Devine Scripture

Genesis 14:23

What does Genesis 14:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 14:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 14:23 means

Abram explicitly stated his refusal to take anything from the king of Sodom, not even a thread or a shoelace, or anything belonging to him. His reason was clear: he did not want the king of Sodom to be able to claim, 'I have made Abram rich.' This demonstrates Abram's integrity, his desire to honor God alone as his provider, and his rejection of any association with the wicked king's wealth, reserving glory purely for God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

that I will not take a thread nor a shoe-latchet nor aught that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

that I will not take a thread nor a shoe-latchet nor aught that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

That I will not take so much as a thread or the cord of a shoe of yours; so that you may not say, I have given wealth to Abram:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

from a thread even unto a shoe-latchet I take not of anything which thou hast, that thou say not, I--I have made Abram rich;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That from the very woof thread unto the shoe latchet, I will not take of any things that are thine, lest thou say: I have enriched Abram.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

if from a thread even to a sandal-thong, yes, if of all that is thine, I take [anything]...; that thou mayest not say, I have made Abram rich;

Context

Building on his oath to God in verse 22, this verse articulates Abram's clear and specific refusal to accept any spoils from the king of Sodom. This emphasizes Abram's commitment to divine provision rather than human gain, setting up the exception for his allies that follows immediately.

v.22And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up my hand unto Jehovah, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,

v.23This passage

v.24save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men that went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:14

    Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be a burden to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:9

    and when I was present with you and was in want, I was not a burden on any man; for the brethren, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my want; and in everything I kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

  • 2 Kings 5:16

    But he said, As Jehovah liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.

  • 2 Kings 5:20

    But Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: as Jehovah liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.

  • Hebrews 13:5

    Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee.

  • 1 Kings 13:8

    And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thy house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place;

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