And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,

GENESIS 14:22KJV
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Genesis 14:22 (KJV)

What does Genesis 14:22 mean?

Genesis 14:22 shows Abram telling the king of Sodom that he has made a solemn promise to the LORD, whom he calls the Most High God and the possessor of heaven and earth. Abram is making it clear that his loyalty and trust are in God alone, not in any earthly king or reward.

In this scene, Abram is responding to the king of Sodom after a victory in battle. Abram uses strong language to describe God—calling Him both "the LORD" (God’s personal name) and "the Most High God," as well as the one who owns everything in heaven and on earth. This statement sets the stage for Abram’s refusal to accept any reward from the king of Sodom, showing that he wants all credit for his success to go to God.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 14:22

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is God’s personal name in the Hebrew Bible, used here to show Abram’s direct relationship with God.
  • "Most High" (עֶלְיוֹן, ʿelyon): This word means "supreme" or "highest," emphasizing God’s authority over all other powers.
  • "Possessor" (קָנָה, qanah): This word can mean "owner" or "creator," and here it highlights that God is the one who truly owns everything in heaven and earth, not any human king.

Why Genesis 14:22 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Abram’s allegiance is to God, not to earthly rulers, which is important for understanding his actions in the following verses.
  • By calling God both "Most High" and "possessor of heaven and earth," Abram is making a strong statement about God’s unmatched authority and ownership, which would have stood out in a world of many local gods and kings.
  • The verse connects to the larger story by showing that Abram’s victories and blessings are attributed to God alone, not to alliances or favors from others.

Where else these words appear

“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” 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.

“high” Hebrew H5945 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
  • 2 Chronicles 27:3 He built the high gate of the house of the LORD, and on the wall of Ophel he built much.
  • Psalms 83:18 That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.

“possessor” Hebrew H7069 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
  • Ruth 4:4 And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.
  • Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.