that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Abram’s refusal to take even the smallest item from the king of Sodom isn't just about humility; it’s a profound declaration that his wealth and victory come solely from God, preventing any human king from claiming credit or power over him. This principle guards against attributing God’s blessings to earthly sources, ensuring all glory goes to Him.
that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
After rescuing Lot and defeating the kings who captured him, Abram is met by the king of Sodom. The king offers Abram all the recovered goods, wanting only the people back, but Abram refuses to take any spoils, swearing to God that he will not accept even the smallest item from Sodom. This declaration is made to prevent the king from later claiming credit for Abram's prosperity, ensuring all glory goes to God.
Why would Abram swear using the tiniest, most insignificant items like a thread or a shoelace?
Abram's oath is a powerful declaration of his commitment to God alone.
A Proverbial Measure of Nothing
When Abram says he won't take 'from a thread even to a shoelatchet,' he's using a common, ancient idiom. It’s like saying, 'I won't take so much as a speck of dust.' These items were considered virtually worthless – the smallest, most insignificant possessions.
Preserving God's Honor
His intention is to refuse everything from the king of Sodom. He's not just being polite; he's safeguarding the reputation of God in his life. If he were to accept any spoils, the king might wrongly claim credit for Abram's success. By taking nothing, Abram makes it clear that any blessing or richness in his life comes solely from God.
What's the real difference between Abram's refusal and the king of Sodom's offer?
Abram's refusal isn't just about pride; it's about spiritual integrity and a clear understanding of divine blessing.
A Matter of Allegiance
The king of Sodom, after his city was rescued, offers Abram all the goods, keeping only the people. This might seem generous, but Abram recognizes the underlying spiritual danger.
Avoiding False Credit
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Abram's primary concern is to prevent the king from saying, 'I have made Abram rich.' This refusal highlights a crucial distinction:
He makes it clear that he owes his position and any future increase not to earthly rulers, but to the 'Possessor of heaven and earth.'
This encounter highlights the political landscape of the ancient Near East, where regional powers vied for control and influence, and emphasizes Abram's commitment to God's providence over personal gain or human credit.
c. 2000-1800 BC
Coalition of Mesopotamian Kings
Chedorlaomer of Elam and his allies, including Amraphel of Shinar, launch a military campaign westward.
c. 2000-1800 BC
Rebellion of the Cities of the Plain
The kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, and other cities rebel against Chedorlaomer's rule.
c. 2000-1800 BC
Chedorlaomer's Victory
Chedorlaomer defeats the rebellious kings in the Valley of Siddim and takes their goods and captives, including Lot.
c. 2000-1800 BC
Abram's Rescue Mission
Abram gathers his men and allies to pursue Chedorlaomer's forces, rescuing Lot and the other captives.
c. 2000-1800 BC— this verse
Abram's Return and Encounter
Abram returns with the rescued people and goods, and is met by the king of Sodom and Melchizedek.
c. 2000-1800 BC
Abram's Refusal of Spoils
Abram declines to take any spoils from the king of Sodom, not wanting to be credited with enriching him.
This passage echoes Abram's sentiment by emphasizing that God gives the ability to gain wealth, reminding us that our success is from Him, not our own efforts or earthly possessions.
1 Samuel 2:7-8This confirms the theme that God is the ultimate source of both poverty and riches, directly supporting Abram's refusal to take anything from the king of Sodom so that God would receive the glory.
Proverbs 10:22This verse highlights that true riches come from the Lord, aligning with Abram's desire to be enriched by God alone and not by the spoils of a wicked city.
2 Corinthians 6:14-16This passage warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, which resonates with Abram's carefulness not to be associated with or indebted to the king of Sodom and his people.
gillGenesis 14:23: "That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:"
That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet,.... That is, from a thread used in sewing garments to, a shoelatchet, or the string which fastens the shoes to the foot, the least belonging to that; or from the hair lace of the head, to the shoelatchet of the foot; that is, he would take nothing of his from head to…
calvinGenesis 14:1-24: "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;"
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;
Et egressus est rex Sedom, et rex Hamorah, et rex Admah, et rex Seboim, et rex Belah, ipsa est Sohar, et ordinaverunt cum eis…
Abram’s refusal to take even the smallest item from the king of Sodom isn't just about humility; it’s a profound declaration that his wealth and victory come solely from God, preventing any human king from claiming credit or power over him. This principle guards against attributing God’s blessings to earthly sources, ensuring all glory goes to Him.
After rescuing Lot and defeating the kings who captured him, Abram is met by the king of Sodom. The king offers Abram all the recovered goods, wanting only the people back, but Abram refuses to take any spoils, swearing to God that he will not accept even the smallest item from Sodom. This declaration is made to prevent the king from later claiming credit for Abram's prosperity, ensuring all glory goes to God.
After rescuing Lot and defeating the kings who captured him, Abram is met by the king of Sodom. The king offers Abram all the recovered goods, wanting only the people back, but Abram refuses to take any spoils, swearing to God that he will not accept even the smallest item from Sodom. This declaration is made to prevent the king from later claiming credit for Abram's prosperity, ensuring all glory goes to God.
"that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’" — Abram’s refusal to take even the smallest item from the king of Sodom isn't just about humility; it’s a profound declaration that his wealth and victory come solely from God, preventing any human kin…
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Last reviewed October 2026