Question 1

What does Genesis 14:7 mean?

Accepted Answer

Genesis 14:7 describes how a group of kings, after a previous battle, returned to a place called Enmishpat (also known as Kadesh) and attacked the territory of the Amalekites and the Amorites who lived in Hazezontamar. This verse records part of a military campaign in which these kings conquered several peoples and regions. In this passage, the narrator is recounting the movements of a coalition of eastern kings during their invasion of Canaan. The verse highlights specific locations and peoples—Enmishpat/Kadesh, the Amalekites, and the Amorites in Hazezontamar—to show the extent of the campaign and the groups affected. This detail sets the stage for later events in the chapter, especially the involvement of Abram (later Abraham).

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Genesis 14:7

Accepted Answer

אֵין מִשְׁפָּט (Enmishpat, transliterated "Enmishpat"): This name means "spring of judgment." The verse notes that it is also called Kadesh, which helps identify the location for later biblical events. קָדֵשׁ (Kadesh, transliterated "Kadesh"): Kadesh is a significant place in Israelite history, often associated with wilderness wanderings. Its mention here connects this campaign to later biblical narratives. עֲמָלֵקִי (Amalekites, transliterated "Amalekites"): The Amalekites are mentioned here even though their origins are described later in Genesis, suggesting either an earlier group in the region or a retrospective reference. אֱמֹרִי (Amorites, transliterated "Amorites"): The Amorites were a prominent Canaanite people. Their presence in Hazezontamar (later known as Ein Gedi) shows the geographical spread of the campaign.

Question 3

Why Genesis 14:7 matters

Accepted Answer

Genesis 14:7 clarifies the broad scope of the eastern kings' campaign, showing that their actions affected multiple peoples and regions, not just one city or tribe. The mention of Enmishpat/Kadesh and Hazezontamar helps readers trace the route and impact of the invasion, which becomes important for understanding later biblical events involving these locations. By naming the Amalekites and Amorites, the verse connects this early story to later conflicts in Israel's history, showing the longstanding presence and significance of these groups in the biblical narrative.

Genesis 14:7 (KJV)