Genesis 14:5 Meaning and Explanation
“And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Chedorlaomer's coalition marches through Transjordan, defeating three groups of ancient peoples before reaching Canaan.
The Context of Genesis 14:5
The coalition systematically conquers peoples east of the Jordan on its way west.
What Does Genesis 14:5 Mean?
The Rephaims, Zuzims, and Emims were ancient peoples inhabiting the lands east of the Jordan River. Their names appear only here in Genesis, suggesting they were displaced or absorbed long before the time of later Israelite settlement, making this account a witness to much older populations and conflicts in the region.
This military campaign demonstrates the overwhelming power of the four-king coalition as it sweeps through the eastern territories, subduing each people group it encounters. The specificity of the place names and defeated peoples roots this narrative in historical memory, showing how Chedorlaomer gathered momentum before confronting the five kings of Canaan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 14:5
What does Genesis 14:5 mean?
Chedorlaomer's coalition marches through Transjordan, defeating three groups of ancient peoples before reaching Canaan.
What is the context of Genesis 14:5?
The coalition systematically conquers peoples east of the Jordan on its way west.