Genesis 14:11

KJV

And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they took {H3947} all the goods {H7399} of Sodom {H5467} and Gomorrah {H6017}, and all their victuals {H400}, and went their way {H3212}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The victors took all the possessions of S'dom and 'Amora and all their food supply; then they left.

Berean Standard Bible

The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food, and they went on their way.

American Standard Version

And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 14:11 vividly recounts the immediate and devastating aftermath of the "Battle of the Kings," detailing how the victorious eastern coalition thoroughly plundered the defeated cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. This verse highlights the brutal realities of ancient warfare, where the vanquished suffered complete expropriation of their wealth and vital provisions, setting the stage for Abram's subsequent heroic intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis chapter 14 stands as a unique narrative within the patriarchal history, shifting from family chronicles to a significant military engagement. It introduces a coalition of four powerful eastern kings, led by [Chedorlaomer of Elam](/genesis/14-1 "Chedorlaomer's Dominion Over the Kings of the Plain"), who had long held dominion over the cities of the Jordan plain. After twelve years of servitude, the five kings of the plain, including those of Sodom and Gomorrah, rebelled. The narrative meticulously describes Chedorlaomer's campaign against various groups before culminating in the decisive "Battle of the Kings" in the Valley of Siddim, which was notable for its treacherous asphalt pits ([Genesis 14:8-10](/genesis/14-8-10 "The Battle in the Valley of Siddim")). Verse 11, therefore, serves as the immediate consequence of this overwhelming victory, detailing the systematic plunder that followed, directly preceding the capture of Lot and the subsequent involvement of Abram.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Plunder was an intrinsic and expected outcome of warfare in the ancient Near East. Victorious armies routinely stripped defeated cities of their wealth, resources, and even their populations (often taken as slaves). The seizure of "goods" (property, livestock, valuables) and "victuals" (food supplies) was not merely an act of greed but a strategic move to cripple the enemy's ability to recover or resist, and to sustain the conquering army. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, situated in the fertile Jordan plain, were likely prosperous, making their accumulated "goods" a valuable target. The mention of "victuals" is particularly significant, as it indicates a total deprivation, leaving the remaining inhabitants vulnerable to starvation and further subjugation, a common tactic to ensure complete dominance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **perils of worldly prosperity and alliances**, as Lot's choice to settle near the seemingly prosperous but morally corrupt city of Sodom ([Genesis 13:10-13](/genesis/13-10-13 "Lot Chooses the Plain of Jordan")) directly exposes him to the devastating consequences of this conflict. Secondly, it highlights the **transience of earthly security and material wealth**, demonstrating how swiftly even well-established cities can be stripped bare, prompting reflection on where true and lasting security resides. Thirdly, while the plunder is a human act of war, it subtly sets the stage for **divine providence and intervention**. This event, though brutal, is a crucial catalyst that draws Abram into a position of leadership and intervention, ultimately leading to his encounter with the mysterious priest-king [Melchizedek](/genesis/14-18-20 "Melchizedek Blesses Abram"), a significant theological moment that foreshadows the coming of Christ. The vulnerability of Sodom and Gomorrah also serves as an early **foreshadowing of divine judgment** that would later be fully executed upon these cities due to their wickedness ([Genesis 18:20-21](/genesis/18-20-21 "The Outcry Against Sodom and Gomorrah")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 14:11 succinctly narrates the consequences of the eastern kings' triumph: "And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Took (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** From H3947, a primitive root meaning "to take (in the widest variety of applications)." In this context, it signifies a forceful seizure, an act of appropriation by right of conquest. It implies a deliberate and complete removal of possessions, rather than a mere gathering. The verb emphasizes the active, decisive action of the conquering armies in stripping the defeated cities.
* **Goods (Hebrew, _rᵉkûwsh'_):** From H7399, meaning "property (as gathered); good, riches, substance." This term refers to all movable wealth and accumulated possessions, including livestock, precious metals, household items, and other valuables. The use of "all" with *rekûwsh* underscores the totality of the plunder, indicating that nothing of material value was left behind.
* **Victuals (Hebrew, _ʼôkel'_):** From H400, meaning "food; eating, food, meal(-time), meat, prey." This word specifically denotes provisions or sustenance. Its inclusion highlights the severity of the plunder, as the invaders not only stripped the cities of their wealth but also of their very means of survival. Taking all the food supplies would render any remaining populace vulnerable to starvation, emphasizing the devastating and comprehensive nature of the defeat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah":** This clause identifies the perpetrators as the victorious eastern coalition of kings and their armies. The object of their action is "all the goods" – the entire accumulated wealth and movable property of the two primary cities of the plain, Sodom and Gomorrah. This signifies a comprehensive and systematic plundering, leaving the cities economically devastated.
* **"and all their victuals":** This phrase specifies a crucial category of the plunder: all their food supplies and provisions. This detail is vital as it indicates that the invaders sought not only to enrich themselves but also to incapacitate the defeated cities by removing their means of sustenance. This act would have left any remaining inhabitants vulnerable to hunger and disease, underscoring the brutal and total nature of ancient warfare.
* **"and went their way":** This final clause marks the conclusion of the plunder and the departure of the victorious armies. Having achieved their objective of reasserting dominance, seizing tribute, and crippling their former vassals, they withdrew from the devastated region. This departure directly sets the stage for the subsequent narrative, particularly Abram's discovery of Lot's capture and his heroic pursuit.

#### Literary Devices
The brevity of Genesis 14:11 belies its profound impact, employing several literary devices. The use of **Hyperbole** in the phrase "all the goods" and "all their victuals" emphasizes the completeness and devastating extent of the plunder, conveying a sense of utter desolation. While perhaps not literally every single item was taken, the language conveys a total stripping. This verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the future, more complete destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, where not just their possessions but the cities themselves would be utterly consumed by divine judgment. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in the narrative: the very prosperity of the Jordan plain that attracted Lot and seemed to offer security ultimately became the magnet for devastating plunder, demonstrating the precariousness of earthly riches.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 14:11, though a concise historical account of plunder, carries significant theological weight. It serves as a stark reminder of the transient nature of earthly wealth and security, demonstrating how quickly material possessions can be stripped away. This vulnerability underscores a broader biblical theme: true and lasting security is not found in accumulated riches or worldly alliances, but in God alone. The event also highlights divine sovereignty, as even in the chaos of human conflict, God is orchestrating circumstances to advance His redemptive plan, drawing Abram into a pivotal role that would lead to significant encounters and revelations concerning God's covenant promises.

* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "The Righteous Flourish") – "He that trusts in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch."
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Lay Up Treasures in Heaven") – "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Beware of Covetousness") – "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 14:11 offers profound lessons on the nature of security, the consequences of choices, and the transient nature of earthly prosperity. The swift and total plundering of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a powerful reminder that our material possessions, no matter how vast or secure they seem, are ultimately fleeting and vulnerable to forces beyond our control. This should prompt us to examine where our true trust and hope lie. Are we investing our lives and hearts in treasures that can be plundered by earthly conflicts or spiritual adversaries, or are we building upon an unshakable foundation? The vulnerability of Sodom, despite its apparent wealth, serves as a cautionary tale against aligning ourselves with or placing our confidence in worldly systems that may compromise our spiritual well-being. Even in the face of such devastation, this verse reminds us that God's sovereign hand is at work, often using challenging circumstances to position His people for acts of faith, courage, and to reveal deeper truths about His redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily place my trust and security – in earthly possessions and circumstances, or in God's unchanging character and promises?**
* **What "victuals" or resources in my life am I relying on that could be swiftly taken away, and how does this verse challenge me to re-evaluate my priorities?**
* **How might God be using difficult or chaotic circumstances in my life or the world to position me for greater acts of faith or to reveal His sovereign plan?**

### FAQ
**Why were Sodom and Gomorrah plundered in this chapter?**

Answer: Sodom and Gomorrah, along with three other cities of the plain, had been tributaries to King Chedorlaomer of Elam for twelve years. In the thirteenth year, they rebelled against his authority, leading to a military campaign by Chedorlaomer and his allies against them. The plunder described in [Genesis 14:11](/genesis/14-11 "The Plunder of Sodom and Gomorrah") was the direct consequence of their defeat in this "Battle of the Kings," a standard practice of ancient warfare where victors seized the wealth and resources of the vanquished as spoils of war and a means of subjugation.

**What is the significance of taking "all the goods" and "all their victuals"?**

Answer: The phrase "all the goods" (Hebrew *rekûwsh*) refers to all accumulated wealth and movable property, while "all their victuals" (Hebrew *ʼôkel*) refers to all their food and provisions. This emphasis on "all" highlights the thoroughness and devastating nature of the plunder. It meant not only the loss of all valuable assets and economic stability but also the very means of survival for the inhabitants, leaving them utterly destitute and vulnerable. This complete stripping of resources underscores the severity of the defeat and serves as a foreshadowing of the later, more severe judgment upon these cities for their wickedness, as described in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah").

**How does this event connect to Abram (Abraham)?**

Answer: This act of plunder directly led to the capture of [Abram's nephew, Lot](/genesis/14-12 "Lot Taken Captive"), who had settled near Sodom. Upon hearing of Lot's capture, [Abram mobilized his trained men](/genesis/14-14 "Abram Rescues Lot") to pursue the victorious eastern kings. He successfully defeated them, rescuing Lot, the women, the people, and all the plundered goods. This event is pivotal as it demonstrates Abram's courage, his commitment to family, and his reliance on God, ultimately leading to his significant encounter with [Melchizedek, King of Salem and priest of God Most High](/genesis/14-18-20 "Melchizedek Blesses Abram"), a moment of profound theological significance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 14:11 describes a historical act of earthly plunder, it subtly points to the ultimate victory and abundant provision found in Christ. The vulnerability of Sodom and Gomorrah, stripped of all their possessions and sustenance by an external enemy, contrasts sharply with the eternal security and inexhaustible spiritual sustenance offered through Jesus Christ. Unlike earthly goods and victuals which can be taken away by human conflict or natural disaster, Christ offers an enduring inheritance and spiritual provision that cannot be plundered or destroyed, urging believers to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). Furthermore, just as Abram, a type of deliverer, intervened to rescue Lot from earthly captors and restore what was lost, Christ, our greater Deliverer and King, triumphs over spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil—rescuing us from their bondage and restoring us to fellowship with God ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Redemption Through Christ")). He provides true and lasting freedom, an unshakeable kingdom, and spiritual food that satisfies eternally ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")), ensuring that those who are in Him will never be truly plundered or left destitute.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 14:16

And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.

Genesis 14:21

¶ And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.

Deuteronomy 28:35

The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head.

Deuteronomy 28:31

Thine ox [shall be] slain before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof: thine ass [shall be] violently taken away from before thy face, and shall not be restored to thee: thy sheep [shall be] given unto thine enemies, and thou shalt have none to rescue [them].

Genesis 12:5

And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

Deuteronomy 28:51

And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until thou be destroyed: which [also] shall not leave thee [either] corn, wine, or oil, [or] the increase of thy kine, or flocks of thy sheep, until he have destroyed thee.