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.

And there came {H935} one that had escaped {H6412}, and told {H5046} Abram {H87} the Hebrew {H5680}; for he dwelt {H7931} in the plain {H436} of Mamre {H4471} the Amorite {H567}, brother {H251} of Eshcol {H812}, and brother {H251} of Aner {H6063}: and these were confederate {H1167}{H1285} with Abram {H87}.

Someone who had escaped came and told Avram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks of Mamre the Emori, brother of Eshkol and brother of 'Aner; all of them allies of Avram.

Then an escapee came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the Oaks of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and Aner, all of whom were bound by treaty to Abram.

And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew: now he dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner; and these were confederate with Abram.

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 14:13 (KJV)

Genesis 14:13 serves as a pivotal verse, setting the immediate stage for Abram's dramatic intervention to rescue his nephew Lot. It introduces key details about Abram's identity and his immediate alliances, which are crucial for understanding the subsequent narrative of battle and divine encounter.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse immediately follows the "Battle of the Kings" (Genesis 14:1-12), where a coalition of Mesopotamian kings, led by Chedorlaomer, defeated the kings of the Jordan plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah. During this conflict, Abram's nephew, Lot, who was dwelling near Sodom, was captured along with his possessions. The arrival of an escaped survivor, often referred to as a "fugitive" or "refugee," was a common way news traveled in the ancient Near East, especially after major military engagements. The mention of Mamre, Eshcol, and Aner highlights the importance of tribal and clan alliances in the Bronze Age, where mutual defense pacts were essential for security and survival.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Abram's Identity as "The Hebrew": This is one of the earliest occurrences of the term "Hebrew" (Ivri) in the Bible, specifically applied to Abram. It likely signifies his distinct origin and identity as one who "crossed over" (from beyond the Euphrates) or as a descendant of Eber. This term distinguishes him from the local Canaanite populations and foreshadows the unique identity of the Israelite nation.
  • The Power of Alliance and Loyalty: Abram's confederates—Mamre the Amorite, and his brothers Eshcol and Aner—were significant figures in the region, providing a network of support. Their willingness to be "confederate with Abram" (i.e., allied or bound by treaty) underscores the importance of strong, trustworthy relationships in times of crisis. This alliance would prove vital in Abram's rapid response to the news of Lot's capture.
  • Catalyst for Action: The news brought by the escapee acts as the immediate trigger for Abram's heroic military action. Despite his divine call and promises, this verse shows Abram engaged in the practical, sometimes violent, realities of his world, demonstrating leadership and responsibility for his kin.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Hebrew" (Hebrew: עִבְרִי, Ivri) is significant. While its precise etymology is debated, it is often linked to the verb עָבַר (avar), meaning "to pass over" or "to cross." This could refer to Abram having crossed the Euphrates River from Ur of the Chaldees (Genesis 12:1), or it could designate him as a descendant of Eber (Genesis 10:24). It marks Abram as an outsider, yet one with a distinct lineage and destiny.

The word "confederate" implies a formal agreement or pact. In a world without strong central governments, such alliances were crucial for mutual protection and collective action, demonstrating Abram's standing and influence among the local rulers.

Related Scriptures

This verse directly leads into Abram's pursuit and victory, as detailed in Genesis 14:14-16. The news of Lot's capture (Genesis 14:12) is the direct cause for the escaped man's report. The subsequent events, including Abram's meeting with Melchizedek, are a direct consequence of this rescue mission.

Practical Application

Genesis 14:13 reminds us of several enduring principles:

  • The Importance of Community and Alliances: Abram's effective response was bolstered by his relationships. In life, having trusted friends and allies, whether in personal or spiritual matters, can be invaluable during times of crisis.
  • Responding to Need: Abram didn't hesitate when he heard of Lot's plight. This highlights the importance of swift and decisive action when those we care about are in trouble.
  • Understanding Our Identity: Just as Abram was "the Hebrew," believers today have a distinct identity in Christ. This identity calls us to live differently and to act according to divine principles, even when navigating the complexities of the world.
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 13:18 (8 votes)

    Then Abram removed [his] tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which [is] in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.

  • Genesis 14:24 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Genesis 40:15 (3 votes)

    For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

  • Philippians 2:5 (2 votes)

    Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

  • Genesis 10:16 (2 votes)

    And the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgasite,

  • Genesis 43:32 (2 votes)

    And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians.

  • Exodus 2:6 (2 votes)

    And when she had opened [it], she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This [is one] of the Hebrews' children.