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Genesis 18:17

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Genesis 18:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And the LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?

King James Version KJV

And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehovah said, Shall I hide from Abraham that which I do;

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord said, Am I to keep back from Abraham the knowledge of what I do;

Free Bible Version FBV

Then the Lord said, “Should I keep from Abraham what I'm going to do?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I doe,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Jehovah said, 'Am I concealing from Abraham that which I am doing,

World English Bible WEB

The LORD said, “Will I hide from Abraham what I do,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Lord said: Can I hide from Abraham what I am about to do:

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh thought to himself, “It is not right for me to prevent Abraham from knowing what I plan to do [RHQ].

Plain English Version PEV

God said, “Maybe I will tell Abraham what I am going to do.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:17

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 18:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַֽ/יהֹוָ֖ה אָמָ֑ר הַֽ/מְכַסֶּ֤ה אֲנִי֙ מֵֽ/אַבְרָהָ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֖ר אֲנִ֥י עֹשֶֽׂה
וַֽ/יהֹוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Conj | N-proper
אָמָ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הַֽ/מְכַסֶּ֤ה kâçâh H3680 to cover Part | V-Piel
אֲנִי֙ ʼănîy H589 I Pron
מֵֽ/אַבְרָהָ֔ם ʼAbrâhâm H85 Abraham Prep | N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
אֲנִ֥י ʼănîy H589 I Pron
עֹשֶֽׂה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 18:17

וַֽ/יהֹוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Conj | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אָמָ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַֽ/מְכַסֶּ֤ה kâçâh H3680 "to cover" Part | V-Piel
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
אֲנִי֙ ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
מֵֽ/אַבְרָהָ֔ם ʼAbrâhâm H85 "Abraham" Prep | 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.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אֲנִ֥י ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
עֹשֶֽׂה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

Study Notes — Genesis 18:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.
2 Psalms 25:14 The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them.
3 John 15:15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.
4 James 2:23 And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God.
5 Genesis 19:24 Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens.
6 2 Kings 4:27 When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she clung to his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for her soul is in deep distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.”
7 2 Chronicles 20:7 Our God, did You not drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham Your friend?

Genesis 18:17 Summary

[In Genesis 18:17, God asks if He should hide His plans from Abraham, showing that God values Abraham's trust and wants to involve him in His plans. This is because Abraham has demonstrated his faith and obedience to God, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3. God wants to share His plans with those who are faithful to Him, like Abraham, and this is a great example for us to follow (Proverbs 3:5-6). By trusting and obeying God, we can also experience a deeper relationship with Him and be involved in His plans.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does God ask if He should hide His plans from Abraham in Genesis 18:17?

God asks this question because He values Abraham's trust and wants to involve him in His plans, as seen in Genesis 18:17-19, where God shares His intentions with Abraham and explains why He has chosen him.

What is God about to do that He is considering sharing with Abraham?

God is about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, as mentioned in Genesis 18:20-21 and Genesis 19:1-29, and He wants to inform Abraham of His plans before taking action.

Does God always share His plans with His people?

No, God does not always share His plans with His people, but in this case, He chooses to involve Abraham because of his faith and obedience, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 15:1-6.

What can we learn from God's decision to share His plans with Abraham?

We can learn that God values transparency and trust with those who are faithful to Him, as seen in Genesis 18:17-19 and Proverbs 3:5-6, and that He desires to involve us in His plans when we demonstrate our trust in Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's question in Genesis 18:17 reveal about His character and relationship with Abraham?
  2. How does God's decision to share His plans with Abraham demonstrate His trust in him?
  3. What can I learn from Abraham's example about being a person of faith and obedience to God?
  4. In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God, like Abraham, so that God can share His plans with me?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:17

And the Lord said,.... Either unto Abraham himself, so leading on to what he was about to make known to him; and without supposing this it will be difficult to account for Abraham's intercession for

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:17

And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; The Lord said - the chief stranger.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:17

q.d. I will not, cannot hide it; it is against the laws of friendship to conceal my secrets from him. The interrogation here is in effect a negation, as elsewhere. Compare , with ; and , with . See also .

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:17

Genesis 18:17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;Ver. 17. Shall I hide from Abraham?] My bosom friend. He shall be both of God’ s court, and his council. His "secret is with them that fear him". The kings of Israel had some one courtier, called the king’ s friend by a specialty, to whom they imparted arcana imperii , state secrets. Such an office had Abraham about God, who calls him "Abraham my friend." See what our Saviour saith to all his, John 15:15. "This honour have all his saints."

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:17

Verse 17. Shall I hide from Abraham] That is, I will not hide. A common mode of speech in Scripture - a question asked when an affirmative is designed. Do men gather grapes of thorns? Men do not gather grapes of thorns, &c.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:17

17. And the Lord said] i.e. within Himself: cf. Genesis 20:11, “I thought,” lit. “I said.” Shall I hide from Abraham] With the thought of this verse, cf. Amos 3:6-7, “shall evil befall a city, and the Lord hath not done it? Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” Here Jehovah purposes to reveal His intention to Abraham on account of his position as one who was in covenant relation, and the recipient of the promise (Genesis 18:18).’

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:17

17. Shall I hide… which I do — Here, again, Jehovah speaks in his own name and person, and the style of the narrative gives a lifelike reality to every circumstance. How like a bosom friend he speaks!

Sermons on Genesis 18:17

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson (Zambia) the Cry of Sodom and Gomorrah by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of caring for the poor and neglected in the community. He references James 2:5, which speaks about the neglect of the poor. T
David Wilkerson The Cry of Sodom and Gomorrah by David Wilkerson In this sermon, Pastor David Wilkerson addresses the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah and its relevance in today's society. He emphasizes the need for believers to have a deep understandi
Denny Kenaston (Godly Home) Part 22 - Where Are the Men by Denny Kenaston In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a situation where a group of people were hesitant to take on a leadership role. He emphasizes the importance of having the spirit of God wit
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 18:17-21 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Abraham and how God revealed his plans to him regarding the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The preacher emphasizes that God
Alan Bartley A Carnival Near Hell! by Alan Bartley In this sermon, the preacher talks about the power of revival and how it can transform lives. He shares a story from chapter 19 of the Bible where two angels were sent by God to do
Derek Prince Husbands and Fathers - Part 4 by Derek Prince This sermon emphasizes the role of fathers as spiritual leaders in their families, drawing insights from the story of Paul and the jailer in Philippi, the responsibilities of fathe
Robert Murray M'Cheyne The Sickness, Death and Resurrection of Lazarus 1 of 4 (Reading) by Robert Murray M'Cheyne In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jesus and his disciples on the Sea of Galilee. He emphasizes the importance of faith and how it is tested in times of trials. Th
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