Genesis 18:23

Translations

Modern

Abraham stepped forward and said, “Will You really sweep away the righteous with the wicked?

Traditional

And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

Literal

And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

Latin

Et appropinquans ait: Numquid perdes justum cum impio?

Original

Hebrew

English

Abraham stepped forward and said, “Will You really sweep away the righteous with the wicked?

Notes

Genesis 18:22–33

Abraham probably thought there were more righteous people in Sodom and Gomorrah than there were (see study note on 19:14). Concerned for them, he made a legal appeal to the Lord based on God's justice. His prayer might seem bold, as if he were negotiating with God. But he approached God with true humility and respect. He did not try to convince God to act against his will. Instead, he prayed for the well-being of others (compare with Lot’s prayer, 19:18–23).

God is a fair judge. "Righteousness exalts a nation" (Proverbs 14:34). Righteous people help preserve society (compare Matthew 5:13).

Genesis 18:16–33

God trusted Abraham as his prophet (18:16–21; see 20:7). In return, Abraham pleaded that God would save Sodom (18:23–32; see Hebrews 7:23–26). God can do anything he wants. This passage confirms it will be fair and right.

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Symbolic Numbers

Events

Sodom Destroyedc. 1897 BC

Related verses

Numbers 16:22
But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the whole congregation?”
2 Samuel 24:17
When David saw the angel striking down the people, he said to the LORD, “Surely I, the shepherd, have sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house.”
Genesis 20:4
Now Abimelech had not gone near her, so he replied, “Lord, would You destroy a nation even though it is innocent?
Psalm 11:4–7
The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men.
Job 34:17
Could one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One,
Romans 3:5–6
But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms.
Genesis 18:25
Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
Hebrews 10:22
…let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Psalm 73:28
But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.
Jeremiah 30:21
Their leader will be one of their own, and their ruler will arise from their midst. And I will bring him near, and he will approach Me, for who would dare on his own to approach Me?” declares the LORD.
Job 8:3
Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right?
James 5:17
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.

People

Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people

Glossary

Abraham Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Cities of the Plain Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Hebron (Place) Mamre (Place) Patriarchs, Period of the Peter, Second Letter of Prayer Presence of God Remnant Sodom and Gomorrah

Topics

Abraham: His Questions About the Destruction of the Righteous and Wicked in Sodom Boldness: Instances of, in Prayer: Abraham Communion: Abraham Condescension of God: Indulges Abraham's Intercession for Sodom Curiosity of Abraham, to Know Whether God Would Destroy the Righteous People Who Lived in Sodom God: Appearances of To Abraham Holy Boldness: Abraham Intercession: Additional Instances of in Behalf of Sodom Intercessory Prayer: Abraham Prayer: Answered for Sodom Prayer: Exemplified by Abraham in his Inquiry Concerning Sodom Prayer: Importunity In Presumption: Abraham, in Questioning About Sodom Privileges of Saints: Interceding for Others Religion: Outstanding Religious Persons: Abraham Sodom: Abraham's Intercession For

Genesis 18:23

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