Genesis 14:14

KJV

And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained [servants], born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued [them] unto Dan.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Abram {H87} heard {H8085} that his brother {H251} was taken captive {H7617}, he armed {H7324} his trained {H2593} servants, born {H3211} in his own house {H1004}, three {H7969} hundred {H3967} and eighteen {H6240}{H8083}, and pursued {H7291} them unto Dan {H1835}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Avram heard that his nephew had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, who had been born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.

Berean Standard Bible

And when Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan.

American Standard Version

And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued as far as Dan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 14:14 records Abram's swift and decisive response to the news of his nephew Lot's capture, detailing his mobilization of a formidable private force of three hundred and eighteen trained, home-born servants to pursue the victorious kings and rescue Lot, thereby showcasing Abram's profound familial loyalty, military prowess, and leadership in the tumultuous ancient Near East.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the "Battle of the Kings" described in [Genesis 14:1-11](/genesis/14-1-11 "Genesis 14:1-11 - The Battle of the Kings"), a pivotal conflict where a coalition of eastern kings, led by Kedorlaomer, decisively defeated the kings of the Jordan Valley, including Sodom and Gomorrah. As a consequence of this victory, the invading forces plundered the cities and took captives, among whom was Abram's nephew, Lot, who had chosen to dwell in Sodom ([Genesis 14:12](/genesis/14-12 "Genesis 14:12 - Lot's Capture")). The news of Lot's captivity, brought by a survivor ([Genesis 14:13](/genesis/14-13 "Genesis 14:13 - The Escapee's Report")), serves as the direct catalyst for Abram's extraordinary military intervention, shifting the narrative focus from regional conflict to Abram's personal and familial responsibility.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, powerful patriarchal figures like Abram often maintained substantial households that included not only family members but also numerous servants, dependents, and even a private militia for protection and influence. This was a common practice in a period lacking centralized governmental protection, where self-reliance and the ability to defend one's assets and kin were paramount. The presence of "trained servants" highlights Abram's significant wealth and status, placing him among the elite of his time. The pursuit "unto Dan" also points to the vast distances covered in ancient military campaigns and the determination required for such an undertaking in a largely undeveloped and often dangerous landscape.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 14:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Familial Loyalty and Responsibility**, as Abram, despite Lot's questionable choices, acts decisively to rescue his kinsman. It also highlights **Abram's Growing Stature and Resources**, demonstrating that he is not merely a recipient of divine promises but a capable leader with tangible means. Furthermore, Abram's victory, though seemingly a military feat, implicitly underscores the theme of **Divine Providence and Blessing**, foreshadowing how God would use Abram's strength and resources to fulfill His covenant promises, including the promise of a [great nation](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abram") and protection from enemies, echoing the broader narrative of God's faithfulness to His chosen ones throughout [Genesis](/genesis/1 "The Book of Genesis").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **trained (Hebrew, _chânîyk'_):** From H2593, meaning 'initiated' or 'practiced.' This term signifies that Abram's servants were not merely household staff but individuals who had undergone specific instruction and discipline, likely in military tactics or self-defense. This detail elevates the status of Abram's force, indicating a level of professionalism and readiness that would be crucial for a successful military engagement, distinguishing them from a mere collection of laborers.
* **born (Hebrew, _yâlîyd'_):** From H3211, referring to those 'born' in his own house. This emphasizes the deep loyalty and familial bond of these servants. They were not hired mercenaries but integral, lifelong members of Abram's extended household, raised within his patriarchal structure. Their status as 'home-born' suggests a profound personal allegiance to Abram, making their participation in the dangerous rescue mission a matter of shared identity and commitment rather than mere obligation.
* **pursued (Hebrew, _râdaph'_):** From H7291, meaning 'to run after,' often with hostile intent. This verb powerfully conveys Abram's determined and aggressive action. It was not a casual follow-up but an active, relentless chase of the captors, demonstrating his unwavering resolve to reclaim Lot and the plundered goods. The intensity of the word highlights the urgency and the strategic nature of Abram's pursuit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive":** This clause establishes the immediate catalyst for Abram's action: the news of Lot's capture. The use of "his brother" (referring to his nephew, Lot, a common ancient Near Eastern idiom for close kin) underscores the deep familial bond and personal stake Abram felt, motivating his swift and courageous response despite Lot's earlier choice to separate from him.
* **"he armed his trained [servants], born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen":** This phrase details the composition and size of Abram's fighting force. The description "trained servants, born in his own house" highlights their loyalty, discipline, and integral connection to Abram's household. The specific number, "three hundred and eighteen," emphasizes the formidable and organized nature of this private army, indicating Abram's considerable wealth, influence, and capacity for self-defense and offensive action in a volatile region.
* **"and pursued [them] unto Dan":** This final clause describes the extent and determination of Abram's pursuit. His chase extended a significant distance northward, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to recovering Lot and the plundered goods. The mention of "Dan" (an anachronistic name for Laish at this time) indicates the full geographical scope of his relentless pursuit into the northern reaches of Canaan.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Anachronism** is evident in the mention of "Dan," a name that the city of Laish would not bear until centuries later, as recorded in [Judges 18:29](/judges/18-29 "Judges 18:29 - Naming of Dan"). This is a common editorial technique in biblical narratives, where later redactors update place names to be familiar to their contemporary audience, ensuring geographical clarity. The specific number "three hundred and eighteen" might be seen as **Hyperbole** if interpreted as a symbolic representation of a vast and formidable force, though it could also be a literal count emphasizing the precise and organized nature of Abram's retinue. Regardless, it serves to underscore the impressive scale of Abram's household and his military capability. Furthermore, Abram's decisive and successful military action in this verse serves as **Foreshadowing** of the future strength and military prowess of the nation of Israel, descended from him, and their eventual conquest of the land of Canaan under God's guidance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abram's courageous and decisive action in Genesis 14:14 transcends a mere historical account of a military triumph; it is imbued with profound theological significance. His unwavering commitment to rescue Lot, despite Lot's earlier separation and choice of dwelling, exemplifies a deep, covenantal loyalty that mirrors God's own faithfulness to His people, even when they stray. This act of liberation, undertaken with his household, underscores the principle that God often uses the prepared resources and capabilities of His servants to accomplish His redemptive purposes, demonstrating that faith is not passive but often calls for active, courageous engagement.

* [**Genesis 12:2-3**](/genesis/12-2-3 "Genesis 12:2-3 - God's Covenant with Abram"): God promises to make Abram a great nation and bless those who bless him, and curse those who curse him. Abram's victory here is an early fulfillment of this protective blessing.
* [**Deuteronomy 20:4**](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for Israel"): This verse states, "For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." Abram's success, against seemingly overwhelming odds, implicitly points to divine assistance, foreshadowing God's active role in Israel's battles.
* [**Proverbs 24:11-12**](/proverbs/24-11-12 "Proverbs 24:11-12 - Rescuing the Oppressed"): This passage exhorts, "Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter." Abram's proactive rescue of Lot embodies this ethical imperative to intervene on behalf of the vulnerable and oppressed.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abram's actions in Genesis 14:14 offer profound lessons for believers today, demonstrating a powerful blend of familial responsibility, strategic resourcefulness, and courageous faith. His immediate and costly intervention to rescue Lot, even after Lot's questionable choices, challenges us to cultivate a deep and unwavering commitment to our family and community, especially when loved ones are in distress or have made poor decisions. This passage calls us to leverage our God-given resources—whether they be our time, talents, wealth, or influence—not for personal gain, but for the welfare and liberation of others, particularly those held captive by circumstances, sin, or injustice. Abram's willingness to confront a superior force with a well-trained, loyal, and disciplined household also inspires us to prepare ourselves and our "households" (our families, churches, and communities) to face challenges with courage and strategic wisdom, trusting that God can empower even seemingly small forces to achieve great victories when acting in faith and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I demonstrate greater loyalty and active care for my family and community, especially when they are in need or facing difficult consequences?**
* **How am I currently using my personal resources (time, talent, wealth, influence) for the benefit and liberation of others, rather than solely for myself?**
* **What "captivities" (spiritual, emotional, physical, social) in my life or the lives of those around me am I called to confront with courage and faith, trusting in God's empowerment?**

### FAQ
**Why is "Dan" mentioned in Genesis 14:14 if the city was not named until centuries later?**

Answer: The mention of "Dan" in [Genesis 14:14](/genesis/14-14 "Genesis 14:14 - Abram Pursues the Kings") is widely understood by biblical scholars as an **anachronism**, which means a reference to a place name that came into common use much later than the historical events being described. The city was originally known as Laish (or Leshem) and was only renamed Dan after its conquest by the tribe of Dan, as explicitly recorded in [Judges 18:29](/judges/18-29 "Judges 18:29 - The Renaming of Laish to Dan"). This editorial practice is common in ancient literature, including the Bible. It serves to provide a familiar geographical reference for later readers, ensuring they could easily understand the extent of Abram's pursuit into the northernmost regions of Canaan, rather than using an archaic name that would have been obscure to them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abram's heroic rescue of Lot, mobilizing his entire household to redeem a kinsman from the clutches of powerful, oppressive enemies, serves as a profound **type** or foreshadowing of the ultimate redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Abram, a patriarch and a man of strength, actively pursued and delivered Lot from physical bondage, so too does Christ, the greater Son of Abraham and the true King, actively pursue and deliver humanity from the dominion of sin, death, and spiritual captivity. His "trained servants" are His disciples, whom He equips and sends forth to participate in His ongoing mission of liberation and reconciliation, echoing the call to be [fishers of men](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Come, Follow Me"). Christ's victory on the cross, where He [disarmed principalities and powers](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities"), is the ultimate act of rescue, freeing His people from spiritual bondage and bringing them into His eternal kingdom, fulfilling the pattern of courageous, self-sacrificial deliverance seen in Abram's actions. Through Christ, we are not merely rescued but also [adopted into God's family](/galatians/4-5 "Galatians 4:5 - Adoption as Sons"), becoming part of His household, just as Abram's home-born servants were integral to his rescue mission.

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

Judges 18:29

And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born unto Israel: howbeit the name of the city [was] Laish at the first.

Genesis 15:3

And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.

Genesis 17:27

And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.

Deuteronomy 34:1

¶ And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that [is] over against Jericho. And the LORD shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,

Genesis 17:12

And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which [is] not of thy seed.

Ecclesiastes 2:7

I got [me] servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:

Proverbs 24:11

¶ If thou forbear to deliver [them that are] drawn unto death, and [those that are] ready to be slain;