Keraia
Genesis 18

Genesis 18:31

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

Translations

Modern
And Abraham said, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord, suppose twenty are found there?” He answered, “On account of the twenty, I will not destroy it.”
Traditional
And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake.
Literal
And he said, “Behold, please, I have ventured to speak to the Lord. Suppose there should be found twenty.” And He said, “I will not destroy it on account of the twenty.”
Latin
Quia semel, ait, cœpi loquar ad Dominum meum: quid si ibi inventi fuerint viginti? Ait: Non interficiam propter viginti.

Original

Hebrew
English
And Abraham said, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord, suppose twenty are found there?” He answered, “On account of the twenty, 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

People

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

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: 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