Verse

Genesis 14:1

ESV In the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim,
NIV At the time when Amraphel was king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Kedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal king of Goyim,
NASB And it came about in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim,
CSB In those days King Amraphel of Shinar, King Arioch of Ellasar, King Chedorlaomer of Elam, and King Tidal of Goiim
NLT About this time war broke out in the region. King Amraphel of Babylonia, King Arioch of Ellasar, King Kedorlaomer of Elam, and King Tidal of Goiim
KJV And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations;
NKJV And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations,

What does Genesis 14:1 mean?

The first part of Genesis 14 describes battles between various nations and city-states in and around the land of Canaan. It gives us a glimpse into the world at the time of Abram. Verse 1 lists four kings who became allies in a war against another group of kings. Some of the names and places listed may be connected to names mentioned in other historical records from this time.

Amraphel was king of Shinar, also known as Babylonia. Chedorlaomer (or Kedorlaomer) was king of Elam, east of Shinar. The location of the other two places are not now known, but were likely also to the east of the land of Canaan. The dispute seems to be over who has ultimate control of the territory. At this time in history, control over a territory had more to do with taxes and trade than direct influence. The rebellion of these kings will take time to correct (Genesis 14:4–5).
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