Genesis 18:8

Translations

Modern

Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and he set them before the men and stood by them under the tree as they ate.

Traditional

And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

Literal

And he took butter and milk and the son of the herd that he had prepared, and he set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they ate.

Latin

Tulit quoque butyrum et lac, et vitulum quem coxerat, et posuit coram eis: ipse vero stabat juxta eos sub arbore.

Original

Hebrew

English

Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and he set them before the men and stood by them under the tree as they ate.

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 19:3
But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.
Acts 10:41
…not by all the people, but by the witnesses God had chosen beforehand, by us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead.
Luke 17:8
Instead, won’t he tell him, ‘Prepare my meal and dress yourself to serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you may eat and drink’?
Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.
Luke 24:30
While He was reclining at the table with them, He took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to them.
John 12:2
So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him.
Luke 24:43
…and He took it and ate it in front of them.
Judges 5:25
He asked for water, and she gave him milk. In a magnificent bowl she brought him curds.
Luke 12:37
Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them.
Judges 13:15
“Please stay here,” Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, “and we will prepare a young goat for you.”
Nehemiah 12:44
And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving.
Galatians 5:13
For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.

Glossary

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

Topics

Abraham: Angels Appear To Butter: General Scriptures Concerning Communion: Abraham Condescension of God: Enters Into Covenant with Abraham Dairy Eating: The Host Acting As Waiter Entertainments: Served often by Members of the Family Feasts: Host Served Food: Articles of Men and Women did not Partake Together 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 Manners: Standing While Guests Eat Milk used As Food by the Jews Milk used for Food The Calf: Eaten in the Patriarchal Age The Diet of the Jews in Patriarchal Age The Diet of the Jews: Men and Women did not Partake of Together Travellers: Generally Treated with Great Hospitality

Genesis 18:8

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