Genesis 14:22

Authorized King James Version

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,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אַבְרָ֖ם

H87

And Abram

abram, the original name of abraham

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֶ֣לֶךְ

H4428

to the king

a king

סְדֹ֑ם

H5467

of Sodom

sedom, a place near the dead sea

הֲרִמֹ֨תִי

H7311

I have lift up

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

יָדִ֤י

H3027

mine hand

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָה֙

H3068

unto the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#10

אֵ֣ל

H410

God

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

#11

עֶלְי֔וֹן

H5945

the most high

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

#12

קֹנֵ֖ה

H7069

the possessor

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

#13

שָׁמַ֥יִם

H8064

of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#14

וָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

and earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

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 sovereignty. 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 passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?

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