In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights specific peoples: the Rephaim, Zuzim, and Emim, along with their locations. What's easily missed is that these names are often described as referring to "giants" or "terrible ones," suggesting a deliberate emphasis on the formidable nature of these groups before they were defeated. This detail sets the stage for the power displayed by Chedorlaomer and his allies, and foreshadows the extraordinary intervention Abram would later undertake.
In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse describes the initial phase of a military campaign by Chedorlaomer, the king of Elam, and his allies. They launch a punitive expedition against rebellious kingdoms east of the Jordan River, striking down various peoples like the Rephaim and Emim, before continuing their march south. This chapter is setting the stage for Lot's capture and Abraham's subsequent rescue mission.
Ever wondered who the 'giants' of the Old Testament were? This verse names a people group that predates many familiar biblical figures, hinting at a much older, more complex history of the land.
Genesis 14:5 introduces us to the Rephaim, Zuzim, and Emim. These aren't just random names; they represent ancient peoples who inhabited the land long before the Israelites arrived.
Who Were They?
This verse paints a picture of a land populated by various ancient tribes, some with fearsome reputations, before the full narrative of Israel's conquest unfolds.
Why mention the 'fourteenth year'? This specific detail points to a history of rebellion and retribution that sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow.
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The phrase 'in the fourteenth year' isn't just a chronological marker; it signifies a turning point in a long-standing conflict.
The Context of Rebellion
Understand the original words
Rephaim · Hebrew Noun
An ancient people, often described as giants or mighty warriors. In the biblical tradition, they are viewed as an obstacle to be overcome, representing the formidable human powers that exist outside of God's direct covenantal blessing.
nakah · Hebrew Verb
To overcome an enemy in battle, bringing them under control or inflicting loss. Defeat in scripture is frequently portrayed as part of God's providential judgment or the historical working out of human conflict.
Early 2nd Millennium BC
Rephaim and other peoples inhabit Canaan
Ancient texts refer to groups like the Rephaim, Zuzim, and Emim as early inhabitants or prominent tribes in the regions east and west of the Jordan River. These peoples were often characterized by their stature.
Early 2nd Millennium BC
Chedorlaomer establishes dominion
Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, likely forged a confederacy of regional kings to assert authority and collect tribute from various city-states and peoples in the Levant.
Early 2nd Millennium BC
Rebellion against Chedorlaomer
After twelve years of servitude, the cities of the Plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah, along with other regional groups, rebelled against Chedorlaomer's suzerainty.
Early 2nd Millennium BC— this verse
Chedorlaomer's punitive expedition
In the fourteenth year of rebellion, Chedorlaomer and his allies launched a military campaign to crush the revolt. They first defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim.
Early 2nd Millennium BC
Further conquests and defeat of the Plain's kings
The expedition continued, conquering the Horites in Mount Seir, then turning north to defeat the allied kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela in the Valley of Siddim.
Early 2nd Millennium BC
Abram rescues Lot
After the allied kings were routed and Lot was taken captive, Abram gathered his forces, pursued the victors, and rescued Lot and the inhabitants of Sodom, along with their possessions.
This passage identifies the Emim as a people similar to the Anakim in stature and terror, providing further context for the groups defeated by Chedorlaomer.
Deuteronomy 2:20It mentions the Zamzummim, suggesting a potential link to the Zuzim, highlighting that these lands were inhabited by formidable ancient peoples.
Joshua 13:12This verse describes the territory of Bashan, where Ashteroth Karnaim was located, as the domain of Og, a king of the Amorites who was a remnant of the Rephaim, connecting the defeated people to a later biblical narrative.
Jeremiah 48:23This verse mentions Kiriathaim in relation to Moab, showing how the lands and peoples mentioned in Genesis 14 continued to be significant locations and players in later Israelite history.
This passage describes the Maccabean army marching to Carnion (likely Ashteroth Karnaim), demonstrating the continued strategic importance and presence of this location centuries later.
gillGenesis 14:5: "And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,"
And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer,.... Not in the fourteenth year of their rebellion against him, as Jarchi, but from their becoming vassals to him: and the kings that were with him; those kings before mentioned: and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim; which were in their way to Sod…
clarkeGenesis 14:5: "And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,"
Rephaims - A people of Canaan: Genesis 15:20 . Ashteroth - A city of Basan, where Og afterwards reigned; Joshua 13:31. Zuzims - Nowhere else spoken of, unless they were the same with the Zamzummims, Deuteronomy 2:20, as some imagine. Emims - A people great and many in the days of Moses, and tall as…
The text highlights specific peoples: the Rephaim, Zuzim, and Emim, along with their locations. What's easily missed is that these names are often described as referring to "giants" or "terrible ones," suggesting a deliberate emphasis on the formidable nature of these groups before they were defeated. This detail sets the stage for the power displayed by Chedorlaomer and his allies, and foreshadows the extraordinary intervention Abram would later undertake.
This verse describes the initial phase of a military campaign by Chedorlaomer, the king of Elam, and his allies. They launch a punitive expedition against rebellious kingdoms east of the Jordan River, striking down various peoples like the Rephaim and Emim, before continuing their march south. This chapter is setting the stage for Lot's capture and Abraham's subsequent rescue mission.
This verse describes the initial phase of a military campaign by Chedorlaomer, the king of Elam, and his allies. They launch a punitive expedition against rebellious kingdoms east of the Jordan River, striking down various peoples like the Rephaim and Emim, before continuing their march south. This chapter is setting the stage for Lot's capture and Abraham's subsequent rescue mission.
"In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim," — The text highlights specific peoples: the Rephaim, Zuzim, and Emim, along with their locations. What's easily missed is that these names are often described as referring to "giants" or "terrible ones…
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Last reviewed October 2026