Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version For twelve years they had been subject to Kedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. New Living Translation For twelve years they had been subject to King Kedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled against him. English Standard Version Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. Berean Standard Bible For twelve years they had been subject to Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. King James Bible Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. New King James Version Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. New American Standard Bible For twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. NASB 1995 Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but the thirteenth year they rebelled. NASB 1977 Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but the thirteenth year they rebelled. Legacy Standard Bible Now for twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but the thirteenth year they rebelled. Amplified Bible Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer [the most powerful king in the invading confederacy], but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. Christian Standard Bible They were subject to Chedorlaomer for twelve years, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. Holman Christian Standard Bible They were subject to Chedorlaomer for 12 years, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. American Standard Version Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. English Revised Version Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. GOD'S WORD® Translation For 12 years they had been subject to Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. Good News Translation They had been under the control of Chedorlaomer for twelve years, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled against him. International Standard Version They were subject to Chedorlaomer for twelve years, but they rebelled in the thirteenth year. NET Bible For twelve years they had served Kedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. New Heart English Bible Twelve years they served Kedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year, they rebelled. Webster's Bible Translation Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor twelve years they had been subject to Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. World English Bible They served Chedorlaomer for twelve years, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. Literal Translations Literal Standard Version[for] twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and the thirteenth year they rebelled. Young's Literal Translation twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and the thirteenth year they rebelled. Smith's Literal Translation Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and the thirteenth year they revolted. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor they had served Chodorlahomor twelve years, and in the thirteenth year they revolted from him. Catholic Public Domain Version For they had served Chedorlaomer for twelve years, and in the thirteenth year they withdrew from him. New American Bible For twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. New Revised Standard Version Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTwelve years they served Cardlaamar, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Twelve years they served Kardlaamar; the thirteenth year they rebelled. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. Brenton Septuagint Translation Twelve years they served Chodollogomor, and the thirteenth year they revolted. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The War of the Kings…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. 5In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaites in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh-kiriathaim,… Cross References Exodus 1:11-14 So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. / But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. / They worked the Israelites ruthlessly ... 2 Kings 18:7 And the LORD was with Hezekiah, and he prospered wherever he went. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and refused to serve him. 2 Kings 24:1 During Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded. So Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years, until he turned and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. 2 Chronicles 36:13 He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. But Zedekiah stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD, the God of Israel. Nehemiah 9:27-28 So You delivered them into the hands of enemies who oppressed them, and in their time of distress they cried out to You. From heaven You heard them, and in Your great compassion You gave them deliverers who saved them from the hands of their enemies. / But as soon as they had rest, they again did evil in Your sight. So You abandoned them to the hands of their enemies, who had dominion over them. When they cried out to You again, You heard from heaven, and You delivered them many times in Your compassion. Jeremiah 27:8 As for the nation or kingdom that does not serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and does not place its neck under his yoke, I will punish that nation by sword and famine and plague, declares the LORD, until I have destroyed it by his hand. Jeremiah 52:3-5 For because of the anger of the LORD, all this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, until He finally banished them from His presence. And Zedekiah also rebelled against the king of Babylon. / So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built a siege wall all around it. / And the city was kept under siege until King Zedekiah’s eleventh year. Daniel 3:14-18 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden statue I have set up? / Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the statue I have made, very good. But if you refuse to worship, you will be thrown at once into the blazing fiery furnace. Then what god will be able to deliver you from my hands?” / Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. ... Daniel 5:18-19 As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor. / Because of the greatness that He bestowed on him, the people of every nation and language trembled in fear before him. He killed whom he wished and kept alive whom he wished; he exalted whom he wished and humbled whom he wished. Matthew 17:24-27 After they had arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the two drachmas?” / “Yes,” he answered. When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him. “What do you think, Simon?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?” / “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to him. ... Matthew 22:17-21 So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” / But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me? / Show Me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. ... Luke 20:22-25 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” / But Jesus saw through their duplicity and said to them, / “Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. ... John 8:33-36 “We are Abraham’s descendants,” they answered. “We have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say we will be set free?” / Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. / A slave does not remain in the house forever, but a son remains forever. ... Acts 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. Acts 7:6-7 God told him that his descendants would be foreigners in a strange land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. / ‘But I will punish the nation that enslaves them,’ God said, ‘and afterward they will come forth and worship Me in this place.’ Treasury of Scripture Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. they served. Genesis 9:25,26 And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren… they rebelled. Ezekiel 17:15 But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered? Jump to Previous Chedorlaomer Ched-Or-Lao'mer Control Kedorlaomer Rebelled Rule Served Subject Thirteenth TwelveJump to Next Chedorlaomer Ched-Or-Lao'mer Control Kedorlaomer Rebelled Rule Served Subject Thirteenth TwelveGenesis 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. For twelve years they had been subject to Chedorlaomer This phrase indicates a period of subjugation under Chedorlaomer, the king of Elam. Historically, Elam was located in what is now southwestern Iran. The subjugation suggests a political and military dominance, likely involving tribute or forced labor. This reflects the common practice in the ancient Near East where powerful kings exerted control over smaller city-states. The number twelve often symbolizes governmental perfection or completeness in the Bible, suggesting a complete cycle of domination. but in the thirteenth year they rebelled Persons / Places / Events 1. ChedorlaomerKing of Elam, a powerful ruler who led a coalition of kings. He had subjugated several city-states, including Sodom and Gomorrah, for twelve years. 2. Rebellion The event where the subject kings, including those of Sodom and Gomorrah, decided to revolt against Chedorlaomer's rule in the thirteenth year. 3. Sodom and Gomorrah Cities that were part of the coalition under Chedorlaomer's control. Their rebellion set the stage for the subsequent battle and Abram's involvement. 4. Elam A region in ancient Persia, representing Chedorlaomer's kingdom. It was a significant power in the ancient Near East. 5. Twelve Years The period during which the cities were under Chedorlaomer's control, symbolizing a complete cycle of subjugation before the rebellion. Teaching Points Understanding Authority and RebellionThe rebellion against Chedorlaomer highlights the tension between oppressive rule and the desire for freedom. Christians are called to discern when to submit to authority and when to stand against injustice. God's Sovereignty in Political Affairs Despite human plans and rebellions, God's sovereignty is evident. He uses events to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Abram's involvement and victory. The Role of Faithful Leadership Abram's later actions in rescuing Lot demonstrate the importance of godly leadership in times of conflict. Believers are encouraged to be leaders who seek peace and justice. Cycles of Oppression and Deliverance The twelve years of subjugation followed by rebellion can be seen as a cycle that God uses to bring about deliverance, similar to the Israelites' experience in Egypt. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 14:4?2. What led the kings to rebel after serving Chedorlaomer for twelve years? 3. How does Genesis 14:4 illustrate consequences of rebellion against authority? 4. Compare Genesis 14:4 with Romans 13:1-2 on submitting to authority. 5. How can we apply the lesson of obedience from Genesis 14:4 today? 6. What does Genesis 14:4 teach about God's sovereignty over earthly rulers? 7. Why did the kings rebel in Genesis 14:4 after twelve years of servitude? 8. What does Genesis 14:4 reveal about ancient Near Eastern political alliances? 9. How does Genesis 14:4 fit into the broader narrative of Abram's journey? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 14? 11. Who was Chedorlaomer in the Bible? 12. What was the duration of Noah's time on the ark? 13. How could Jacob and Esau reconcile so suddenly in Genesis 33:4 after years of hostility, and is there historical evidence for Esau's 400 men? 14. Genesis 14:5-7: How can we reconcile the widespread campaigns mentioned here with the lack of extrabiblical records or artifacts? What Does Genesis 14:4 Mean For twelve years- “For twelve years…” (Genesis 14:4) sets a clear timeline. Twelve years is long enough to feel permanent yet short enough to remember freedom. - Scripture often marks significant seasons—Israel spent twelve spies in Canaan (Numbers 13:1-25) and Jesus at age twelve dialogued in the temple (Luke 2:42-49). Each signals preparation before a decisive moment. - God sometimes permits long stretches of difficulty to shape character, as seen with Joseph’s years in Egypt before exaltation (Genesis 37–41) and Israel’s forty-year wilderness trek (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). - Takeaway: prolonged subjection can be part of God’s bigger narrative, not evidence of His absence (Romans 8:28). They had been subject to Chedorlaomer - To be “subject” means tribute and political control. The kings of the Jordan valley bowed to a foreign power headquartered far away—reminding us that domination is not always just about geography but authority (Proverbs 22:7). - Chedorlaomer ruled Elam, a strong eastern kingdom. His sway over five local kings (Genesis 14:1-3) echoes later empires oppressing Israel—Egypt (Exodus 1:8-14), Assyria (2 Kings 17:6), Babylon (Jeremiah 25:9). - God’s Word repeatedly shows earthly powers rising and falling under His sovereign hand (Daniel 2:21). Even ungodly rulers cannot act outside His ultimate plan (Romans 13:1). But in the thirteenth year - The hinge comes “in the thirteenth year.” Thirteen, following twelve, signals a break with the past—much like the thirteenth year of Jubilee breaks debts after seven sevens (Leviticus 25:8-10, pattern of release). - Timing belongs to God. He appointed “the fullness of time” for Christ’s first coming (Galatians 4:4) and will appoint another day for His return (Acts 17:31). Rebellion here is no accident; it unfolds on God’s clock (Ecclesiastes 3:1). They rebelled - The five kings threw off oppression, but rebellion brings risk. Scripture warns that human revolt apart from God’s guidance ends badly (Psalm 2:1-3; Romans 13:2). - Yet God sometimes uses rebellion as a catalyst for His salvation plan. In this chapter, the conflict draws Abram into battle, leading to the rescue of Lot (Genesis 14:14-16) and the blessing from Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20), foreshadowing Christ the ultimate Priest-King (Hebrews 7:1-3). - Lessons: • Oppression can provoke decisive moments where faith is tested. • God can turn political turmoil into opportunities to display His covenant faithfulness (2 Chronicles 20:17). • Deliverance often requires stepping into the fight, trusting God for victory (Ephesians 6:10-13). summary Genesis 14:4 records twelve years of imposed servitude, a sudden thirteenth-year turning point, and an act of rebellion that sets a larger redemptive story in motion. Though earthly powers dominate for a season, God governs the seasons. He permits trials, marks their limits, and weaves even political upheaval into His unfolding promise to bless and redeem through the seed of Abram—ultimately fulfilled in Christ. (4) They served.--That is, paid a yearly tribute, that they might be exempt from Chedorlaomer's marauding expeditions (see 2Kings 18:7). There must, therefore, have been envoys going from time to time to and from the Jordan valley to Shinar.Verse 4. - Twelve years - dating from the commencement of his reign (Murphy) - they served - and paid tribute (cf. 2 Kings 18:7) - Chedorlaomer. If the king of Elam was a Shemite prince, this was m accordance with the Noachic prophecy (Genesis 9:26); but according to the monuments the Elamits dynasty was Turanian. And in the thirteenth year - during the whole of the thirteenth year (vide Ewald's 'Hebrews Synt.,' § 300, a; cf. Ver. 5) - they rebelled, or had rebelled.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew For twelveשְׁתֵּ֤ים (šə·têm) Number - fd Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) years שָׁנָ֔ה (šā·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8141: A year they had been subject עָבְד֖וּ (‘ā·ḇə·ḏū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5647: To work, to serve, till, enslave to Chedorlaomer, כְּדָרְלָעֹ֑מֶר (kə·ḏā·rə·lā·‘ō·mer) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3540: Chedorlaomer -- a king of Elam but in the thirteenth וּשְׁלֹשׁ־ (ū·šə·lōš-) Conjunctive waw | Number - feminine singular construct Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice year שָׁנָ֖ה (šā·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8141: A year they rebelled. מָרָֽדוּ׃ (mā·rā·ḏū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 4775: To rebel Links Genesis 14:4 NIVGenesis 14:4 NLT Genesis 14:4 ESV Genesis 14:4 NASB Genesis 14:4 KJV Genesis 14:4 BibleApps.com Genesis 14:4 Biblia Paralela Genesis 14:4 Chinese Bible Genesis 14:4 French Bible Genesis 14:4 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 14:4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer and (Gen. 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