King James Version

What Does Genesis 14:15 Mean?

Genesis 14:15 in the King James Version says “And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which i...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.”

Genesis 14:15 · KJV

Context

13

And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.

14

And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen , and pursued them unto Dan. armed: or, led forth trained: or, instructed

15

And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.

16

And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.

17

And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.

Read Genesis 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיֵּֽחָלֵ֨ק1 of 12

“And he divided”

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)

עֲלֵיהֶ֧ם׀2 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לַ֛יְלָה3 of 12

“by night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

ה֥וּא4 of 12
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַֽעֲבָדָ֖יו5 of 12

“himself against them he and his servants”

H5650

a servant

וַיַּכֵּ֑ם6 of 12

“and smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

וַֽיִּרְדְּפֵם֙7 of 12

“them and pursued”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

עַד8 of 12
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

חוֹבָ֔ה9 of 12

“them unto Hobah”

H2327

chobah, a place in syria

אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מִשְּׂמֹ֖אל11 of 12

“which is on the left hand”

H8040

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

לְדַמָּֽשֶׂק׃12 of 12

“of Damascus”

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 14:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 14:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 9:21 Kings 15:18Deuteronomy 15:2Isaiah 41:2-3Psalms 112:5

Places in This Verse

DamascusSettlement · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E58 verses across 15 books
HobahSettlement · Modern: Hoba · 34.25°N, 37.07°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Genesis 14 →

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