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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 14:23 that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich.'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/14-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/01_Gen_14_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 14:23 - Melchizedek Blesses Abram" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/14-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/14-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/14.htm">Chapter 14</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/14-22.htm" title="Genesis 14:22">◄</a> Genesis 14:23 <a href="/genesis/14-24.htm" title="Genesis 14:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/14.htm">New International Version</a> that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, &#8216I made Abram rich.&#8217 <a href="/nlt/genesis/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’ <a href="/esv/genesis/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ <a href="/bsb/genesis/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ <a href="/kjv/genesis/14.htm">King James Bible</a> 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: <a href="/nkjv/genesis/14.htm">New King James Version</a> that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich’— <a href="/nasb_/genesis/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> that I will not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, so that you do not say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ <a href="/nasb/genesis/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, &#8216I have made Abram rich.&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/genesis/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ <a href="/lsb/genesis/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> that I will not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, so that you would not say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ <a href="/amp/genesis/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> that I would not take anything that is yours, from a thread to a sandal strap, so you could not say, ‘I [the King of Sodom] have made Abram rich.’ <a href="/csb/genesis/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> that I will not take a thread or sandal strap or anything that belongs to you, so you can never say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ <a href="/hcsb/genesis/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> that I will not take a thread or sandal strap or anything that belongs to you, so you can never say, &#8216I made Abram rich.&#8217 <a href="/asv/genesis/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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: <a href="/cev/genesis/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> that I won't keep anything of yours, not even a sandal strap or a piece of thread. Then you can never say that you are the one who made me rich. <a href="/erv/genesis/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> that I will not take a thread nor a shoelatchet nor aught that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich: <a href="/gwt/genesis/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> that I won't take a thread or a sandal strap. I won't take anything that is yours so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.' <a href="/gnt/genesis/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> that I will not keep anything of yours, not even a thread or a sandal strap. Then you can never say, 'I am the one who made Abram rich.' <a href="/isv/genesis/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> that I will not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that belongs to you, so you won't be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.' <a href="/msb/genesis/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ?I have made Abram rich.? <a href="/net/genesis/14.htm">NET Bible</a> that I will take nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal. That way you can never say, 'It is I who made Abram rich.' <a href="/nheb/genesis/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> that I will not take a thread nor a sandal strap nor anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich.' <a href="/wbt/genesis/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> That I will not take from a thread even to a shoe-latchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich: <a href="/web/genesis/14.htm">World English Bible</a> that I will not take a thread nor a sandal strap nor anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> from a thread even to a shoe-strap I do not take of anything which you have, that you do not say, I have made Abram rich; <a href="/ylt/genesis/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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; <a href="/slt/genesis/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> If from a line and to a shoe-string and if I shall take from all which is to thee, and thou shalt not say I enriched Abram:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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: <a href="/cpdv/genesis/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> that from one thread within a blanket, even to a single shoelace, I will not take anything from that which is yours, lest you say, ‘I have enriched Abram,’ <a href="/nabre/genesis/14.htm">New American Bible</a> that I would not take so much as a thread or a sandal strap from anything that is yours, so that you cannot say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> that I would not take a thread or a sandal-thong or anything that is yours, so that you might not say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> That I will not take of anything that belongs to you, from a thread to a shoestring, lest you should say, I have made Abram rich; <a href="/hpbt/genesis/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> I shall never take from a thread or unto a leather strap of a shoe of anything that you have, lest you will say ‘I have made Abram rich’:<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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; <a href="/sep/genesis/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> that I will not take from all thy goods from a string to a shoe-latchet, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich. <a href="/parallel/genesis/14-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=3083" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/14.htm">Melchizedek Blesses Abram</a> …22But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23<a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">I will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: ’eq·qaḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">accept</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: wə·‘aḏ (Conj-w:: Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">even</a> <a href="/hebrew/2339.htm" title="2339: mi·ḥūṭ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Thread, cord, line. From an unused root probably meaning to sew; a string; by implication, a measuring tape.">a thread,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8288.htm" title="8288: śə·rō·wḵ- (N-msc) -- (sandal) thong. From sarak; a thong.">or a strap</a> <a href="/hebrew/5275.htm" title="5275: na·‘al (N-fs) -- A sandal, shoe. Or na;alah; from na'al; properly, a sandal tongue; by extens. A sandal or slipper.">of a sandal,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kāl (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">or anything</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">belongs to you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">lest</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ṯō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">you should say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">‘I have made</a> <a href="/hebrew/87.htm" title="87: ’aḇ·rām (N-proper-ms) -- Exalted father, the original name of Abraham. Contracted from 'Abiyram; high father; Abram, the original name of Abraham.">Abram</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6238.htm" title="6238: he·‘ĕ·šar·tî (V-Hifil-Perf-1cs) -- To be or become rich. A primitive root; properly, to accumulate; chiefly to grow rich.">rich.’</a> 24I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share for the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. They may take their portion.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/hebrews/7-1.htm">Hebrews 7:1-2</a> This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, / and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness.” Then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” <a href="/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3</a> Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” <a href="/2_kings/5-16.htm">2 Kings 5:16</a> But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-15.htm">1 Corinthians 9:15</a> But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-9.htm">2 Corinthians 11:9-10</a> And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so. / As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. <a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">1 Timothy 6:6-10</a> Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. / For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. / But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. ... <a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Philippians 4:11-13</a> I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. / I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need. / I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. <a href="/acts/20-33.htm">Acts 20:33-35</a> I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. / You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. / In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a> Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. <a href="/matthew/4-8.htm">Matthew 4:8-10</a> Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. / “All this I will give You,” he said, “if You will fall down and worship me.” / “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” <a href="/job/1-21.htm">Job 1:21</a> saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” <a href="/proverbs/30-8.htm">Proverbs 30:8-9</a> Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion. / Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God. <a href="/psalms/49-6.htm">Psalm 49:6-9</a> They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. / No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God. / For the redemption of his soul is costly, and never can payment suffice, ... <a href="/psalms/62-10.htm">Psalm 62:10</a> Place no trust in extortion or false hope in stolen goods. If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them. <a href="/isaiah/33-15.htm">Isaiah 33:15-16</a> He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears against murderous plots and shuts his eyes tightly against evil— / he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is yours, lest you should say, I have made Abram rich:That I.<a href="/1_kings/13-8.htm">1 Kings 13:8</a> And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place:<a href="/2_kings/5-16.htm">2 Kings 5:16,20</a> But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused… <a href="/esther/9-15.htm">Esther 9:15,16</a> For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand… lest.<a href="/2_corinthians/11-12.htm">2 Corinthians 11:12</a> But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.<a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a> Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/14-22.htm">Abram</a> <a href="/3_john/1-9.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/philemon/1-18.htm">Aught</a> <a href="/revelation/11-9.htm">Belonging</a> <a href="/john/1-27.htm">Cord</a> <a href="/genesis/9-2.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/genesis/13-2.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/acts/13-25.htm">Sandal</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-27.htm">Sandal-Thong</a> <a href="/john/1-27.htm">Shoe</a> <a href="/genesis/3-11.htm">Shouldest</a> <a href="/john/1-27.htm">Strap</a> <a href="/john/1-27.htm">Thong</a> <a href="/luke/12-27.htm">Thread</a> <a href="/genesis/13-2.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/15-1.htm">Abram</a> <a href="/genesis/14-24.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/genesis/30-31.htm">Aught</a> <a href="/genesis/46-26.htm">Belonging</a> <a href="/genesis/38-18.htm">Cord</a> <a href="/genesis/15-1.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/genesis/24-35.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-9.htm">Sandal</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-27.htm">Sandal-Thong</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-9.htm">Shoe</a> <a href="/genesis/26-10.htm">Shouldest</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-27.htm">Strap</a> <a href="/mark/1-7.htm">Thong</a> <a href="/genesis/38-28.htm">Thread</a> <a href="/genesis/15-2.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 14</div>1. <a href="/genesis/14-1.htm">The battle of four kings against the king of Sodom and his allies.</a> 12. <a href="/genesis/14-12.htm">Lot is taken prisoner.</a> 14. <a href="/genesis/14-14.htm">Abram rescues him.</a> 17. <a href="/genesis/14-17.htm">Melchizedek blesses Abram, who gives him tithes.</a> 21. <a href="/genesis/14-21.htm">Abram restores the rest of the spoil to the king of Sodom.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you Abram's refusal to accept any goods from the king of Sodom highlights his desire to remain independent and reliant on God alone. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, accepting gifts often implied a covenant or obligation. By rejecting even the smallest items, Abram ensures that his wealth and success are attributed solely to God's provision. This act of faith and integrity sets Abram apart from the surrounding cultures, emphasizing his role as a man chosen by God. The mention of a "thread" or "strap of a sandal" underscores the completeness of his refusal, indicating that he would not take even the most insignificant items.lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ Abram's concern is that the king of Sodom might claim credit for his prosperity. This reflects a broader biblical theme where God's people are called to trust in Him rather than human alliances or wealth. Abram's actions prefigure the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized reliance on God rather than material wealth (<a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Matthew 6:24-34</a>). This phrase also connects to the broader narrative of God's covenant with Abram, where God promises to bless him and make his name great (<a href="/genesis/12-2.htm">Genesis 12:2</a>). By ensuring that his wealth is seen as a blessing from God, Abram maintains the purity of God's promise and sets a precedent for future generations of faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abram.htm">Abram (Abraham)</a> The central figure in this passage, Abram is a man of faith and the recipient of God's promises. Here, he demonstrates integrity and reliance on God rather than human wealth. 2. <a href="/topical/k/king_of_sodom.htm">King of Sodom</a> Represents worldly wealth and temptation. He offers Abram the spoils of war, which Abram refuses to accept. 3. <a href="/topical/m/melchizedek.htm">Melchizedek</a> Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is a key figure in the preceding verses, blessing Abram and offering bread and wine, symbolizing spiritual provision. 4. <a href="/topical/s/sodom.htm">Sodom</a> A city known for its wickedness, representing worldly temptation and moral compromise. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_spoils_of_war.htm">The Spoils of War</a> The material wealth offered to Abram by the King of Sodom, which Abram refuses to accept to maintain his testimony and reliance on God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/i/integrity_and_testimony.htm">Integrity and Testimony</a> Abram's refusal to accept wealth from the King of Sodom highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and a clear testimony before others. Believers should prioritize their witness over material gain. <a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a> Abram's actions demonstrate a profound trust in God's provision. Christians are encouraged to rely on God's promises rather than seeking security in worldly wealth. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_compromise.htm">Avoiding Compromise</a> By refusing the spoils, Abram avoids any association with the wickedness of Sodom. Believers should be cautious of compromising their values for temporary gains. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_vs._material_wealth.htm">Spiritual vs. Material Wealth</a> Abram's encounter with Melchizedek and his refusal of the King of Sodom's offer illustrate the priority of spiritual blessings over material wealth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 14</a> <a href="/q/abraham's_interaction_with_sodom's_king.htm">How did Abraham interact with the King of Sodom?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_abram_refuse_sodom's_spoils.htm">Genesis 14:21-23: Why does Abram refuse the spoils from the King of Sodom, differing from typical ancient Near Eastern war customs?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_verify_abram's_divine_call.htm">Genesis 12:1: How do we verify historically that a single divine call caused Abram to uproot his entire household?</a> <a href="/q/does_proverbs_19_14_limit_free_will.htm">Proverbs 19:14 credits God alone for providing a prudent spouse--does this diminish human choice or contradict free will elsewhere in Scripture?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - That I will not take - literally, if (sc. I shall take); an abbreviation for "May God do so to me, if...!" (cf. <a href="/1_samuel/3-17.htm">1 Samuel 3:17</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/3-35.htm">2 Samuel 3:35</a>). The particle אִם has the force of a negative in adjuration - from a thread even to a shoe-latchet, and that I will not take any thing (literally, and if I shall take anything) that is thine, - literally, of all that (sc. belongs) to thee - lest thou shouldest say (literally, and thou shalt not say), I have made Abram rich. Though not averse to accept presents from heathen monarchs (<a href="/genesis/12-16.htm">Genesis 12:16</a>), the patriarch could not consent to share in the wealth of the impious Sodomites; in this a striking contrast to Lot. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/14-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>that אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not I will not וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not accept אֶקַּ֖ח (’eq·qaḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take even וְעַ֣ד (wə·‘aḏ) Conjunctive waw | Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while a thread, מִחוּט֙ (mi·ḥūṭ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2339.htm">Strong's 2339: </a> A string, a measuring tape or a strap שְׂרֽוֹךְ־ (śə·rō·wḵ-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8288.htm">Strong's 8288: </a> (sandal) thong of a sandal, נַ֔עַל (na·‘al) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5275.htm">Strong's 5275: </a> A sandal tongue, a sandal, slipper or anything מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every that belongs to you, אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that lest וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no you should say, תֹאמַ֔ר (ṯō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say ‘I {have made} אֲנִ֖י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I Abram אַבְרָֽם׃ (’aḇ·rām) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_87.htm">Strong's 87: </a> Abram -- 'exalted father', the original name of Abraham rich.’ הֶעֱשַׁ֥רְתִּי (he·‘ĕ·šar·tî) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6238.htm">Strong's 6238: </a> To accumulate, chiefly, to grow, rich <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/14-23.htm">Genesis 14:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/14-23.htm">Genesis 14:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/14-23.htm">Genesis 14:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/14-23.htm">Genesis 14:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/14-23.htm">Genesis 14:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/14-23.htm">Genesis 14:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/14-23.htm">Genesis 14:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/14-23.htm">Genesis 14:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/14-23.htm">Genesis 14:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/14-23.htm">Genesis 14:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/14-23.htm">OT Law: Genesis 14:23 That I will not take a thread (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/14-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 14:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 14:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/14-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 14:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 14:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>