And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar.

GENESIS 14:7KJV
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Genesis 14:7 (KJV)

What does Genesis 14:7 mean?

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).

The Hebrew behind Genesis 14:7

  • 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.

Why Genesis 14:7 matters

  • 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.

Where else these words appear

“Hazezontamar” Hebrew H2688 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 20:2 Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi.

“Amalekites” Hebrew H6003 · used in 12 verses

  • Numbers 14:25 (Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.
  • Judges 12:15 And Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died, and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the mount of the Amalekites.
  • 1 Samuel 30:1 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;

“Kadesh” Hebrew H6946 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 16:14 Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.
  • Numbers 20:16 And when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border:
  • Deuteronomy 32:51 Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel.

“to” Hebrew H413 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 1:9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
  • Exodus 19:20 And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.
  • 1 Samuel 4:21 And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband.