And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way.

GENESIS 14:11KJV
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Genesis 14:11 (KJV)

What does Genesis 14:11 mean?

Genesis 14:11 describes how invading kings took all the possessions and food supplies from the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and then departed with them. The verse highlights the complete plundering of these cities during a time of war.

In this part of the story, a coalition of kings has attacked Sodom and Gomorrah, defeating their armies and seizing everything of value. The verse sets the stage for the next events, including the capture of Lot, Abram’s nephew, which prompts Abram to take action. The focus here is on the total loss suffered by the cities, not just in wealth but also in basic necessities.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 14:11

  • "Took" (לָקַח, laqach) means to seize or take away by force, emphasizing that this was not a peaceful transaction but a forceful act of plundering.
  • "Goods" (רְכוּשׁ, rekush) refers to property or possessions, indicating that everything valuable was taken, not just a few select items.
  • "Victuals" (אֹכֶל, okhel) specifically means food or provisions, showing that the invaders stripped the cities of their means to survive, not just their wealth.
  • "Way" (יָלַךְ, yalak) means to go or depart, underlining that the invaders left after taking everything, with no intention of returning or negotiating.

Why Genesis 14:11 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the loss was total—both wealth and food—making the disaster for Sodom and Gomorrah even more severe.
  • This sets up the urgency and motivation for Abram’s later rescue mission, as Lot was among those taken.
  • The detail about taking "all their victuals" helps the reader understand the depth of suffering and desperation that would follow for any survivors left behind.

Where else these words appear

“Gomorrah” Hebrew H6017 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 10:19 And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.
  • Genesis 19:24 Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;
  • Isaiah 13:19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

“goods” Hebrew H7399 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 12:5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.
  • Genesis 46:6 And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob, and all his seed with him:
  • 2 Chronicles 32:29 Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much.

“Sodom” Hebrew H5467 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 10:19 And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.
  • Genesis 18:20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
  • Isaiah 13:19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

“victuals” Hebrew H400 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 41:35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
  • Exodus 16:16 This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.
  • Job 38:41 Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.