Genesis 14:24

KJV

Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.

KJV (with Strong's)

Save {H1107} only that which {H834} the young men {H5288} have eaten {H398}, and the portion {H2506} of the men {H582} which went {H1980} with {H854} me, Aner {H6063}, Eshcol {H812}, and Mamre {H4471}; let them {H1992} take {H3947} their portion {H2506}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will take only what my troops have eaten and the share of the spoil belonging to the men who came with me -'Aner, Eshkol and Mamre; let them have their share."

Berean Standard Bible

I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share for the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. They may take their portion.”

American Standard Version

save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men that went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 14:24 concludes Abram's principled refusal of the spoils of war from the King of Sodom, clarifying that while he would take nothing for himself, his "young men" (his retinue) and his three Amorite allies—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre—were justly entitled to their rightful portion. This verse underscores Abram's unwavering integrity, his commitment to God's glory over personal gain, and his just leadership in ensuring his companions were properly compensated for their efforts, distinguishing his personal vow from the rights of those who fought alongside him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 14:24 serves as the concluding statement to Abram's interaction with the King of Sodom following his decisive victory over the confederacy of kings led by Kedorlaomer. Prior to this verse, Abram had rescued his nephew Lot and recovered all plundered goods. He then encountered Melchizedek, King of Salem and priest of the Most High God, to whom he gave a tithe of everything ([Genesis 14:20](/genesis/14-20 "Abram's Tithe to Melchizedek")). Immediately after, the King of Sodom offered Abram all the recovered spoils. Abram's famous refusal in [Genesis 14:23](/genesis/14-23 "Abram's Vow to the King of Sodom")—"I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take anything that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich"—sets the stage. Verse 24 then functions as a crucial clarification, delineating the specific exceptions to his personal vow, highlighting his nuanced leadership and commitment to justice for his allies and servants.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Genesis 14 unfold within the ancient Near Eastern context of tribal warfare and alliances. It was customary for victors in battle to claim the spoils of war, including goods, livestock, and captives. The concept of "portion" or "share" (Hebrew: *cheleq*) was well-established, signifying a rightful allotment from the plunder. Abram's alliance with the Amorite chieftains Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre reflects the common practice of forming regional defensive pacts. His insistence that they receive their due portion, despite his personal vow, demonstrates adherence to established military customs and the importance of maintaining honorable relations with allies. Furthermore, Abram's concern about the King of Sodom claiming credit for his wealth highlights the cultural significance of reputation and the potential for a powerful king to assert dominance or patronage over a lesser figure.
* **Key Themes:** This chapter, and particularly Genesis 14:24, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **Abram's integrity and faith**, showcasing his reliance on God as his sole provider and his refusal to compromise his spiritual standing for worldly gain. This act also underscores the theme of **righteous leadership**, as Abram demonstrates fairness and responsibility towards his dependents and allies, distinguishing his personal convictions from the just compensation owed to others. Moreover, the narrative subtly develops the theme of **separation from worldly corruption**, as Abram, a man of God, deliberately distances himself from the wealth of Sodom, a city later depicted as morally depraved in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). This anticipatory separation foreshadows the call for God's people to live distinctly from the surrounding culture.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 14:24 specifies the two categories of individuals who were permitted to take a share of the recovered spoils, despite Abram's personal refusal. This verse highlights Abram's nuanced and just leadership, distinguishing between his personal vow and the rights of those who fought alongside him.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Save (Hebrew, _bilʻădêy'_):** This word functions as a preposition or adverb meaning "except," "without," or "besides." In this context, it clearly marks the exception to Abram's overarching refusal to take any spoils. It emphasizes that while Abram personally abstained, there were legitimate and necessary allowances made for others involved in the campaign, underscoring the precise nature of his vow.
* **Portion (Hebrew, _chêleq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to divide" or "allot," *chêleq* refers to a rightful share, inheritance, or allotment. Here, it specifically denotes the customary share of plunder due to warriors. Abram's insistence that his allies and young men receive their *chêleq* demonstrates his commitment to justice and established norms, ensuring they were not unfairly deprived due to his personal spiritual conviction.
* **Take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** This primitive root is broad in its meaning, encompassing "to take," "receive," "accept," or "seize." In Genesis 14:24, it signifies the act of receiving or appropriating the designated share of the spoils. The use of this verb for the "young men" and allies contrasts with Abram's explicit refusal to "take" anything for himself in the preceding verse, highlighting the distinction in their respective entitlements.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Save only that which the young men have eaten,"**: This clause specifies the first exception to Abram's vow. It refers to the provisions (food and supplies) consumed by Abram's own retinue or trained fighting men during the military campaign. This was not considered "spoils" in the sense of profit, but rather a necessary and legitimate expense of the expedition, acknowledging that basic sustenance for those under his command was a practical necessity and not a personal gain to be refused by Abram.
* **"and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre;"**: This identifies the second category of individuals and their entitlement. It explicitly names Abram's three Amorite allies—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre—who joined him in the pursuit and battle. These men were not part of Abram's household but independent leaders who had formed a defensive alliance. Their "portion" refers to their rightful share of the recovered goods, consistent with the customs of ancient warfare for allied forces.
* **"let them take their portion."**: This final imperative clause underscores Abram's active endorsement and authorization for his allies and young men to receive their due. It reinforces his just leadership, demonstrating that his personal, God-honoring vow did not override the customary rights or earned recompense of those who fought alongside him. Abram ensures fairness and proper compensation for their efforts.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 14:24 is **Contrast**. This verse starkly contrasts Abram's personal, principled refusal to take any spoils for himself (as stated in [Genesis 14:23](/genesis/14-23 "Abram's Vow to the King of Sodom")) with his explicit allowance for his "young men" to consume provisions and for his Amorite allies to take their rightful "portion." This **Juxtaposition** highlights Abram's unique integrity and his commitment to God's glory above personal gain, while simultaneously showcasing his just and practical leadership in ensuring his companions were not unfairly deprived. The naming of Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre also serves as **Emphasis**, underscoring the specific and deliberate nature of Abram's exceptions, reinforcing his meticulous adherence to both spiritual principle and customary justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 14:24 offers profound theological insights into righteous living and leadership. Abram's actions embody a deep trust in God as his ultimate provider, demonstrating that true prosperity comes from divine blessing, not from worldly accumulation or compromise. His refusal to be enriched by the King of Sodom, a representative of a corrupt system, sets a powerful precedent for God's people to maintain spiritual integrity and avoid entanglement with ungodly sources of wealth, ensuring that God alone receives the glory for their blessings and success. This passage also highlights the importance of justice and fairness in leadership, as Abram, despite his personal vow, ensures that his companions receive their rightful due, reflecting God's own character of equity and care for those under His charge.

* [Deuteronomy 8:17-18](/deuteronomy/8-17-18 "Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth")
* [Proverbs 11:25](/proverbs/11-25 "The generous soul will be made rich")
* [John 17:16](/john/17-16 "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 14:24 provides enduring lessons for believers today, particularly concerning integrity, leadership, and our interaction with worldly systems. Abram's example challenges us to cultivate an unwavering commitment to God's glory, prioritizing His honor above any potential personal gain or worldly advantage, especially when dealing with individuals or systems whose values conflict with divine principles. It prompts us to ask: Are we willing to forgo opportunities for personal enrichment if it compromises our witness or diminishes God's glory? Furthermore, this verse illustrates the crucial balance between personal conviction and responsible leadership. Abram did not impose his personal vow on others but ensured that those who served alongside him received their just compensation. This teaches us the importance of acting with fairness and equity, honoring our commitments to others even as we uphold our own spiritual principles. It calls us to be leaders who are both principled and practical, reflecting God's justice in all our dealings, ensuring that our personal walk with God does not lead to unfairness or neglect of those under our care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise my integrity for personal gain, and how can Abram's example encourage me to prioritize God's glory?**
* **How can I apply Abram's balanced approach to leadership, ensuring that my personal convictions do not unfairly impact or deprive those I lead or work alongside?**
* **What does it mean for me to live "in the world but not of the world" in my financial dealings and professional interactions, as exemplified by Abram's refusal of Sodom's spoils?**

### FAQ

**Why did Abram refuse the spoils but allow his allies to take them?**

Answer: Abram's refusal was a deeply personal and spiritual vow to God, articulated in [Genesis 14:23](/genesis/14-23 "Abram's Vow to the King of Sodom"), specifically to prevent the wicked King of Sodom from claiming credit for his future wealth ("lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich"). This was about protecting God's glory and his own integrity. However, his allies (Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre) and his own "young men" (servants/soldiers) were entitled to their portion according to the established customs of warfare. Abram, as a just and honorable leader, ensured that his personal spiritual conviction did not unfairly deprive others of their rightful compensation for their efforts and risks taken in battle.

**Who were Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre?**

Answer: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre were Amorite chieftains or leaders who were allied with Abram. They are described as brothers and lived in the vicinity of Hebron, near Abram's encampment at the oaks of Mamre ([Genesis 14:13](/genesis/14-13 "Abram's Alliance with the Amorites")). They joined Abram with their forces in the pursuit and battle against Kedorlaomer and his allies, demonstrating a military alliance and shared interest in the region's stability. Their inclusion highlights Abram's ability to form strategic alliances with local powers and his commitment to treating his partners justly and honorably, even when their motivations or spiritual standing might differ from his own.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abram's actions in Genesis 14:24, particularly his selflessness and unwavering focus on God's glory over personal gain, profoundly prefigure the ultimate self-emptying and divine focus of Jesus Christ. Just as Abram refused earthly riches and honor from a corrupt king to ensure God alone received the glory for his prosperity, Christ, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Jesus consistently rejected worldly power, acclaim, and material wealth, choosing instead the path of humility, suffering, and sacrifice to fulfill God's redemptive plan, ensuring all glory would ultimately redound to the Father ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "Jesus Glorifies the Father")). Furthermore, Abram's just leadership and compassionate care for his "young men" and allies, ensuring their rightful portion, foreshadow Christ's perfect shepherding of His disciples. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, provides for the needs of His flock, protects them, and ensures their ultimate inheritance in the Kingdom of God, even as He pursues the higher, divine purpose of redemption through His own sacrifice ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "Jesus, the Good Shepherd"); [John 6:39](/john/6-39 "Jesus Will Lose None")). In both instances, the focus is on a leader who prioritizes divine will and the well-being of others above personal earthly gain.

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

Proverbs 3:27

¶ Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do [it].

Matthew 7:12

¶ Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Genesis 14:13

¶ And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these [were] confederate with Abram.

1 Timothy 5:18

For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward.

Romans 13:7

¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Romans 13:8

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

1 Corinthians 9:14

Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.