I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten: Abram as a responsible leader of his troops must take care of them. It is evident that what has been consumed is no longer negotiable. However, what his men have eaten was originally part of the possessions of the people of Sodom and others, and in a sense Abram accepts that he has used up part of the people’s goods and livestock. Abram’s response may be rendered, for example, “For my part I will take nothing” or “I will accept nothing for myself” (Good News Translation).

Eaten does not necessarily refer to consuming food only. The verb “to eat” may also be used, as in 31.15, in the sense of “use up.” See Good News Translation. Young men generally refers to youths of marriageable age, but here they are soldiers. We may say with Moffatt “the troops” or “my soldiers.”

Although there is no evidence earlier in the story that Abram’s allies took part in the pursuit and defeat of the four kings, Abram now speaks of the men who went with me. These appear to be Abram’s allies, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Abram will also accept a share, portion, part of the recovered loot for them. This request for a share of the loot to be given to his friends is in contrast to his desire to keep nothing for himself. Accordingly many translations begin this final sentence with “But.” For example, one says “But you’ve got to let my three friends … take their share.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .