of foreign origin; Kedorlaomer, an early Persian king; Chedorlaomer.
Transliteration:Kᵉdorlâʻômer
Pronunciation:ked-or-law-o'-mer
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word כְּדׇרְלָעֹמֶר (Kᵉdorlâʻômer), Strong's number `{{H3540}}`, is a proper noun of foreign origin, specifically identified as the name of an early Persian king, Chedorlaomer. As a proper noun, it does not possess a broad semantic range in the way a common noun or verb might. Its meaning is intrinsically tied to the identity of the individual it designates. Scholarly consensus suggests an Elamite origin for the name, possibly derived from "Kudur-Lagamar," meaning "servant of Lagamar." Lagamar was a prominent Elamite deity. This etymology, while not explicitly stated in the base definition, underscores its foreignness and association with a specific cultural and religious context outside of the nascent Israelite tradition. Thus, the core meaning is singular: the personal name of a powerful Elamite king.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Kᵉdorlâʻômer appears exclusively in the fourteenth chapter of Genesis, where he is presented as a dominant regional power. He is introduced as the King of Elam, leading a coalition of Mesopotamian kings: Amraphel of Shinar, Arioch of Ellasar, and Tidal of Goiim ([[Genesis 14:1]]). The narrative establishes his long-standing dominion over the kings of the Jordan Valley (Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela/Zoar) for twelve years. In the thirteenth year, these vassal kings rebelled ([[Genesis 14:4]]).
In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and his allies launched a punitive campaign, demonstrating his formidable military might and strategic reach. The text meticulously details his conquests prior to engaging the rebellious kings, indicating a systematic reassertion of his authority: he defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, and the Horites in their Mount Seir, pursuing them as far as El-paran ([[Genesis 14:5-6]]). He then turned back and struck the Amalekites and Amorites ([[Genesis 14:7]]).
Finally, Chedorlaomer and his allies engaged the kings of the Jordan Valley in the Valley of Siddim, which is identified with the Salt Sea (Dead Sea) ([[Genesis 14:8-10]]). The rebellious kings were defeated, and Sodom and Gomorrah were plundered, with Lot, Abraham's nephew, being taken captive ([[Genesis 14:11-12]]). This act directly precipitates Abraham's intervention. Upon hearing of Lot's capture, Abraham, with his trained men, pursued Chedorlaomer's forces as far as Dan and decisively defeated them by night, rescuing Lot and recovering all the plunder ([[Genesis 14:13-16]]). The swift and total defeat of such a powerful regional hegemon by Abraham's relatively small force underscores a divine hand in the narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, Kᵉdorlâʻômer is primarily related to other proper nouns and geographical locations within the Genesis 14 narrative. These include:
* **Other Kings:** Amraphel (King of Shinar, `{{H590}}`), Arioch (King of Ellasar, `{{H748}}`), Tidal (King of Goiim, `{{H2039}}`), and the rebellious kings of the Jordan Valley, such as Bera of Sodom (`{{H1288}}`) and Birsha of Gomorrah (`{{H1306}}`).
* **Geographical Locations:** Elam (`{{H5867}}`), Shinar (`{{H8152}}`), the Valley of Siddim, Sodom (`{{H5467}}`), Gomorrah (`{{H6017}}`), and various regions inhabited by the Rephaim, Zuzim, Emim, and Horites.
* **Thematic Concepts:** The narrative surrounding Chedorlaomer touches upon themes of ancient Near Eastern warfare, regional hegemony, vassalage, rebellion, and divine intervention. His defeat by Abraham introduces the concept of the nascent covenant people being protected by God against overwhelming worldly power. The rescue of Lot also connects to the broader theme of family and covenant loyalty within Abraham's lineage.
### Theological Significance
Chedorlaomer's appearance in Genesis 14 serves several crucial theological purposes. Firstly, he embodies the formidable power of the ancient world, representing an oppressive, conquering force against which human strength alone would be insufficient. His defeat by Abraham, a seemingly lesser figure, highlights God's sovereignty over all earthly rulers and nations. It is not Abraham's military prowess but God's power working through His chosen servant that secures the victory. This event demonstrates that God is able to deliver His people from even the most dominant adversaries.
Secondly, the narrative underscores God's providential care for Abraham and his lineage, which is foundational to the covenant. The capture of Lot, Abraham's nephew, directly threatened the stability and future of Abraham's household. God's intervention through Abraham to rescue Lot ensures the continuity of the family through whom the covenant promises would be fulfilled. This early act of deliverance sets a precedent for God's ongoing protection of His people throughout biblical history.
Finally, Chedorlaomer's defeat can be seen as an early manifestation of divine justice. His tyrannical rule and destructive campaigns are brought to an end, illustrating a principle that oppressive powers, even those seemingly invincible, are ultimately subject to God's judgment and will. The encounter serves to elevate Abraham's stature as God's chosen instrument and to reveal God as the ultimate ruler of history, orchestrating events to fulfill His redemptive purposes.
### Summary
Kᵉdorlâʻômer (`{{H3540}}`) is a proper noun referring to a powerful Elamite king mentioned exclusively in [[Genesis 14]]. As a figure of "foreign origin," possibly meaning "servant of Lagamar," he represents a dominant, oppressive regional power in the ancient Near East. His role in the biblical narrative is that of a formidable conqueror who subjugated the kings of the Jordan Valley and, upon their rebellion, launched a devastating punitive campaign. His capture of Lot, Abraham's nephew, directly led to Abraham's military intervention. Theologically, Chedorlaomer's defeat by Abraham's forces, despite his overwhelming might, powerfully demonstrates God's sovereignty over earthly powers, His providential protection of His covenant people, and His commitment to justice. This pivotal event in Abraham's life establishes a foundational pattern of divine deliverance and underscores God's ultimate control over the course of history.
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