Genesis 14:8
What does Genesis 14:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 14:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 14:8 means
The five kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (Zoar) marshaled their forces and advanced to the Vale of Siddim to meet the advancing eastern kings in battle. This active decision to confront their oppressors in a chosen location demonstrates their resolve, even in the face of such a powerful enemy. It highlights their defiance and willingness to fight for their independence, setting the stage for the climactic encounter.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar); and they set the battle in array against them in the vale of Siddim;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar); and they set the battle in array against them in the vale of Siddim;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the king of Sodom with the king of Gomorrah and the king of Admah and the king of Zeboiim and the king of Bela (that is Zoar), went out, and put their forces in position in the valley of Siddim,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the king of Sodom goeth out, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboim, and the king of Bela, which <FI>is<Fi> Zoar; and they set the battle in array with them in the valley of Siddim,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrha, and the king of Adama, and the king of Seboim, and the king of Bala, which is Segor, went out: and they set themselves against them in battle array, in the woodland vale:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar, went out, and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim,
Context
This verse brings the two opposing forces directly together, as the five kings of the plain go out to battle the eastern kings in the Vale of Siddim. This action follows the eastern kings' destructive sweep through the region and sets the immediate scene for the decisive clash that will unfold in the next verses.
v.7And they returned, and came to En-mishpat (the same is Kadesh), and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazazon-tamar.
v.8This passage
v.9against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings against the five.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 14:10
Now the vale of Siddim was full of slime pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell there, and they that remained fled to the mountain.
- Genesis 19:20
behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one. Oh let me escape thither (is it not a little one?), and my soul shall live.
- Genesis 19:22
Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do anything till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
- Genesis 14:2
that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar).
- Genesis 13:10
And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the Plain of the Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before Jehovah destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, like the garden of Jehovah, like the land of Egypt, as thou goest unto Zoar.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Genesis 14
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Genesis 14.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Tithing
Tithing is a spiritual act of worship where believers offer a tenth of their income or produce to God, demonstrating faith and obedience.
Topic
Bible Verses About Body Image
Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and these scriptures help us to see ourselves through His eyes.
Topic
Bible Verses About God’s Calling
Explore what it means to be called by God, whether to salvation, service, or a particular purpose in life.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Alone
When no one seems to see you — verses for the One who does.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Praying for Pregnancy
Verses for the long wait of trying to conceive.