Genesis 14:4
ESV
Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
NIV
For twelve years they had been subject to Kedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
NASB
For twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
CSB
They were subject to Chedorlaomer for twelve years, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
NLT
For twelve years they had been subject to King Kedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled against him.
KJV
Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
NKJV
Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
What does Genesis 14:4 mean?
The previous few verses set the stage for a battle. The rebellious kings of five cities grouped at the southern end of the Sea of Galilee had gathered their forces in the Valley of Siddim to await the attack of the kings of four eastern cities. In response, the four kings were coming west to attack. These four were from city-states loyal to the ruling regime.Apparently, these five kings (and perhaps other city-states in the region) had rebelled against the twelve-year rule of the four kings of the east, headed by Chedorlaomer, king of Elam. This control probably involved taxes and other contributions, rather than direct military occupation.
