Keraia
Genesis 18

Genesis 18:28

Abraham Intercedes for Sodom · Genesis 18:16–33
Read Genesis 18

Translations

Modern
…suppose the fifty righteous ones lack five. Will You destroy the whole city for the lack of five?” He replied, “If I find forty-five there, I will not destroy it.”
Traditional
Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.
Literal
Suppose there are lacking five of the fifty righteous? Would You destroy for the five the whole city?” And He said, “I will not destroy it if I find there forty and five.”
Latin
Quid si minus quinquaginta justis quinque fuerint? delebis, propter quadraginta quinque, universam urbem? Et ait: Non delebo, si invenero ibi quadraginta quinque.

Original

Hebrew
English
…suppose the fifty righteous ones lack five. Will You destroy the whole city for the lack of five?” He replied, “If I find forty-five there, I will not destroy it.”

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

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 God: Grace of God: Mercy of 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