King James Version

What Does Genesis 14:20 Mean?

Genesis 14:20 in the King James Version says “And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.”

Genesis 14:20 · KJV

Salvation

Context

18

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

19

And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

20

And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

21

And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. persons: Heb. souls

22

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,

Read Genesis 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him ... 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. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וּבָרוּךְ֙1 of 11

“And blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אֵ֣ל2 of 11

“God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

עֶלְי֔וֹן3 of 11

“be the most high”

H5945

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

אֲשֶׁר4 of 11
H834

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

מִגֵּ֥ן5 of 11

“which hath delivered”

H4042

properly, to shield; encompass with; figuratively, to rescue, to hand safely over (i.e., surrender)

צָרֶ֖יךָ6 of 11

“thine enemies”

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ7 of 11

“into thy hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַיִּתֶּן8 of 11

“And he gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

ל֥וֹ9 of 11
H0
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֖ר10 of 11

“him tithes”

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

מִכֹּֽל׃11 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

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 14:20 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 14:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 28:22Nehemiah 13:12Hebrews 7:4-9Malachi 3:10Deuteronomy 14:28Deuteronomy 12:17

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