That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:

GENESIS 14:23KJV
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Genesis 14:23 (KJV)

What does Genesis 14:23 mean?

Genesis 14:23 records Abram refusing to take even the smallest thing from the king of Sodom after a victory, saying he will not accept anything—not even a thread or a shoelace—so that no one can claim to have made Abram rich. Abram wants it to be clear that his prosperity comes from God, not from any human source.

In this scene, Abram is speaking directly to the king of Sodom after rescuing him and others from captivity. The king offers Abram goods as a reward, but Abram declines, emphasizing his independence and integrity. This moment highlights Abram’s desire to keep his reputation untarnished and to show that his blessings are not due to favors or alliances with others.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 14:23

  • thread (חוט, ḥut): This word means a thin thread or string. Abram’s mention of not taking even a thread shows how determined he is to avoid any appearance of personal gain from the king of Sodom.
  • shoelatchet (שרוך, śerok; נעל, na‘al): The phrase refers to the strap or thong of a sandal. By using such a small, everyday item, Abram stresses that he will not accept even the most trivial thing.
  • made (עָשַׁר, ‘ashar): This word means "to make rich." Abram’s concern is that the king might later claim credit for Abram’s wealth, so he refuses any gift that could lead to such a claim.

Why Genesis 14:23 matters

  • Genesis 14:23 clarifies that Abram’s wealth and success are not due to human generosity or political deals, but to God’s provision.
  • This verse helps clear up any misunderstanding that Abram was motivated by personal gain in his rescue of Sodom; instead, his actions were selfless.
  • The verse connects to the broader theme of Genesis, where Abram’s faith and trust in God set him apart from those around him, shaping his reputation and legacy.

Where else these words appear

“shoelatchet” Hebrew H8288 · used in 2 verses

  • Isaiah 5:27 None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken:

“thread” Hebrew H2339 · used in 7 verses

  • Joshua 2:18 Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.
  • 1 Kings 7:15 For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about.
  • Song of Solomon 4:3 Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks.

“made” Hebrew H6238 · used in 17 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
  • Proverbs 10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
  • Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

“shoelatchet” Hebrew H5275 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 3:5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.
  • Joshua 9:13 And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey.
  • Isaiah 5:27 None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken: