Genesis 18:22
Genesis 18:22 in Multiple Translations
And the two men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD.
And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
And the men turned from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before Jehovah.
And the men, turning from that place, went on to Sodom: but Abraham was still waiting before the Lord.
The two men turned and went towards Sodom, but the Lord stayed there with Abraham.
And the men turned thence and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stoode yet before the Lord.
and the men turn from thence, and go towards Sodom; and Abraham is yet standing before Jehovah.
The men turned from there, and went toward Sodom, but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
And the men turned their faces from thence, and went towards Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
And they turned themselves from thence, and went their way to Sodom: but Abraham as yet stood before the Lord.
Then the two men turned and started walking toward Sodom. But Yahweh remained, standing in front of Abraham.
Then the other 2 men turned and walked towards Sodom. They left Abraham standing in front of God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:22
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 18:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּפְנ֤וּ
מִ/שָּׁם֙
הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
וַ/יֵּלְכ֖וּ
סְדֹ֑מָ/ה
וְ/אַ֨בְרָהָ֔ם
עוֹדֶ֥/נּוּ
עֹמֵ֖ד
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יִּפְנ֤וּ
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִ/שָּׁם֙
shâm
H8033
there
Prep | Adv
הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-mp
וַ/יֵּלְכ֖וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
סְדֹ֑מָ/ה
Çᵉdôm
H5467
Sodom
N-proper | Suff
וְ/אַ֨בְרָהָ֔ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
Conj | N-proper
עוֹדֶ֥/נּוּ
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv | Suff
עֹמֵ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 18:22
וַ/יִּפְנ֤וּ
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
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/יֵּלְכ֖וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 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) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
סְדֹ֑מָ/ה
Çᵉdôm
H5467
"Sodom"
N-proper | Suff
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.
עוֹדֶ֥/נּוּ
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv | Suff
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
עֹמֵ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | 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.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 18:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 18:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:22
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:22
- Sermons on Genesis 18:22
Context — Abraham Intercedes for Sodom
20Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Because their sin is so grievous,
21I will go down to see if their actions fully justify the outcry that has reached Me. If not, I will find out.”
22And the two men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD.
23Abraham stepped forward and said, “Will You really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24What if there are fifty righteous ones in the city? Will You really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous ones who are there?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 19:1 | Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown, |
| 2 | Acts 7:55 | But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 22:30 | I searched for a man among them to repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I should not destroy it. But I found no one. |
| 4 | Psalms 106:23 | So He said He would destroy them— had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach to divert His wrath from destroying them. |
| 5 | 1 Timothy 2:1 | First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— |
| 6 | Jeremiah 18:20 | Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them. |
| 7 | Genesis 18:1–2 | Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 15:1 | Then the LORD said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before Me, My heart would not go out to this people. Send them from My presence, and let them go. |
| 9 | Genesis 18:16 | When the men got up to leave, they looked out over Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them off. |
Genesis 18:22 Summary
In this verse, we see Abraham standing before the LORD, waiting to talk to Him about the fate of Sodom. This shows that Abraham has a close relationship with God and is not afraid to ask Him questions or plead for others. The fact that the two men, who were angels, went toward Sodom while Abraham stayed with the LORD, highlights the importance of interceding for others, as also seen in Ezekiel 22:30. Abraham's actions demonstrate his trust in God's character and his desire to see justice and mercy extended to those who are righteous, as the LORD later explains in Genesis 18:25-33.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the two men turn away and go toward Sodom?
The two men, who were angels, turned away and went toward Sodom to investigate the sin of the city, as the LORD had mentioned in Genesis 18:21, while Abraham remained to intercede for the city, as seen in Genesis 18:23-24.
What does it mean that Abraham remained standing before the LORD?
Abraham remaining standing before the LORD indicates his willingness to humble himself and intercede on behalf of others, as seen in his subsequent conversation with God in Genesis 18:23-24, demonstrating his faith and trust in the LORD's character, similar to Moses' intercession in Exodus 32:11-14.
Is this verse suggesting that the LORD is physically present with Abraham?
This verse implies that the LORD is indeed present with Abraham, as Abraham is able to stand before Him and converse with Him, highlighting the personal and relational nature of God, as seen in other verses like Genesis 3:8 and Exodus 33:11.
What can we learn from Abraham's actions in this verse?
Abraham's actions demonstrate his courage, humility, and faith, as he is willing to stand before the LORD and intercede for others, serving as an example for believers to follow, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and Hebrews 7:25.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to 'stand before the LORD' in my own life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of God's presence?
- How can I, like Abraham, balance my concern for the welfare of others with my trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 9:14-24?
- What are some ways I can intercede for others, like Abraham did for Sodom, and how can I make this a regular part of my prayer life, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:18?
- In what ways can I demonstrate courage and humility, like Abraham, in my interactions with God and others, as seen in Micah 6:8?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:22
And the men turned their faces from thence,.... From the place to which Abraham brought them on; these were only two of them, for the third continued with Abraham: and went towards Sodom; and are the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:22
And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD. The men ... went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the Lord.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:22
And the men, i.e. two of them; for the third staid with Abraham, as it here follows. Before the Lord, the third of these persons, whom now he perceived to be the Lord himself, who had assumed a human shape.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:22
Genesis 18:22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.Ver. 22. Abraham stood yet before the Lord.] And without such to stand and pray, the world could not stand: they bear up the pillars of it. Oh, the price with God, and profit to men, of praying persons! God will yield something to such, when most of all enraged or resolved. Lot was saved for Abraham’ s sake, when all the rest perished.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:22
(22) Abraham stood yet before the Lord (before Jehovah).—The two angels went on their way in form as men, towards Sodom, but the one who was a manifestation of Jehovah (Genesis 18:13; Genesis 18:17) remained behind.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:22
Verse 22. And the men turned their faces] That is, the two angels who accompanied Jehovah were now sent towards Sodom; while the third, who is called the LORD or Jehovah, remained with Abraham for the purpose of teaching him the great usefulness and importance of faith and prayer.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:22
22. And the men turned] There is nothing definitely to shew that all three Angels are not here intended. But, as the passage stands, Jehovah here separates Himself from the two Angels mentioned in Genesis 19:1. Abraham stood yet] Standing is the posture of prayer and intercession. The dialogue (1) emphasizes Abraham’s intimacy with Jehovah, (2) heightens expectation of the catastrophe. The Massoretic note on this verse suggests that the original reading ran “and Jehovah stood yet before Abraham,” and that this was altered for reverential reasons. The alteration was included in the list of the so-called Tikkun Sopherim, or “Corrections of the Scribes.” The versions, however, shew no uncertainty as to the reading. Targum of Onkelos has “And Abraham still ministered in prayer before the Lord.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:22
22. The men turned… and went — Two of them thus turned away to Sodom, as we gather from Genesis 19:1, and the added statement that Abraham stood yet before the Lord.
Sermons on Genesis 18:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 17:19-27 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and God's promise to him. God assures Abraham that he will have a son, Isaac, and that through him, a great nation will |
|
Personal Revival by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker addresses various topics related to the church and society. He mentions the challenges faced in delivering sermons and the complaints about their length |
|
Circumcision by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the Institution of the Covenant of Circumcision as described in Genesis, Chapter 17, Verse 9. He begins by describing how the Lord appe |
|
Call for the End Times! by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, Basil E. Shlink emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call to give Him glory in our daily lives. He references Revelation 14:7, where a mighty angel proc |
|
Abraham, Intercessor by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the role of Abraham as an intercessor, illustrating how true strength in faith is intertwined with fervent prayer. He reflects on the importance of hum |
|
Ezekiel's Temple and You by Richard E. Bieber | Richard E. Bieber preaches about the importance of being a vessel of God's mercy, love, and life, drawing parallels between the Dead Sea and the ruins of Sodom and Gomorrah to emph |
|
Continue in Prayer by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of consistent and fervent prayer, drawing examples from Anna, Abraham, Jacob, and Jesus to illustrate the power and necessity of perseve |