Genesis 14:22
New International Version
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,

New Living Translation
Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,

English Standard Version
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth,

Berean Standard Bible
But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,

King James Bible
And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,

New King James Version
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth,

New American Standard Bible
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth,

NASB 1995
Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,

NASB 1977
And Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to Yahweh God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,

Amplified Bible
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand and sworn an oath to the LORD God Most High, the Creator and Possessor of heaven and earth,

Christian Standard Bible
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand in an oath to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand in an oath to Yahweh, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,

American Standard Version
And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up my hand unto Jehovah, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,

Contemporary English Version
Abram answered: The LORD God Most High made the heavens and the earth. And I have promised him

English Revised Version
And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I now raise my hand and solemnly swear to the LORD God Most High, maker of heaven and earth,

Good News Translation
Abram answered, "I solemnly swear before the LORD, the Most High God, Maker of heaven and earth,

International Standard Version
But Abram answered the king of Sodom, "I have made an oath to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,

Majority Standard Bible
But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, ?I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,

NET Bible
But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, "I raise my hand to the LORD, the Most High God, Creator of heaven and earth, and vow

New Heart English Bible
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I take an oath to God Most High, Maker of heaven and earth,

Webster's Bible Translation
And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted my hand to the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,

World English Bible
Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted up my hand to Yahweh, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Abram says to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted up my hand to YHWH, God Most High, possessing the heavens and earth—

Young's Literal Translation
and Abram saith unto the king of Sodom, 'I have lifted up my hand unto Jehovah, God Most High, possessing heaven and earth --

Smith's Literal Translation
And Abram will say to the king of Sodom, I lifted up my hand to Jehovah God the most high, possessing the heavens and the earth.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he answered him: I lift up my hand to the Lord God the most high, the possessor of heaven and earth,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he responded to him: “I lift up my hand to the Lord God, the Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth,

New American Bible
But Abram replied to the king of Sodom: “I have sworn to the LORD, God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth,

New Revised Standard Version
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the LORD, God Most High, maker of heaven and earth,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up my hands to the God Most High, the possessor of heaven and earth,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Abram said to the King of Sadom, “I have lifted my hands to God the Highest the Possessor of Heaven and Earth,
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Abram said to the king of Sodom: 'I have lifted up my hand unto the LORD, God Most High, Maker of heaven and earth,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I will stretch out my hand to the Lord the most high God, who made the heaven and the earth,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Melchizedek Blesses Abram
21The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the goods for yourself.” 22But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’…

Cross References
Hebrews 6:13-14
When God made His promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater to swear by, He swore by Himself, / saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply your descendants.”

Exodus 6:8
And I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD!’”

Deuteronomy 32:40
For I lift up My hand to heaven and declare: As surely as I live forever,

Psalm 24:1
A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein.

Psalm 115:15-16
May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. / The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind.

Revelation 10:5-6
Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven. / And he swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and everything in it, the earth and everything in it, and the sea and everything in it: “There will be no more delay!

2 Kings 5:16
But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused.

1 Chronicles 29:11-12
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth belongs to You. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all. / Both riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler over all. In Your hands are power and might to exalt and give strength to all.

Nehemiah 9:6
You alone are the LORD. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all things, and the host of heaven worships You.

Isaiah 45:23
By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me, every tongue will swear allegiance.

Romans 14:11
It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.”

Matthew 5:34-35
But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

Acts 17:24
The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands.

1 Corinthians 10:26
for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.”

James 5:12
Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.


Treasury of Scripture

And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up my hand to the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,

lift.

Exodus 6:8
And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD.

Deuteronomy 32:40
For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.

Daniel 12:7
And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.

unto.

Genesis 21:23-31
Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned…

Judges 11:35
And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back.

the most.

Genesis 14:20
And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

Genesis 17:1
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

Psalm 24:1
A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

possessor.

Genesis 14:19
And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

Genesis 21:33
And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.

Jump to Previous
Abram Creator Earth Hand Heaven Heavens High Lifted Maker Oath Possessing Possessor Raised Sodom Sworn
Jump to Next
Abram Creator Earth Hand Heaven Heavens High Lifted Maker Oath Possessing Possessor Raised Sodom Sworn
Genesis 14
1. The battle of four kings against the king of Sodom and his allies.
12. Lot is taken prisoner.
14. Abram rescues him.
17. Melchizedek blesses Abram, who gives him tithes.
21. Abram restores the rest of the spoil to the king of Sodom.














But Abram replied to the king of Sodom
Abram's interaction with the king of Sodom occurs after a significant military victory where Abram rescues Lot and defeats the coalition of kings. The king of Sodom represents a worldly and morally corrupt society, as Sodom is later destroyed for its wickedness. Abram's response to the king is crucial, as it demonstrates his allegiance to God over earthly rulers and wealth. This encounter highlights the tension between divine allegiance and worldly temptation.

“I have raised my hand to the LORD
Raising one's hand is a gesture of making an oath or solemn promise. Abram's declaration signifies a vow of commitment and loyalty to God. This act of swearing by the LORD indicates Abram's recognition of God's sovereignty and his own submission to divine authority. It reflects a deep trust in God's provision and protection, contrasting with the king of Sodom's offer of material wealth.

God Most High
The title "God Most High" (El Elyon) emphasizes God's supreme authority and power over all creation. This name for God underscores His transcendence and sovereignty, distinguishing Him from the pagan deities worshiped by surrounding nations. Abram's use of this title acknowledges God's ultimate rule and reinforces the idea that God is above all earthly kings and powers.

Creator of heaven and earth
By referring to God as the Creator, Abram affirms the foundational biblical truth of God's role as the originator of all things. This acknowledgment of God as Creator establishes His rightful ownership and authority over the entire universe. It also connects to the broader biblical narrative, where God's creative power is a recurring theme, seen in passages like Genesis 1 and Psalm 24:1. This recognition of God as Creator serves as a reminder of His omnipotence and the proper order of worship and allegiance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Abram (Abraham)
The central figure in this passage, Abram is a man of faith who has been called by God to leave his homeland and journey to a land that God would show him. In this context, he is returning from a victorious battle to rescue his nephew Lot.

2. King of Sodom
The ruler of the city of Sodom, who approaches Abram after his victory. The king represents worldly wealth and temptation, offering Abram material rewards.

3. The LORD, God Most High (El Elyon)
This is the name Abram uses to refer to God, emphasizing His supreme authority and sovereignty over all creation. The Hebrew term "El Elyon" signifies God as the highest, above all other gods and powers.

4. The Battle of the Kings
This event involves a coalition of kings, including the king of Sodom, who were defeated by a group of invading kings. Abram intervenes to rescue Lot, leading to his encounter with the king of Sodom.

5. The Oath
Abram's declaration of having "raised my hand" signifies an oath or vow made to God, indicating his commitment and allegiance to God over any earthly king or reward.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness to God Over Worldly Temptations
Abram's refusal to accept the king of Sodom's offer demonstrates his commitment to God. Believers are encouraged to prioritize their relationship with God over material wealth or worldly recognition.

Acknowledging God's Sovereignty
By referring to God as "God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth," Abram acknowledges God's ultimate authority. Christians are reminded to recognize and submit to God's sovereignty in all aspects of life.

The Importance of Oaths and Vows
Abram's raised hand signifies a solemn vow to God. This teaches the importance of keeping our commitments to God and being mindful of the promises we make.

Trusting in God's Provision
Abram's decision to rely on God rather than the king of Sodom's wealth illustrates trust in God's provision. Believers are encouraged to trust that God will meet their needs without compromising their values.Verse 22. - And Abram said unto the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand - a common form of swearing (Deuteronomy 32:40; Ezekiel 20:5, 6; Daniel 12:7; Revelation 10:5, 6; cf. Virg., 'AEn.,' 12:195) - unto the Lord (Jehovah; which, occurring in the present document, proves the antiquity of its use as a designation of the Deity), the most high God, - El-Elion; thus identifying Jehovah with the God of Melchisedeck, and perhaps of the king of Sodom (vide supra) - the possessor of heaven and earth.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But Abram
אַבְרָ֖ם (’aḇ·rām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 87: Abram -- 'exalted father', the original name of Abraham

replied
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the king
מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Sodom,
סְדֹ֑ם (sə·ḏōm)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5467: Sodom -- a Canaanite city near the Dead Sea

“I have raised
הֲרִימֹ֨תִי (hă·rî·mō·ṯî)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7311: To be high actively, to rise, raise

my hand
יָדִ֤י (yā·ḏî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

God
אֵ֣ל (’êl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty

Most High,
עֶלְי֔וֹן (‘el·yō·wn)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5945: An elevation, lofty, as title, the Supreme

Creator
קֹנֵ֖ה (qō·nêh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7069: To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own

of heaven
שָׁמַ֥יִם (šā·ma·yim)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky

and earth,
וָאָֽרֶץ׃ (wā·’ā·reṣ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land


Links
Genesis 14:22 NIV
Genesis 14:22 NLT
Genesis 14:22 ESV
Genesis 14:22 NASB
Genesis 14:22 KJV

Genesis 14:22 BibleApps.com
Genesis 14:22 Biblia Paralela
Genesis 14:22 Chinese Bible
Genesis 14:22 French Bible
Genesis 14:22 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Genesis 14:22 Abram said to the king of Sodom (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 14:21
Top of Page
Top of Page