כְּדׇרְלָעֹמֶר (ke.dor.la.o.mer)

Chedorlaomer is a proper name appearing five times in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively within the narrative of Genesis 14. He is identified as the king of Elam, a powerful ancient kingdom located in what is now southwestern Iran. The text presents him as the leader of a coalition of four kings who waged war against the cities of the Jordan Valley, capturing Lot and his possessions before being pursued and defeated by Abram.

The name itself carries significant linguistic weight. Lexical sources suggest it translates to "handful of sheaves," a meaning that likely reflects agricultural or royal titles common in the region during the Patriarchal period. This etymology provides a tangible glimpse into the cultural context of the time, grounding a foreign ruler’s identity in familiar economic imagery.

While Chedorlaomer serves primarily as an antagonist in this brief but pivotal chapter, his role is crucial for establishing Abram’s military capability and divine protection. The account highlights Abram’s loyalty to his family and his refusal to take spoils that might compromise his witness, setting a precedent for his relationship with the surrounding powers. The narrative uses Chedorlaomer not merely as a historical figure, but as a foil to demonstrate God’s deliverance.