Genesis 14:21 (KJV)

What does Genesis 14:21 mean?

Genesis 14:21 records the king of Sodom asking Abram to return the people who had been captured, while offering Abram the right to keep all the goods and possessions taken in the rescue. The verse shows the king valuing the return of his people over the material wealth.

The scene takes place after Abram has rescued captives and goods from invading kings. The king of Sodom, who had lost both people and possessions, speaks directly to Abram. By requesting only the "persons" (meaning the people) and offering the "goods" (the material wealth) to Abram, the king highlights what he considers most important and sets up a moment that reveals Abram’s character in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 14:21

• The word for "persons" is נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh), which often means "soul" or "life," but here refers to living people, emphasizing the king’s concern for his citizens rather than just property.
• The word for "goods" is רְכוּשׁ (rekhush), meaning possessions or wealth, showing the distinction between people and material things in the king’s request.
• The verb "give" is נָתַן (natan), which is a straightforward request, but in this context, it shows the king is asking Abram to hand over the people as a favor or act of goodwill.

Why Genesis 14:21 matters

• This verse highlights a sharp contrast between valuing people and valuing possessions, which becomes important in understanding both the king of Sodom’s priorities and Abram’s response.
• The request sets up a key moment in the narrative, where Abram’s refusal to profit from the rescue shows his integrity and independence from the king of Sodom.
• The verse helps clarify the relationship between Abram and the local rulers, showing Abram’s role as a rescuer but not as someone seeking personal gain from others’ misfortune.