Genesis 14:17
New International Version
After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).

New Living Translation
After Abram returned from his victory over Kedorlaomer and all his allies, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).

English Standard Version
After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).

Berean Standard Bible
After 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).

King James Bible
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.

New King James Version
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him.

New American Standard Bible
Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).

NASB 1995
Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).

NASB 1977
Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).

Legacy Standard Bible
Then after he came back from striking down Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).

Amplified Bible
Then after Abram’s return from the defeat (slaughter) of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).

Christian Standard Bible
After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Shaveh Valley (that is, the King’s Valley ).

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).

American Standard Version
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, at the vale of Shaveh (the same is the King's Vale).

Contemporary English Version
Abram returned after he had defeated King Chedorlaomer and the other kings. Then the king of Sodom went to meet Abram in Shaveh Valley, which is also known as King's Valley.

English Revised Version
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, at the vale of Shaveh (the same is the King's Vale).

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After Abram came back from defeating Chedorlaomer and his allies, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Shaveh Valley (that is, the King's Valley).

Good News Translation
When Abram came back from his victory over Chedorlaomer and the other kings, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in Shaveh Valley (also called King's Valley).

International Standard Version
After Abram's return from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with them, the king of Sodom went out to meet with him in the Shaveh Valley (that is, the King's Valley).

Majority Standard Bible
After 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).

NET Bible
After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet Abram in the Valley of Shaveh (known as the King's Valley).

New Heart English Bible
The king of Sodom went out to meet him, after his return from the defeat of Kedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley).

Webster's Bible Translation
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.

World English Bible
The king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the king of Sodom goes out to meet him (after his turning back from the striking of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings who [are] with him), to the Valley of Shaveh, which [is] the king’s valley.

Young's Literal Translation
And the king of Sodom goeth out to meet him (after his turning back from the smiting of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings who are with him), unto the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's valley.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the king of Sodom shall come forth to his meeting (after his return from the destroying of Chedorlaomer and the kings which were with him) at the valley of Shaveh; this is the king's valley.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after he returned from the slaughter of Chodorlahomor, and of the kings that were with him in the vale of Save, which is the king's vale.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after he returned from the slaughter at Chedorlaomer, and the kings who were with him at the valley of Shaveh, which is the valley of the king.

New American Bible
When Abram returned from his defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were allied with him, the king of Sodom went out to greet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).

New Revised Standard Version
After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the king of Sodom went out to greet him, after his return from the destruction of the forces of Cardlaamar, and the kings who were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, that is, the king's valley.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the King of Sadom went out to meet him after he returned when he destroyed Kardlaamar and the Kings with him in the valley of Shwa that is the Valley of the Kings.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, at the vale of Shaveh--the same is the King's Vale.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after he returned from the slaughter of Chodollogomor, and the kings with him, to the valley of Saby; this was the plain of the kings.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Melchizedek Blesses Abram
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). 18Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High—…

Cross References
Hebrews 7:1-2
This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, / and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness.” Then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.”

Psalm 110:4
The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 5:6
And in another passage God says: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 6:20
where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 7:17
For it is testified: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 7:21
but Jesus became a priest with an oath by the One who said to Him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’”

Hebrews 7:10
For when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the loin of his ancestor.

Hebrews 7:4
Consider how great Melchizedek was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder.

Hebrews 7:6
But Melchizedek, who did not trace his descent from Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.

Hebrews 7:11
Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron?

Hebrews 7:15-16
And this point is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, / one who has become a priest not by a law of succession, but by the power of an indestructible life.

Hebrews 7:22
Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

Hebrews 7:24-25
But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. / Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.

Hebrews 7:26-28
Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. / Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself. / For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

Hebrews 8:1
The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,


Treasury of Scripture

And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.

to.

Judges 11:34
And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.

1 Samuel 18:6
And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.

Proverbs 14:20
The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.

after.

Hebrews 7:1
For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;

king's.

2 Samuel 18:18
Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place.

Jump to Previous
Abram Allied Chedorlaomer Ched-Or-Lao'mer Dale Defeat Defeating Flight Kedorlaomer Kings King's Meet Meeting Putting Shaveh Slaughter Smiting Sodom Turning Vale Valley
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Abram Allied Chedorlaomer Ched-Or-Lao'mer Dale Defeat Defeating Flight Kedorlaomer Kings King's Meet Meeting Putting Shaveh Slaughter Smiting Sodom Turning Vale Valley
Genesis 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.














After Abram returned
This phrase marks a significant transition in the narrative, highlighting Abram's successful military campaign. The Hebrew root for "returned" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which often implies a turning back or restoration. Abram's return signifies not only a physical journey back but also a spiritual and moral victory, as he has acted as a protector and deliverer. This sets a precedent for his role as a patriarch and a man of faith, emphasizing the divine favor and guidance he receives.

from defeating Kedorlaomer
The defeat of Kedorlaomer, a powerful king, underscores Abram's unexpected military prowess. Historically, Kedorlaomer is identified as a king of Elam, a region east of Mesopotamia. The Hebrew word for "defeating" is "נָכָה" (nakah), meaning to strike or smite. This victory is not just a physical conquest but a testament to God's providence and Abram's faith. It illustrates the theme of divine intervention where God empowers the seemingly weak to overcome the mighty.

and the kings allied with him
This phrase indicates a coalition of kings, suggesting a formidable alliance against which Abram was victorious. The Hebrew term for "allied" is "חָבַר" (chabar), meaning to join or unite. This coalition represents worldly power and opposition, yet it is overcome by Abram, who is supported by divine promise rather than human strength. This victory foreshadows the triumph of God's people over worldly powers throughout biblical history.

the king of Sodom came out to meet him
The king of Sodom's approach to Abram is significant, as it sets the stage for the subsequent interaction with Melchizedek. The Hebrew word for "meet" is "קָרָא" (qara), which can imply a calling or encounter. This meeting in the narrative highlights the contrast between the king of Sodom, representing worldly wealth and corruption, and Abram, who is about to be blessed by Melchizedek, a priest of the Most High God. It serves as a reminder of the choices between worldly allure and divine blessing.

in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley)
The Valley of Shaveh, identified as the King’s Valley, is a location of significant historical and symbolic importance. The Hebrew "שָׁוֵה" (shaveh) means level or plain, suggesting a place of equality or judgment. This valley becomes a meeting place for kings and a site of divine encounter, as Melchizedek will soon bless Abram here. The King’s Valley symbolizes a place where divine and earthly realms intersect, foreshadowing the coming of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who bridges heaven and earth.

(17) The slaughter.--Heb., the smiting, that is, the defeat of Chedorlaomer.

The valley of Shaven.--That is, the valley of the plain (see on Genesis 14:5). It was the place where Absalom erected his pillar (2Samuel 18:18), and lay on the northern side of Jerusalem, probably where the Kedron valley widens out. Its other name, "the king's dale," may have been given it from this meeting of the kings of Salem and Sodom with the victorious Abram; but Onkelos, with far greater probability, considers that it was so called because upon this level ground the kings of Judah in subsequent times assembled and exercised their forces.

Verse 17. - And the king of Sodom - Bera, or his successor (vide Ver. 10) - went out to meet him (i.e. Abram) after his return from the slaughter (perhaps too forcible an expression for mere defeat) of Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him (the entire clause from "after" is parenthetical), at the valley of Shaveh. A valley about two stadia north of Jerusalem (Josephus, 'Ant.,' 8:10), supposed to be the valley of the Upper Kedron, where Absalom s pillar was after. wards erected (2 Samuel 18:10); which may be correct if the Salem afterwards mentioned was Jerusalem (vide infra); but if it was not, then the exact site of Shaveh must be left undetermined. Which is the king's dale. Or valley (emek); so styled because suitable for kingly sports or military exercises (Onkelos); because of its beauty (Poole); because Melchisedeck had his camp and palace there (Malvenda); or most likely because of the interview between him and Abram which there occurred (Keil, Lange), with which agrees the rendering τὸ πεδίον τῶν βασιλέων, (LXX.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
After
אַחֲרֵ֣י (’a·ḥă·rê)
Preposition
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

Abram returned
שׁוּב֗וֹ (šū·ḇōw)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

from defeating
מֵֽהַכּוֹת֙ (mê·hak·kō·wṯ)
Preposition-m | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5221: To strike

Chedorlaomer
כְּדָרלָעֹ֔מֶר‪‬ (lā·‘ō·mer)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3540: Chedorlaomer -- a king of Elam

and the kings
מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

allied with him,
אִתּ֑וֹ (’it·tōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

the king
הַמְּלָכִ֖ים (ham·mə·lā·ḵîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4428: A king

of Sodom
סְדֹם֮ (sə·ḏōm)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5467: Sodom -- a Canaanite city near the Dead Sea

went out
וַיֵּצֵ֣א (way·yê·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

to meet
לִקְרָאתוֹ֒ (liq·rā·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7125: Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way

him in
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the Valley
עֵ֣מֶק (‘ê·meq)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6010: A vale

of Shaveh
שָׁוֵ֔ה (šā·wêh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7740: Shaveh -- a valley near Salem

(that is,
ה֖וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

the King’s
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Valley).
עֵ֥מֶק (‘ê·meq)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6010: A vale


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OT Law: Genesis 14:17 The king of Sodom went out (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 14:16
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