Genesis 14:12

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

And they took {H3947} Lot {H3876}, Abram's {H87} brother's {H251} son {H1121}, who dwelt {H3427} in Sodom {H5467}, and his goods {H7399}, and departed {H3212}.

But as they left, they took Lot, Avram's brother's son, and his possessions; since he was living in S'dom.

They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since Lot was living in Sodom.

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

Commentary

Context of Genesis 14:12

Genesis 14:12 is situated within a dramatic historical narrative detailing the first major war recorded in the Bible. Four powerful kings from the East, led by Chedorlaomer, had conquered several city-states in the Jordan Valley, including Sodom and Gomorrah, which had rebelled against their rule. This verse specifically describes the spoils of war taken by the victorious kings, highlighting the capture of Lot, Abram's nephew, who had chosen to settle in the fertile but morally corrupt city of Sodom. This event sets the stage for Abram's heroic intervention.

Lot's decision to dwell in Sodom, as described in Genesis 13:12, was driven by the allure of its well-watered plains, despite its inhabitants being "wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly." This verse reveals the immediate, dire consequences of that choice, as Lot and all his possessions became casualties of the regional conflict.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Consequences of Choices: Lot's capture underscores the danger of choosing environments based solely on material prosperity without considering spiritual or moral implications. His dwelling in Sodom made him vulnerable to its fate.
  • Vulnerability of Worldly Association: The verse illustrates how being closely associated with a morally corrupt place can lead to personal peril, even for those who might not be directly involved in its wickedness. Lot's "goods" (Hebrew: r'khush, meaning possessions or wealth) were taken, emphasizing the material loss alongside his personal captivity.
  • Setting the Stage for Divine Intervention: This capture of Lot is the catalyst for Abram's involvement, leading to his demonstration of faith and military prowess, and ultimately, his encounter with Melchizedek. It highlights God's providence even in the midst of human conflict and poor choices.

Linguistic Insights

The term "goods" (Hebrew: רְכֻשׁ - r'khush) refers comprehensively to movable property, including livestock, servants, and wealth. It signifies everything Lot had acquired and invested in during his time in Sodom. The mention of "Sodom" (Hebrew: סְדֹם - S'dom) itself is significant, as it is a city that would later become synonymous with extreme wickedness and divine judgment (Genesis 19:24-25).

Practical Application

Genesis 14:12 serves as a timeless warning about the company we keep and the environments we choose to inhabit. It encourages believers to exercise discernment, prioritizing spiritual well-being over material gain or convenience. While we are called to be in the world, we are not to be of the world, particularly its corrupting influences. Lot's experience reminds us that worldly attachments can make us susceptible to its dangers and consequences. It also subtly foreshadows the need for rescue, often provided by God's grace through others, as Abram would soon demonstrate in Genesis 14:14.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 12:5 (4 votes)

    And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

  • Genesis 11:27 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now these [are] the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot.

  • Revelation 3:19 (3 votes)

    As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

  • 1 Timothy 6:9 (2 votes)

    But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

  • 1 Timothy 6:11 (2 votes)

    But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

  • Numbers 16:26 (2 votes)

    And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.

  • Revelation 18:4 (2 votes)

    And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.