Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version All these latter kings joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Dead Sea Valley). New Living Translation This second group of kings joined forces in Siddim Valley (that is, the valley of the Dead Sea). English Standard Version And all these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Berean Standard Bible The latter five came as allies to the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). King James Bible All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea. New King James Version All these joined together in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). New American Standard Bible All these kings came as allies to the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). NASB 1995 All these came as allies to the valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). NASB 1977 All these came as allies to the valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Legacy Standard Bible All these came as allies to the valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Amplified Bible All of these [kings] joined together [as allies] in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Sea of Salt). Christian Standard Bible All of these came as allies to the Siddim Valley (that is, the Dead Sea ). Holman Christian Standard Bible All of these came as allies to the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Dead Sea). American Standard Version All these joined together in the vale of Siddim (the same is the Salt Sea). English Revised Version All these joined together in the vale of Siddim (the same is the Salt Sea). GOD'S WORD® Translation The five kings joined forces and met in the valley of Siddim (that is, the Dead Sea). Good News Translation These five kings had formed an alliance and joined forces in Siddim Valley, which is now the Dead Sea. International Standard Version All of this latter group of kings allied together in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea ). NET Bible These last five kings joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). New Heart English Bible All these joined together in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Webster's Bible Translation All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe latter five came as allies to the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). World English Bible All these joined together in the valley of Siddim (also called the Salt Sea). Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAll these have been joined together to the Valley of Siddim, which [is] the Salt Sea; Young's Literal Translation All these have been joined together unto the valley of Siddim, which is the Salt Sea; Smith's Literal Translation All these joined together in the valley of Siddim; this is the sea of salt. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAll these came together into the woodland vale, which now is the salt sea. Catholic Public Domain Version All these came together in the wooded valley, which is now the Sea of Salt. New American Bible all the latter kings joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea ). New Revised Standard Version All these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Dead Sea). Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAll of these joined together in the valley of Siddim, which is the Salt Sea. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated All of these were gathered to the valley Sedumia, that is the Sea of Salt. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917All these came as allies unto the vale of Siddim--the same is the Salt Sea. Brenton Septuagint Translation All these met with one consent at the salt valley; this is now the sea of salt. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The War of the Kings…2went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). 3The latter five came as allies to the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). 4For twelve years they had been subject to Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.… Cross References Joshua 11:5 All these kings joined forces and encamped at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel. Deuteronomy 3:8-10 At that time we took from the two kings of the Amorites the land across the Jordan, from the Arnon Valley as far as Mount Hermon— / which the Sidonians call Sirion but the Amorites call Senir— / all the cities of the plateau, all of Gilead, and all of Bashan as far as the cities of Salecah and Edrei in the kingdom of Og. 2 Chronicles 20:1-2 After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. / Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the Sea; they are already in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En-gedi). Numbers 32:33-38 So Moses gave to the Gadites, to the Reubenites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan—the land including its cities and the territory surrounding them. / And the Gadites built up Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer, / Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah, ... Ezekiel 47:18 On the east side the border will run between Hauran and Damascus, along the Jordan between Gilead and the land of Israel, to the Eastern Sea and as far as Tamar. This will be the eastern boundary. Judges 1:16-17 Now the descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, the Kenite, went up with the men of Judah from the City of Palms to the Wilderness of Judah in the Negev near Arad. They went to live among the people. / Then the men of Judah went with their brothers the Simeonites, attacked the Canaanites living in Zephath, and devoted the city to destruction. So it was called Hormah. 1 Kings 4:21 And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. 2 Kings 24:7 Now the king of Egypt did not march out of his land again, because the king of Babylon had taken all his territory, from the Brook of Egypt to the Euphrates River. Nehemiah 9:22 You gave them kingdoms and peoples and allotted to them every corner of the land. So they took the land of Sihon king of Heshbon and of Og king of Bashan. Psalm 83:6-8 the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, / of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre. / Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot. Selah Acts 7:4 So Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God brought him out of that place and into this land where you are now living. Hebrews 7:1-2 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, / and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness.” Then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Romans 4:13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. Galatians 3:16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ. Acts 13:19 And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance. Treasury of Scripture All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea. salt sea. Genesis 19:24 Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; Numbers 34:12 And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about. Deuteronomy 3:17 The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward. Jump to Previous Allies Forces Joined Kings Latter Salt Sea Siddim Together Vale ValleyJump to Next Allies Forces Joined Kings Latter Salt Sea Siddim Together Vale ValleyGenesis 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. The latter five came as allies This phrase refers to the five kings mentioned earlier in Genesis 14:2: the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (Zoar). These kings formed an alliance to resist the domination of the four eastern kings led by Chedorlaomer. This reflects the common ancient Near Eastern practice of forming coalitions for mutual defense and military strength. The alliance highlights the political dynamics of the time, where city-states often banded together against larger empires. to the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea) Persons / Places / Events 1. Kings of the Valley of SiddimThis refers to the coalition of kings who joined forces in the Valley of Siddim. These kings were part of a larger account involving a battle between different regional powers. 2. Valley of Siddim This is the location where the kings gathered. It is identified with the Salt Sea, known today as the Dead Sea. The valley was significant for its strategic and economic importance. 3. The Salt Sea (Dead Sea) A body of water known for its high salinity, located in the Jordan Rift Valley. It serves as a geographical marker in the biblical account. 4. Coalition of Kings The alliance of kings mentioned in this verse is part of a larger conflict involving the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, among others, against Chedorlaomer and his allies. 5. Chedorlaomer Although not mentioned directly in this verse, he is a central figure in the surrounding account, leading the opposing coalition against the kings of the Valley of Siddim. Teaching Points The Importance of AlliancesAlliances can be powerful, but they must be grounded in righteousness. The coalition in Genesis 14 was ultimately unsuccessful because it was not aligned with God's purposes. Geographical Significance in Scripture Understanding the geographical context, such as the Valley of Siddim, can enhance our comprehension of biblical events and their implications. God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs Despite human alliances and conflicts, God's sovereign plan prevails. This encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate control over world events. The Consequences of Sin The involvement of Sodom and Gomorrah in this coalition foreshadows their later destruction, reminding us of the consequences of living in opposition to God's will. Spiritual Warfare Just as physical battles occurred in the Valley of Siddim, believers are engaged in spiritual battles. Ephesians 6 reminds us to put on the full armor of God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 14:3?2. What significance does the "Valley of Siddim" hold in Genesis 14:3's narrative? 3. How does Genesis 14:3 illustrate unity among the kings against a common enemy? 4. What lessons on alliances can we draw from Genesis 14:3's coalition? 5. How can Christians today apply the concept of unity from Genesis 14:3? 6. What scriptural connections exist between Genesis 14:3 and other biblical accounts of alliances? 7. What is the significance of the Valley of Siddim in Genesis 14:3? 8. How does Genesis 14:3 relate to the historical accuracy of biblical events? 9. What does Genesis 14:3 reveal about ancient alliances and warfare? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 14? 11. What is the Dead Sea's biblical significance? 12. Where is the Valley of Siddim located? 13. Where is the Valley of Siddim located? 14. What is the Dead Sea's biblical significance? What Does Genesis 14:3 Mean The latter five• Genesis 14:2 has just named the five kings—“Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar).” • Scripture presents them as real rulers over real cities. Later passages confirm the historical reality of these same places when judgment falls on them (Genesis 19:24–25; Deuteronomy 29:23). • Their grouping reminds us that human history unfolds exactly as God records it, down to individual names. Just as Genesis 10 gave literal lineages, Genesis 14 gives literal kings. came as allies • The says, “The latter five came as allies…,” highlighting an intentional coalition. • Alliances for mutual defense show up throughout Scripture—some prudent (1 Samuel 23:16–18), some disastrous (2 Chronicles 18:1–34). These five believe their unity guarantees success. • Psalm 2:1–4 portrays nations banding together against God’s rule, while Proverbs 21:30 reminds us, “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.” The verse subtly foreshadows that even the strongest human confederacies remain subject to His sovereignty. to the Valley of Siddim • This valley sat at the south end of the Jordan plain, later submerged or transformed by geological changes God allowed (Genesis 19:25, 28). • It was fertile before the judgment on Sodom—“like the garden of the LORD” (Genesis 13:10). Choosing this valley for battle shows the kings’ desire to control rich resources, a theme echoed in later conflicts over prosperous land (Joshua 11:5). • The location matters: Scripture anchors spiritual lessons in concrete geography, reinforcing that God’s dealings with humanity take place in real space and time. (that is, the Salt Sea) • Moses offers a parenthetical update for later readers: the Valley of Siddim became “the Salt Sea,” today’s Dead Sea. • Numbers 34:3–12 and Joshua 15:2 use the same designation when marking Israel’s borders, confirming the editorial note’s accuracy. • The transformation from lush valley to lifeless salt basin underlines the price of sin. Where armies once gathered, nothing thrives—a standing monument akin to Lot’s wife (Genesis 19:26) and Jude 7’s description of Sodom as an “example of eternal fire.” summary Genesis 14:3 records five literal kings forging an alliance, marching to a real valley later known as the Salt Sea. Their coalition flaunts human confidence, yet the geography itself testifies that God’s purposes prevail. What began as a fertile plain ripe for conquest became a salt-filled wasteland—reminding every reader that earthly power and rich terrain are fleeting, but the Lord’s word stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). (3) All these were joined together.--Were united in a confederacy, and so formed a pentapolis, or group of five allied towns, like the Philistine league with its five lords (1Samuel 6:16-18).The vale of Siddim.--Mr. Conder (Tent-work, ii. 16) says that the name Sidd is still given by the Arabs to the cliffs or banks of marl which run along the southern edge of the plain of Jericho; and with this agrees Aben-Ezra's explanation, who derives the word from the Hebrew sid, chalk. Mr. Conder searched throughout the Ciccar for traces of the ruined cities, but in vain; and "the gradual rise of the level of the plain, caused by the constant washing down of the soft marl from the western hills, would effectually," he thinks, "cover over any such ruins." He found, however, copious springs of water upon the north-western side of the lake, and considers that the five cities were in their neighbourhood. Which is the salt sea.--From these words commentators have rashly concluded that the vale of Sodom was swallowed up by the Dead Sea; but not only is no such convulsion of nature mentioned in Genesis 19, but Abram is described as seeing the Ciccar-land not submerged, but smoking like a furnace (Genesis 19:28). Probably "the vale of Siddim" was the name of the whole district in which these sidds, or bluffs, are situated, and which extend round all the northern shores of the lake. Mr. Conder, after tracing the lines of former beaches, which show that the Dead Sea has long been shrinking in extent, tells us (Tent-work, ii. 43) that geologists hold that it had reached its present condition long before the days of Abram. It still, indeed, covered a much larger space, for the rains at that time were far more copious in Palestine than at present; but it no longer extended over the whole Arabah, as, by the evidence of these beaches, was once the case. (3) The Horites.--Cave-men, the aboriginal inhabitants of Mount Seir, subsequently conquered by the Edomites (Deuteronomy 2:12; Deuteronomy 2:22). The miserable condition of these earth-men is described in Job 30:3-8. . . . Verse 3. - All these - the last-named princes - were joined together - i.e. as confederates (so. and came with their forces) - in (literally, to) the vale of Siddim. The salt valley (LXX.); a wooded vale (Vulgate); a plain filled with rocky hollows (Gesenius), with which Ver. 10 agrees; the valley of plains or fields (Onkelos, Raschi, Keil, Murphy). Which is the salt sea. i.e. where the salt sea afterwards arose, on the destruction of the cities of the plain - Genesis 19:24, 25 (Keil, Havernick; cf. Josephus, ' Bell. Jud.,' 4:08, 4); but the text scarcely implies that the cities were submerged-only the valley (cf. Quarry, p. 207). The extreme depression of the Dead Sea, being 1300 feet below the level of the Mediterranean ("the most depressed sheet of water in the world:" Stanley's 'Sinai and Palestine,' Genesis 7.), conjoined with its excessive saltness (containing 26.25 per cent of saline particles), renders it one of the most remarkable of inland lakes. Its shores are clothed with loom and desolation. Within a mile from northern embouchure the verdure of the rich Jordan valley dies away. Strewn along its desolate margin lie broken canes and willow branches, with trunks of palms, poplars, and other trees, half embedded in slimy mud, and all covered with incrustations of salt. At its south-western corner stands the mountain of rock salt, with its columnar fragments, which Josephus says, in his day was regarded as the pillar of Lot s wife.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The latterאֵ֙לֶּה֙ (’êl·leh) Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those [five] כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every came as allies חָֽבְר֔וּ (ḥā·ḇə·rū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 2266: To unite, be joined, to tie a magic knot or spell, to charm to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the Valley עֵ֖מֶק (‘ê·meq) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6010: A vale of Siddim הַשִּׂדִּ֑ים (haś·śid·dîm) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7708: Siddim -- a valley near the Dead Sea (that is, ה֖וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are the Salt הַמֶּֽלַח׃ (ham·me·laḥ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4417: Powder, salt Sea). יָ֥ם (yām) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin Links Genesis 14:3 NIVGenesis 14:3 NLT Genesis 14:3 ESV Genesis 14:3 NASB Genesis 14:3 KJV Genesis 14:3 BibleApps.com Genesis 14:3 Biblia Paralela Genesis 14:3 Chinese Bible Genesis 14:3 French Bible Genesis 14:3 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 14:3 All these joined together in the valley (Gen. Ge Gn) |