Genesis 18:16
Genesis 18:16 in Multiple Translations
When the men got up to leave, they looked out over Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them off.
¶ And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
And the men went on from there in the direction of Sodom; and Abraham went with them on their way.
Then the men left. They looked down on Sodom and headed in that direction. Abraham accompanied them part of the way.
Afterwarde the men did rise vp from thence and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
And the men rise from thence, and look on the face of Sodom, and Abraham is going with them to send them away;
The men rose up from there, and looked toward Sodom. Abraham went with them to see them on their way.
And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
And when the men rose up from thence, they turned their eyes towards Sodom: and Abraham walked with them, bringing them on the way.
When the three men got up to leave, they looked down into the valley toward Sodom city. Abraham was walking with them to say “goodbye” to them.
Then the 3 men got up to leave, and Abraham went with them for a little while to say goodbye. They went to a hill where they looked down at the town called Sodom.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 18:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּקֻ֤מוּ
מִ/שָּׁם֙
הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
וַ/יַּשְׁקִ֖פוּ
עַל
פְּנֵ֣י
סְדֹ֑ם
וְ/אַ֨בְרָהָ֔ם
הֹלֵ֥ךְ
עִמָּ֖/ם
לְ/שַׁלְּחָֽ/ם
וַ/יָּקֻ֤מוּ
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִ/שָּׁם֙
shâm
H8033
there
Prep | Adv
הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-mp
וַ/יַּשְׁקִ֖פוּ
shâqaph
H8259
to look
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
סְדֹ֑ם
Çᵉdôm
H5467
Sodom
N-proper
וְ/אַ֨בְרָהָ֔ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
Conj | N-proper
הֹלֵ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
עִמָּ֖/ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
לְ/שַׁלְּחָֽ/ם
shâlach
H7971
to send
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 18:16
וַ/יָּקֻ֤מוּ
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
מִ/שָּׁם֙
shâm
H8033
"there"
Prep | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וַ/יַּשְׁקִ֖פוּ
shâqaph
H8259
"to look"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To look means to gaze or peep out, like looking out a window. It can also mean to overlook or gaze down, as in Psalm 14 where God looks down on humanity to see their ways.
Definition: 1) to overlook, look down or out, overhang, look out and down 1a) (Niphal) to lean over (and look), look down 1b) (Hiphil) to look down, look down upon
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: appear, look (down, forth, out). See also: Genesis 18:16; 2 Kings 9:30; Psalms 14:2.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
סְדֹ֑ם
Çᵉdôm
H5467
"Sodom"
N-proper
Sodom was a city near the Dead Sea, known for its wickedness and corruption. According to the book of Genesis, God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah as a judgment for their sins. The city has become a symbol of evil and immorality.
Definition: Sodom = "burning" a Canaanite city, usually paired with Gomorrah, located in the area of the Dead Sea and the Jordan river; both cities destroyed by God in judgment Also named: Sodoma (Σόδομα "Sodom" G4670)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: Sodom. See also: Genesis 10:19; Genesis 19:28; Isaiah 1:9.
וְ/אַ֨בְרָהָ֔ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
Conj | N-proper
Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.
הֹלֵ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
עִמָּ֖/ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
לְ/שַׁלְּחָֽ/ם
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
Study Notes — Genesis 18:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 18:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:16
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:16
- Sermons on Genesis 18:16
Context — Abraham Intercedes for Sodom
14Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.”
15But Sarah was afraid, so she denied it and said, “I did not laugh.” “No,” replied the LORD, “but you did laugh.”
16When the men got up to leave, they looked out over Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them off.
17And the LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? 18Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and through him all the nations of the earth will be blessed.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 15:3 | Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers. |
| 2 | Acts 21:5 | But when our time there had ended, we set out on our journey. All the disciples, with their wives and children, accompanied us out of the city and knelt down on the beach to pray with us. |
| 3 | Acts 20:38 | They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship. |
| 4 | Romans 15:24 | I hope to see you on my way to Spain. And after I have enjoyed your company for a while, you can equip me for my journey. |
| 5 | 3 John 1:6 | They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. |
Genesis 18:16 Summary
[In this verse, Abraham is showing kindness and respect to the men who came to visit him, by walking with them to see them off. This demonstrates Abraham's hospitality and generosity, as seen in Genesis 18:1-8, where he provided food and shelter for the men. The Lord values such actions, as mentioned in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus teaches that serving others is equivalent to serving Him. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, just like Abraham did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the men look out over Sodom as they were leaving?
The men looked out over Sodom because the Lord was about to destroy the city, as mentioned in Genesis 18:17, and they were likely surveying the area to understand the extent of the impending judgment.
Who were the men that Abraham walked with to see them off?
The men were likely angels, as implied in Genesis 18:1-2, where the Lord appeared to Abraham with two angels, and in Genesis 19:1, where the two angels arrived in Sodom.
What can we learn from Abraham's actions in this verse?
Abraham's actions demonstrate his hospitality and respect for his guests, as seen in Genesis 18:1-8, where he provided food and shelter for the men, and in Genesis 18:16, where he walked with them to see them off, showing that he valued their presence and their message from the Lord.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Genesis 18?
This verse serves as a transition from the conversation between Abraham and the Lord, where the Lord announced the birth of Isaac, as seen in Genesis 18:14, to the Lord's decision to inform Abraham about the impending judgment on Sodom, as mentioned in Genesis 18:17-18.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from Abraham's example of hospitality and respect for others, and how can I apply it in my own life?
- How can I, like Abraham, cultivate a deeper relationship with the Lord and be more attentive to His presence and message in my life?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my trust in the Lord's sovereignty and timing, as Abraham did when he was told about the birth of Isaac and the judgment on Sodom?
- How can I balance my desire to know what the Lord is doing with the understanding that some things are not for me to know, as seen in Genesis 18:17?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:16
And the men rose up from thence,.... From their seats at Abraham's table under the tree, all three of them: and looked toward Sodom; set their faces and steered their course that way, by which it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:16
And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. Men rose ... Abraham went with them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:16
A civility usual then and afterwards. See 21:5 .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:16
Genesis 18:16 And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.Ver. 16. To bring them on the way.] A special piece of courtesy, and much spoken of in Scripture.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:16
(16) The men . . . looked toward Sodom.—This visitation of God combined mercy and love for Abraham, and through him for all mankind, with the punishment of men whose wickedness was so universal that there were none left among them to bear witness for God, and labour for a better state of things. There is a strange mingling of the human and the Divine in the narrative. Even after the fuller manifestation of themselves they are still called men, and Abraham continues to discharge the ordinary duties of hospitality by accompanying them as their guide. Their route would lie to the south-east, over the hill-country of Judah, and tradition represents Abraham as having gone with them as far as the village of Caphar-Barucha, whence it is possible through a deep ravine to see the Dead Sea.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:16
Verse 16. Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.] This was another piece of primitive hospitality - to direct strangers in the way. Public roads did not then exist and guides were essentially necessary in countries where villages were seldom to be met with, and where solitary dwellings did not exist.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:16
16–33. Colloquy of Jehovah with Abraham, &c. (J.) 16. looked toward Sodom] The idea is that of directing the gaze from an eminence. A view of the Dead Sea is to be obtained from the hills in the neighbourhood of Hebron: cf. Genesis 19:28. The LXX and Lat. add “and Gomorrah” after “Sodom.” to bring them on the way] See note on Genesis 12:20.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:16
ABRAHAM’S FOR SODOM, Genesis 18:16-33. 16. Rose up — As travellers about to depart. Looked toward Sodom — Hebrews, looked on the face of Sodom. Turned their faces in that direction.
Sermons on Genesis 18:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 19:28 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the sinfulness of engaging in homosexuality and labels it as a sin. He refers to the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 as an importan |
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(Genesis) Genesis 17 Intro by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the seven tests that God gave to Abraham. The first test was when God called Abraham out of his home in Ur of the Chaldees, and although Abrah |
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(Easter Convention 2008) Prayer in the Old Testament - Part 1 by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a man who was completely broken and wept for nine hours before experiencing a transformation. The speaker then challenges the |
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(South West Baptist Church 2008) Old Testament Prayer by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a personal experience with his daughter who had a near-death encounter with a stallion. He shares how he prayed fervently during that time and |
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Becoming a Friend of God by Brian Long | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obedience rooted in faith and motivated by love. He highlights the need to examine our actions and motivations, not just f |
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Lot, the Backslider by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking for prayers for himself and his family, as they are constantly battling against Satan. He emphasizes the need for balance in understand |
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Abraham Friend of God - Abraham, the Generous Host by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Genesis chapter 18 and highlights three scenes. The first scene depicts Abraham as the host and Jehovah as his guest. Abraham goes above and |