Genesis 14:21

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

Genesis 14:21 (KJV)

Context

This verse appears in the account of Abram’s rescue of his nephew Lot. Several kings had attacked Sodom and its neighbouring cities, and Lot was taken captive. Abram gathered 318 trained men from his household, pursued the invaders, and recovered the people and possessions that had been seized.

After the victory, Abram met two leaders. First, Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, blessed him, and Abram gave him a tenth of everything. Then the king of Sodom came forward and made the request recorded here. He asked for the people to be returned to him, but he allowed Abram to keep the goods that had been recovered.

Meaning

The word translated as “persons” is the Hebrew nephesh, which means souls or lives. The king of Sodom was concerned about his people, who had been carried away as captives. The “goods” were the property and wealth that the invaders had plundered from Sodom. By offering these to Abram, the king was giving him a reward for his military help.

This offer was not simply generous. It was a test of Abram’s loyalty. The king of Sodom ruled a city that would later be judged by God for its wickedness. His proposal tried to draw Abram into a worldly relationship based on wealth and favour. Abram’s answer, in the following verses, shows that he understood this danger.

Biblical connections

Abram had just received a blessing from Melchizedek, who acknowledged God as the possessor of heaven and earth. That blessing reminded Abram that all true wealth comes from God. When the king of Sodom made his offer, Abram refused to take even a thread or a sandal strap, so that the king could never say he had made Abram rich. Abram’s oath in Genesis 14:22-23 directly answers the king’s proposal and shows his complete dependence on God’s provision.

Application

This verse teaches that God’s people must be careful about the source of their blessings. Abram did not want his success to be credited to a wicked ruler. He chose to rely on God alone. In daily life, believers may face offers that promise comfort or advantage but come with hidden strings. The question is not only whether something is useful, but whether accepting it would compromise faithfulness to God.

Abram’s example also shows the value of clear boundaries. He did not argue or hesitate. He made a solemn promise before God and kept it. His integrity protected his witness and prevented future accusations.

Reflection

Consider how you respond when someone offers you a reward that could be seen as payment for your service. Does your trust rest on God’s promises, or on the approval of people who may not honour Him? Abram’s refusal reminds us that God alone is the provider and protector of His servants.