Genesis 14:8 Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and arrayed themselves for battle in the Valley of Siddim

◄ Genesis 14:8 ►

New International Version
Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboyim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and drew up their battle lines in the Valley of Siddim

New Living Translation
Then the rebel kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (also called Zoar) prepared for battle in the valley of the Dead Sea.

English Standard Version
Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out, and they joined battle in the Valley of Siddim

Berean Standard Bible
Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and arrayed themselves for battle in the Valley of Siddim

King James Bible
And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim;

New King James Version
And the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out and joined together in battle in the Valley of Siddim

New American Standard Bible
And the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) came out; and they lined up for battle against them in the Valley of Siddim,

NASB 1995
And the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah and the king of Admah and the king of Zeboiim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) came out; and they arrayed for battle against them in the valley of Siddim,

NASB 1977
And the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah and the king of Admah and the king of Zeboiim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) came out; and they arrayed for battle against them in the valley of Siddim,

Legacy Standard Bible
And the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah and the king of Admah and the king of Zeboiim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) came out; and they arranged themselves for battle against them in the valley of Siddim,

Amplified Bible
Then the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (that is, Zoar) came out; and they joined together for battle with the invading kings in the Valley of Siddim,

Christian Standard Bible
Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out and lined up for battle in the Siddim Valley

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out and lined up for battle in the Valley of Siddim

American Standard Version
And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar); and they set the battle in array against them in the vale of Siddim;

English Revised Version
And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar); and they set the battle in array against them in the vale of Siddim;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and prepared for battle in the valley of Siddim.

Good News Translation
Then the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela drew up their armies for battle in Siddim Valley and fought

International Standard Version
Then the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (which was also known as Zoar) prepared for battle in the Valley of Siddim

Majority Standard Bible
Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and arrayed themselves for battle in the Valley of Siddim

NET Bible
Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out and prepared for battle. In the Valley of Siddim they met

New Heart English Bible
The king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) came out; and they took up battle positions in the Valley of Siddim

Webster's Bible Translation
And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, (the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim;

World English Bible
The king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (also called Zoar) went out; and they set the battle in array against them in the valley of Siddim

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the king of Sodom goes out, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboim, and the king of Bela, which [is] Zoar; and they set in array [for] battle with them in the Valley of Siddim,

Young's Literal Translation
And the king of Sodom goeth out, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar; and they set the battle in array with them in the valley of Siddim,

Smith's Literal Translation
And there shall come forth the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboim, and the king of Bela (this is Zoar), and they shall set in array with them the war in the valley of Siddim,

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrha, and the king of Adama, and the king of Seboim, and the king of Bala, which is Segor, went out: and they set themselves against them in battle array in the woodland vale:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and indeed the king of Bela, which is Zoar, went forth. And they directed their point against them in the wooded valley,

New American Bible
Thereupon the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out, and in the Valley of Siddim they went into battle against them:

New Revised Standard Version
Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out, and they joined battle in the Valley of Siddim

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And there went out the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar); all of these made war in the valley of Siddim,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the King of Sadom went out and the King of Amora, and the King of Adama, and the King of Tsebuim, and the King of Baala this is Tsaar; all of these made war in the valley of Sedumia;

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela--the same is Zoar; and they set the battle in array against them in the vale of Siddim;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king of Sodom went out, and the king of Gomorrha, and king of Adama, and king of Seboim, and king of Balac, this is Segor, and they set themselves in array against them for war in the salt valley,

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The War of the Kings
…7Then they turned back to invade En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and they conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites, as well as the Amorites who lived in Hazazon-tamar. 8Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and arrayed themselves for battle in the Valley of Siddim 9against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

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.”

Psalm 110:4
The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 5:6
And in another passage God says: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 6:20
where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 7:17
For it is testified: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 7:21
but Jesus became a priest with an oath by the One who said to Him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’”

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.

Galatians 3:29
And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.

Romans 9:7
Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.”

Romans 9:8
So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring.

2 Peter 2:7
and if He rescued Lot, a righteous man distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless

2 Peter 2:8
(for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)—

Isaiah 41:2
Who has aroused one from the east and called him to his feet in righteousness? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow.

Isaiah 41:3
He pursues them, going on safely, hardly touching the path with his feet.

Treasury of Scripture

And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim;

same.

Genesis 14:2
That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar.

Genesis 13:10
And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

Genesis 19:20,22
Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live…

in.

Genesis 14:3,10
All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea…

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Admah Array Arrayed Battle Bela Drew Forces Gomorrah Gomor'rah Joined Lines Marched Position Siddim Sodom Vale Valley Zeboiim Zeboi'im Zeboim Zoar Zo'ar

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Admah Array Arrayed Battle Bela Drew Forces Gomorrah Gomor'rah Joined Lines Marched Position Siddim Sodom Vale Valley Zeboiim Zeboi'im Zeboim Zoar Zo'ar

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.

Berean Study Bible

Then the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (that is, Zoar)
This phrase introduces us to a coalition of five kings from the cities of the plain. The mention of these cities, particularly Sodom and Gomorrah, is significant in biblical history due to their later destruction as a result of their wickedness (Genesis 19). The Hebrew word for "kings" is "מְלָכִים" (melachim), which denotes rulers or leaders with authority over a city or region. The cities mentioned were located in the fertile Jordan Valley, an area known for its prosperity and strategic importance. Historically, these cities were part of a confederation, which suggests a level of political organization and mutual defense. The inclusion of Bela, also known as Zoar, highlights its lesser-known status compared to the infamous Sodom and Gomorrah, yet it was significant enough to be part of this alliance.

marched out and arrayed themselves for battle
The phrase "marched out" indicates a deliberate and organized movement towards conflict. The Hebrew root "יָצָא" (yatsa) means to go out or come forth, often used in military contexts. This suggests a proactive stance taken by these kings, possibly in response to aggression or as a preemptive strike. "Arrayed themselves for battle" implies a strategic preparation for warfare, with the Hebrew "עָרַךְ" (arak) meaning to arrange or set in order. This reflects the seriousness of the conflict and the readiness of these kings to defend their territories. The imagery of battle preparation is a reminder of the constant state of conflict in the ancient Near East, where city-states frequently engaged in warfare to protect their interests and expand their influence.

in the Valley of Siddim
The Valley of Siddim is identified as the location of this significant battle. The Hebrew "עֵמֶק" (emeq) means valley, often a place of strategic military encounters due to its geographical features. The Valley of Siddim is later described as being full of tar pits (Genesis 14:10), which would have been a challenging terrain for battle. This location is traditionally associated with the area south of the Dead Sea, a region rich in natural resources but also fraught with geological hazards. The choice of this valley as a battleground underscores the tactical considerations of ancient warfare, where terrain could be as much an ally or adversary as the opposing forces. The historical and geographical context of the Valley of Siddim provides insight into the challenges faced by these ancient kings and the significance of their alliance in the face of external threats.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(8) They joined battle with them.--Heb., they set themselves in array against them. As the five kings left their cities to do battle with the invaders "in the vale of Siddim," it is plain, as was said in Genesis 14:3, that the vale embraces a far wider extent of country than merely the site of the five cities.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 8, 9. - And there went out (to resist the onslaught of the victorious Asiatics) the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar); (i.e. the five revolted monarchs of the Pentapolis) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim (vide Ver. 3); with Chedorlaomer the king of Elam, and with Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings with five.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

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

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

the king
וּמֶ֣לֶךְ (ū·me·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Gomorrah,
עֲמֹרָ֗ה (‘ă·mō·rāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6017: Gomorrah -- a city in the Jordan Valley

the king
וּמֶ֤לֶךְ (ū·me·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Admah,
אַדְמָה֙ (’aḏ·māh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 126: Admah -- a city near Sodom and Gomorrah

the king
וּמֶ֣לֶךְ (ū·me·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Zeboiim,
צְבוֹיִ֔ם (ṣə·ḇō·w·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6636: Zeboiim -- a place near Sodom

and the king
וּמֶ֥לֶךְ (ū·me·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Bela
בֶּ֖לַע (be·la‘)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1106: Bela -- an Edomite, also two Israelites

(that is,
הִוא־ (hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

Zoar)
צֹ֑עַר (ṣō·‘ar)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6820: Zoar -- 'insignificance', a city at the southeastern end of the Dead Sea

marched out
וַיֵּצֵ֨א (way·yê·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

and arrayed
וַיַּֽעַרְכ֤וּ (way·ya·‘ar·ḵū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6186: To set in a, row, arrange, put in order

for battle
מִלְחָמָ֔ה (mil·ḥā·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

in the Valley
בְּעֵ֖מֶק (bə·‘ê·meq)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6010: A vale

of Siddim
הַשִּׂדִּֽים׃ (haś·śid·dîm)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7708: Siddim -- a valley near the Dead Sea

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OT Law: Genesis 14:8 The king of Sodom and the king (Gen. Ge Gn)