Genesis 14:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And he brought back {H7725} all the goods {H7399}, and also brought again {H7725} his brother {H251} Lot {H3876}, and his goods {H7399}, and the women {H802} also, and the people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He recovered all the goods and brought back his nephew Lot with his goods, together with the women and the other people.

Berean Standard Bible

He retrieved all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 14:16 marks the triumphant climax of Abram's audacious pursuit, meticulously detailing his complete and successful recovery of all that was plundered during the War of the Kings. This verse specifically highlights the comprehensive restoration of his nephew Lot, along with all Lot's possessions, the women, and the people who had been captured from Sodom and Gomorrah, unequivocally underscoring the totality and divine enablement of Abram's victory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the decisive resolution to the preceding narrative of the War of the Kings in [Genesis 14](/genesis/14 "Genesis 14 - The War of the Kings and Abram's Rescue"). Following the defeat of the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah by Chedorlaomer and his allies, Lot, who had chosen to settle near Sodom ([Genesis 13-10-11](/genesis/13-10-11 "Genesis 13:10-11 - Lot chooses the Jordan Valley")), was captured. Upon hearing this dire news, Abram, demonstrating remarkable courage and strategic acumen, immediately mobilized his 318 trained household servants. He pursued the formidable coalition of kings all the way to Dan, orchestrating a surprise night attack that routed them. Genesis 14:16 then succinctly, yet powerfully, summarizes the comprehensive outcome of this daring rescue mission, confirming that nothing was left behind, thus paving the way for his significant encounter with Melchizedek in the subsequent verses ([Genesis 14-18-20](/genesis/14-18-20 "Genesis 14:18-20 - Melchizedek Blesses Abram")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, warfare was a brutal reality, often resulting in the complete subjugation, plunder, and enslavement of the defeated. The practice of taking "goods," "women," and "people" as spoils of war was common and devastating. Abram's ability to muster 318 trained men reflects the significant size and strength of his household, indicating his considerable wealth and influence as a tribal leader. His pursuit of a victorious coalition of kings was an extraordinary act, defying conventional military wisdom. Furthermore, the strong bonds of kinship were paramount in this culture; Abram's willingness to risk everything for his nephew Lot, despite their earlier separation ([Genesis 13-7-9](/genesis/13-7-9 "Genesis 13:7-9 - Abram and Lot separate")), underscores the deep responsibility felt within family units and the expectation of a kinsman-redeemer.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 14:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Protection and Provision** for Abram, demonstrating God's continued faithfulness to His covenant promises even in the face of military conflict. Abram's victory, against overwhelming odds, implicitly points to God's hand enabling his servant. The verse also underscores the theme of **Redemption and Restoration**, as Abram acts as a human agent of recovery, bringing back what was lost and enslaved. This foreshadows God's ultimate plan for the redemption of humanity and creation. Finally, Abram's decisive action and unwavering loyalty to Lot, despite Lot's questionable choices, exemplifies themes of **Righteousness and Intercession**, showcasing a righteous leader who acts justly and selflessly on behalf of the vulnerable.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brought back (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, a primitive root meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again." In this context, _shûwb_ signifies a complete and successful restoration, emphasizing that Abram not only defeated the enemy but meticulously ensured the return of all stolen property and captured individuals to their rightful place. The repetition of this verb ("brought back," "brought again") underscores the thoroughness of the recovery.
* **goods (Hebrew, _rᵉkûwsh'_):** From H7399, meaning "property (as gathered); good, riches, substance." This term refers to the material possessions, livestock, and wealth that were plundered. Its inclusion highlights the economic devastation inflicted by the invading kings and the comprehensive material recovery achieved by Abram, demonstrating that the rescue was not just personal but also economic.
* **people (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** From H5971, meaning "a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people." This word denotes the general populace, the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah who were taken captive. Its inclusion alongside "women" emphasizes the rescue of the entire community, not just the prominent figures or their immediate families, showcasing the broad scope of Abram's humanitarian intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he brought back all the goods":** This opening clause immediately establishes the comprehensive nature of Abram's victory. The phrase "all the goods" (כָּל־הָרְכֻשׁ, *kol-hārekûsh*) signifies that every item of value, every piece of property plundered by the Eastern kings, was recovered. This was not a partial success but a total reversal of the enemy's gains, underscoring the effectiveness and divine favor upon Abram's military action.
* **"and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods":** This part of the verse shifts focus from the general plunder to the specific and personal recovery of Abram's kinsman, Lot. The repetition of the verb "brought again" (וַיָּשֶׁב, *vayyashēv*) emphasizes the deliberate act of restoration. The inclusion of "his goods" alongside Lot himself highlights that Lot's personal wealth, which was part of the initial plunder, was also fully restored, ensuring his livelihood and status were re-established. This demonstrates Abram's deep familial loyalty and commitment to Lot's well-being.
* **"and the women also, and the people":** This final phrase broadens the scope of the rescue to include the wider community of captives from Sodom and Gomorrah. "The women" (וְאֶת־הַנָּשִׁים, *wə’et-hannāšîm*) are specifically mentioned, highlighting their particular vulnerability in ancient warfare. "And the people" (וְאֶת־הָעָם, *wə’et-hā‘ām*) refers to the general populace, emphasizing that Abram's intervention extended beyond his immediate family to liberate a multitude of individuals who had been enslaved. This comprehensive list underscores the immense scale of the rescue and the totality of the restoration achieved, leaving no one behind.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the double use of the verb "brought back" (or "brought again"), which powerfully emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of Abram's recovery mission. This repetition reinforces the idea that nothing was left behind and that the victory was absolute. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Enumeration** through its detailed listing of the recovered items and individuals: "all the goods," "his brother Lot," "his goods," "the women," and "the people." This precise and comprehensive listing serves to highlight the immense scope of the rescue operation and the totality of the restoration achieved. The concise and direct phrasing of the verse also contributes to its impact, conveying the decisive and successful outcome of Abram's actions with powerful **Brevity**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abram's decisive victory and comprehensive restoration in Genesis 14:16 are not merely a record of military prowess but a profound theological statement about God's active involvement in the life of His chosen servant. While the text attributes the action to Abram, the miraculous success against a superior force implicitly points to divine enablement and protection, underscoring God's faithfulness to the Abrahamic covenant. This event serves as an early biblical demonstration of God's character as a deliverer and restorer, using human agents to bring about justice and liberation. Abram's willingness to risk everything for Lot also prefigures the concept of a kinsman-redeemer, one who acts to restore what is lost or enslaved, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 30:3](/deuteronomy/30-3 "Deuteronomy 30:3 - God will restore you")
* [Psalm 126:1](/psalms/126-1 "Psalm 126:1 - When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion")
* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A light to the nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 14:16 offers profound lessons for believers today, encouraging us to act decisively for righteousness and to embody unwavering loyalty. Abram's immediate and courageous response to injustice and the suffering of his family teaches us to be proactive in defending the innocent and standing for what is right, even when it requires personal risk and effort. His willingness to engage in conflict for the sake of others, not for personal gain, challenges us to consider our own spheres of influence and how we might intervene for justice and liberation. Furthermore, his unwavering loyalty to Lot, despite Lot's prior questionable choices and the potential for strained relations, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of family relationships and our responsibility to support loved ones in times of need. Ultimately, Abram's improbable victory against a coalition of powerful kings suggests that when we step out in faith and obedience, trusting in God's empowerment, He can enable us to accomplish what seems impossible, as further evidenced by his subsequent encounter with Melchizedek, where he acknowledges God as the "Possessor of heaven and earth" ([Genesis 14-19-20](/genesis/14-19-20 "Genesis 14:19-20 - Melchizedek Blesses Abram")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abram's immediate and courageous response to Lot's capture challenge our own passivity in the face of injustice or need within our communities or families?**
* **In what ways can we demonstrate unwavering loyalty to family and community, even when relationships are strained or when others have made choices we disagree with?**
* **Considering Abram's reliance on God's strength in an seemingly impossible military situation, how does this encourage us to trust God with our own overwhelming challenges and act in faith?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the detailed list of what was recovered in Genesis 14:16?**

Answer: The detailed listing of "all the goods," "his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people" is highly significant because it emphasizes the comprehensive and thorough nature of Abram's victory and rescue mission. It highlights that his intervention was not a partial success but a complete restoration of everything that had been plundered, leaving nothing behind. This underscores Abram's effectiveness as a deliverer and the divine blessing on his efforts, ensuring that no aspect of the loss remained unrecovered. It also demonstrates the immense scale of the plunder and, consequently, the magnitude of Abram's triumph.

**Why did Abram risk so much to rescue Lot, given their previous separation?**

Answer: Despite their previous separation due to strife between their herdsmen ([Genesis 13-7-9](/genesis/13-7-9 "Genesis 13:7-9 - Abram and Lot separate")), Abram's actions demonstrate profound family loyalty, a deep sense of responsibility, and a commitment to justice. As Lot's uncle and the patriarch of their extended family, Abram felt a strong familial obligation to act as a kinsman-redeemer. His willingness to risk his life and resources for Lot exemplifies the enduring importance of kinship bonds in ancient Near Eastern culture and, more significantly, reveals Abram's righteous character and his role as a deliverer, reflecting God's own nature as a rescuer of the oppressed. This act of selfless intervention also sets a precedent for righteous conduct within the covenant community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abram's decisive and comprehensive act of rescue in Genesis 14:16 serves as a powerful prefigurement of Christ's ultimate redemptive work. Just as Abram pursued and brought back Lot and all that was lost to physical captivity and plunder, Christ, the greater Deliverer, actively pursued humanity, which was lost and enslaved by sin and death ([Colossians 1-13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption through Christ")). His victory on the cross represents the ultimate triumph over spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil ([Hebrews 2-14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus frees from fear of death")), bringing about a complete and total restoration. This restoration is not merely of goods and physical freedom, but of humanity's broken relationship with God, eternal life, and freedom from the bondage of sin ([Romans 5-8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God demonstrates His own love")). Through Christ, all that was lost in the Fall is redeemed and brought back into fellowship with the Father, fulfilling the archetype of rescue and restoration so powerfully exemplified by Abram, but on an infinitely grander, spiritual, and eternal scale, offering abundant life to all who believe ([John 10-10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Life Abundant")).

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

1 Samuel 30:8

And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake [them], and without fail recover [all].

1 Samuel 30:18

And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives.

1 Samuel 30:19

And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any [thing] that they had taken to them: David recovered all.

Genesis 14:11

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

Genesis 14:12

And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

Genesis 12:2

And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

Isaiah 41:2

Who raised up the righteous [man] from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made [him] rule over kings? he gave [them] as the dust to his sword, [and] as driven stubble to his bow.