Genesis 14:2 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The four eastern kings wage war against five kings of the Dead Sea region, including Sodom and Gomorrah.
The Context of Genesis 14:2
The war involves the kings of five Canaanite cities, primarily the Dead Sea region.
What Does Genesis 14:2 Mean?
The five kings mentioned ruled over cities in the Jordan Valley near what is now the Dead Sea. Sodom and Gomorrah are the most well-known of these cities; the others (Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela/Zoar) were their neighboring city-states, each with their own ruler and territory.
The conflict represents a clash between the powerful eastern coalition and the lesser-known rulers of Canaan. This battle will set in motion events that bring Abram into direct military engagement and ultimately lead to his encounter with Melchizedek.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 14:2
What does Genesis 14:2 mean?
The four eastern kings wage war against five kings of the Dead Sea region, including Sodom and Gomorrah.
What is the context of Genesis 14:2?
The war involves the kings of five Canaanite cities, primarily the Dead Sea region.