Genesis 14:23 - Rejecting wealth for Divine honor

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Hebrew Text

אִם־מִחוּט וְעַד שְׂרוֹךְ־נַעַל וְאִם־אֶקַּח מִכָּל־אֲשֶׁר־לָךְ וְלֹא תֹאמַר אֲנִי הֶעֱשַׁרְתִּי אֶת־אַבְרָם׃

English Translation

that I will take nothing from a thread even to a shoe-latchet, and that I will not take anything that is thine, lest thou shouldst say, I have made Avram rich:

Transliteration

Im-chut ve-ad sroch-na'al ve-im-ekach mi-kol asher-lach ve-lo tomar ani he'esharti et-Avram.

Hebrew Leining Text

אִם־מִחוּט֙ וְעַ֣ד שְׂרֽוֹךְ־נַ֔עַל וְאִם־אֶקַּ֖ח מִכׇּל־אֲשֶׁר־לָ֑ךְ וְלֹ֣א תֹאמַ֔ר אֲנִ֖י הֶעֱשַׁ֥רְתִּי אֶת־אַבְרָֽם׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 14:23) records Avram's declaration to the king of Sodom after his victory in the war against the four kings. Avram refuses to take any spoils from Sodom, emphasizing that he does not want the king of Sodom to claim credit for enriching him.

Literal Interpretation (Peshat)

Rashi explains that Avram uses the metaphor of "a thread to a shoelace" to signify that he will not take even the smallest or most insignificant item from Sodom's possessions. This demonstrates Avram's complete refusal to benefit from the wealth of Sodom, ensuring that his own success and blessings are clearly attributed to Hashem alone.

Moral and Ethical Lessons (Derash)

Integrity in Wealth: The Rambam (Hilchot Gezeilah 5:13) derives from this verse the importance of maintaining absolute honesty and avoiding even the appearance of impropriety in financial matters.
Trust in Divine Providence: Avram's refusal highlights his unwavering faith that his sustenance comes solely from Hashem, not from human hands (Midrash Tanchuma, Lech Lecha 12).

Symbolic Meaning (Sod)

The Zohar (1:88a) interprets "thread" and "shoelace" as allusions to the spiritual connection between Avram and the divine. The "thread" represents the thin but unbreakable bond of faith, while the "shoelace" symbolizes the foundation of Avram's moral stance—walking in the ways of Hashem without compromise.

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 369:6) cites this verse as a precedent for the principle that one should avoid accepting gifts from wicked individuals, as it may lead to dependence or moral compromise. Avram's stance serves as a model for maintaining spiritual and ethical independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Avram mean when he refuses to take even a 'thread or shoelace' from the king of Sodom?
A: Avram (later Avraham) refuses any reward from the king of Sodom to demonstrate that his wealth comes only from Hashem, not from human gifts. Rashi explains that Avram wanted to avoid any claim that the wicked king of Sodom enriched him, preserving the purity of his blessings as coming solely from G-d.

Q: Why is Avram's refusal of gifts important in this story?
A: This moment establishes Avram's complete trust in Hashem's providence. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 43:9) highlights that Avram didn't want to mix his G-d-given blessings with impure wealth from Sodom, teaching us the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity in our material success.

Q: How does Avram's statement apply to us today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 10:2) derives from this verse that we must be careful not to take credit for others' success. Just as Avram wanted no one to claim they made him rich, we should recognize that all blessings ultimately come from Hashem and avoid improper claims of influence over others' achievements.