Genesis 18:26
Genesis 18:26 in Multiple Translations
So the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom, on their account I will spare the whole place.”
And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.
And Jehovah said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sake.
And the Lord said, If there are fifty upright men in the town, I will have mercy on it because of them.
“If I find fifty good people in Sodom, I'll spare the whole town because of them,” the Lord replied.
And the Lord answered, If I shall finde in Sodom fiftie righteous within the citie, then will I spare all the place for their sakes.
And Jehovah saith, 'If I find in Sodom fifty righteous in the midst of the city, then have I borne with all the place for their sake.'
The LORD said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place for their sake.”
And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.
And the Lord said to him: If I find in Sodom fifty just within the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.
Yahweh replied, “If I find 50 righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the whole place/city for their sake.”
God said, “If I find 50 good people in Sodom, I will not finish up that town. I will save that town so that I can save those 50 good people.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:26
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 18:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
יְהוָ֔ה
אִם
אֶמְצָ֥א
בִ/סְדֹ֛ם
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
צַדִּיקִ֖ם
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
הָ/עִ֑יר
וְ/נָשָׂ֥אתִי
לְ/כָל
הַ/מָּק֖וֹם
בַּ/עֲבוּרָֽ/ם
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אֶמְצָ֥א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
בִ/סְדֹ֛ם
Çᵉdôm
H5467
Sodom
Prep | N-proper
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
chămishshîym
H2572
fifty
Adj
צַדִּיקִ֖ם
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
הָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
וְ/נָשָׂ֥אתִי
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
הַ/מָּק֖וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Art | N-ms
בַּ/עֲבוּרָֽ/ם
ʻâbûwr
H5668
for the sake of
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 18:26
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
יְהוָ֔ה
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.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אֶמְצָ֥א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
בִ/סְדֹ֛ם
Çᵉdôm
H5467
"Sodom"
Prep | 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.
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
chămishshîym
H2572
"fifty"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number fifty, used in various biblical contexts like measurements and quantities. It appears in Leviticus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) fifty 1a) fifty (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of fifty (with other numbers) 1c) fiftieth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: fifty. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:2; Isaiah 3:3.
צַדִּיקִ֖ם
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
הָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וְ/נָשָׂ֥אתִי
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/מָּק֖וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Art | N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
בַּ/עֲבוּרָֽ/ם
ʻâbûwr
H5668
"for the sake of"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means for the sake of or because of something, like in Genesis when God acts on account of his people's needs. It shows a reason or purpose behind an action. The KJV often translates it as because of or for someone's sake.
Definition: prep 1) for the sake of, on account of, because of, in order to conj 2) in order that
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: because of, for (...'s sake), (intent) that, to. See also: Genesis 3:17; 2 Samuel 5:12; Psalms 105:45.
Study Notes — Genesis 18:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Abraham Intercedes for Sodom
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?
25Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
26So the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom, on their account I will spare the whole place.”
27Then Abraham answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes— 28suppose the fifty righteous ones lack five. Will You destroy the whole city for the lack of five?” He replied, “If I find forty-five there, I will not destroy it.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 5:1 | “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem. Look now and take note; search her squares. If you can find a single person, anyone who acts justly, anyone who seeks the truth, then I will forgive the city. |
| 2 | Matthew 24:22 | If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short. |
| 3 | Isaiah 65:8 | This is what the LORD says: “As the new wine is found in a cluster of grapes, and men say, ‘Do not destroy it, for it contains a blessing,’ so I will act on behalf of My servants; I will not destroy them all. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | Isaiah 6:13 | And though a tenth remains in the land, it will be burned again. As the terebinth and oak leave stumps when felled, so the holy seed will be a stump in the land.” |
| 6 | Isaiah 10:22 | Though your people, O Israel, be like the sand of the sea, only a remnant will return. Destruction has been decreed, overflowing with righteousness. |
| 7 | Isaiah 19:24 | In that day Israel will join a three-party alliance with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing upon the earth. |
Genesis 18:26 Summary
This verse shows that God is a merciful and just God who wants to spare people from destruction, as seen in Genesis 18:26. If He finds fifty righteous people in a city, He will spare the whole city for their sake. This means that God values the lives of those who follow Him and wants to show them mercy, similar to what is written in Psalm 103:8. It's a reminder that our actions and choices can have a big impact on those around us, and that God is always looking for people who will stand up for what is right, as seen in Proverbs 10:25.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Lord to 'find' fifty righteous ones in Sodom?
This means that God will look for people in Sodom who are living according to His will and are righteous in His sight, as seen in Genesis 18:26, and spare the city for their sake, similar to what is written in Ezekiel 22:30.
Is the number fifty symbolic or literal?
The number fifty in Genesis 18:26 is likely a literal number that the Lord uses to test Abraham's faith and to demonstrate His mercy, as seen in the subsequent negotiation in Genesis 18:28-32.
Does this verse imply that the righteous can save the wicked?
This verse suggests that the presence of righteous people can have a positive impact on a community, as seen in Genesis 18:26, but it does not imply that the righteous can save the wicked, as salvation comes through faith in God alone, as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse demonstrates God's mercy and justice, as He is willing to spare a city for the sake of a few righteous people, as seen in Genesis 18:26, which is consistent with His character as described in Psalm 86:15 and Exodus 34:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- What would it mean for me to be a 'righteous one' in my own community, and how can I live out my faith in a way that honors God?
- How can I, like Abraham, intercede for others and plead for God's mercy and justice in my prayers?
- In what ways can I be a positive influence on those around me, and how can I use my presence to bring glory to God?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate God's love and mercy to those who may not know Him, and how can I be a beacon of hope in my community?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:26
If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city,.... Sodom is particularly mentioned because Lot dwelt there, and being the metropolis, and the city of greatest note, as Jarchi observes, it is put
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:26
Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:26
Genesis 18:26 And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.Ver. 26. If I find fifty righteous.] The saints are the salt of the earth, that keep the rest from rotting and putrifying.
Sermons on Genesis 18:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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I Am Thy Strength and Shield - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher describes a scene of immorality and sin in the world, with prostitutes and drug users. However, he emphasizes that these things do not move or concern |
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Go "In the Spirit" by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the power of prayer and intercession, illustrating how one person's prayers can impact entire nations. He reflects on Abraham's negotiation with God rega |
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Humble Souls by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that humble souls are closest to God, experiencing profound communion and clarity in their vision of both God's glory and their own sinfulness. He illustra |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:1-1:8 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Daniel and its relevance to the end times. The book is divided into two parts: the first six chapters are historical and the last |
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Breaking the Yoke by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of crossing the line with God. He emphasizes that there comes a point when even the prayers of righteous individuals like Job, Da |
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Zadok and Abaithar Priesthoods - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a Bible preacher and encourages others to do the same. He highlights the power of using both the eye and ear to conv |
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To Live Is Christ, to Die Is Gain (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for more zeal and a fresh Bible study in the lives of believers. He describes a vision that the prophet Jeremiah had, where he saw |