Genesis 14:17

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּצֵ֣א

H3318

went out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃

H4428

And the king

a king

סְדֹם֮

H5467

of Sodom

sedom, a place near the dead sea

לִקְרָאתוֹ֒

H7125

to meet

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י

H310

him after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

שׁוּב֗וֹ

H7725

his return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מֵֽהַכּוֹת֙

H5221

from the slaughter

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כְּדָרְלָעֹ֔מֶר

H3540

of Chedorlaomer

kedorlaomer, an early persian king

#10

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃

H4428

And the king

a king

#12

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#13

אִתּ֑וֹ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#14

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

עֵ֥מֶק

H6010

dale

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

#16

שָׁוֵ֔ה

H7740

of Shaveh

shaveh, a place in palestine

#17

ה֖וּא

H1931

which

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

#18

עֵ֥מֶק

H6010

dale

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

#19

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃

H4428

And the king

a king

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 14 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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