Genesis – Chapter 14

Old Testament24 Verses

Chapter Summary

Genesis 14 opens with the words: "And it came to pass at that time, that Amraphel, king of Sennaar, and Arioch, king of Pontus, and Chodorlahomor, king of the Elamites, and…" The chapter centers on Abraham, Lot and Melchizedek. Across its 24 verses, two threads run through the text: God's kingdom and kingship and family and covenant relationships. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1And it came to pass at that time, that Amraphel, king of Sennaar, and Arioch, king of Pontus, and Chodorlahomor, king of the Elamites, and Thadal, king of nations,

2Made war against Bara, king of Sodom, and against Bersa, king of Gomorrha, and against Sennaab, king of Adama, and against Semeber, king of Seboim, and against the king of Bala, which is Segor.

3All these came together into the woodland vale, which now is the salt sea.

4For they had served Chodorlahomor twelve years, and in the thirteenth year they revolted from him.

5And in the fourteenth year came Chodorlahomor, and the kings that were with him: and they smote the Raphaim in Astarothcarnaim, and the Zuzim with them, and the Emim in Save of Cariathaim.

6And the Chorreans in the mountains of Seir, even to the plains of Pharan, which is in the wilderness.

7And they returned, and came to the fountain of Misphat, the same is Cades: and they smote all the country of the Amalecites, and the Amorrhean that dwelt in Asasonthamar.

8And 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:

9To wit, against Chodorlahomor king of the Elamites, and Thadal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Sennaar, and Arioch king of Pontus: four kings against five.

10Now the woodland vale had many pits of slime. And the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrha turned their backs, and were overthrown there: and they that remained, fled to the mountain.

11And they took all the substance of the Sodomites, and Gomorrhites, and all their victuals, and went their way:

12And Lot also, the son of Abram's brother, who dwelt in Sodom, and his substance.

13And behold one, that had escaped, told Abram the Hebrew, who dwelt in the vale of Mambre the Amorrhite, the brother of Escol, and the brother of Aner: for these had made a league with Abram.

14Which when Abram had heard, to wit, that his brother Lot was taken, he numbered of the servants born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, well appointed: and pursued them to Dan.

15And dividing his company, he rushed upon them in the night, and defeated them: and pursued them as far as Hoba, which is on the left hand of Damascus.

16And he brought back all the substance, and Lot his brother, with his substance, the women also, and the people.

17And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after he returned from the slaughter of Chodorlahomor, and of the kings that were with him in the vale of Save, which is the king's vale.

18But Melchisedech, the king of Salem, bringing forth bread and wine, for he was the priest of the most high God,

19Blessed him, and said: Blessed be Abram by the most high God, who created heaven and earth.

20And blessed be the most high God, by whose protection, the enemies are in thy hands. And he gave him the tithes of all.

21And the king of Sodom said to Abram: Give me the persons, and the rest take to thyself.

22And he answered him: I lift up my hand to the Lord God the most high, the possessor of heaven and earth,

23That 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.

24Except such things as the young men have eaten, and the shares of the men that came with me, Aner, Escol, and Mambre: these shall take their shares.

Important Verses in Genesis 14

And it came to pass at that time, that Amraphel, king of Sennaar, and Arioch, king of Pontus, and Chodorlahomor, king of the Elamites, and Thadal, king of nations,

Genesis 14:1

For they had served Chodorlahomor twelve years, and in the thirteenth year they revolted from him.

Genesis 14:4

Blessed him, and said: Blessed be Abram by the most high God, who created heaven and earth.

Genesis 14:19

And he answered him: I lift up my hand to the Lord God the most high, the possessor of heaven and earth,

Genesis 14:22

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Genesis was written with the people of Israel, to root their identity in God's creation and the covenant with the patriarchs in view. Chapter 14 of 50 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 24 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Abraham, Lot and Melchizedek, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "And it came to pass at that time, that Amraphel, king of Sennaar, and Arioch, king of Pontus, and Chodorlahomor, king…" It concludes: "Except such things as the young men have eaten, and the shares of the men that came with me, Aner, Escol, and Mambre:…" Read against its original backdrop, Genesis was composed to give Israel its foundational identity: one God created all things good, sin entered through human choice, and God responded with a plan of salvation beginning with Abraham. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Traditions reaching back to the 2nd millennium BC, compiled in final form between the 10th and 5th centuries BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Moses; Catholic scholarship recognizes the work of inspired editors drawing on ancient oral and written traditions

When It Was Written

Traditions reaching back to the 2nd millennium BC, compiled in final form between the 10th and 5th centuries BC

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense of Genesis 14 presents a concrete episode in the history of creation, covenant, and the patriarchs. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And it came to pass at that time, that Amraphel, king of Sennaar, and Arioch, king of Pontus, and Chodorlahomor, king of the Elamites, and Thadal, king of…" The passage repeatedly touches on God's kingdom and kingship.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of creation, covenant, and the patriarchs. the Catechism teaches that Genesis reveals God's plan of salvation from the beginning (CIC 54-64). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1700).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God's faithful covenant love. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Genesis 14 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

People in This Chapter

Abraham7 mentionsLot3 mentionsMelchizedek1 mention

Reflection for Today

Genesis Chapter 14 introduces the mysterious figure of Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, who blesses Abraham and receives his tithe. Catholic theology, following the Letter to the Hebrews, sees in Melchizedek a type of Christ, whose priesthood is eternal and superior to the Levitical priesthood (CIC 1544). The Eucharistic Prayer I (Roman Canon) explicitly mentions "the sacrifice of Abraham our father in faith, and the offering of your high priest Melchizedek."

The bread and wine that Melchizedek offers prefigure the Eucharist. The Church Fathers, including St. Cyprian and St. Ambrose, saw in this offering an anticipation of the Mass. The Catechism teaches that Melchizedek's offering is a prefiguration of the Eucharistic sacrifice (CIC 1333). This ancient priest-king, without recorded genealogy, points to Christ who is "a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek" (Psalm 110:4).

Abraham's refusal to accept spoils from the king of Sodom demonstrates his integrity and his trust in God alone as the source of blessing. The Catechism presents this as a model of spiritual freedom—Abraham will not be indebted to anyone but God. This chapter reveals that even before the Mosaic Law, God had established priesthood and sacrifice, preparing the way for the perfect priesthood of Christ.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Genesis Chapter 14 about?

Genesis 14 contains 24 verses. It opens with "And it came to pass at that time, that Amraphel, king of Sennaar, and Arioch, king of Pontus, and Chodorlahomor, king…" and closes with "Except such things as the young men have eaten, and the shares of the men that came with me, Aner, Escol, and Mambre:…". The book as a whole is narrative with genealogies and covenant accounts.

What is a key verse in Genesis 14?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And it came to pass at that time, that Amraphel, king of Sennaar, and Arioch, king of Pontus, and Chodorlahomor, king of the Elamites, and Thadal, king of nations," It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Genesis Chapter 14?

This chapter mentions Abraham, Lot, Melchizedek.

Who wrote Genesis and when?

Traditionally attributed to Moses; Catholic scholarship recognizes the work of inspired editors drawing on ancient oral and written traditions. Traditions reaching back to the 2nd millennium BC, compiled in final form between the 10th and 5th centuries BC.

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