1
וַיְהִ֗י בִּימֵי֙ אַמְרָפֶ֣ל מֶֽלֶךְ שִׁנְעָ֔ר אַרְי֖וֹךְ מֶ֣לֶךְ אֶלָּסָ֑ר כְּדָרְלָעֹ֨מֶר֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ עֵילָ֔ם וְתִדְעָ֖ל מֶ֥לֶךְ גּוֹיִֽם
And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim,
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיְהִ֗יand it happenedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Narrative-opening temporal formula→ Wayyiqtol: narrative sequence openerהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, come to pass'; וַיְהִי בִּימֵי is a standard formula framing narrative in a historical era.
בִּימֵי֙in the days ofprep בְּ + N m pl cstr · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase (setting)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; plural construct בִּימֵי 'in the days of' frames the narrative in a specific historical period.
אַמְרָפֶ֣לAmraphelProper noun · אַמְרָפֶל (H569)First king named (genitive)אַמְרָפֶל (H569), king of Shinar; identity debated; not securely identified with any known Mesopotamian ruler.
מֶֽלֶךְking ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (title-appositive)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; cstr links ruler to realm; four such kings form the eastern coalition.
שִׁנְעָ֔רShinarProper noun · שִׁנְעָר (H8152)Genitive of realm (construct chain)שִׁנְעָר (H8152), the Babylonian plain; also site of the tower of Babel (Gen 11:2).
אַרְי֖וֹךְAriochProper noun · אַרְיוֹךְ (H746)Second king named (genitive)אַרְיוֹךְ (H746), king of Ellasar; name possibly Hurrian or Sumerian; historically unidentified.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (title-appositive)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; repeated for each member of the eastern coalition.
אֶלָּסָ֑רEllasarProper noun · אֶלָּסָר (H495)Genitive of realm (construct chain)אֶלָּסָר (H495), Arioch's realm; location disputed; sometimes identified with Larsa in Babylonia.
כְּדָרְלָעֹ֨מֶר֙ChedorlaomerProper noun · כְּדָרְלָעֹמֶר (H3540)Third king named (coalition leader)כְּדָרְלָעֹמֶר (H3540), king of Elam; the coalition's apparent overlord (v.4); name matches Elamite Kutir-Lagamar pattern.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (title-appositive)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'.
עֵילָ֔םElamProper noun · עֵילָם (H5867)Genitive of realm (construct chain)עֵילָם (H5867), ancient kingdom east of Mesopotamia (modern SW Iran); Chedorlaomer is the chapter's main antagonist.
וְתִדְעָ֖לand Tidalconj וְ + Proper noun · תִּדְעָל (H8413)Fourth king named (coordinated)תִּדְעָל (H8413), king of Goiim; name compared to Hittite Tudḫaliya; historically unidentified.
מֶ֥לֶךְking ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (title-appositive)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'.
גּוֹיִֽםGoiimProper noun · גּוֹיִם (H1471)Genitive of realm (construct chain)גּוֹיִם (H1471) normally 'nations'; here a proper name for Tidal's realm, perhaps a mixed-peoples territory.
2
עָשׂ֣וּ מִלְחָמָ֗ה אֶת בֶּ֨רַע֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ סְדֹ֔ם וְאֶת בִּרְשַׁ֖ע מֶ֣לֶךְ עֲמֹרָ֑ה שִׁנְאָ֣ב מֶ֣לֶךְ אַדְמָ֗ה וְשֶׁמְאֵ֨בֶר֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ צביים צְבוֹיִ֔ים וּמֶ֥לֶךְ בֶּ֖לַע הִיא צֹֽעַר
they made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, that is, Zoar.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
עָשׂ֣וּthey madeQal perf 3cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed act of initiating warעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make, do'; עָשׂוּ מִלְחָמָה is an idiom for waging battle, lit. 'made war'.
מִלְחָמָ֗הwarN f sg abs · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Direct object (cognate-object idiom)מִלְחָמָה (H4421) 'war, battle'; from לָחַם 'to fight'; object of עָשׂוּ in the war-making idiom.
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Comitative preposition (against)אֵת (H854), comitative preposition 'with, against'; distinct from object marker אֵת (H853).
בֶּ֨רַע֙BeraProper noun · בֶּרַע (H1298)Object of comitative prep (first ally)בֶּרַע (H1298), king of Sodom; name possibly 'son of evil', though this may be a polemical reading.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (title-appositive)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'.
סְדֹ֔םSodomProper noun · סְדֹם (H5467)Genitive of realm (construct chain)סְדֹם (H5467), Sodom; chief city of the Jordan plain coalition; destroyed in Gen 19.
וְאֶתand withconj וְ + prep · אֵת (H854)Coordinating conj + comitative prepוְ coordinates the next king; אֵת (H854) marks the second comitative object.
בִּרְשַׁ֖עBirshaProper noun · בִּרְשַׁע (H1306)Object of comitative prep (second ally)בִּרְשַׁע (H1306), king of Gomorrah; name possibly 'son of wickedness'; etymology uncertain.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (title-appositive)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'.
עֲמֹרָ֑הGomorrahProper noun · עֲמֹרָה (H6017)Genitive of realm (construct chain)עֲמֹרָה (H6017), Gomorrah; paired with Sodom as the notorious cities of the plain.
שִׁנְאָ֣בShinabProper noun · שִׁנְאָב (H8134)Third king (asyndetic list)שִׁנְאָב (H8134), king of Admah; name's meaning uncertain; one of the five Jordan-plain kings.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (title-appositive)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'.
אַדְמָ֗הAdmahProper noun · אַדְמָה (H126)Genitive of realm (construct chain)אַדְמָה (H126), one of the five cities of the plain; destroyed alongside Sodom and Gomorrah (Deut 29:23).
וְשֶׁמְאֵ֨בֶר֙and Shemeberconj וְ + Proper noun · שֶׁמְאֵבֶר (H8038)Fourth king (coordinated list)שֶׁמְאֵבֶר (H8038), king of Zeboiim; possibly 'name of soaring' but etymology disputed.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (title-appositive)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'.
צבייםZeboiimProper noun (ketiv) · צְבוֹיִים (H6636)Genitive of realm (ketiv spelling)צְבוֹיִים (H6636), Zeboiim; a city of the plain; ketiv spelling retained alongside the qere form.
צְבוֹיִ֔יםZeboiimProper noun (qere) · צְבוֹיִים (H6636)Genitive of realm (qere spelling)צְבוֹיִים (H6636), qere spelling of the same city; ketiv/qere represent variant orthographic tradition.
וּמֶ֥לֶךְand the king ofconj וּ + N m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Fifth king (coordinated; unnamed)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; the fifth king is unnamed, identified only by his city Bela/Zoar.
בֶּ֖לַעBelaProper noun · בֶּלַע (H1106)Genitive of realm (city name)בֶּלַע (H1106), city Bela; identified as Zoar by the narrative's own explanatory gloss.
הִיאthat ispronoun 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Identificatory apposition (editorial gloss)הִיא (H1931), pronoun used to equate two names; a characteristic editorial formula recurring in Gen 14.
צֹֽעַרZoarProper noun · צֹעַר (H6820)Predicate of identificatory pronounצֹעַר (H6820) 'smallness'; the city Lot later flees to in Gen 19:22; formerly called Bela.
3
כָּל אֵ֨לֶּה֙ חָֽבְר֔וּ אֶל עֵ֖מֶק הַשִּׂדִּ֑ים ה֖וּא יָ֥ם הַמֶּֽלַח
All these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim, that is, the Salt Sea.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
כָּלallN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (head of noun phrase)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, totality'; in construct with אֵלֶּה, forms the collective subject of חָבְרוּ.
אֵ֨לֶּה֙thesedem pronoun c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Genitive to כֹּל (dem pronoun)אֵלֶּה (H428), common-plural demonstrative 'these'; refers back to the ten kings listed in vv.1-2.
חָֽבְר֔וּjoined forcesQal perf 3cp · חָבַר (H2266)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed act of alliance and assemblyחָבַר (H2266) 'to join, be allied'; five kings converge at the Valley of Siddim for battle.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413), directional preposition 'to, toward'; marks the assembly point of the coalition.
עֵ֖מֶקthe valley ofN m sg cstr · עֵמֶק (H6010)Object of prep (construct head)עֵמֶק (H6010) 'valley, lowland'; from עָמֹק 'deep'; the valley floor of the Jordan plain serves as the battleground.
הַשִּׂדִּ֑יםSiddimart + Proper noun · שִׂדִּים (H7708)Genitive in construct chain (place name)שִׂדִּים (H7708), Valley of Siddim; identified here with the Salt Sea; meaning uncertain, possibly 'fields'.
ה֖וּאthat ispronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Identificatory apposition (editorial gloss)הוּא (H1931), pronoun equating Siddim with the Salt Sea; a later geographic clarification for the reader.
יָ֥םthe Sea ofN m sg cstr · יָם (H3220)Predicate of gloss (construct head)יָם (H3220) 'sea, body of water'; in construct with הַמֶּלַח identifies the Dead Sea.
הַמֶּֽלַחthe Saltart + N m sg abs · מֶלַח (H4417)Genitive (adjectival) in constructמֶלַח (H4417) 'salt'; יָם הַמֶּלַח = Dead Sea; extreme salinity made it a well-known ancient landmark.
4
שְׁתֵּ֤ים עֶשְׂרֵה֙ שָׁנָ֔ה עָבְד֖וּ אֶת כְּדָרְלָעֹ֑מֶר וּשְׁלֹשׁ עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה שָׁנָ֖ה מָרָֽדוּ
Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
שְׁתֵּ֤יםtwelvecardinal f dual abs · שְׁתַּיִם (H8147)Temporal adverbial (fronted duration)שְׁתַּיִם (H8147) 'two'; combines with עֶשְׂרֵה to form 'twelve'; the long servitude precedes rebellion.
עֶשְׂרֵה֙twelve yearscardinal f sg abs · עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240)Numeral complement (teen unit)עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240) 'ten (teen suffix)'; combined with שְׁתֵּים forms the compound numeral 'twelve'.
שָׁנָ֔הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Accusative of durationשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; here temporal accusative marking duration of servitude; singular for a round unit.
עָבְד֖וּthey servedQal perf 3cp · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed period of service under Chedorlaomerעָבַד (H5647) 'to serve, work'; political subjugation as tributary vassals; the long service heightens the rebellion's stakes.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking definite direct object Chedorlaomer; untranslated in English.
כְּדָרְלָעֹ֑מֶרChedorlaomerProper noun · כְּדָרְלָעֹמֶר (H3540)Direct object (the overlord served)כְּדָרְלָעֹמֶר (H3540), king of Elam; the eastern coalition's dominant overlord to whom the five kings owed tribute.
וּשְׁלֹשׁbut in the thirteenthconj וּ + cardinal f sg abs · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Coordinating conj + temporal numeralשָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; combined with עֶשְׂרֵה 'thirteen'; contrast with the twelve-year servitude.
עֶשְׂרֵ֥הthirteenthcardinal f sg abs · עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240)Numeral complement (teen unit)עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240) 'teen'; with שָׁלֹשׁ forms 'thirteen', the year of rebellion after twelve years of servitude.
שָׁנָ֖הyearN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Accusative of time (year of rebellion)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; marks the specific year of the rebellion against Elamite overlordship.
מָרָֽדוּthey rebelledQal perf 3cp · מָרַד (H4775)Predicate verb (contrasting main clause)→ Perfective: decisive act of political revoltמָרַד (H4775) 'to rebel, revolt'; the political defiance that triggers the eastern coalition's punitive campaign.
5
וּבְאַרְבַּע֩ עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה שָׁנָ֜ה בָּ֣א כְדָרְלָעֹ֗מֶר וְהַמְּלָכִים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתּ֔וֹ וַיַּכּ֤וּ אֶת רְפָאִים֙ בְּעַשְׁתְּרֹ֣ת קַרְנַ֔יִם וְאֶת הַזּוּזִ֖ים בְּהָ֑ם וְאֵת֙ הָֽאֵימִ֔ים בְּשָׁוֵ֖ה קִרְיָתָֽיִם
And in the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer came, and the kings who were with him, and they struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim,
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וּבְאַרְבַּע֩and in the fourteenthconj וּ + prep בְּ + cardinal f sg abs · אַרְבַּע (H702)Temporal phrase (campaign year)אַרְבַּע (H702) 'four'; combined with עֶשְׂרֵה forms 'fourteen', the year of Chedorlaomer's punitive campaign.
עֶשְׂרֵ֨הfourteenth yearcardinal f sg abs · עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240)Numeral complement (teen unit)עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240) 'teen'; with אַרְבַּע forms 'fourteen'; the year Chedorlaomer moves against the rebels.
שָׁנָ֜הyearN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Accusative of time (campaign year)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; temporal frame for the Chedorlaomer coalition's punitive sweep through the region.
בָּ֣אcameQal perf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed march of the coalitionבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter, arrive'; Chedorlaomer leads the coalition westward in a punitive military campaign.
כְדָרְלָעֹ֗מֶרChedorlaomerProper noun · כְּדָרְלָעֹמֶר (H3540)Subject of בָּא (named leader)כְּדָרְלָעֹמֶר (H3540), king of Elam; the commanding overlord whose punitive campaign is the chapter's narrative engine.
וְהַמְּלָכִים֙and the kingsconj וְ + art + N m pl abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Coordinated subject (allied kings)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; the allied kings from v.1 accompany Chedorlaomer on the punitive campaign.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhorelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative pronoun 'who, which, that'; introduces the relative clause 'who were with him'.
אִתּ֔וֹwith himprep אֵת + suf 3ms · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; pronominal suffix 3ms refers to Chedorlaomer; marks the coalition's solidarity.
וַיַּכּ֤וּand they struckconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221) 'to strike, smite'; Hiphil causative of hitting; the campaign verb repeated across vv.5-7.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi before Rephaim; marks the definite object of the strike.
רְפָאִים֙the Rephaimgentilic N m pl abs · רְפָאִים (H7497)Direct object (first people struck)רְפָאִים (H7497), a pre-Israelite people of giant stature; also associated with Bashan and Transjordan (Deut 2-3).
בְּעַשְׁתְּרֹ֣תin Ashteroth-karnaimprep בְּ + Proper noun · עַשְׁתְּרֹת קַרְנַיִם (H6255)Locative prepositional phraseעַשְׁתְּרֹת קַרְנַיִם (H6255), 'Ashtaroth of the two horns'; a city in Bashan, later in Manasseh's territory.
קַרְנַ֔יִםKarnaimgentilic N m sg abs · קַרְנַיִם (H6255)Second element of compound place nameקַרְנַיִם (H6255) 'two horns'; the second part of the compound place name Ashteroth-karnaim.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conj + object markerוְ coordinates the next object; אֵת (H853) marks the second defeated people as definite direct object.
הַזּוּזִ֖יםthe Zuzimart + gentilic N m pl abs · זוּזִים (H2104)Direct object (second people struck)זוּזִים (H2104), a pre-Israelite people; possibly related to the Zamzummim of Deut 2:20; inhabiting Transjordan.
בְּהָ֑םin Hamprep בְּ + Proper noun · הָם (H1990)Locative prepositional phraseהָם (H1990), a place in Transjordan where the Zuzim dwelt; exact location uncertain.
וְאֵת֙and [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conj + object markerוְ coordinates the third object; אֵת (H853) marks the Emim as a definite direct object.
הָֽאֵימִ֔יםthe Emimart + gentilic N m pl abs · אֵימִים (H368)Direct object (third people struck)אֵימִים (H368) 'terrors, frightening ones'; a pre-Israelite people of great stature in Moab (Deut 2:10-11).
בְּשָׁוֵ֖הin Shaveh-kiriathaimprep בְּ + Proper noun · שָׁוֵה קִרְיָתַיִם (H7740)Locative prepositional phraseשָׁוֵה קִרְיָתַיִם (H7740), 'Plain of Kiriathaim'; a location in Moab associated with the Emim.
קִרְיָתָֽיִםKiriathaimProper noun · קִרְיָתַיִם (H7156)Second element of compound place nameקִרְיָתַיִם (H7156), 'the two cities'; a Moabite town; dual form; later mentioned in Jer 48:1.
6
וְאֶת הַחֹרִ֖י בְּהַרְרָ֣ם שֵׂעִ֑יר עַ֚ד אֵ֣יל פָּארָ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל הַמִּדְבָּֽר
and the Horites in their hill country of Seir, as far as El-paran, which is by the wilderness.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conj + object markerוְ continues the list of peoples struck; אֵת (H853) marks the Horites as the next definite direct object.
הַחֹרִ֖יthe Horitesart + gentilic N m sg abs · חֹרִי (H2752)Direct object (fourth people struck)חֹרִי (H2752) 'Horites'; cave-dwellers or pit-people; pre-Edomite inhabitants of Mount Seir (cf. Deut 2:12).
בְּהַרְרָ֣םin their hill countryprep בְּ + N m pl cstr + suf 3mp · הַר (H2022)Locative prepositional phraseהַר (H2022) 'mountain, hill'; plural construct + suffix 'in their mountains'; refers to the highlands of Seir.
שֵׂעִ֑ירSeirProper noun · שֵׂעִיר (H8165)Genitive (place name apposition)שֵׂעִיר (H8165), the mountainous region of Edom south of the Dead Sea; homeland of the Horites before Esau's descendants.
עַ֚דas far asprep · עַד (H5704)Limit prepositional phrase (extent)עַד (H5704) 'as far as, until'; marks the extreme southern limit of the coalition's campaign sweep.
אֵ֣ילEl-paranProper noun · אֵיל פָּארָן (H364)Object of limit prep (southern terminus)אֵיל פָּארָן (H364), 'terebinth of Paran'; the southernmost point of the campaign; location uncertain, possibly near Gulf of Aqaba.
פָּארָ֔ןParanProper noun · פָּארָן (H364)Second element of compound place nameפָּארָן (H364), the wilderness of Paran; the region near Sinai/Negev traversed by Israel; second element of El-paran.
אֲשֶׁ֖רwhichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (locative)אֲשֶׁר (H834), relative pronoun introducing the geographic description 'which is by the wilderness'.
עַלbyprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, by, beside'; here marks geographical proximity of El-paran to the wilderness.
הַמִּדְבָּֽרthe wildernessart + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Object of locative prepמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, desert steppe'; the arid region south of Canaan; the campaign's southernmost geographic frame.
7
וַ֠יָּשֻׁבוּ וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ אֶל עֵ֤ין מִשְׁפָּט֙ הִ֣וא קָדֵ֔שׁ וַיַּכּ֕וּ אֶֽת כָּל שְׂדֵ֖ה הָעֲמָלֵקִ֑י וְגַם֙ אֶת הָ֣אֱמֹרִ֔י הַיֹּשֵׁ֖ב בְּחַֽצְצֹ֥ן תָּמָֽר
Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat, that is, Kadesh, and struck all the territory of the Amalekite, and also the Amorite who was dwelling in Hazazon-tamar.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַ֠יָּשֻׁבוּand they turned backconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol narrative advance→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded reversal of directionשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return, turn back'; the coalition reverses course northward toward the Jordan plain.
וַיָּבֹ֜אוּand they cameconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (arrival)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; marks the coalition's arrival at En-mishpat on the return leg of the campaign.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413), directional preposition 'to, toward'; marks the destination of the coalition's return march.
עֵ֤יןEn-mishpatProper noun · עֵין מִשְׁפָּט (H5880)Object of prep (compound place name)עֵין מִשְׁפָּט (H5880) 'spring of judgment'; the place identified with Kadesh; 'spring' (עַיִן) names a water source.
מִשְׁפָּט֙MishpatProper noun · מִשְׁפָּט (H5880)Second element of compound place nameמִשְׁפָּט (H5880) 'judgment'; second element of En-mishpat; the name possibly recalls a judicial function of the site.
הִ֣ואthat ispronoun 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Identificatory apposition (editorial gloss)הִיא (H1931), pronoun equating En-mishpat with Kadesh; the recurring identificatory formula of Gen 14.
קָדֵ֔שׁKadeshProper noun · קָדֵשׁ (H6946)Predicate of identificatory pronounקָדֵשׁ (H6946) 'holy'; Kadesh-barnea, the wilderness site on the southern border, hub of Israel's wilderness sojourn.
וַיַּכּ֕וּand they struckconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (new strike)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221) 'to strike, smite'; Hiphil; the coalition's return route includes a punitive strike on Amalekite territory.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking כָּל שְׂדֵה הָעֲמָלֵקִי as a definite direct object.
כָּלallN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in construct phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; in construct with שְׂדֵה, marks total territorial sweep of Amalekite country.
שְׂדֵ֖הthe territory ofN m sg cstr · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Construct head (territorial extent)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, open country, territory'; cstr here marks the whole extent of Amalekite land.
הָעֲמָלֵקִ֑יthe Amalekiteart + gentilic N m sg abs · עֲמָלֵקִי (H6003)Genitive (people identified)עֲמָלֵקִי (H6003), the Amalekites; nomadic people of the Negev and Sinai; later persistent enemies of Israel.
וְגַם֙and alsoconj וְ + adverb · גַּם (H1571)Additive conjunction + adverbגַּם (H1571) 'also, moreover'; additive particle expanding the list of those struck; also strikes the Amorites.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הָאֱמֹרִי as a definite direct object alongside the Amalekite territory.
הָ֣אֱמֹרִ֔יthe Amoriteart + gentilic N m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Direct object (people struck)אֱמֹרִי (H567), the Amorites; a major pre-Israelite Canaanite people; Mamre and his brothers are Amorites (v.13).
הַיֹּשֵׁ֖בdwellingart + Qal ptc ms abs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Attributive participle (relative clause)→ Participial: ongoing state of residenceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, settle, sit'; ptc as adjective 'the one dwelling'; marks the Amorite's permanent settlement.
בְּחַֽצְצֹ֥ןin Hazazon-tamarprep בְּ + Proper noun · חַצְצוֹן תָּמָר (H2688)Locative prepositional phraseחַצְצוֹן תָּמָר (H2688) 'division of the palm'; identified with En-gedi (2 Chr 20:2); an oasis near the Dead Sea.
תָּמָֽרTamarProper noun · תָּמָר (H2688)Second element of compound place nameתָּמָר (H2688) 'palm tree'; part of the compound name Hazazon-tamar; oasis settlements were named for date palms.
8
וַיֵּצֵ֨א מֶֽלֶךְ סְדֹ֜ם וּמֶ֣לֶךְ עֲמֹרָ֗ה וּמֶ֤לֶךְ אַדְמָה֙ וּמֶ֣לֶךְ צביים צְבוֹיִ֔ם וּמֶ֥לֶךְ בֶּ֖לַע הִוא צֹ֑עַר וַיַּֽעַרְכ֤וּ אִתָּם֙ מִלְחָמָ֔ה בְּעֵ֖מֶק הַשִּׂדִּֽים
Then the king of Sodom went out, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, that is, Zoar; and they arrayed themselves for battle with them in the Valley of Siddim.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֵּצֵ֨אand went outconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (mobilization)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out, march out'; the five kings mobilize to meet the invaders in the Valley of Siddim.
מֶֽלֶךְthe king ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Subject (construct head)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; the first king named in the defensive coalition's counter-mobilization.
סְדֹ֜םSodomProper noun · סְדֹם (H5467)Genitive of realm (construct chain)סְדֹם (H5467), Sodom; lead city of the five-king coalition against the eastern invaders.
וּמֶ֣לֶךְand the king ofconj וּ + N m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Coordinated subject (second king)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; coordinated with the king of Sodom in the joint counter-march.
עֲמֹרָ֗הGomorrahProper noun · עֲמֹרָה (H6017)Genitive of realm (construct chain)עֲמֹרָה (H6017), Gomorrah; second city of the Jordan plain coalition; paired with Sodom throughout the narrative.
וּמֶ֤לֶךְand the king ofconj וּ + N m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Coordinated subject (third king)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; third of five kings who march out to battle the eastern coalition.
אַדְמָה֙AdmahProper noun · אַדְמָה (H126)Genitive of realm (construct chain)אַדְמָה (H126), Admah; one of the five cities of the Jordan plain; destroyed with Sodom (Deut 29:23).
וּמֶ֣לֶךְand the king ofconj וּ + N m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Coordinated subject (fourth king)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; fourth of the five Jordan-plain kings who march out to confront Chedorlaomer.
צבייםZeboiimProper noun (ketiv) · צְבוֹיִים (H6636)Genitive of realm (ketiv spelling)צְבוֹיִים (H6636), Zeboiim; ketiv spelling; one of the five cities of the plain; recurs from v.2.
צְבוֹיִ֔םZeboiimProper noun (qere) · צְבוֹיִים (H6636)Genitive of realm (qere spelling)צְבוֹיִים (H6636), qere spelling of Zeboiim; city of the Jordan plain coalition.
וּמֶ֥לֶךְand the king ofconj וּ + N m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Coordinated subject (fifth king, unnamed)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; the fifth king, unnamed as in v.2, identified only by his city Bela/Zoar.
בֶּ֖לַעBelaProper noun · בֶּלַע (H1106)Genitive of realm (city name)בֶּלַע (H1106), city Bela, identified as Zoar; the sole survivor city after the destruction in Gen 19.
הִואthat ispronoun 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Identificatory apposition (editorial gloss)הִיא (H1931), the identificatory pronoun formula equating Bela with Zoar; cf. vv.2 and 3 for the same device.
צֹ֑עַרZoarProper noun · צֹעַר (H6820)Predicate of identificatory pronounצֹעַר (H6820) 'smallness'; Lot's refuge city in Gen 19; here the last of the five Jordan plain cities.
וַיַּֽעַרְכ֤וּand they drew upconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָרַךְ (H6186)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (battle array)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָרַךְ (H6186) 'to arrange, set in order'; Qal 'to draw up in battle array'; technical military term for deploying troops.
אִתָּם֙against themprep אֵת + suf 3mp · אֵת (H854)Comitative/adversative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with, against'; the suffix refers to the eastern kings; the preposition here carries adversative force.
מִלְחָמָ֔הfor battleN f sg abs · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Cognate object (battle formation)מִלְחָמָה (H4421) 'war, battle'; the cognate object of עָרַךְ; the five kings formally array for combat against the coalition.
בְּעֵ֖מֶקin the Valley ofprep בְּ + N m sg cstr · עֵמֶק (H6010)Locative prepositional phrase (battle site)עֵמֶק (H6010) 'valley'; the battle is joined in the Valley of Siddim, the same site where the five kings had assembled (v.3).
הַשִּׂדִּֽיםSiddimart + Proper noun · שִׂדִּים (H7708)Genitive (place name)שִׂדִּים (H7708), Valley of Siddim; the Salt Sea region; the arena for the confrontation between the two coalitions.
9
אֵ֣ת כְּדָרְלָעֹ֜מֶר מֶ֣לֶךְ עֵילָ֗ם וְתִדְעָל֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ גּוֹיִ֔ם וְאַמְרָפֶל֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ שִׁנְעָ֔ר וְאַרְי֖וֹךְ מֶ֣לֶךְ אֶלָּסָ֑ר אַרְבָּעָ֥ה מְלָכִ֖ים אֶת הַחֲמִשָּֽׁה
Against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar: four kings against the five.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
אֵ֣תagainstprep · אֵת (H854)Adversative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with, against'; here marks the adversarial opponent in battle; the five kings array against these four.
כְּדָרְלָעֹ֜מֶרChedorlaomerProper noun · כְּדָרְלָעֹמֶר (H3540)Object of adversative prep (first opponent)כְּדָרְלָעֹמֶר (H3540), king of Elam; named first as the dominant leader of the eastern coalition.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (title-appositive)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; title in construct with Elam; names Chedorlaomer's political role and realm.
עֵילָ֗םElamProper noun · עֵילָם (H5867)Genitive of realm (construct chain)עֵילָם (H5867), Elam; Chedorlaomer's kingdom east of Mesopotamia; the leading power of the eastern coalition.
וְתִדְעָל֙and Tidalconj וְ + Proper noun · תִּדְעָל (H8413)Coordinated opponent (second king)תִּדְעָל (H8413), king of Goiim; second member of the four-king eastern coalition; recurs from v.1.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (title-appositive)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'.
גּוֹיִ֔םGoiimProper noun · גּוֹיִם (H1471)Genitive of realm (construct chain)גּוֹיִם (H1471), Tidal's realm of mixed peoples; recurs from v.1.
וְאַמְרָפֶל֙and Amraphelconj וְ + Proper noun · אַמְרָפֶל (H569)Coordinated opponent (third king)אַמְרָפֶל (H569), king of Shinar; third of the four eastern kings; recurs from v.1.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (title-appositive)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'.
שִׁנְעָ֔רShinarProper noun · שִׁנְעָר (H8152)Genitive of realm (construct chain)שִׁנְעָר (H8152), Babylonia; Amraphel's realm; recurs from v.1.
וְאַרְי֖וֹךְand Ariochconj וְ + Proper noun · אַרְיוֹךְ (H746)Coordinated opponent (fourth king)אַרְיוֹךְ (H746), king of Ellasar; fourth and final member of the eastern coalition; recurs from v.1.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (title-appositive)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'.
אֶלָּסָ֑רEllasarProper noun · אֶלָּסָר (H495)Genitive of realm (construct chain)אֶלָּסָר (H495), Arioch's realm; recurs from v.1; the four eastern kings are named as a formal battle roster.
אַרְבָּעָ֥הfour kingscardinal m sg abs · אַרְבָּעָה (H702)Resumptive numerical summaryאַרְבָּעָה (H702) 'four'; the eastern coalition is numerically summarized as four kings against five in stark contrast.
מְלָכִ֖יםkingsN m pl abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Appositive to numerical summaryמֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; plural absolute; the four kings are the noun qualified by the numeral אַרְבָּעָה.
אֶתagainstprep · אֵת (H854)Adversative preposition (contrasting side)אֵת (H854) 'against'; the second occurrence marks the other side; four against the five.
הַחֲמִשָּֽׁהthe fiveart + cardinal m sg abs · חָמֵשׁ (H2568)Object of adversative prep (local coalition)חָמֵשׁ (H2568) 'five'; the five Jordan-plain kings; the numerical contrast (four vs. five) highlights the surprising outcome.
10
וְעֵ֣מֶק הַשִׂדִּ֗ים בֶּֽאֱרֹ֤ת בֶּאֱרֹת֙ חֵמָ֔ר וַיָּנֻ֛סוּ מֶֽלֶךְ סְדֹ֥ם וַעֲמֹרָ֖ה וַיִּפְּלוּ שָׁ֑מָּה וְהַנִּשְׁאָרִ֖ים הֶ֥רָה נָּֽסוּ
Now the Valley of Siddim was full of pits, pits of bitumen, and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled and fell there, while those who remained fled to the hill country.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְעֵ֣מֶקnow the valley ofconj וְ + N m sg cstr · עֵמֶק (H6010)Circumstantial clause subjectעֵמֶק (H6010) 'valley, lowland'; the circumstantial clause explains the terrain that caused the kings' defeat.
הַשִׂדִּ֗יםSiddimart + Proper noun · שִׂדִּים (H7708)Genitive (place name, construct chain)שִׂדִּים (H7708), Valley of Siddim; the battleground now described as full of bitumen pits, explaining the military collapse.
בֶּֽאֱרֹ֤תfull of pitsN f pl cstr · בְּאֵר (H875)Predicate (construct head, repeated)בְּאֵר (H875) 'well, pit'; plural construct; the pits of bitumen are presented as a topographical trap for fleeing troops.
בֶּאֱרֹת֙pits ofN f pl cstr · בְּאֵר (H875)Repetition for emphasis (construct head)בְּאֵר (H875) 'pit, well'; the repetition בֶּאֱרֹת בֶּאֱרֹת is an intensifying idiom stressing the abundance of pits.
חֵמָ֔רbitumenN m sg abs · חֵמָר (H2564)Genitive (substance in pits)חֵמָר (H2564) 'bitumen, tar, asphalt'; natural petroleum seepage common near the Dead Sea; the pits functioned as death traps.
וַיָּנֻ֛סוּand they fledconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · נוּס (H5127)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (rout begins)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנוּס (H5127) 'to flee, escape'; the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah flee in rout; the bitumen pits trap some.
מֶֽלֶךְthe king ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Subject of vayyiqtol (construct head)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; the subject of the flight is the king of Sodom (and Gomorrah).
סְדֹ֥םSodomProper noun · סְדֹם (H5467)Genitive of realm (construct chain)סְדֹם (H5467), Sodom; its king survives the battle and reappears in v.17 to negotiate with Abram.
וַעֲמֹרָ֖הand Gomorrahconj וַ + Proper noun · עֲמֹרָה (H6017)Coordinated subject (second fleeing king)עֲמֹרָה (H6017), Gomorrah; the two lead cities whose kings flee together in the rout.
וַיִּפְּלוּand they fellconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָפַל (H5307)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (fatal fall)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; some of the fleeing kings fell into the bitumen pits; the valley became both battlefield and grave.
שָׁ֑מָּהthereadverb + directional he · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverb (place of falling)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; the directional suffix -āh adds motion toward; 'there' specifies the bitumen pits as where they fell.
וְהַנִּשְׁאָרִ֖יםand those remainingconj וְ + art + Niphal ptc m pl abs · שָׁאַר (H7604)Circumstantial clause subject (survivors)→ Participial: ongoing state of survivalשָׁאַר (H7604) 'to remain, survive'; Niphal ptc 'those who remained'; the survivors distinguish from those who fell.
הֶ֥רָהto the hill countryN m sg abs + directional he · הַר (H2022)Directional adverbial (escape route)הַר (H2022) 'mountain, hill country'; directional he marks motion toward; the survivors flee into the highlands.
נָּֽסוּfledQal perf 3cp · נוּס (H5127)Predicate verb (circumstantial clause)→ Perfective: completed flight to high groundנוּס (H5127) 'to flee'; the survivors escaped to the hill country while others fell into the bitumen pits below.
11
וַ֠יִּקְחוּ אֶת כָּל רְכֻ֨שׁ סְדֹ֧ם וַעֲמֹרָ֛ה וְאֶת כָּל אָכְלָ֖ם וַיֵּלֵֽכוּ
Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their food, and went away.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַ֠יִּקְחוּand they tookconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (plunder)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take, seize'; the eastern victors plunder the defeated cities; the seizure of goods triggers Abram's involvement.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi before כָּל רְכוּשׁ; marks the goods as a definite direct object.
כָּלallN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in construct phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; the total plunder of the two cities is seized; 'all' emphasizes the comprehensive spoliation.
רְכֻ֨שׁthe goods ofN m sg cstr · רְכוּשׁ (H7399)Construct head (plundered property)רְכוּשׁ (H7399) 'goods, movable property, wealth'; the same word as Abram's possessions in Gen 12:5; now the war prize.
סְדֹ֧םSodomProper noun · סְדֹם (H5467)Genitive (city plundered)סְדֹם (H5467), Sodom; the city whose goods are carried off; their recovery is the point of Abram's campaign.
וַעֲמֹרָ֛הand Gomorrahconj וַ + Proper noun · עֲמֹרָה (H6017)Coordinated genitive (second city plundered)עֲמֹרָה (H6017), Gomorrah; paired with Sodom as the two chief cities whose goods are seized.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conj + object markerוְ adds a second object category; אֵת (H853) marks 'all their food' as a definite direct object.
כָּלallN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in construct phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; not only the goods but all the food supply is taken; total spoliation of the cities.
אָכְלָ֖םtheir foodN m sg cstr + suf 3mp · אֹכֶל (H400)Direct object (food supply seized)אֹכֶל (H400) 'food, provisions'; from אָכַל 'to eat'; the eastern coalition takes even the food stores of Sodom and Gomorrah.
וַיֵּלֵֽכוּand they went awayconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (departure)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk, depart'; the eastern coalition withdraws with the plunder; this departure sets up Abram's pursuit.
12
וַיִּקְח֨וּ אֶת ל֧וֹט וְאֶת רְכֻשׁ֛וֹ בֶּן אֲחִ֥י אַבְרָ֖ם וַיֵּלֵ֑כוּ וְה֥וּא יֹשֵׁ֖ב בִּסְדֹֽם
And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, and his possessions, and went away, for he was dwelling in Sodom.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיִּקְח֨וּand they tookconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (key seizure)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take, seize'; the same verb as v.11 but now focused on Lot specifically; the crisis becomes personal.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi before Lot; marks Lot as the definite direct object of the seizure.
ל֧וֹטLotProper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Direct object (person taken captive)לוֹט (H3876), Lot; Abraham's nephew; his capture is the narrative crisis that draws Abram into the military conflict.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conj + object markerוְ adds the second object; אֵת (H853) marks Lot's possessions as additional definite direct object.
רְכֻשׁ֛וֹhis goodsN m sg cstr + suf 3ms · רְכוּשׁ (H7399)Direct object (possessions taken)רְכוּשׁ (H7399) 'goods, movable property'; Lot's personal wealth seized alongside his person; both are recovered in v.16.
בֶּןson ofN m sg cstr · בֵּן (H1121)Appositive (kinship identification)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; here in a kinship chain identifying Lot as Abram's brother's son (i.e., nephew).
אֲחִ֥יbrother ofN m sg cstr · אָח (H251)Construct chain (kinship appositive)אָח (H251) 'brother'; construct state; Lot is Haran's son and thus Abram's nephew, here called 'son of Abram's brother'.
אַבְרָ֖םAbramProper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Genitive (kinship reference)אַבְרָם (H87) 'exalted father'; Abram appears here indirectly; the kinship note motivates his rescue campaign in vv.14-16.
וַיֵּלֵ֑כוּand they wentconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (departure)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, depart'; the eastern coalition departs with Lot and his goods; the crisis is now acute.
וְה֥וּאnow heconj וְ + pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Circumstantial clause subjectהוּא (H1931), pronoun introducing a circumstantial clause explaining why Lot was caught in Sodom's defeat.
יֹשֵׁ֖בwas dwellingQal ptc ms abs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate of circumstantial clause→ Participial: ongoing state of residence in Sodomיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, settle'; Qal ptc as predicate; Lot's settled life in Sodom explains his vulnerability to capture.
בִּסְדֹֽםin Sodomprep בְּ + Proper noun · סְדֹם (H5467)Locative prepositional phraseסְדֹם (H5467), Sodom; Lot had pitched his tent toward Sodom (13:12) and now dwells within it, sealing his fate.
13
וַיָּבֹא֙ הַפָּלִ֔יט וַיַּגֵּ֖ד לְאַבְרָ֣ם הָעִבְרִ֑י וְהוּא֩ שֹׁכֵ֨ן בְּאֵֽלֹנֵ֜י מַמְרֵ֣א הָאֱמֹרִ֗י אֲחִ֤י אֶשְׁכֹּל֙ וַאֲחִ֣י עָנֵ֔ר וְהֵ֖ם בַּעֲלֵ֥י בְרִית אַבְרָֽם
Then a fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew. Now he was dwelling by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and they were allies of Abram.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיָּבֹא֙and cameconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (report)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; a fugitive arrives at Abram's camp to deliver the disaster report; the news draws Abram in.
הַפָּלִ֔יטthe fugitiveart + N m sg abs · פָּלִיט (H6412)Subject of wayyiqtolפָּלִיט (H6412) 'fugitive, escapee'; from פָּלַט 'to escape'; the anonymous survivor who brings Abram the war report.
וַיַּגֵּ֖דand toldconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נָגַד (H5046)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (report given)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָגַד (H5046) 'to tell, report, declare'; Hiphil 'to make known'; the report is what precipitates Abram's military action.
לְאַבְרָ֣םto Abramprep לְ + Proper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Indirect object (recipient of report)אַבְרָם (H87) 'exalted father'; Abram receives the news; his first appearance in the chapter as an active agent.
הָעִבְרִ֑יthe Hebrewart + gentilic N m sg abs · עִבְרִי (H5680)Appositive epithet (ethnic identification)עִבְרִי (H5680) 'Hebrew'; one of the earliest uses of this ethnic label; may mark Abram from the perspective of the surrounding peoples.
וְהוּא֩now heconj וְ + pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Circumstantial clause subjectהוּא (H1931), pronoun marking a circumstantial parenthetical clause giving the location of Abram's encampment.
שֹׁכֵ֨ןwas dwellingQal ptc ms abs · שָׁכַן (H7931)Predicate of circumstantial clause→ Participial: ongoing state of settled encampmentשָׁכַן (H7931) 'to dwell, settle, tent'; slightly more temporary than יָשַׁב; Abram's semi-nomadic encampment at the oaks.
בְּאֵֽלֹנֵ֜יby the oaks ofprep בְּ + N m pl cstr · אֵלוֹן (H436)Locative prepositional phrase (Abram's site)אֵלוֹן (H436) 'terebinth, oak'; plural construct; sacred trees used as landmarks and meeting places in patriarchal narratives.
מַמְרֵ֣אMamreProper noun · מַמְרֵא (H4471)Genitive (owner of the oaks)מַמְרֵא (H4471), an Amorite ally of Abram (v.24); the oaks named after him mark Abram's base in the Hebron area.
הָאֱמֹרִ֗יthe Amoriteart + gentilic N m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Appositive (ethnic identification of Mamre)אֱמֹרִי (H567), the Amorites; Mamre is identified as an Amorite ally of Abram, not an Israelite.
אֲחִ֤יbrother ofN m sg cstr · אָח (H251)Construct chain (kinship appositive)אָח (H251) 'brother'; construct state; Mamre is the brother of Eshcol and Aner; all three are Abram's Amorite allies.
אֶשְׁכֹּל֙EshcolProper noun · אֶשְׁכֹּל (H812)Genitive (kinship, second brother)אֶשְׁכֹּל (H812) 'cluster of grapes'; an Amorite allied with Abram; his name is also a valley near Hebron (Num 13:23).
וַאֲחִ֣יand brother ofconj וַ + N m sg cstr · אָח (H251)Coordinated construct (third brother)אָח (H251) 'brother'; the three brothers (Mamre, Eshcol, Aner) are Abram's covenant partners in the rescue campaign.
עָנֵ֔רAnerProper noun · עָנֵר (H6063)Genitive (kinship, third brother)עָנֵר (H6063), the third Amorite brother allied with Abram; he and his brothers share in the spoils (v.24).
וְהֵ֖םand theyconj וְ + pronoun 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Subject of verbless clause (they were)הֵם (H1992), 3mp pronoun; subject of a nominal predicate clause identifying the three Amorite brothers as Abram's allies.
בַּעֲלֵ֥יallies ofN m pl cstr · בַּעַל (H1167)Predicate of verbless clause (alliance)בַּעַל (H1167) 'lord, owner, master'; pl cstr בַּעֲלֵי בְרִית = 'lords of covenant' = covenant allies; a binding treaty relationship.
בְרִיתcovenantN f sg cstr · בְּרִית (H1285)Genitive (covenant relationship)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant, treaty'; a formal binding agreement; Abram's Amorite allies are bound to him by covenant.
אַבְרָֽםAbramProper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Genitive (party to the covenant)אַבְרָם (H87) 'exalted father'; the covenant patron; his Amorite allies will join the rescue mission (v.24).
14
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע אַבְרָ֔ם כִּ֥י נִשְׁבָּ֖ה אָחִ֑יו וַיָּ֨רֶק אֶת חֲנִיכָ֜יו יְלִידֵ֣י בֵית֗וֹ שְׁמֹנָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ וּשְׁלֹ֣שׁ מֵא֔וֹת וַיִּרְדֹּ֖ף עַד דָּֽן
When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he mustered his trained men, born in his household, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued as far as Dan.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣עand heardconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (response)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, heed'; Abram's hearing the report is the decisive moment that triggers his military mobilization.
אַבְרָ֔םAbramProper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Subject of wayyiqtolאַבְרָם (H87) 'exalted father'; now the active subject of the narrative; the promise-bearer acting in the public military sphere.
כִּ֥יthatconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction (content clause)כִּי (H3588) 'that, because'; introduces the content of what Abram heard — that his kinsman had been taken captive.
נִשְׁבָּ֖הhad been taken captiveNiphal perf 3ms · שָׁבָה (H7617)Predicate of כִּי clause (captivity report)→ Perfective: completed act of capture (passive)שָׁבָה (H7617) 'to take captive'; Niphal passive 'was captured'; Lot's captivity is the stated reason for Abram's mobilization.
אָחִ֑יוhis kinsmanN m sg cstr + suf 3ms · אָח (H251)Subject of Niphal (person captured)אָח (H251) 'brother'; with suf 3ms = 'his brother'; used broadly for a close male relative; here Lot, his nephew.
וַיָּ֨רֶקand musteredconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · רוּק (H7324)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (mobilization)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרוּק (H7324) 'to pour out, draw out'; Hiphil 'to muster, arm'; Abram draws out his trained men for the rescue campaign.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking חֲנִיכָיו as the definite direct object of the mustering.
חֲנִיכָ֜יוhis trained menN m pl cstr + suf 3ms · חָנִיךְ (H2593)Direct object (elite force mustered)חָנִיךְ (H2593) 'trained man, retainer'; from חָנַךְ 'to train, dedicate'; a rare term for household warriors trained from birth.
יְלִידֵ֣יborn ofN m pl cstr · יְלִיד (H3211)Appositive construct (origin of men)יְלִיד (H3211) 'one born, native'; pl cstr 'those born in'; these men were born into Abram's household, not hired mercenaries.
בֵית֗וֹhis householdN m sg cstr + suf 3ms · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitive (household of birth)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; Abram's extended household is substantial enough to field a military force of 318.
שְׁמֹנָ֤ה318cardinal m sg abs · שְׁמוֹנֶה (H8083)Predicate numeral (size of force)שְׁמוֹנֶה (H8083) 'eight'; combined with עָשָׂר and מֵאוֹת forms 318; a precise number lending historical verisimilitude.
עָשָׂר֙eighteencardinal m sg abs · עָשָׂר (H6240)Numeral (teen component)עָשָׂר (H6240) 'ten/teen'; combined with שְׁמֹנֶה forms eighteen; then וּשְׁלֹשׁ מֵאוֹת adds three hundred.
וּשְׁלֹ֣שׁand three hundredconj וּ + cardinal f sg abs · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Coordinated numeral (hundreds component)שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; with מֵאוֹת 'hundreds' forms 'three hundred'; total force = 318 trained retainers.
מֵא֔וֹתhundredscardinal b pl abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral (hundreds unit)מֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred'; plural מֵאוֹת; with שָׁלֹשׁ forms 300; the total force of 318 is surprisingly specific.
וַיִּרְדֹּ֖ףand pursuedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָדַף (H7291)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (pursuit)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָדַף (H7291) 'to pursue, chase'; Abram pursues the eastern coalition northward to Dan; the chase narrative begins.
עַדas far asprep · עַד (H5704)Limit prepositional phrase (pursuit extent)עַד (H5704) 'as far as, until'; marks the northern limit of Abram's initial pursuit, reaching Dan.
דָּֽןDanProper noun · דָּן (H1835)Object of limit prep (northern terminus)דָּן (H1835), the far northern site; later the northern limit of Israel; the proleptic name reflects the editor's geographic frame.
15
וַיֵּחָלֵ֨ק עֲלֵיהֶ֧ם לַ֛יְלָה ה֥וּא וַעֲבָדָ֖יו וַיַּכֵּ֑ם וַֽיִּרְדְּפֵם֙ עַד חוֹבָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר מִשְּׂמֹ֖אל לְדַמָּֽשֶׂק
And by night he divided himself against them, he and his servants, and struck them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֵּחָלֵ֨קand he dividedconj וַ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָלַק (H2505)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (night attack)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָלַק (H2505) 'to divide, distribute'; Niphal 'he divided himself against them'; a tactical splitting of his force for a night raid.
עֲלֵיהֶ֧םagainst themprep עַל + suf 3mp · עַל (H5921)Adversative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'against, upon'; with suffix 3mp refers to the eastern coalition; the attack direction is toward the enemy.
לַ֛יְלָהby nightN m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Temporal adverbial (night attack)לַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; the night attack exploits surprise; a classic military tactic that compensates for numerical inferiority.
ה֥וּאhepronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Resumed subject (emphatic pronoun)הוּא (H1931), resumptive emphatic pronoun; reinforces Abram as the subject alongside his servants.
וַעֲבָדָ֖יוand his servantsconj וַ + N m pl cstr + suf 3ms · עֶבֶד (H5650)Compound subject (allies in night attack)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, slave'; Abram's household servants join him in the attack; the Amorite allies (v.24) presumably included.
וַיַּכֵּ֑םand struck themconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms + suf 3mp · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (decisive blow)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221) 'to strike, smite'; Hiphil; the suffix 3mp refers to the eastern coalition; Abram's attack succeeds decisively.
וַֽיִּרְדְּפֵם֙and pursued themconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms + suf 3mp · רָדַף (H7291)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (extended pursuit)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָדַף (H7291) 'to pursue'; the pursuit extends northward to Hobah; the suffix 3mp = the fleeing coalition forces.
עַדas far asprep · עַד (H5704)Limit prep (pursuit terminus)עַד (H5704) 'as far as'; marks the northern limit of Abram's pursuit, reaching Hobah north of Damascus.
חוֹבָ֔הHobahProper noun · חוֹבָה (H2327)Object of limit prep (terminus of pursuit)חוֹבָה (H2327), Hobah; a location north of Damascus; the pursuit's final endpoint; location otherwise unknown.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (locative)אֲשֶׁר (H834), relative pronoun; introduces the geographic specification of Hobah's location relative to Damascus.
מִשְּׂמֹ֖אלto the left ofprep מִן + N m sg abs · שְׂמֹאל (H8040)Locative prepositional phrase (direction)שְׂמֹאל (H8040) 'left, north'; in ancient Near Eastern orientation (facing east), left = north; Hobah is north of Damascus.
לְדַמָּֽשֶׂקDamascusprep לְ + Proper noun · דַּמֶּשֶׂק (H1834)Locative reference pointדַּמֶּשֶׂק (H1834), Damascus; the major Syrian city; the pursuit extends 200+ km north of Canaan, showing Abram's military reach.
16
וַיָּ֕שֶׁב אֵ֖ת כָּל הָרְכֻ֑שׁ וְגַם֩ אֶת ל֨וֹט אָחִ֤יו וּרְכֻשׁוֹ֙ הֵשִׁ֔יב וְגַ֥ם אֶת הַנָּשִׁ֖ים וְאֶת הָעָֽם
And he brought back all the goods, and he also brought back Lot his kinsman and his goods, and also the women and the people.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיָּ֕שֶׁבand he brought backconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (recovery)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; Hiphil 'to bring back, restore'; the restoration verb dominates v.16 (appearing twice); recovery, not conquest.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking כָּל הָרְכוּשׁ as the definite direct object of restoration.
כָּלallN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier (total recovery)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; the comprehensive restoration — all the goods, not just some — underscores Abram's thoroughness.
הָרְכֻ֑שׁthe goodsart + N m sg abs · רְכוּשׁ (H7399)Direct object (goods restored)רְכוּשׁ (H7399) 'goods, movable property'; the same goods taken in v.11 are now fully restored; the plunder is reversed.
וְגַם֩and alsoconj וְ + adverb · גַּם (H1571)Additive conjunction + adverbגַּם (H1571) 'also, moreover'; the restoration is amplified: not only goods in general but specifically Lot and his possessions.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi before Lot; marks Lot as the key definite direct object of the restoration.
ל֨וֹטLotProper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Direct object (person recovered)לוֹט (H3876), Lot; the narrative's primary human object of rescue; his recovery is the explicit goal of Abram's campaign.
אָחִ֤יוhis kinsmanN m sg cstr + suf 3ms · אָח (H251)Appositive (kinship, restore emphasis)אָח (H251) 'brother, kinsman'; the kinship epithet echoes v.14; Abram's motivation is loyalty to family, not military glory.
וּרְכֻשׁוֹ֙and his goodsconj וּ + N m sg cstr + suf 3ms · רְכוּשׁ (H7399)Coordinated direct object (Lot's property)רְכוּשׁ (H7399) 'goods, property'; Lot's personal possessions restored alongside his person; both taken in v.12, both returned here.
הֵשִׁ֔יבhe brought backHiphil perf 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (second restoration clause)→ Perfective: completed act of restorationשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; Hiphil perf; the verb appears twice in v.16, framing the entire verse as a restoration narrative.
וְגַ֥םand alsoconj וְ + adverb · גַּם (H1571)Additive adverb (further scope)גַּם (H1571) 'also'; second additive particle expanding the restoration to include women and all the people.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi before הַנָּשִׁים; marks the women as definite direct objects of restoration.
הַנָּשִׁ֖יםthe womenart + N f pl abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct object (women recovered)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; plural; the women of Sodom and Gomorrah taken in the raid are restored alongside the goods.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conj + object markerוְ adds the final category; אֵת (H853) marks הָעָם as the last definite direct object of Abram's comprehensive restoration.
הָעָֽםthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct object (people recovered)עַם (H5971) 'people, population'; the broader civilian population of the Jordan plain cities restored by Abram's campaign.
17
וַיֵּצֵ֣א מֶֽלֶךְ סְדֹם֮ לִקְרָאתוֹ֒ אַחֲרֵ֣י שׁוּב֗וֹ מֵֽהַכּוֹת֙ אֶת כְּדָרלָעֹ֔מֶר וְאֶת הַמְּלָכִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתּ֑וֹ אֶל עֵ֣מֶק שָׁוֵ֔ה ה֖וּא עֵ֥מֶק הַמֶּֽלֶךְ
Then the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from striking Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, at the Valley of Shaveh, that is, the King's Valley.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֵּצֵ֣אand went outconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (royal reception)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; the king of Sodom formally comes out to meet Abram, inaugurating the post-battle encounter.
מֶֽלֶךְthe king ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Subject (construct head)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; the king of Sodom, whose offer Abram will refuse, now appears as a formal interlocutor.
סְדֹם֮SodomProper noun · סְדֹם (H5467)Genitive of realm (construct chain)סְדֹם (H5467), Sodom; he survived the battle (v.10) and now comes to negotiate the division of the recovered goods.
לִקְרָאתוֹ֒to meet himprep לְ + Qal inf cstr + suf 3ms · קָרָא (H7125)Purpose infinitive (reason for going out)→ Infinitival: purpose of going outקָרָה (H7125) 'to meet, encounter'; prep לְ + inf cstr = purpose 'to meet him'; a formal diplomatic reception.
אַחֲרֵ֣יafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal prepositional phraseאַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'; temporal prep introducing the circumstance of Abram's return from battle.
שׁוּב֗וֹhis return fromQal inf cstr + suf 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Temporal infinitive (return action)→ Infinitival: temporal framing of the encounterשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; inf cstr + suf 3ms 'his returning from'; governs the verbal phrase מֵהַכּוֹת.
מֵֽהַכּוֹת֙from strikingprep מִן + Hiphil inf cstr · נָכָה (H5221)Prepositional infinitive (action concluded)→ Infinitival: specifying the battle just concludedנָכָה (H5221) 'to strike, defeat'; Hiphil inf cstr; the prep מִן marks departure from the completed battle action.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking Chedorlaomer as the definite direct object of Abram's strike.
כְּדָרלָעֹ֔מֶרChedorlaomerProper noun · כְּדָרְלָעֹמֶר (H3540)Direct object (the defeated overlord)כְּדָרְלָעֹמֶר (H3540), the Elamite overlord whom Abram defeated; his defeat is explicitly named as the context for Sodom's approach.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conj + object markerוְ adds the second object group; אֵת (H853) marks the allied kings as a second definite direct object.
הַמְּלָכִ֖יםthe kingsart + N m pl abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Direct object (coalition kings defeated)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; plural; refers to the four eastern kings (Tidal, Amraphel, Arioch), all defeated in Abram's campaign.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhorelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative pronoun; introduces the qualifying clause 'who were with him' (Chedorlaomer).
אִתּ֑וֹwith himprep אֵת + suf 3ms · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; suffix 3ms refers to Chedorlaomer; the allied kings fought under his command.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413), directional preposition; the meeting point is the Valley of Shaveh, a royal ceremonial space.
עֵ֣מֶקthe Valley ofN m sg cstr · עֵמֶק (H6010)Object of prep (construct head, meeting site)עֵמֶק (H6010) 'valley, lowland'; the site where the two encounters occur — Melchizedek's blessing and Sodom's offer.
שָׁוֵ֔הShavehProper noun · שָׁוֵה (H7740)Genitive (place name, construct)שָׁוֵה (H7740) 'plain, level place'; the Valley of Shaveh = the King's Valley; likely near Jerusalem.
ה֖וּאthat ispronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Identificatory apposition (editorial gloss)הוּא (H1931), identificatory pronoun equating Shaveh with the King's Valley; the same editorial formula as vv.2,3,7,8.
עֵ֥מֶקthe Valley ofN m sg cstr · עֵמֶק (H6010)Predicate of gloss (construct head)עֵמֶק (H6010) 'valley'; the second occurrence identifies the plain's alternative name as the King's Valley.
הַמֶּֽלֶךְthe Kingart + N m sg abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Genitive (royal designation of valley)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; the King's Valley is associated with royal ceremony; 2 Sam 18:18 places Absalom's monument here.
18
וּמַלְכִּי צֶ֨דֶק֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ שָׁלֵ֔ם הוֹצִ֖יא לֶ֣חֶם וָיָ֑יִן וְה֥וּא כֹהֵ֖ן לְאֵ֥ל עֶלְיֽוֹן
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. Now he was priest of God Most High.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וּמַלְכִּיand Melchizedekconj וּ + Proper noun · מַלְכִּי-צֶדֶק (H4442)Subject of new clause (priest-king)מַלְכִּי-צֶדֶק (H4442) 'my king is righteousness' or 'king of righteousness'; a remarkable figure combining kingship and priesthood.
צֶ֨דֶק֙MelchizedekProper noun · מַלְכִּי-צֶדֶק (H4442)Second element of compound nameצֶדֶק (H6664) 'righteousness'; the name Melchizedek echoes the Davidic king Adonizedek (Josh 10:1) and frames Ps 110.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (royal title)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; Melchizedek holds both royal and priestly office, a combination unique in the patriarchal narratives.
שָׁלֵ֔םSalemProper noun · שָׁלֵם (H8004)Genitive of realm (construct chain)שָׁלֵם (H8004) 'peace'; traditionally identified with Jerusalem (cf. Ps 76:2); 'Salem' = shalom, city of peace.
הוֹצִ֖יאbrought outHiphil perf 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed act of priestly provisionיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Hiphil 'to bring out'; the priestly king brings out bread and wine in a gesture of provision.
לֶ֣חֶםbreadN m sg abs · לֶחֶם (H3899)Direct object (first provision)לֶחֶם (H3899) 'bread, food'; staple of hospitality and sustenance; the bread and wine anticipate later sacrificial and eucharistic symbolism.
וָיָ֑יִןand wineconj וָ + N m sg abs · יַיִן (H3196)Coordinated direct object (second provision)יַיִן (H3196) 'wine'; together with לֶחֶם forms the classic provision pair; the gesture marks a festive, priestly hospitality.
וְה֥וּאnow heconj וְ + pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of verbless clause (identification)הוּא (H1931), pronoun as subject of the following verbless clause identifying Melchizedek's priestly office.
כֹהֵ֖ןpriestN m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Predicate of verbless clause (priestly office)כֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the only pre-Israelite priest in Genesis; his priestly office is the theological center of the episode.
לְאֵ֥לof Godprep לְ + N m sg abs · אֵל (H410)Genitive prepositional phrase (deity served)אֵל (H410) 'God, deity'; the generic divine name; here the high God whom Abram immediately equates with YHWH in v.22.
עֶלְיֽוֹןMost Highadj m sg abs · עֶלְיוֹן (H5945)Attributive adjective (divine epithet)עֶלְיוֹן (H5945) 'most high, highest'; divine epithet emphasizing supreme sovereignty; Abram equates אֵל עֶלְיוֹן with YHWH in v.22.
19
וַֽיְבָרְכֵ֖הוּ וַיֹּאמַ֑ר בָּר֤וּךְ אַבְרָם֙ לְאֵ֣ל עֶלְי֔וֹן קֹנֵ֖ה שָׁמַ֥יִם וָאָֽרֶץ
And he blessed him and said, 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, maker of heaven and earth,'
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַֽיְבָרְכֵ֖הוּand he blessed himconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms + suf 3ms · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (blessing act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּרַךְ (H1288) 'to bless'; Piel intensive; Melchizedek blesses Abram before blessing God; priestly blessing moves downward first.
וַיֹּאמַ֑רand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say, speak'; introduces the two-line blessing formula that constitutes Melchizedek's priestly declaration.
בָּר֤וּךְblessedQal passive ptc ms abs · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate of blessing formula→ Passive participial: state of blessednessבָּרַךְ (H1288) 'to bless'; Qal passive ptc 'blessed (be)'; the formulaic blessing adjective pronouncing the state of divine favor.
אַבְרָם֙AbramProper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Subject of blessing (person blessed)אַבְרָם (H87) 'exalted father'; the recipient of the first half of Melchizedek's blessing; the military victor is declared blessed.
לְאֵ֣לby Godprep לְ + N m sg abs · אֵל (H410)Agent of blessing (divine source)אֵל (H410) 'God'; the blessing is attributed to El Elyon; prep לְ marks the divine agent from whom blessing flows.
עֶלְי֔וֹןMost Highadj m sg abs · עֶלְיוֹן (H5945)Attributive adjective (divine epithet)עֶלְיוֹן (H5945) 'most high'; the epithet qualifies אֵל; repeated in v.20 in the second line of the blessing formula.
קֹנֵ֖הmaker ofQal ptc ms cstr · קָנָה (H7069)Appositive participle (divine epithet)→ Participial: ongoing creative roleקָנָה (H7069) 'to acquire, create, possess'; Qal ptc 'creator/possessor of'; a cosmic sovereignty claim over heaven and earth.
שָׁמַ֥יִםheavenN m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Direct object of ptc (first merism)שָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens, sky'; the upper realm; with אָרֶץ a merism claiming God's sovereignty over the entire cosmos.
וָאָֽרֶץand earthconj וָ + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Coordinated direct object (second merism)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the lower realm; with שָׁמַיִם the merism = all creation; Abram echoes this exact phrase in his oath (v.22).
20
וּבָרוּךְ֙ אֵ֣ל עֶלְי֔וֹן אֲשֶׁר מִגֵּ֥ן צָרֶ֖יךָ בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ וַיִּתֶּן ל֥וֹ מַעֲשֵׂ֖ר מִכֹּֽל
and blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.' And he gave him a tenth of everything.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וּבָרוּךְ֙and blessedconj וּ + Qal passive ptc ms abs · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Second line of blessing formula→ Passive participial: state of being glorifiedבָּרַךְ (H1288) 'to bless'; Qal passive ptc; the second line of Melchizedek's blessing turns from Abram to God Most High.
אֵ֣לGodN m sg abs · אֵל (H410)Subject of second blessing lineאֵל (H410) 'God'; the divine subject of the second blessing line; the military victory is credited to God's action, not Abram's skill.
עֶלְי֔וֹןMost Highadj m sg abs · עֶלְיוֹן (H5945)Attributive adjective (divine epithet)עֶלְיוֹן (H5945) 'most high'; repeated from v.19; brackets the blessing's second line with the same divine title.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (divine action)אֲשֶׁר (H834), relative pronoun; introduces the basis of the blessing — God's specific deliverance of Abram's enemies.
מִגֵּ֥ןdeliveredPiel perf 3ms · מָגַן (H4042)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed act of divine deliveranceמָגַן (H4042) 'to deliver, hand over'; Piel 'to deliver into someone's hand'; the theological interpretation of the military victory.
צָרֶ֖יךָyour enemiesN m pl cstr + suf 2ms · צַר (H6862)Direct object (enemies delivered)צַר (H6862) 'adversary, enemy'; plural with suffix 2ms = 'your enemies'; the eastern coalition is cast as theological adversaries.
בְּיָדֶ֑ךָinto your handprep בְּ + N f sg cstr + suf 2ms · יָד (H3027)Locative phrase (divine delivery idiom)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; בְּיָד idiom 'into the hand of' = under the power of; the victory belongs to God who gave it to Abram.
וַיִּתֶּןand he gaveconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol narrative advance (tithe given)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; Abram gives Melchizedek a tithe; an act of acknowledging God's ownership of all the victory's proceeds.
ל֥וֹto himprep לְ + suf 3ms · לְIndirect object (recipient of tithe)לְ (prep) + suf 3ms = 'to him'; the pronoun refers to Melchizedek as the priestly recipient of Abram's tithe.
מַעֲשֵׂ֖רa tenthN m sg abs · מַעֲשֵׂר (H4643)Direct object (tithe amount)מַעֲשֵׂר (H4643) 'tenth, tithe'; from עָשַׂר 'ten'; the tithe here anticipates the Mosaic law; Abram gives 10% of all the spoil.
מִכֹּֽלfrom everythingprep מִן + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Partitive prepositional phrase (total scope)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; מִכֹּל = 'from all'; the tithe is taken from the entire spoil, not selectively; total acknowledgment of divine provision.
21
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר מֶֽלֶךְ סְדֹ֖ם אֶל אַבְרָ֑ם תֶּן לִ֣י הַנֶּ֔פֶשׁ וְהָרְכֻ֖שׁ קַֽח לָֽךְ
And the king of Sodom said to Abram, 'Give me the people, and take the goods for yourself.'
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the king of Sodom's proposal; the offer contrasts sharply with Melchizedek's theological blessing.
מֶֽלֶךְthe king ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Subject (construct head)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; the king of Sodom makes his counteroffer immediately after Melchizedek's blessing — a juxtaposition of two orientations.
סְדֹ֖םSodomProper noun · סְדֹם (H5467)Genitive of realm (construct chain)סְדֹם (H5467), Sodom; his offer of goods while keeping people reverses what the reader might expect; Abram refuses both.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prep (addressee marked)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks Abram as the addressee of the king of Sodom's proposal.
אַבְרָ֑םAbramProper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Indirect object (addressee)אַבְרָם (H87) 'exalted father'; the recipient of the king of Sodom's proposal; his refusal in vv.22-24 is the narrative's ethical climax.
תֶּןgive meQal impv 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Imperative (direct request)→ Volitional: direct command/requestנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; Qal imperative 2ms; the king of Sodom demands the people; his tone contrasts with Melchizedek's blessing.
לִ֣יto meprep לְ + suf 1cs · לְIndirect object (claimant of people)לְ (prep) + suf 1cs = 'to me'; the king claims the people of his city as rightfully his.
הַנֶּ֔פֶשׁthe peopleart + N f sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Direct object (persons claimed)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, person, life'; collective singular; 'the persons/souls' = the people of the captured cities, the human captives.
וְהָרְכֻ֖שׁand the goodsconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · רְכוּשׁ (H7399)Coordinated object (goods ceded to Abram)רְכוּשׁ (H7399) 'goods, movable property'; the king offers Abram the goods while reclaiming the people; Abram refuses both.
קַֽחtakeQal impv 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Imperative (second direct request)→ Volitional: direct command/permissionלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Qal imperative 2ms; the king cedes the goods to Abram, but Abram's oath forbids him from accepting.
לָֽךְfor yourselfprep לְ + suf 2ms · לְBeneficiary prepositional phraseלְ (prep) + suf 2ms = 'for yourself'; the dative of advantage; the king invites Abram to keep the goods as his own reward.
22
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אַבְרָ֖ם אֶל מֶ֣לֶךְ סְדֹ֑ם הֲרִימֹ֨תִי יָדִ֤י אֶל יְהוָה֙ אֵ֣ל עֶלְי֔וֹן קֹנֵ֖ה שָׁמַ֥יִם וָאָֽרֶץ
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, 'I have raised my hand to Yahweh, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,'
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Abram's oath-refusal; the narrative's theological climax centers on Abram's words.
אַבְרָ֖םAbramProper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Subject of wayyiqtolאַבְרָם (H87) 'exalted father'; Abram speaks; his oath formula is the chapter's theological core, grounding his refusal in YHWH.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prep (addressee marked)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the king of Sodom as the addressee of Abram's oath-refusal.
מֶ֣לֶךְthe king ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Indirect object (construct head)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; Abram addresses the king of Sodom directly; the refusal is formal and direct.
סְדֹ֑םSodomProper noun · סְדֹם (H5467)Genitive of realm (construct chain)סְדֹם (H5467), Sodom; the king whose offer Abram explicitly refuses by oath sworn to YHWH.
הֲרִימֹ֨תִיI have raisedHiphil perf 1cs · רוּם (H7311)Oath formula (hand raised to YHWH)→ Perfective: completed oath-actionרוּם (H7311) 'to be high'; Hiphil 'to raise, lift'; הֲרִימֹתִי יָד = 'I have raised my hand to' = sworn an oath; the classical oath gesture.
יָדִ֤יmy handN f sg cstr + suf 1cs · יָד (H3027)Direct object (oath gesture)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; the raised hand is the physical gesture of oath-swearing; the perfective marks the oath as already solemnly made.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prep (divine oath recipient)אֶל (H413) 'to'; the raised hand directed to YHWH; the deity is the witness and guarantor of the oath.
יְהוָה֙YahwehProper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of oath gesture (divine witness)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; Abram uses the personal divine name, equating YHWH with El Elyon of v.18.
אֵ֣לGodN m sg abs · אֵל (H410)Appositive (divine title)אֵל (H410) 'God'; in apposition to YHWH; Abram explicitly identifies YHWH with El Elyon, the God Melchizedek served.
עֶלְי֔וֹןMost Highadj m sg abs · עֶלְיוֹן (H5945)Attributive adjective (divine epithet)עֶלְיוֹן (H5945) 'most high'; Abram's identification of YHWH as El Elyon is a bold theological equation bridging Canaanite and Israelite divine names.
קֹנֵ֖הmaker ofQal ptc ms cstr · קָנָה (H7069)Appositive participle (divine epithet)→ Participial: ongoing creative sovereigntyקָנָה (H7069) 'to create, acquire, possess'; Abram repeats Melchizedek's cosmic epithet (v.19), grounding his oath in divine sovereignty.
שָׁמַ֥יִםheavenN m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Direct object of ptc (first merism)שָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens'; first half of the merism for all creation; Abram's oath invokes the God who owns everything, not Sodom.
וָאָֽרֶץand earthconj וָ + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Coordinated direct object (second merism)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth'; second half of the merism; the exact phrasing from v.19 repeated; Abram's wealth comes from the Creator, not Sodom.
23
אִם מִחוּט֙ וְעַ֣ד שְׂרֽוֹךְ נַ֔עַל וְאִם אֶקַּ֖ח מִכָּל אֲשֶׁר לָ֑ךְ וְלֹ֣א תֹאמַ֔ר אֲנִ֖י הֶעֱשַׁ֥רְתִּי אֶת אַבְרָֽם
that not from a thread even to a sandal strap, indeed not anything that is yours, would I take, lest you say, 'I made Abram rich.'
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
אִםthat notconjunction · אִם (H518)Oath particle (content of oath)אִם (H518) 'if'; after a raising-hand oath formula, אִם introduces the oath content as a negative vow: 'I swear I will not...'
מִחוּט֙from a threadprep מִן + N m sg abs · חוּט (H2339)Partitive phrase (lower bound of refusal)חוּט (H2339) 'thread, cord'; the most trivial item imaginable; Abram's refusal extends to absolutely nothing, not even a thread.
וְעַ֣דtoconj וְ + prep · עַד (H5704)Range preposition (upper bound)עַד (H5704) 'as far as, even to'; מִחוּט וְעַד שְׂרוֹךְ נַעַל = a merism for absolutely nothing; from least to most trivial.
שְׂרֽוֹךְsandal strap ofN m sg cstr · שְׂרוֹךְ (H8288)Object of prep (upper bound of merism)שְׂרוֹךְ (H8288) 'strap, thong'; a sandal strap; used with חוּט to form a merism for the most trivial of items — Abram takes nothing.
נַ֔עַלa sandalN f sg abs · נַעַל (H5275)Genitive (item of the strap)נַעַל (H5275) 'sandal'; standard footwear of the poor; the merism thread-to-sandal-strap covers every conceivable small item.
וְאִםand ifconj וְ + conjunction · אִם (H518)Resumptive oath particleאִם (H518) 'if'; the oath content is restated in positive form: 'I will not take anything from all that is yours'.
אֶקַּ֖חI will takeQal impf 1cs · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate of oath content (negated)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — the action Abram vows never to doלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; yiqtol 1cs here is the content of the negative oath; Abram absolutely refuses to take anything from Sodom.
מִכָּלfrom anythingprep מִן + N m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Partitive phrase (scope of refusal)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, anything'; with מִן = 'from anything'; the comprehensive scope matches his comprehensive action of restoration.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative pronoun; introduces the qualifying clause 'that is yours'; everything belonging to the king of Sodom is excluded.
לָ֑ךְis yoursprep לְ + suf 2ms · לְPredicate of relative clause (possession)לְ (prep) + suf 2ms = 'to you, yours'; the king of Sodom's possessions are expressly excluded from Abram's reward.
וְלֹ֣אand notconj וְ + negative · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (reason clause)לֹא (H3808) 'not'; negative particle introducing the purpose/result: Abram refuses so that Sodom cannot claim credit for his wealth.
תֹאמַ֔רyou will sayQal impf 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate of purpose clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective — the outcome Abram preventsאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; yiqtol 2ms; Abram's refusal forecloses any future boast by the king of Sodom that he enriched Abram.
אֲנִ֖יIpronoun 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the quoted speech (emphatic)אֲנִי (H589), first-person singular pronoun; emphatic subject position in the quoted speech; 'I, the king of Sodom, made Abram rich'.
הֶעֱשַׁ֥רְתִּיmade richHiphil perf 1cs · עָשַׁר (H6238)Predicate of feared boast (Hiphil)→ Perfective: completed act of enrichment (hypothetical)עָשַׁר (H6238) 'to be rich'; Hiphil 'to make rich'; Abram prevents any claim that Sodom, not YHWH, is the source of his wealth.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi before אַבְרָם; the feared speech credits Sodom with enriching Abram specifically.
אַבְרָֽםAbramProper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Direct object of feared boastאַבְרָם (H87) 'exalted father'; the direct object of the feared boast; Abram's refusal ensures that God alone receives credit for his prosperity.
24
בִּלְעָדַ֗י רַ֚ק אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָֽכְל֣וּ הַנְּעָרִ֔ים וְחֵ֨לֶק֙ הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָלְכ֖וּ אִתִּ֑י עָנֵר֙ אֶשְׁכֹּ֣ל וּמַמְרֵ֔א הֵ֖ם יִקְח֥וּ חֶלְקָֽם
Nothing for me, except only what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their share.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
בִּלְעָדַ֗יexcept for meprep בִּלְעֲדֵי + suf 1cs · בִּלְעֲדֵי (H1107)Exclusive prepositional clause (exception)בִּלְעֲדֵי (H1107) 'apart from, except for'; Abram excludes himself from any share; his exception is about others, not himself.
רַ֚קonlyadverb · רַק (H7535)Restrictive adverb (limiting exception)רַק (H7535) 'only, but, however'; restrictive particle; what follows is the sole exception to Abram's absolute refusal.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (exception content)אֲשֶׁר (H834), relative pronoun; the antecedent is implied 'that which'; introduces the two legitimate exceptions Abram allows.
אָֽכְל֣וּhave eatenQal perf 3cp · אָכַל (H398)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed consumption (legitimate)אָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the young men's food consumption during the campaign is a legitimate expense; Abram allows it as an exception.
הַנְּעָרִ֔יםthe young menart + N m pl abs · נַעַר (H5288)Subject of relative clause (first exception)נַעַר (H5288) 'young man, attendant, servant'; Abram's fighting men; their food rations are a legitimate campaign expense.
וְחֵ֨לֶק֙and the share ofconj וְ + N m sg cstr · חֵלֶק (H2506)Coordinated exception (second exception)חֵלֶק (H2506) 'portion, share'; the Amorite allies' portion of the spoil; Abram will not deny them what military custom entitles.
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Genitive (allies who share)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; plural הָאֲנָשִׁים; refers to Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre who accompanied Abram; their share is legitimate spoil.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhorelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (identifying allies)אֲשֶׁר (H834), relative pronoun; identifies the men by their participation in the campaign rather than by name here.
הָלְכ֖וּwentQal perf 3cp · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate of relative clause (campaign service)→ Perfective: completed campaign serviceהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk'; the Amorite allies accompanied Abram on the campaign; their service entitles them to a share of the spoil.
אִתִּ֑יwith meprep אֵת + suf 1cs · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; suffix 1cs = 'with me'; the comitative marks the allies' active participation alongside Abram in the battle.
עָנֵר֙AnerProper noun · עָנֵר (H6063)Subject of share clause (first ally)עָנֵר (H6063), one of the three Amorite brothers allied with Abram; named first among those entitled to their share.
אֶשְׁכֹּ֣לEshcolProper noun · אֶשְׁכֹּל (H812)Subject of share clause (second ally)אֶשְׁכֹּל (H812) 'cluster of grapes'; second Amorite brother; his share of the spoil is explicitly preserved by Abram's ethical refusal.
וּמַמְרֵ֔אand Mamreconj וּ + Proper noun · מַמְרֵא (H4471)Subject of share clause (third ally)מַמְרֵא (H4471), the Amorite at whose oaks Abram dwelt (v.13); named last; all three allies receive their rightful portion.
הֵ֖םtheypronoun 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Subject of jussive clause (emphatic)הֵם (H1992), 3mp pronoun; emphatic subject; 'they — they shall take their share'; the pronoun contrasts them with Abram who takes nothing.
יִקְח֥וּshall takeQal jussive 3mp · לָקַח (H3947)Jussive (Abram's permission/concession)→ Yiqtol-jussive: volitional concessionלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; jussive 3mp expresses Abram's permission and intent; 'let them take their share' — a righteous exception to his refusal.
חֶלְקָֽםtheir shareN m sg cstr + suf 3mp · חֵלֶק (H2506)Direct object (share due the allies)חֵלֶק (H2506) 'portion, share'; the portion due the allies for their military service; Abram's integrity honors them without compromising his own oath.