Genesis 18:32

Translations

Modern

Finally, Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak once more. Suppose ten are found there?” And He answered, “On account of the ten, I will not destroy it.”

Traditional

And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.

Literal

And he said, “Please may the Lord not be hot, and I will speak but once more. Suppose there should be found ten.” And He said, “I will not destroy it on account of the ten.”

Latin

Obsecro, inquit, ne irascaris, Domine, si loquar adhuc semel: quid si inventi fuerint ibi decem? Et dixit: Non delebo propter decem.

Original

Hebrew

English

Finally, Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak once more. Suppose ten are found there?” And He answered, “On account of the ten, 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

Sodom Destroyedc. 1897 BC

Related verses

James 5:15–17
And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
Judges 6:39
Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me; let me speak one more time. Please allow me one more test with the fleece. This time let it be dry, and the ground covered with dew.”
Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.
1 John 5:15–16
And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him.
Micah 7:18
Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion?
Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,
Exodus 34:6–7
Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness,
Exodus 33:13–14
Now if indeed I have found favor in Your sight, please let me know Your ways, that I may know You and find favor in Your sight. Remember that this nation is Your people.”
Job 33:23
Yet if there is a messenger on his side, one mediator in a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him,
Proverbs 15:8
The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
Isaiah 65:8
This is what the LORD says: “As the new wine is found in a cluster of grapes, and men say, ‘Do not destroy it, for it contains a blessing,’ so I will act on behalf of My servants; I will not destroy them all.
Genesis 18:30
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.”

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: Grace of God: Mercy of Holy Boldness: Abraham Humility: Exemplified Intercession: Additional Instances of in Behalf of Sodom Intercession: Intercessional Influence of the Righteous 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 18:32

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