Genesis 14:23

KJV

That I will not [take] from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that [is] thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:

KJV (with Strong's)

That I will not {H518} take from a thread {H2339} even to a shoelatchet {H5275}{H8288}, and that I will not {H518} take {H3947} any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say {H559}, I have made {H6238} Abram {H87} rich {H6238}:

Complete Jewish Bible

that I will not take so much as a thread or a sandal thong of anything that is yours; so that you won't be able to say, 'I made Avram rich.'

Berean Standard Bible

that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’

American Standard Version

that I will not take a thread nor a shoe-latchet nor aught that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Abram's resolute declaration in Genesis 14:23 details his refusal to accept any material gain from the King of Sodom, stating he would not take even the most insignificant item, "from a thread even to a shoelatchet." This decisive act profoundly underscores his unwavering reliance on God as his exclusive provider and his commitment to ensure that divine blessing, not worldly influence, receives credit for his prosperity, thereby preventing the King of Sodom from falsely claiming, "I have made Abram rich."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the dramatic narrative of [Genesis chapter 14](/genesis/14 "The War of the Kings and Abram's Deliverance"), which describes a major regional conflict. A coalition of four eastern kings, led by Chedorlaomer, defeats the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, plundering their cities and taking captives, including Abram's nephew, Lot. Upon hearing of Lot's capture, Abram, with a small but determined force of 318 trained men from his household, pursues the victorious kings, defeats them, and recovers all the spoils and captives. Abram's refusal of the spoils from the King of Sodom immediately follows his encounter with Melchizedek, the King of Salem and priest of God Most High, to whom Abram gave a tenth of everything. This sequence highlights Abram's spiritual priorities and his commitment to God's glory over personal enrichment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, it was customary for the victor in battle to claim all the spoils of war. The King of Sodom's offer to Abram—to "give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself" (Genesis 14:21)—was a standard practice, acknowledging Abram's right as the liberator. However, Sodom was known for its wickedness (cf. [Genesis 13:13](/genesis/13-13 "The wickedness of Sodom")), representing a corrupt and ungodly society. Abram's refusal, therefore, was not merely a rejection of material wealth but a profound statement of spiritual separation and integrity. He was operating within a cultural framework where such an offer was expected, yet he subverted that expectation based on a higher principle: his covenant relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 14:23 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Provision**, emphasizing that God alone is the source of true blessing and prosperity, as seen in God's later declaration to Abram in [Genesis 15:1](/genesis/15-1 "God's promise to Abram as his shield and exceeding great reward"). It also highlights the theme of **Integrity and Separation**, portraying Abram as a man set apart from the corrupting influences of the world, prioritizing his testimony and God's glory above all else. This act reinforces the concept of **Soli Deo Gloria** (Glory to God Alone), a foundational principle that all credit and honor for success and blessing belong to the Almighty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** This primitive root means "to take" in a wide variety of applications, including to accept, bring, buy, receive, or seize. In this context, Abram's repeated use of "I will not take" signifies a deliberate and complete refusal to accept any form of material compensation or benefit from the King of Sodom, emphasizing his active rejection of the offer.
* **thread (Hebrew, _chûwṭ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to sew," this word refers to a string, cord, or thread. As the smallest and most insignificant item imaginable in ancient commerce or daily life, its inclusion here, alongside "shoelatchet," forms an idiom signifying the absolute minimum, emphasizing the totality of Abram's refusal.
* **shoelatchet (Hebrew, _sᵉrôwk'_):** This term refers to a thong or strap used for lacing or tying a sandal. Like a thread, a shoelatchet represents an item of negligible value. Its pairing with "thread" creates a merism, an idiomatic expression that encompasses the entirety of something by naming its extreme parts, reinforcing that Abram would take nothing whatsoever.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet":** This opening clause immediately establishes the absolute and comprehensive nature of Abram's refusal. The phrase "from a thread even to a shoelatchet" is a common Hebrew idiom, a **merism**, signifying "not even the smallest thing" or "absolutely nothing at all." It underscores the completeness of Abram's detachment from the spoils of war and, more significantly, from any perceived indebtedness to the King of Sodom. His integrity is so profound that he will not accept even the most trivial item.
* **"and that I will not take any thing that is thine":** This reiterates and broadens the previous statement, making it explicit that Abram's refusal applies to *anything* belonging to the King of Sodom. It moves from the specific idiom to a general principle, leaving no room for ambiguity. This comprehensive rejection highlights Abram's commitment to maintaining a clear distinction between himself, as a servant of the Most High God, and the corrupt kingdom of Sodom.
* **"lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich":** This final clause reveals the profound theological motivation behind Abram's actions. His primary concern is to prevent the King of Sodom from taking credit for his prosperity. Abram understands that allowing such a claim would diminish God's glory and potentially compromise his testimony. He desires that all credit for his wealth and success be attributed solely to God, his true Provider, thereby safeguarding the integrity of his faith and the honor of God's name.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs a significant **Idiom** in the phrase "from a thread even to a shoelatchet." This is a classic example of **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting or extreme parts are mentioned to represent the whole. By specifying the smallest and seemingly most insignificant items, Abram conveys that he will accept absolutely nothing. This literary choice powerfully emphasizes the totality of his refusal and his unwavering commitment to his principles. Furthermore, the explicit statement of motivation, "lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich," functions as a form of **Anticipation**, revealing Abram's foresight and his proactive stance against any potential misattribution of divine blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abram's resolute refusal of the King of Sodom's spoils serves as a powerful theological statement on divine provision and the nature of true blessedness. It is a testament to his profound faith that God alone is his source and sustainer, demonstrating a radical trust that transcends immediate material gain. This act establishes a foundational principle for believers: that God's glory must be paramount, and human pride or worldly boasting must be entirely circumvented when it comes to divine blessing. Abram's integrity here prefigures the call to separation and holiness for God's people throughout salvation history, ensuring that their identity and prosperity are unequivocally linked to their covenant relationship with the Almighty, not to worldly systems or corrupt benefactors.

* [Genesis 15:1](/genesis/15-1 "God's Promise to Abram as His Shield and Exceeding Great Reward")
* [Psalm 115:1](/psalms/115-1 "Not to us, O LORD, but to Your Name Give Glory")
* [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "Do all to the glory of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abram's principled stand in Genesis 14:23 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers navigating the complexities of modern life. It challenges us to critically examine the sources of our provision and success, asking whether our trust is truly placed in God alone, or if we subtly seek validation or enrichment from worldly systems that might compromise our spiritual integrity. This passage calls us to cultivate a radical dependence on divine provision, recognizing that true blessing comes from God and not from human benefactors or questionable alliances. Moreover, Abram's explicit desire to prevent the King of Sodom from boasting reminds us of the paramount importance of giving God full credit for every achievement and blessing in our lives, actively avoiding situations where our prosperity could be attributed to anything other than His grace. It compels us to maintain a clear distinction between our values and those of the world, ensuring our testimony remains unblemished and our allegiance to Christ is unambiguous, even when faced with opportunities for personal gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on worldly systems or human connections rather than God's provision?**
* **How can you more intentionally give God the glory for your successes and blessings, preventing others (or yourself) from taking undue credit?**
* **Are there any "threads or shoelatchets" in your life—small compromises or perceived dependencies—that might hinder your clear testimony for Christ?**
* **What boundaries do you need to establish to ensure your spiritual integrity remains uncompromised by worldly influences?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abram refuse the spoils from the King of Sodom?**

Answer: Abram refused the spoils primarily to prevent the King of Sodom from taking credit for his wealth and prosperity. He wanted it to be unequivocally clear that his blessings came from God Most High, not from any worldly ruler or system. His refusal demonstrated his profound trust in God as his sole provider and his commitment to giving God all the glory, as God later affirmed in [Genesis 15:1](/genesis/15-1 "God's promise to Abram as his shield and exceeding great reward").

**What does the phrase "from a thread even to a shoelatchet" signify?**

Answer: This phrase is a common Hebrew idiom meaning "not even the smallest thing" or "absolutely nothing at all." It emphasizes the completeness and totality of Abram's refusal, indicating his unwavering commitment to take nothing from the King of Sodom, not even the most insignificant item. It's a **merism** that uses two extremes to represent the entire spectrum of things.

**How does Abram's act demonstrate his faith?**

Answer: Abram's refusal demonstrates his faith by showing his complete reliance on God's provision over worldly gain. Despite having just won a battle and being entitled to the spoils by custom, he chose to trust God to fulfill His promise to be his "exceeding great reward" ([Genesis 15:1](/genesis/15-1 "God's promise to Abram as his shield and exceeding great reward")). This act prioritized God's glory and his covenant relationship above immediate material enrichment, proving his deep conviction that God alone was sufficient for his needs.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abram's profound integrity and unwavering reliance on God in [Genesis 14:23](/genesis/14-23 "Abram's refusal of spoils from the King of Sodom") powerfully prefigure the perfect obedience and complete dependence of Jesus Christ on the Father. While Abram refused worldly riches to ensure God received glory, Christ perfectly embodied this principle, never seeking earthly power, material gain, or human acclaim, but always living to glorify the Father ([John 8:50](/john/8-50 "Jesus seeks not His own glory") and [John 17:4](/john/17-4 "Jesus glorifies the Father")). He resisted all temptations to compromise His mission for worldly kingdoms or personal comfort, famously rejecting Satan's offer of all the kingdoms of the world in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8 "Jesus rejects Satan's offer of worldly kingdoms")). Unlike earthly kings who offer fleeting wealth and demand allegiance, Christ offers eternal riches and true, inexhaustible provision, making us spiritually rich through His ultimate sacrifice and resurrection ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "Christ's poverty for our riches")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of divine provision, the true source of all blessing, and the one through whom God's name is eternally glorified, ensuring that all boasting is in the Lord alone ([1 Corinthians 1:31](/1_corinthians/1-31 "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord")).

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

2 Kings 5:16

But he said, [As] the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take [it]; but he refused.

2 Corinthians 11:9

And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all [things] I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and [so] will I keep [myself].

2 Corinthians 11:12

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

Hebrews 13:5

[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Esther 9:15

For the Jews that [were] in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.

Esther 9:16

But the other Jews that [were] in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,

2 Kings 5:20

¶ But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, [as] the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.