And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

GENESIS 14:12KJV
Know the Bible

Genesis 14:12 (KJV)

What does Genesis 14:12 mean?

Genesis 14:12 reports that Lot, who was Abram’s nephew and living in Sodom, was captured along with his possessions by invading forces. The verse simply states that Lot and his belongings were taken away by these raiders.

This verse is part of a story where several kings wage war in the region, and Lot becomes a victim because he lives in Sodom, a city caught up in the conflict. The verse sets up the reason why Abram (later called Abraham) will soon take action to rescue Lot, showing the dangers Lot faced by choosing to live in Sodom.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 14:12

  • "took" (לָקַח, lāqach): This word means to seize, take, or capture. Here, it emphasizes that Lot was forcibly taken, not just relocated or moved.
  • "dwelt" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This verb means to live or settle. The verse highlights that Lot was living in Sodom at the time, which is why he was caught up in the raid.
  • "goods" (רְכוּשׁ, rekush): This word refers to possessions or property. The raiders did not just take Lot, but also all he owned, underlining the total loss he suffered.

Why Genesis 14:12 matters

  • Genesis 14:12 clarifies that Lot’s capture was not random; it was a direct result of his choice to settle in Sodom, a city involved in regional conflicts.
  • The verse sets the stage for Abram’s coming rescue mission, showing Abram’s loyalty and courage as he responds to his nephew’s plight.
  • By mentioning both Lot and his goods, the verse highlights the completeness of the loss, making Abram’s later recovery of everything more significant in the story.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“Lot” Hebrew H3876 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 11:27 Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot.
  • Genesis 13:11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
  • Genesis 19:14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.

“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.

“Abram's” Hebrew H87 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 11:26 And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
  • Genesis 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
  • Genesis 15:3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.