Genesis 18:27

Translations

Modern

Then Abraham answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes—

Traditional

And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:

Literal

And Abraham answered and said, “Behold, please, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord, and I am dust and ash.

Latin

Respondensque Abraham, ait: Quia semel cœpi, loquar ad Dominum meum, cum sim pulvis et cinis.

Original

Hebrew

English

Then Abraham answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes—

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

Isaiah 6:5
Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”
Genesis 3:19
By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”
Luke 5:8
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man.”
Job 30:19
He throws me into the mud, and I have become like dust and ashes.
Isaiah 64:8
But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand.
1 Corinthians 15:47–48
The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven.
Genesis 18:30–32
Then Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak further. Suppose thirty are found there?” He replied, “If I find thirty there, I will not do it.”
Psalm 8:4
…what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?
Job 4:19
…how much more those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundations are in the dust, who can be crushed like a moth!
Luke 18:1
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart:
Ecclesiastes 12:7
…before the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Genesis 2:7
Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.

People

Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Glossary

Abraham Ashes Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Cities of the Plain Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Hebron (Place) Humility 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 God: Mercy of Holy Boldness: Abraham Humility: Abraham Humility: Exemplified Intercession: Additional Instances of in Behalf of Sodom Intercessory Prayer: Abraham Life: Brevity and Uncertainty of Prayer: Accompanied With: Self-Abasement 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 18:27

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