Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.” New Living Translation The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.” English Standard Version And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” Berean Standard Bible The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the goods for yourself.” Berean Literal Bible And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give to me the souls, and take the goods for yourself.” King James Bible And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. New King James Version Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.” New American Standard Bible Then the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the possessions for yourself.” NASB 1995 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.” NASB 1977 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.” Legacy Standard Bible And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me, but take the possessions for yourself.” Amplified Bible The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods (spoils of battle) for yourself.” Berean Annotated Bible The king of Sodom (burning) said to Abram (exalted father), “Give me the people, but take the goods for yourself. Christian Standard Bible Then the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the possessions for yourself.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Then the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the possessions for yourself.” American Standard Version And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. Contemporary English Version The king of Sodom said to Abram, "All I want are my people. You can keep everything else." English Revised Version And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. GOD'S WORD® Translation The king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people, and keep everything else for yourself." Good News Translation The king of Sodom said to Abram, "Keep the loot, but give me back all my people." International Standard Version The king of Sodom told Abram, "Return the people to me, and you take the possessions for yourself." NET Bible Then the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people and take the possessions for yourself." New Heart English Bible Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people, and take the possessions for yourself." Webster's Bible Translation And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the goods for yourself.” World English Bible The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, and take the goods for yourself.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the king of Sodom says to Abram, “Give to me the persons, and take the substance to yourself,” Berean Literal Bible And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give to me the souls, and take the goods for yourself.” Young's Literal Translation And the king of Sodom saith unto Abram, 'Give to me the persons, and the substance take to thyself,' Smith's Literal Translation And the king of Sodom will say to Abram, Give to me the living creature, and take the Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king of Sodom said to Abram: Give me the persons, and the rest take to thyself. Catholic Public Domain Version Then the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me these souls, and take the rest for yourself.” New American Bible The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the captives; the goods you may keep.” New Revised Standard Version Then the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the people, and take the goods for yourself. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King of Sadom said to Abram, “Give to me the souls, and the possessions take to yourselves. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the king of Sodom said unto Abram: 'Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the men, and take the horses to thyself. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Melchizedek Blesses Abram…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,… Cross References The king of Sodom said to Abram, Genesis 13:10-13 And Lot looked out and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan, all the way to Zoar, was well watered like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) / So Lot chose the whole plain of the Jordan for himself and set out toward the east. And Abram and Lot parted company. / Abram lived in the land of Canaan, but Lot settled in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent toward Sodom. … Genesis 18:20-21 Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Because their sin is so grievous, / I will go down to see if their actions fully justify the outcry that has reached Me. If not, I will find out.” Isaiah 1:9-10 Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah. / Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! “Give me the people, 1 Chronicles 5:21 They seized the livestock of the Hagrites—50,000 camels, 250,000 sheep, and 2,000 donkeys. They also took 100,000 captives, Numbers 31:11-12 and carried away all the plunder and spoils, both people and animals. / They brought the captives, spoils, and plunder to Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the congregation of Israel at the camp on the plains of Moab, by the Jordan across from Jericho. Deuteronomy 20:14 But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city—all its spoil—you may take as plunder, and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you. but take the goods for yourself.” 2 Chronicles 20:25 Then Jehoshaphat and his people went to carry off the plunder, and they found on the bodies an abundance of goods and valuables—more than they could carry away. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much. 1 Samuel 30:20-24 And he took all the flocks and herds, which his men drove ahead of the other livestock, calling out, “This is David’s plunder!” / When David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who were left behind at the Brook of Besor, they came out to meet him and the troops with him. As David approached the men, he greeted them, / but all the wicked and worthless men among those who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered, except for each man’s wife and children. They may take them and go.” … Exodus 12:35-36 Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. / And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians. 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.” Genesis 19:17-26 As soon as the men had brought them out, one of them said, “Run for your lives! Do not look back, and do not stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” / But Lot replied, “No, my lords, please! / Your servant has indeed found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness by sparing my life. But I cannot run to the mountains; the disaster will overtake me, and I will die. … Matthew 4:8-10 Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. / “All this I will give You,” he said, “if You will fall down and worship me.” / “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” 1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever. Luke 4:5-8 Then the devil led Him up to a high place and showed Him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. / “I will give You authority over all these kingdoms and all their glory,” he said. “For it has been relinquished to me, and I can give it to anyone I wish. / So if You worship me, it will all be Yours.” … 2 Peter 2:7-8 and if He rescued Lot, a righteous man distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless / (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— Revelation 18:4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues. Treasury of Scripture And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to yourself. persons. Genesis 14:21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. Jump to Previous Abram Goods Persons Prisoners Property Sodom Souls Substance ThyselfJump to Next Abram Goods Persons Prisoners Property Sodom Souls Substance ThyselfGenesis 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. The king of Sodom said to Abram The king of Sodom, likely Bera, represents a city known for its wickedness, as seen in Genesis 13:13. This encounter follows Abram's victory over the coalition of kings who had captured Lot. The king's approach to Abram highlights the cultural practice of negotiating spoils after a battle. Abram's role as a victorious leader is emphasized, showcasing his growing influence and God's favor upon him. This interaction foreshadows the moral decline of Sodom, setting the stage for its eventual destruction in Genesis 19. “Give me the people, but take the goods for yourself.” Persons / Places / Events 1. Abram (Abraham)The central figure in this passage, Abram is a man of faith and the recipient of God's promises. He has just returned from a victorious battle to rescue his nephew Lot. 2. King of Sodom The ruler of the city of Sodom, who approaches Abram with a proposal after Abram's victory over the kings who captured Lot and the people of Sodom. 3. Sodom A city known for its wickedness, which was involved in a conflict with other regional kings. The king of Sodom's request reflects the city's moral state. 4. The Battle of the Kings A significant event where Abram defeats a coalition of kings to rescue Lot, demonstrating his leadership and God's favor upon him. 5. Lot Abram's nephew, who was living in Sodom and was taken captive during the battle. His rescue is a key element of the account. Teaching Points Integrity Over Material GainAbram's refusal to accept the goods from the king of Sodom demonstrates a commitment to integrity and reliance on God's provision rather than worldly wealth. Discernment in Alliances The interaction with the king of Sodom teaches the importance of discerning the character and intentions of those with whom we align ourselves. Faith in God's Promises Abram's actions reflect a deep trust in God's promises, reminding believers to prioritize spiritual blessings over temporary material possessions. God's Sovereignty in Victory The victory over the kings and the subsequent events underscore God's sovereignty and faithfulness in delivering His people. Witness to the World Abram's decision serves as a testimony to the surrounding nations of God's power and the distinctiveness of His people. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 14:21?2. How does Genesis 14:21 illustrate the importance of resisting worldly temptations? 3. What can we learn about integrity from Abram's response in Genesis 14:21? 4. How does Abram's choice connect to Jesus' teachings on material wealth? 5. In what ways can Genesis 14:21 guide our decisions in daily life? 6. How does Genesis 14:21 encourage reliance on God over earthly rewards? 7. What does Genesis 14:21 reveal about the character of the king of Sodom? 8. How does Genesis 14:21 reflect the cultural practices of ancient Near Eastern kings? 9. Why does the king of Sodom offer goods to Abram in Genesis 14:21? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 14? 11. How did Abraham interact with the King of Sodom? 12. Who was Chedorlaomer in the Bible? 13. Genesis 14:21-23: Why does Abram refuse the spoils from the King of Sodom, differing from typical ancient Near Eastern war customs? 14. Genesis 14:18: Who is Melchizedek, and why is there no clear historical or biblical lineage to verify his existence? What Does Genesis 14:21 Mean The king of Sodom“The king of Sodom” (Genesis 14:21) points us back to a ruler whose city is already marked by profound wickedness (Genesis 13:13; compare 2 Peter 2:6). Having survived a crushing defeat (Genesis 14:10-12) and been rescued by Abram, this king now returns to the scene. His title reminds us that earthly authority, even when morally compromised, must still answer to the God who “rules over the nations” (Psalm 22:28). said to Abram The rescued ruler addresses the rescuer. Abram, fresh from a miraculous victory won by God’s hand (Genesis 14:14-17; Psalm 44:3), stands as the covenant bearer (Genesis 12:1-3). Their dialogue contrasts worldly power with divine promise, foreshadowing later moments when faithful believers are offered tempting bargains (Daniel 1:8; Matthew 4:8-10). Give me the people The king’s first demand centers on souls, not stuff. In ancient warfare, captives became property, so requesting “the people” reveals the king’s priorities—he wants control of lives more than possession of wealth. Scripture consistently elevates human life over material gain (Genesis 9:6; Jonah 4:11). Abram’s later refusal (v. 23) shows that true faith fights for people’s freedom, echoing Moses’ later plea, “Let My people go” (Exodus 5:1). but take the goods for yourself Here comes the temptation: wealth without compromise. The king offers Abram everything except the captives. Yet Abram, already blessed by God Most High (Genesis 14:19-20), rejects the windfall so that no one can say, “I have made Abram rich” (v. 23). His choice aligns with Jesus’ teaching, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Abram’s contentment foreshadows the pilgrim mindset praised in Hebrews 11:9-10—treasuring God’s promises above earthly treasure. summary Genesis 14:21 captures a stark contrast: a worldly king values possessions second to domination over people, while God’s man prizes freedom and testimony over riches. Abram’s refusal to profit from evil underscores that the Lord—not human kingship—supplies his reward (Genesis 15:1). The verse invites believers in every age to choose people over possessions and God’s glory over earthly gain. (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.Verse 21. - And the king of Sodom (who, though first coming, appears to have retired in favor of the greater personage, Melchisedeck, and to have witnessed the interview between him and Abram, but who now, on its termination, advances - said unto Abram, - perhaps anticipating that like donations from the spoils might be made to him as to Melchisedeck, in which case he evinced a remarkable degree of generosity - Give me the persons - literally, the souls, i.e. those of my people whom you have recovered (cf. Genesis 12:5, in which the term is employed to describe domestic slaves) - and take the goods to thyself (which, Michaelis observes, he was justly entitled to do by right of conquest).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The kingמֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4428: A king of Sodom סְדֹ֖ם (sə·ḏōm) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5467: Sodom -- a Canaanite city near the Dead Sea said וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Abram, אַבְרָ֑ם (’aḇ·rām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 87: Abram -- 'exalted father', the original name of Abraham “Give תֶּן־ (ten-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set me the people, הַנֶּ֔פֶשׁ (han·ne·p̄eš) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion but take קַֽח־ (qaḥ-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take the goods for yourself.” וְהָרְכֻ֖שׁ (wə·hā·rə·ḵuš) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7399: Property, goods Links Genesis 14:21 NIVGenesis 14:21 NLT Genesis 14:21 ESV Genesis 14:21 NASB Genesis 14:21 KJV Genesis 14:21 BibleApps.com Genesis 14:21 Biblia Paralela Genesis 14:21 Chinese Bible Genesis 14:21 French Bible Genesis 14:21 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 14:21 The king of Sodom said to Abram (Gen. 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