Lexical Summary Amraphel: Amraphel Original Word: אַמְרָפֶל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Amraphel Of uncertain (perhaps foreign) derivation; Amraphel, a king of Shinar -- Amraphel. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition king of Shinar NASB Translation Amraphel (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַמְרָפֶל proper name, masculine king of Shinar Genesis 14:1,9(probably = חמרבי, –ammurabi of Babylon, who reigned approximately , compare SchrSBA 1887, xxxi (June 23) COTii. 296 f. Dl in DeGen 1887, Excursus). Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture Amraphel is named twice, both in the narrative of Genesis 14. Historical Context The events of Genesis 14 take place during the patriarchal period, several centuries before the Exodus. Amraphel is presented as “king of Shinar,” an early designation for Mesopotamia, particularly the lower Tigris–Euphrates valley that later became the heartland of Babylon. His coalition partners ruled Elam, Ellasar, and the lands of the Goiim, forming a formidable eastern alliance that campaigned westward into Canaan to re-assert control over rebellious city-states in the Jordan valley. Identity and Scholarly Proposals Because Shinar corresponds to Babylonian territory, many historians have attempted to identify Amraphel with well-known Mesopotamian rulers: While no proposal commands unanimous acceptance, the text’s historicity is supported by extant Mari, Larsa, and Elamite records that attest to multi-king coalitions and cross-regional military campaigns during the early second millennium B.C. Role in the Genesis 14 Campaign Amraphel’s coalition marched from the east, subduing the Rephaim, Zuzites, Emim, Horites, Amalekites, and Amorites before confronting the five rebellious Canaanite kings in the Valley of Siddim. The victory of the eastern kings led to the capture of Lot. Abram’s pursuit and defeat of Amraphel’s confederates underline several theological themes: 1. The power and faithfulness of God to protect Abram’s family. Theological and Ministry Significance • Divine Sovereignty over Nations: Amraphel’s political ambitions ultimately advance God’s purposes, drawing Abram into a confrontation that displays God’s deliverance (Genesis 14:20). Lessons for Believers Today 1. God defends His covenant people against superior worldly powers; therefore, faith should replace fear when confronted by imposing adversaries. Summary Amraphel, king of Shinar, stands as a historical figure whose ambition set in motion the events of Genesis 14. Though appearing only briefly, his role highlights the interplay between earthly kingdoms and the providential hand of God, reinforcing themes of covenant faithfulness, divine supremacy, and the call to courageous faith. Forms and Transliterations אַמְרָפֶ֣ל אמרפל וְאַמְרָפֶל֙ ואמרפל ’am·rā·p̄el ’amrāp̄el amraFel veamraFel wə’amrāp̄el wə·’am·rā·p̄elLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 14:1 HEB: וַיְהִ֗י בִּימֵי֙ אַמְרָפֶ֣ל מֶֽלֶךְ־ שִׁנְעָ֔ר NAS: about in the days of Amraphel king KJV: And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king INT: came the days of Amraphel king of Shinar Genesis 14:9 2 Occurrences |
    |