dug a pit before me, but they themselves have fallen into it! Selah Psalm 7:15 He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. Proverbs 26:27 He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. but the survivors fled to the hill country. Matthew 24:16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Luke 21:21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. Psalm 11:1 For the choirmaster. Of David. In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain! 2 Kings 3:9 So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out, and after they had traveled a roundabout route for seven days, they had no water for their army or for their animals. 2 Kings 3:16-20 and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’ / For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’ / This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. … 2 Kings 3:22-23 When they got up early in the morning, the sun was shining on the water, and it looked as red as blood to the Moabites across the way. / “This is blood!” they exclaimed. “The kings have clashed swords and slaughtered one another. Now to the plunder, Moab!” 2 Kings 3:26-27 When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him seven hundred swordsmen to break through to the king of Edom, but they could not prevail. / So he took his firstborn son, who was to succeed him, and offered him as a burnt offering on the city wall. And there was great fury against the Israelites, so they withdrew and returned to their own land. Treasury of Scripture And the vale of Siddim was full of slime pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain. slime pits. Genesis 11:3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. fell. Joshua 8:24 And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword. Psalm 83:10 Which perished at Endor: they became as dung for the earth. Isaiah 24:18 And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake. the mountain. Genesis 19:17,30 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed… Jump to Previous Bitumen Country Earth End Fell Fled Flee Flight Full Gomorrah Gomor'rah Hill Hills Holes Kings Mountain Pits Rest Siddim Slime Sodom Sticky Survived Tar Vale ValleyJump to Next Bitumen Country Earth End Fell Fled Flee Flight Full Gomorrah Gomor'rah Hill Hills Holes Kings Mountain Pits Rest Siddim Slime Sodom Sticky Survived Tar Vale ValleyGenesis 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. Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits The Valley of Siddim is identified with the area around the Dead Sea, known for its bitumen or tar pits. These natural asphalt deposits were common in the region, providing a valuable resource in ancient times for waterproofing and construction. The presence of tar pits indicates a geologically active area, which aligns with the biblical narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction by fire and brimstone. The tar pits symbolize the treacherous and unstable nature of the region, both physically and morally, as Sodom and Gomorrah were known for their wickedness. and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled some men fell into the pits but the survivors fled to the hill country Persons / Places / Events 1. Valley of SiddimThis is the location where the battle took place. It is described as being full of tar pits, which played a significant role in the outcome of the battle. 2. Kings of Sodom and Gomorrah These are the rulers who were involved in the battle against the coalition of kings led by Chedorlaomer. Their flight and fall into the tar pits symbolize their defeat and vulnerability. 3. Tar Pits Natural asphalt deposits that were prevalent in the Valley of Siddim. These pits were hazardous and contributed to the defeat of the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah. 4. Survivors Those who managed to escape the battle and the tar pits, fleeing to the hill country for safety. 5. Hill Country The area to which the survivors fled, representing a place of refuge and safety away from the battlefield. Teaching Points The Consequences of SinThe defeat of Sodom and Gomorrah's kings serves as a reminder of the consequences of living in sin and rebellion against God. Just as they fell into the tar pits, sin can entrap and lead to downfall. Seeking Refuge in God The survivors fleeing to the hill country symbolize the need to seek refuge in God during times of trouble. God is our ultimate place of safety and deliverance. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare The battle in the Valley of Siddim is a physical representation of the spiritual battles we face. We must be vigilant and prepared, relying on God's strength and guidance. God's Sovereignty in History The events in Genesis 14 demonstrate God's control over historical events. Even in chaos, God's purposes are being fulfilled, and His justice will prevail. Learning from the Past The account encourages us to learn from the past mistakes of others, such as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, to avoid similar pitfalls in our spiritual journey. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 14:10?2. How does Genesis 14:10 illustrate the consequences of choosing worldly alliances? 3. What spiritual lessons can we learn from the "tar pits" in Genesis 14:10? 4. How does Genesis 14:10 connect to God's protection over His people elsewhere in Scripture? 5. In what ways can we avoid the "traps" seen in Genesis 14:10 today? 6. How can Genesis 14:10 encourage us to seek God's guidance in decisions? 7. What is the significance of the tar pits in Genesis 14:10 for ancient warfare strategies? 8. How does Genesis 14:10 reflect the historical accuracy of the Bible's account of ancient battles? 9. What do the tar pits symbolize in the broader narrative of Genesis 14? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 14? 11. Where is the Valley of Siddim located? 12. Where is the Valley of Siddim located? 13. What were Admah and Zeboiim in biblical history? 14. 2 Peter 2:6 mentions Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction; do historical or archaeological findings verify this account? What Does Genesis 14:10 Mean Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits• Scripture records a literal location south of the Dead Sea, confirming a real battlefield (Genesis 14:3). • Natural bitumen seeps dotted the plain, the same material used at Babel (Genesis 11:3) and on Moses’ ark-basket (Exodus 2:3). • The detail underscores God’s all-knowing authorship: He sets the scene with accuracy that archaeology now verifies. as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled • These rulers had joined four other city-states to revolt against Kedorlaomer (Genesis 14:1-4). • Their retreat shows human weakness; earthly power collapses when the Lord is not honored (Psalm 33:16-17). • The flight contrasts sharply with later moments when God’s people stand firm by His command, such as in 2 Chronicles 20:17. some men fell into the pits • Panic plus treacherous terrain produced judgment-like consequences, hinting at the moral decay soon judged by fire (Genesis 19:24-25). • The scene illustrates Proverbs 16:18—pride precedes a fall—fitting the cities’ reputation for sin (Genesis 13:13). • Psalm 9:15 notes that the wicked often sink into traps of their own making; the tar pits become an object lesson. but the survivors fled to the hill country • Elevation offered temporary safety, a pattern repeated when Lot is later told, “Flee to the mountains” (Genesis 19:17). • Climbing upward pictures mercy still available; even in judgment God leaves room for repentance (Isaiah 55:7). • Hills around the Dead Sea foreshadow places of refuge God provides elsewhere, such as Adullam for David (1 Samuel 22:1). summary Genesis 14:10 is historically precise and spiritually rich. The tar-filled plain, the panicked kings, the fatal pits, and the mountain refuge together reveal God’s sovereign control over geography, nations, and individual destinies, affirming that His word is both factual and instructive for every generation. (10) The vale of Siddim was full of slimepits.--That is, of holes whence bitumen had been excavated. Layers of this natural asphalte, well known both to the Greeks and Romans as pia Judaica, Judean pitch, still exist on the western side of the Dead Sea; and the places whence it had been dug out, and which are often very deep, formed dangerous impediments in the way of the defeated side.Verse 10. - And the vale of Siddim was full of slime-pits. Literally, was pits, pits (cf. 2 Kings 3:16; Ezekiel 42:12 for examples of repeated nouns) of slime, bitumen or asphalte, and therefore unfavorable for flight. "Some of the wells near the Dead Sea are 116 feet deep, with a stratum of bitumen fifteen feet in depth, and as black as jet" (Inglis). And the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled and fell there. Stumbled into the pits and perished (Keil, Lange, Murphy), though if the king of Sodom escaped (Ver. 17), the language may only mean that they were overthrown there (Knobel, Rosenmüller, Bush, 'Speaker's Commentary'). And they that remained fled to the mountain, of Moab, with its numerous defiles.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Now the Valleyוְעֵ֣מֶק (wə·‘ê·meq) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6010: A vale of Siddim הַשִׂדִּ֗ים (ha·śid·dîm) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7708: Siddim -- a valley near the Dead Sea was full of tar חֵמָ֔ר (ḥê·mār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2564: Bitumen, asphalt pits, בֶּֽאֱרֹ֤ת (be·’ĕ·rōṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 875: A pit, a well and as the kings מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4428: A king of Sodom סְדֹ֥ם (sə·ḏōm) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5467: Sodom -- a Canaanite city near the Dead Sea and Gomorrah וַעֲמֹרָ֖ה (wa·‘ă·mō·rāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 6017: Gomorrah -- a city in the Jordan Valley fled, וַיָּנֻ֛סוּ (way·yā·nu·sū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away some men fell וַיִּפְּלוּ־ (way·yip·pə·lū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5307: To fall, lie into [the pits], שָׁ֑מָּה (šām·māh) Adverb | third person feminine singular Strong's 8033: There, then, thither but the survivors וְהַנִּשְׁאָרִ֖ים (wə·han·niš·’ā·rîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7604: To swell up, be, redundant fled נָּֽסוּ׃ (nā·sū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away to the hill country. הֶ֥רָה (he·rāh) Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country Links Genesis 14:10 NIVGenesis 14:10 NLT Genesis 14:10 ESV Genesis 14:10 NASB Genesis 14:10 KJV Genesis 14:10 BibleApps.com Genesis 14:10 Biblia Paralela Genesis 14:10 Chinese Bible Genesis 14:10 French Bible Genesis 14:10 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 14:10 Now the valley of Siddim was full (Gen. Ge Gn) |
    |