King James Version
What Does Genesis 14:21 Mean?
“And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. persons: Heb. souls”
Context
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,
23
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:
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(21) **Grive me the persons.**—To this day it is the rule among the Arabs that, if a camp be plundered, anyone who recovers the booty gives up only the persons, and takes the rest for himself. But Abram, with noble generosity, will accept nothing. The “lifting up of the hand” to give solemnity to an oath is mentioned here for the first time.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 14:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.