Chedorlaomer
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Chedorlaomer in the Bible?
Chedorlaomer was an Elamite king who led a coalition against Sodom and Gomorrah alongside Amraphel, Arioch, and Tidal. Historical scholarship often identifies him with Kudur-lahgumal, an Elamite ruler attested in cuneiform inscriptions.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Chedorlaomer as a historical figure helps readers view the Genesis account not merely as myth, but as a narrative grounded in the real geopolitical tensions and tributary systems of the early second millennium BCE, thereby deepening the historical context of the biblical text.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Chedorlaomer reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Chedorlaomer in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Chedorlaomer clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Chedorlaomer." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/chedorlaomer/