21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself."
21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself."
21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me back the people but keep all the plunder for yourself."
21 Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself."
21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 14:21
Commentary on Genesis 14:21-24
(Read Genesis 14:21-24)
Observe the king of Sodom's grateful offer to Abram, Give me the souls, and take thou the substance. Gratitude teaches us to recompense to the utmost of our power, those that have undergone fatigues, run hazards, and been at expense for our service and benefit. Abram generously refused this offer. He accompanies his refusal with a good reason, Lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich: which would reflect upon the promise promise and covenant of God, as if He would not have enriched Abraham without the spoils of Sodom. The people of God must, for their credit's sake, take heed of doing any thing that looks mean or mercenary, or that savors of covetousness and self-seeking. Abraham can trust the Possessor of Heaven and earth to provide for him.