And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.

GENESIS 14:15KJV
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Genesis 14:15 (KJV)

What does Genesis 14:15 mean?

Genesis 14:15 describes how Abram divided his forces and attacked his enemies at night, defeating them and chasing them as far as Hobah, which is located to the north of Damascus. This verse shows Abram using strategy and determination to rescue his nephew Lot from captivity.

In this scene, Abram is responding to the capture of Lot by a coalition of kings. Abram gathers his trained men, divides them for a nighttime attack, and pursues the enemy far beyond his own territory. The verse highlights Abram’s leadership and willingness to take risks to save his family, setting the stage for his growing reputation among the peoples of the region.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 14:15

  • חָלַק (ḥālaq, "divided"): This word means to split or divide. Here, it suggests that Abram carefully organized his men into groups, likely to surprise the enemy from different directions.
  • עֶבֶד (ʿeved, "servants"): This term refers to household servants or trained men. In this context, it emphasizes that Abram’s fighting force was made up of his own people, not professional soldiers.
  • לַיְלָה (laylah, "night"): The attack happening at night points to a tactical decision, taking advantage of darkness for surprise.
  • נָכָה (nākhāh, "smote"): This verb means to strike or defeat. It underlines that Abram’s attack was successful and forceful.
  • רָדַף (radaph, "pursued"): This word means to chase or follow after. Abram did not just defeat the enemy but chased them a long distance, showing determination.

Why Genesis 14:15 matters

  • Genesis 14:15 clarifies that Abram was not just acting out of impulse but used careful planning and military tactics, which may surprise readers who think of him only as a peaceful herdsman.
  • The verse emphasizes Abram’s commitment to family and justice, showing he was willing to go to great lengths—even into foreign territory—to rescue Lot.
  • This action sets up Abram’s growing influence and respect among neighboring peoples, which becomes important in later interactions and covenants in Genesis.

Where else these words appear

“Damascus” Hebrew H1834 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 15:2 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
  • 2 Kings 16:11 And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus.
  • Isaiah 17:3 The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.

“hand” Hebrew H8040 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • Judges 7:20 And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.

“divided” Hebrew H2505 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 49:7 Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.
  • Proverbs 7:5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

“pursued” Hebrew H7291 · used in 135 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Judges 8:5 And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.
  • Psalms 69:26 For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded.