Genesis 14:3
What does Genesis 14:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 14:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 14:3 means
This verse notes that the five kings of the Jordan plain allied in the Vale of Siddim, which is identified as the Salt Sea (the Dead Sea). This geographical detail is significant for understanding the battle's location and its eventual outcome. The Vale of Siddim, with its unique characteristics, will play a crucial role in the conflict, particularly regarding the fate of the fleeing kings. This specific location ties the narrative firmly to the geography of Canaan.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000All these joined together in the vale of Siddim (the same is the Salt Sea).
KJV
King James Version · 1611All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901All these joined together in the vale of Siddim (the same is the Salt Sea).
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949All these came together in the valley of Siddim (which is the Salt Sea).
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862All these have been joined together unto the valley of Siddim, which <FI>is<Fi> the Salt Sea;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752All these came together into the woodland vale, which now is the salt sea.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890All these were joined in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
Context
This verse provides a crucial geographical detail, identifying the Vale of Siddim as the location where the five kings of the plain joined forces. This explanation of where the battle took place builds upon the introduction of the warring parties in verses 1 and 2, setting the physical stage for the rebellion against Chedorlaomer mentioned in the next verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Deuteronomy 3:17
the Arabah also, and the Jordan and the border thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, under the slopes of Pisgah eastward.
- Psalms 107:34
A fruitful land into a salt desert, For the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
- Genesis 19:24
Then Jehovah rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from Jehovah out of heaven;
- Numbers 34:12
and the border shall go down to the Jordan, and the goings out thereof shall be at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land according to the borders thereof round about.
- Joshua 3:16
that the waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap, a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
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