Genesis 14:11 Meaning and Explanation
“And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The victorious eastern kings plunder the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, seizing all wealth and food supplies.
The Context of Genesis 14:11
After victory, the coalition loots the cities as is customary in ancient warfare.
What Does Genesis 14:11 Mean?
Victory in ancient warfare meant the right to plunder the defeated territories. The coalition systematically strips Sodom and Gomorrah of their wealth and provisions, including grain, livestock, and stored goods. This represents not merely spoils of war but also a demonstration of power and dominion over the cities.
The completeness of the plundering ('all the goods,' 'all their victuals') shows how thoroughly Chedorlaomer's forces conquered and looted. This economic devastation goes beyond military victory to create ongoing hardship for the surviving populations, as they lose both their material wealth and their food stores. The phrase 'went their way' suggests the coalition, having achieved its objective of restoring tributary control, begins the return journey home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 14:11
What does Genesis 14:11 mean?
The victorious eastern kings plunder the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, seizing all wealth and food supplies.
What is the context of Genesis 14:11?
After victory, the coalition loots the cities as is customary in ancient warfare.