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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> these kings went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboyim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). <a href="/nlt/genesis/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> fought against King Bera of Sodom, King Birsha of Gomorrah, King Shinab of Admah, King Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (also called Zoar). <a href="/esv/genesis/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> these kings made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). <a href="/bsb/genesis/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). <a href="/kjv/genesis/14.htm">King James Bible</a> That these 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, which is Zoar. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/14.htm">New King James Version</a> that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). <a href="/nasb_/genesis/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> 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 (that is, Zoar). <a href="/nasb/genesis/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> 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 (that is, Zoar). <a href="/nasb77/genesis/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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 (that is, Zoar). <a href="/lsb/genesis/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> 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 (that is, Zoar). <a href="/amp/genesis/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> they [invaded the Jordan Valley near the Dead Sea, and] made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). <a href="/csb/genesis/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> waged war against King Bera of Sodom, King Birsha of Gomorrah, King Shinab of Admah, and King Shemeber of Zeboiim, as well as the king of Bela (that is, Zoar ). <a href="/hcsb/genesis/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> waged war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, as well as the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). <a href="/asv/genesis/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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). <a href="/cev/genesis/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> attacked King Bera of Sodom, King Birsha of Gomorrah, King Shinab of Admah, King Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, a city also known as Zoar. <a href="/erv/genesis/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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). <a href="/gwt/genesis/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> went to war against [five kings]-King Bera of Sodom, King Birsha of Gomorrah, King Shinab of Admah, King Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). <a href="/gnt/genesis/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> went to war against five other kings: Bera of Sodom, Birsha of Gomorrah, Shinab of Admah, Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (or Zoar). <a href="/isv/genesis/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> they engaged in war against King Bera of Sodom, King Birsha of Gomorrah, King Shinab of Admah, King Shemeber of Zeboiim, along with the king of Bela (which was also known as Zoar). <a href="/msb/genesis/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). <a href="/net/genesis/14.htm">NET Bible</a> went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). <a href="/nheb/genesis/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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 (that is, Zoar). <a href="/wbt/genesis/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> That these 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, which is Zoar. <a href="/web/genesis/14.htm">World English Bible</a> they made war with Bera, king of Sodom; Birsha, king of Gomorrah; Shinab, king of Admah; Shemeber, king of Zeboiim; and the king of Bela (also called Zoar). <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> they have made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboim, and the king of Bela, which [is] Zoar. <a href="/ylt/genesis/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> they have made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar. <a href="/slt/genesis/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Made war with Bera, king of Sodom, and with Birsha, king of Gomorrah, Shinab, king of Admah, and Shemeber, king of Zeboim, and the king of Bela, this is Zoar.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Made 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. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> went to war against Bera, king of Sodom, and against Birsha, king of Gomorrah, and against Shinab, king of Admah, and against Shemeber, king of Zeboiim, and against the king of Bela, that is Zoar. <a href="/nabre/genesis/14.htm">New American Bible</a> made war on Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar), <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> these kings made war with King Bera of Sodom, King Birsha of Gomorrah, King Shinab of Admah, King Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar).<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemer king of Zeboim, and the king of Bela, that is, Zoar. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> They made war with Baara the King of Sadom and with Bersha the King of Amora and Shenab the King of Adama and Shemair the King of Tsebuim and the King of Baala this is Tsaar.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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. <a href="/sep/genesis/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> made war with Balla king of Sodom, and with Barsa king of Gomorrha, and with Sennaar, king of Adama, and with Symobor king of Seboim and the king of Balac, this is Segor. <a href="/parallel/genesis/14-2.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=2894" 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">The War of the Kings</a> 1In those days Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim 2<a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">went to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: mil·ḥā·māh (N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">war</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’eṯ- (Prep) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/1298.htm" title="1298: be·ra‘ (N-proper-ms) -- A king of Sodom. Of uncertain derivation; Bera, a Sodomitish king.">Bera</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">king</a> <a href="/hebrew/5467.htm" title="5467: sə·ḏōm (N-proper-fs) -- A Canaanite city near the Dead Sea. From an unused root meaning to scorch; burnt district; Sedom, a place near the Dead Sea.">of Sodom,</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1306.htm" title="1306: bir·ša‘ (N-proper-ms) -- A king of Gomorrah. Probably from resha' with a prepositional prefix; with wickedness; Birsha, a king of Gomorrah.">Birsha</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">king</a> <a href="/hebrew/6017.htm" title="6017: ‘ă·mō·rāh (N-proper-fs) -- A city in the Jordan Valley. From amar; a heap; Amorah, a place in Palestine.">of Gomorrah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8134.htm" title="8134: šin·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- A king of Admah. Probably from shana and 'ab; a father has turned; Shinab, a Canaanite.">Shinab</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">king</a> <a href="/hebrew/126.htm" title="126: ’aḏ·māh (N-proper-fs) -- A city near Sodom and Gomorrah. Contracted for 'adamah; earthy; Admah, a place near the Dead Sea.">of Admah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8038.htm" title="8038: wə·šem·’ê·ḇer (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Name of pinion, king of Zeboiim. Apparently from shem and 'eber; name of pinion, i.e. Illustrious; Shemeber, a king of Zeboim.">Shemeber</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">king</a> <a href="/hebrew/6636.htm" title="6636: ṣə·ḇō·yīm (N-proper-fs) -- A place near Sodom. Or Tsbiyiym; or Tsbiyim; plural of tsbiy; gazelles; Tseboim or Tsebijim, a place in Palestine.">of Zeboiim,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ū·me·leḵ (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">and the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/1106.htm" title="1106: be·la‘ (N-proper-fs) -- The same as bela'; Bela, the name of a place, also of an Edomite and of two Israelites.">of Bela</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî- (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">(that is,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6820.htm" title="6820: ṣō·‘ar (N-proper-fs) -- Insignificance, a city at the S.E. end of the Dead Sea. From tsa'ar; little; Tsoar, a place East of the Jordan.">Zoar).</a> 3The latter five came as allies to the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea).…<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="/psalms/110-4.htm">Psalm 110:4</a> The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” <a href="/joshua/10-3.htm">Joshua 10:3-5</a> Therefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon, saying, / “Come up and help me. We will attack Gibeon, because they have made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.” / So the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—joined forces and advanced with all their armies. They camped before Gibeon and made war against it. <a href="/2_samuel/8-2.htm">2 Samuel 8:2</a> David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute. <a href="/2_kings/24-1.htm">2 Kings 24:1-2</a> During Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded. So Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years, until he turned and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. / And the LORD sent Chaldean, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against Jehoiakim in order to destroy Judah, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through His servants the prophets. <a href="/ezekiel/16-46.htm">Ezekiel 16:46-49</a> Your older sister was Samaria, who lived with her daughters to your north; and your younger sister was Sodom, who lived with her daughters to your south. / And you not only walked in their ways and practiced their abominations, but soon you were more depraved than they were. / As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, your sister Sodom and her daughters never did as you and your daughters have done. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/29-23.htm">Deuteronomy 29:23</a> All its soil will be a burning waste of sulfur and salt, unsown and unproductive, with no plant growing on it, just like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His fierce anger. <a href="/romans/4-13.htm">Romans 4:13</a> For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. <a href="/galatians/3-16.htm">Galatians 3:16</a> The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ. <a href="/isaiah/41-2.htm">Isaiah 41:2</a> Who has aroused one from the east and called him to his feet in righteousness? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow. <a href="/nehemiah/9-7.htm">Nehemiah 9:7-8</a> You are the LORD, the God who chose Abram, who brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and gave him the name Abraham. / You found his heart faithful before You, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites and Hittites, of the Amorites and Perizzites, of the Jebusites and Girgashites—to give it to his descendants. You have kept Your promise, because You are righteous. <a href="/acts/7-4.htm">Acts 7:4-5</a> So Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God brought him out of that place and into this land where you are now living. / He gave him no inheritance here, not even a foot of ground. But God promised to give possession of the land to Abraham and his descendants, even though he did not yet have a child. <a href="/2_chronicles/20-1.htm">2 Chronicles 20:1-2</a> After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. / Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the Sea; they are already in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En-gedi). <a href="/jeremiah/49-18.htm">Jeremiah 49:18</a> As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown along with their neighbors,” says the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there. <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14</a> You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>That these 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, which is Zoar.Sodom.<a href="/genesis/10-19.htm">Genesis 10:19</a> And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.<a href="/genesis/13-10.htm">Genesis 13:10</a> And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.<a href="/genesis/19-24.htm">Genesis 19:24</a> Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;Admah.<a href="/deuteronomy/29-23.htm">Deuteronomy 29:23</a> And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:<a href="/hosea/11-8.htm">Hosea 11:8</a> How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.Zeboiim.<a href="/1_samuel/13-18.htm">1 Samuel 13:18</a> And another company turned the way to Bethhoron: and another company turned to the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.<a href="/nehemiah/11-34.htm">Nehemiah 11:34</a> Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,Zoar.<a href="/genesis/19-20.htm">Genesis 19:20-30</a> 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… <a href="/deuteronomy/34-3.htm">Deuteronomy 34:3</a> And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.<a href="/isaiah/15-5.htm">Isaiah 15:5</a> My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/10-19.htm">Admah</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/8-3.htm">Bela</a> <a href="/genesis/13-10.htm">Gomorrah</a> <a href="/genesis/10-19.htm">Gomor'rah</a> <a href="/revelation/22-5.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/genesis/13-13.htm">Sodom</a> <a href="/genesis/3-15.htm">War</a> <a href="/genesis/10-19.htm">Zeboiim</a> <a href="/genesis/10-19.htm">Zeboi'im</a> <a href="/genesis/10-19.htm">Zeboim</a> <a href="/genesis/13-10.htm">Zoar</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-34.htm">Zo'ar</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/14-8.htm">Admah</a> <a href="/genesis/14-8.htm">Bela</a> <a href="/genesis/14-8.htm">Gomorrah</a> <a href="/genesis/14-8.htm">Gomor'rah</a> <a href="/genesis/14-3.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/genesis/14-8.htm">Sodom</a> <a href="/genesis/24-60.htm">War</a> <a href="/genesis/14-8.htm">Zeboiim</a> <a href="/genesis/14-8.htm">Zeboi'im</a> <a href="/genesis/14-8.htm">Zeboim</a> <a href="/genesis/14-8.htm">Zoar</a> <a href="/genesis/14-8.htm">Zo'ar</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>went to war against This phrase indicates a military conflict, a common occurrence in the ancient Near East. Warfare was often a means of resolving disputes over territory, resources, or political dominance. The context of <a href="/genesis/14.htm">Genesis 14</a> involves a coalition of kings from the east waging war against the cities of the plain, highlighting the instability and frequent conflicts of the region during this period.Bera king of Sodom Bera is identified as the king of Sodom, one of the cities located in the fertile Jordan Valley. Sodom is infamous for its wickedness, as later described in <a href="/genesis/19.htm">Genesis 19</a>. The mention of Bera and Sodom sets the stage for the eventual divine judgment that will come upon the city. The name "Bera" may mean "gift" or "evil," reflecting the moral ambiguity of the city's leadership.Birsha king of Gomorrah Birsha, the king of Gomorrah, is another ruler involved in this conflict. Gomorrah, like Sodom, is known for its sinfulness and is later destroyed by God. The name "Birsha" could mean "with iniquity," further emphasizing the moral corruption associated with these cities. The alliance of these kings suggests a shared interest in defending their territories against external threats.Shinab king of Admah Shinab is the king of Admah, one of the lesser-known cities of the plain. Admah, along with Zeboiim, is mentioned in <a href="/deuteronomy/29-23.htm">Deuteronomy 29:23</a> as part of the group of cities destroyed alongside Sodom and Gomorrah. The name "Shinab" might mean "splendor of the father," indicating a possible cultural or religious significance.Shemeber king of Zeboiim Shemeber, the king of Zeboiim, is another participant in this coalition. Zeboiim is also listed among the cities destroyed in the judgment of the plain. The name "Shemeber" could mean "soaring on high," which might reflect the aspirations or pride of the city's leadership. The inclusion of Zeboiim highlights the widespread nature of the conflict and the eventual judgment.and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) The king of Bela, also known as Zoar, is the final ruler mentioned. Zoar is the city to which Lot flees during the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (<a href="/genesis/19-22.htm">Genesis 19:22-23</a>). The name "Bela" means "destruction," while "Zoar" means "small" or "insignificant," possibly indicating its lesser status among the cities. Zoar's survival contrasts with the fate of the other cities, serving as a place of refuge for Lot and his family.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/amraphel.htm">Amraphel</a> - King of Shinar, often associated with the region of Babylon. His involvement in the battle indicates the widespread influence and power struggles of the time. 2. <a href="/topical/a/arioch.htm">Arioch</a> - King of Ellasar, another ruler involved in the coalition against the kings of the Jordan Valley. His participation highlights the alliances formed for mutual benefit and conquest. 3. <a href="/topical/c/chedorlaomer.htm">Chedorlaomer</a> - King of Elam, the leading figure in the coalition. His dominance is evident as he leads the campaign against the rebelling kings. 4. <a href="/topical/t/tidal.htm">Tidal</a> - King of Goiim, representing a group of nations or peoples. His inclusion signifies the diverse nature of the coalition forces. 5. <a href="/topical/b/bera.htm">Bera</a> - King of Sodom, one of the rebelling kings. His city is later known for its wickedness and eventual destruction. 6. <a href="/topical/b/birsha.htm">Birsha</a> - King of Gomorrah, another rebelling king. Gomorrah, like Sodom, is infamous for its sinfulness. 7. <a href="/topical/s/shinab.htm">Shinab</a> - King of Admah, part of the coalition of rebelling kings. 8. <a href="/topical/s/shemeber.htm">Shemeber</a> - King of Zeboiim, also part of the rebelling coalition. 9. <a href="/topical/z/zoar.htm">Zoar (Bela)</a> - A small city involved in the conflict, later spared during the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_alliances.htm">The Nature of Alliances</a> The alliances formed by the kings demonstrate the human tendency to seek power and control. Believers are reminded to form alliances that honor God and promote righteousness. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_rebellion.htm">Consequences of Rebellion</a> The rebellion of the kings against Chedorlaomer serves as a reminder of the consequences of defying authority, especially divine authority. Christians are called to submit to God's will and authority in their lives. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_conflict.htm">God's Sovereignty in Conflict</a> Despite human conflicts and power struggles, God's sovereignty remains. Believers can trust that God is in control, even in tumultuous times. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a> The leaders in this account show both the potential for good and evil in leadership. Christian leaders are encouraged to lead with integrity and humility, following Christ's example.<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/what_were_admah_and_zeboiim.htm">What were Admah and Zeboiim in biblical history?</a> <a href="/q/what's_zoar's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What is Zoar's significance in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_melchizedek_priesthood.htm">What is the Melchizedek Priesthood?</a> <a href="/q/why_mention_admah,_zeboiim_in_hosea_11_8.htm">Why does Hosea 11:8 mention Admah and Zeboiim if archaeological findings for these cities are scarce or inconclusive?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) Bera king of Sodom.--The failure of the attempt to explain the names of these five kings, and of the cities over which they ruled (with one or two exceptions), by the help of the Hebrew language makes it probable that the inhabitants of the Ciccar were either Canaanites who had come from the sea-coast, or men of some Hamite stock who had colonised this region from the east. The latter is the more probable view, as they do not seem to have had much affinity either with the Amorites or with the Jebusites, their neighbours.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - That these made war. The LXX. connect the present with the preceding verse by reading "that Arioch," etc. Ewald interpolates "of Abram," before "that Amraphel." With Bera. "Gift - בֶּש־רַע (Gesenius). King of Sodom. "Burning, conflagration," as being built on bituminous soil, and therefore subject to volcanic eruptions; from סָדַם, conjectured to mean to burn (Gesenius). "Lime place," or "enclosed place;' from סָדָה, to surround (Furst). A mountain with fossil salt at the present day is called Hagv Usdum; and Galen also knew of a Sodom mountain. And with Birsha = בֶּן־רֶשַׁע "son of wickedness" (Gesenius); "long and thick" (Murphy); "strong, thick" (Furst). King of Gomorrah. ΓομάῥῬα (LXX.); perhaps "culture, habitation" (Gesenius); "rent, fissure" (Furst). Shinab. "Father's tooth" (Gesenius); "splendor of Ab" (Furst); "coolness" (Murphy). King of Admah. Fruit region, farm city (Furst). And Shemeber. "Soaring aloft" (Gesenius). King of Zeboiim. Place of hyenas (Gesenius); gazelles (Murphy); a wild place (Furst). And the king of Bela. "Devoured," or "devouring" (Gesenius). Which is Zoar. "The small," a name afterwards given to the city (<a href="/genesis/19-22.htm">Genesis 19:22</a>), and here introduced as being better known than the more ancient one. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/14-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>went to עָשׂ֣וּ (‘ā·śū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make war מִלְחָמָ֗ה (mil·ḥā·māh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> A battle, war against אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> Nearness, near, with, by, at, among Bera בֶּ֙רַע֙ (be·ra‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1298.htm">Strong's 1298: </a> Bera -- a king of Sodom king מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Sodom, סְדֹ֔ם (sə·ḏōm) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5467.htm">Strong's 5467: </a> Sodom -- a Canaanite city near the Dead Sea Birsha בִּרְשַׁ֖ע (bir·ša‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1306.htm">Strong's 1306: </a> Birsha -- a king of Gomorrah king מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Gomorrah, עֲמֹרָ֑ה (‘ă·mō·rāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6017.htm">Strong's 6017: </a> Gomorrah -- a city in the Jordan Valley Shinab שִׁנְאָ֣ב ׀ (šin·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8134.htm">Strong's 8134: </a> Shinab -- a king of Admah king מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Admah, אַדְמָ֗ה (’aḏ·māh) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_126.htm">Strong's 126: </a> Admah -- a city near Sodom and Gomorrah Shemeber וְשֶׁמְאֵ֙בֶר֙ (wə·šem·’ê·ḇer) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8038.htm">Strong's 8038: </a> Shemeber -- 'name of pinion', king of Zeboiim king מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Zeboiim, צְבוֹיִ֔ים‪‬ (ṣə·ḇō·w·yîm) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6636.htm">Strong's 6636: </a> Zeboiim -- a place near Sodom and the king וּמֶ֥לֶךְ (ū·me·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Bela בֶּ֖לַע (be·la‘) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1106.htm">Strong's 1106: </a> Bela -- an Edomite, also two Israelites (that is, הִיא־ (hî-) Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are Zoar). צֹֽעַר׃ (ṣō·‘ar) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6820.htm">Strong's 6820: </a> Zoar -- 'insignificance', a city at the southeastern end of the Dead Sea <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/14-2.htm">Genesis 14:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/14-2.htm">Genesis 14:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/14-2.htm">Genesis 14:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/14-2.htm">Genesis 14:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/14-2.htm">Genesis 14:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/14-2.htm">Genesis 14:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/14-2.htm">Genesis 14:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/14-2.htm">Genesis 14:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/14-2.htm">Genesis 14:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/14-2.htm">Genesis 14:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/14-2.htm">OT Law: Genesis 14:2 That they made war with Bera king (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/14-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 14:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 14:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/14-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 14:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 14:3" /></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>