Genesis 14:13 kjv

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.

Genesis 14:13 nkjv

Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and they were allies with Abram.

Genesis 14:13 niv

A man who had escaped came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the great trees of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshkol and Aner, all of whom were allied with Abram.

Genesis 14:13 esv

Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and of Aner. These were allies of Abram.

Genesis 14:13 nlt

But one of Lot's men escaped and reported everything to Abram the Hebrew, who was living near the oak grove belonging to Mamre the Amorite. Mamre and his relatives, Eshcol and Aner, were Abram's allies.

Genesis 14 verses

Genesis 14 13 Meaning

Genesis 14:13 recounts how Abram, following the battle of the kings in the Valley of Siddim, received news from a survivor concerning the capture of Lot and the devastation of Sodom and Gomorrah. This verse uniquely identifies Abram for the first time as "the Hebrew," noting his alliance with the Amorite chieftains Mamre, Eshcol, and Aner, who were confederate with him. This immediate intelligence prompts Abram's subsequent military action to rescue Lot.

Genesis 14 13 Context

Genesis 14 describes the first major war recorded in the Bible, involving kings from Mesopotamia and local Canaanite rulers. The conflict's immediate aftermath led to the capture of Lot and his family, who had chosen to settle near Sodom (Gen 13:12). Verse 13 is the critical turning point: a single fugitive escapes the battle and delivers the distressing news directly to Abram. This informs Abram of his nephew's dire situation, thereby providing the specific catalyst for Abram's immediate, divinely-guided military response, leading to the pursuit and rescue of Lot and the goods of Sodom. This chapter highlights Abram's role not just as a receiver of covenant promises but as a man of action, capable of leading, and operating with wisdom by forming necessary alliances.

Genesis 14 13 Word analysis

• And there came one that had escaped: (Hebrew: wayyavo hap-palit וַיָּבֹא הַפָּלִיט) - The word palit signifies a survivor, a refugee, or one who has fled from destruction. This individual is a witness, bringing firsthand knowledge from the devastated battlefield, which underscores the veracity and urgency of the information delivered. Their escape highlights the complete nature of the defeat suffered by the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah.
• and told Abram: (Hebrew: wayyagged l'Avram וַיַּגֵּד לְאַבְרָם) - Signifies the immediate and direct communication of crucial intelligence. Abram is positioned as a recipient of vital information, acting upon accurate data, not mere rumors.
• the Hebrew: (Hebrew: ha-Ivri הָעִבְרִי) - This is the first biblical instance where Abram (or anyone) is called "Hebrew." Its etymology is debated but commonly linked to Eber (Gen 10:21) or to the root avar (עָבַר) meaning "to pass over" or "cross over." This designation likely sets Abram apart as a transient, one from "the other side" (of the Euphrates), emphasizing his unique origin and status among the Canaanites. It marks his distinct cultural and religious identity as one set apart by God. It becomes a defining term for his descendants, emphasizing their non-Canaanite identity and often their status as strangers.
• for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite: (Hebrew: vehū shokhen b'Elonei Mamre ha'Emori וְהוּא שֹׁכֵן בְּאֵלֹנֵי מַמְרֵא הָאֱמֹרִי) - "Plain" is a mistranslation here; it should be "oaks" or "terebinths." Elonei Mamre refers to a specific significant tree grove. This highlights Abram's residential area and establishes a connection. Mamre is identified as an Amorite chieftain. This indicates Abram's strategic decision to reside near powerful local leaders for security or practical reasons, rather than isolating himself entirely.
• brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: These individuals are identified by their fraternal relationship to Mamre, further indicating their kinship and shared leadership among the Amorites. This reinforces the understanding of Mamre as part of a significant local ruling family or confederation.
• and these were confederate with Abram: (Hebrew: v'heim ba'alei b'rit Avram וְהֵם בַּעֲלֵי בְרִית אַבְרָם) - Literally "masters of a covenant" or "allies." This phrase signifies a formal military and political alliance, not merely a friendly relationship. Abram, despite his unique identity as "the Hebrew," entered into practical agreements with non-kinsmen. This demonstrates his reliance on God's provision while also wisely using available human means, forging a defensive alliance with powerful local chiefs, enabling the rescue mission to follow.

Genesis 14 13 Bonus section

The appellation "the Hebrew" for Abram sets the stage for the entire history of Israel, indicating a people distinct in their origin and, eventually, in their divine calling. It underscores their transient status and separate identity, a theme that reverberates throughout the Pentateuch, especially in the wilderness wanderings and their arrival in Canaan. The alliance with Amorites like Mamre, Eshcol, and Aner, who were descendants of Ham, highlights the initial flexibility of God's covenant people in their dealings with other nations. It implies a degree of practical wisdom and co-existence before the stringent divine commands regarding separation from Canaanite idolatry were given (as seen in Deut 7:1-5). This early model of alliances provides a counterpoint to later periods when intermingling with certain groups was forbidden due to the corrupting influence of their idolatry. It suggests that not all engagement with surrounding cultures was inherently negative for Abram.

Genesis 14 13 Commentary

Genesis 14:13 serves as a pivotal narrative hinge, bridging the report of Lot's capture to Abram's heroic response. The first introduction of "Abram the Hebrew" is highly significant, marking his unique identity as distinct from the Canaanite peoples, rooted in his journey "from the other side" and setting apart his lineage for a divine purpose. His association with Mamre, Eshcol, and Aner highlights a practical wisdom: though a man of faith, Abram engages with his environment and forms necessary, strategic alliances. These confederates, though Amorites, indicate that Abram did not operate in isolation but within established geopolitical networks of the time. The verse reveals Abram not as a naive wanderer but as a perceptive and prepared leader, grounded in community relationships and ready for action. It subtly prepares the reader for the extraordinary intervention that follows, showcasing Abram's obedience to a divine call which did not negate, but rather infused, his pragmatic engagement with the world around him. This narrative illustrates that while God’s chosen often stand apart, they are also part of the broader human fabric, capable of forming respectful and even tactical relationships with those outside their direct faith community for righteous ends.