Genesis 18:4

Translations

Modern

Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.

Traditional

Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:

Literal

Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.

Latin

…sed afferam pauxillum aquæ, et lavate pedes vestros, et requiescite sub arbore.

Original

Hebrew

English

Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.

Notes

Genesis 18:2–8

Abraham received his visitors as very important guests, perhaps realizing that they were messengers from God.

Genesis 18:1–15

The Lord's visit to Abraham set the time for Isaac's birth. The three visitors were probably the Lord and two angels (see study note on 16:7). Abraham welcomed the visitors peacefully and generously, which contrasted with the chaos and corruption in Sodom (chapter 19).

Sharing a meal was important for making or confirming covenants. When God was ready to fulfill the covenant promise, he personally shared a meal with Abraham. Fellowship with God has always included a communal meal (see Exodus 24:9–11; Matthew 26:17–30 // Luke 22:7–38; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:20–34).

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Eating Together Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Genesis 24:32
So the man came to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and feed were brought to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of his companions.
Genesis 19:2
…and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”
Genesis 43:24
And the steward took the men into Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet, and provided food for their donkeys.
Luke 7:44
And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
John 13:5–15
After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him.
1 Samuel 25:41
She arose, bowed facedown, and said, “Here is your servant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.”
1 Timothy 5:10
…and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.

Glossary

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

Topics

Ablution of the Feet Abraham: Angels Appear To Communion: Abraham Condescension of God: Enters Into Covenant with Abraham Entertainments: Guests At: had Their Feet Washed when They Came a Distance Foot Washing God: Appearances of To Abraham Hospitality: Abraham Hospitality: Abraham to the Angels Isaac: The Miraculous Son of Abraham Mamre: A Plain Near Hebron: Entertains Three Angels, and is Promised a Son Tents were Pitched: Under Trees The Feet of Strangers and Travellers Washed Travellers: Generally Treated with Great Hospitality Trees: Afford an Agreeable Shade in Eastern Countries During The Trees: The Jews: Often Pitched Their Tents Under Washing Feet Water was Used by Jews for Washing the Person

Genesis 18:4

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