Genesis 18:31
Genesis 18:31 in Multiple Translations
And Abraham said, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord, suppose twenty are found there?” He answered, “On account of the twenty, I will not destroy it.”
And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake.
And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for the twenty’s sake.
And he said, See now, I have undertaken to put my thoughts before the Lord: what if there are twenty there? And he said, I will have mercy because of the twenty.
“I admit I've been very bold to speak to my Lord like this,” Abraham said. “What if only twenty are found there?” “I won't do it for the sake of the twenty,” the Lord replied.
Moreouer he said, Behold, now I haue begonne to speake vnto my Lord, What if twentie be founde there? And he answered, I will not destroy it for twenties sake.
And he saith, 'Lo, I pray thee, I have willed to speak unto the Lord: peradventure there are found there twenty?' and He saith, 'I do not destroy [it], because of the twenty.'
He said, “See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord. What if there are twenty found there?” He said, “I will not destroy it for the twenty’s sake.”
And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak to the LORD: Peradventure there will be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake.
Seeing, saith he, I have once begun, I will speak to my Lord. What if twenty be found there? He said: I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty.
Abraham said, “I should not be bold and speak to you like this, God. But what will you do if you find that there are only 20 righteous people there?” He replied, “I will not destroy the whole city, for the sake of those 20.”
Then Abraham said, “I know that I am being brave to talk to God like this, but what if you find only 20 good people in that town?” God said, “If I find 20 good people there, I will not finish up that town.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:31
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 18:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
הִנֵּֽה
נָ֤א
הוֹאַ֨לְתִּי֙
לְ/דַבֵּ֣ר
אֶל
אֲדֹנָ֔/י
אוּלַ֛י
יִמָּצְא֥וּ/ן
שָׁ֖ם
עֶשְׂרִ֑ים
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
לֹ֣א
אַשְׁחִ֔ית
בַּ/עֲב֖וּר
הָֽ/עֶשְׂרִֽים
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הִנֵּֽה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
נָ֤א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
הוֹאַ֨לְתִּי֙
yâʼal
H2974
be willing
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
לְ/דַבֵּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֲדֹנָ֔/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
אוּלַ֛י
ʼûwlay
H194
perhaps
Adv
יִמָּצְא֥וּ/ן
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
עֶשְׂרִ֑ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Adj
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אַשְׁחִ֔ית
shâchath
H7843
to ruin
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
בַּ/עֲב֖וּר
ʻâbûwr
H5668
for the sake of
Prep | N-ms
הָֽ/עֶשְׂרִֽים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 18:31
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
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.
הִנֵּֽה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
נָ֤א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
הוֹאַ֨לְתִּי֙
yâʼal
H2974
"be willing"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
To be willing or undertake something is the meaning of this word. It involves agreeing to or showing willingness to do something, like accepting an invitation or resolving to take action.
Definition: 1) to begin, make a beginning, show willingness, undertake to do, be pleased, be determined 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to agree to, show willingness, acquiesce, accept an invitation, be willing 1a2) to undertake 1a3) to resolve, be pleased, be determined
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: assay, begin, be content, please, take upon, [idiom] willingly, would. See also: Genesis 18:27; Judges 19:6; Hosea 5:11.
לְ/דַבֵּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֲדֹנָ֔/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
אוּלַ֛י
ʼûwlay
H194
"perhaps"
Adv
Ulay means perhaps or if not, used to express uncertainty or doubt. It appears in various forms, such as peradventure or unless. It helps to convey tentative ideas.
Definition: 1) perhaps, peradventure 2) if peradventure 3) unless 4) suppose
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: if so be, may be, peradventure, unless. See also: Genesis 16:2; 1 Samuel 14:6; Isaiah 37:4.
יִמָּצְא֥וּ/ן
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
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.
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
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.
עֶשְׂרִ֑ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
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.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אַשְׁחִ֔ית
shâchath
H7843
"to ruin"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.
Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)
Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.
בַּ/עֲב֖וּר
ʻâbûwr
H5668
"for the sake of"
Prep | N-ms
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.
הָֽ/עֶשְׂרִֽים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Art | Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
Study Notes — Genesis 18:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Abraham Intercedes for Sodom
29Once again Abraham spoke to the LORD, “Suppose forty are found there?” He answered, “On account of the forty, I will not do it.”
30Then Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak further. Suppose thirty are found there?” He replied, “If I find thirty there, I will not do it.”
31And Abraham said, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord, suppose twenty are found there?” He answered, “On account of the twenty, I will not destroy it.”
32Finally, Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak once more. Suppose ten are found there?” And He answered, “On account of the ten, I will not destroy it.” 33When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, He departed, and Abraham returned home.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 11:8 | I tell you, even though he will not get up to provide for him because of his friendship, yet because of the man’s persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. |
| 2 | Genesis 18:27 | Then Abraham answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes— |
| 3 | Luke 18:1 | Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: |
| 4 | Matthew 7:11 | So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! |
| 5 | Matthew 7:7 | Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. |
| 6 | Ephesians 6:18 | Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. |
| 7 | Hebrews 10:20–22 | by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. |
| 8 | Hebrews 4:16 | Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. |
Genesis 18:31 Summary
Genesis 18:31 shows us that God is a merciful and loving God who wants to spare people from judgment, as Abraham negotiates with Him to save the city of Sodom. Abraham's prayers and concerns for the people of Sodom demonstrate the importance of caring for others and seeking God's mercy, as seen in Psalm 103:8-14. This verse also reminds us that even a small number of righteous people can make a big difference, and that God is willing to listen to our prayers and respond with mercy, as mentioned in 1 John 5:14-15. By looking at Abraham's example, we can learn to be bold and persistent in our prayers, trusting in God's love and mercy to guide us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Abraham's negotiations with God in Genesis 18:31?
Abraham's negotiations with God demonstrate his concern for the people of Sodom and his desire to see them spared from judgment, as seen in Genesis 18:23-33, and it also shows God's mercy and willingness to listen to the prayers of His people, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
Why did Abraham stop at ten righteous people in his negotiations with God?
The Bible does not explicitly state why Abraham stopped at ten, but it may be because he realized that even a small number of righteous people could be a powerful influence for good, as seen in the example of Lot in Sodom, and it also shows Abraham's humility in recognizing the limitations of his own knowledge and God's sovereignty, as mentioned in Romans 11:33-36.
Does Genesis 18:31 suggest that God's judgment is based solely on the number of righteous people in a given area?
No, Genesis 18:31 does not suggest that God's judgment is based solely on numbers, but rather it highlights God's mercy and desire to spare people from judgment, as seen in Ezekiel 33:11, and it also emphasizes the importance of righteousness and obedience to God's laws, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
How does Genesis 18:31 relate to the concept of prayer and intercession?
Genesis 18:31 shows the power of prayer and intercession, as Abraham's prayers and negotiations with God have a direct impact on the fate of Sodom, and it also illustrates the importance of persistent and bold prayer, as encouraged in Luke 11:5-13 and James 5:16-18.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from Abraham's example about the importance of praying for others and seeking God's mercy?
- How can I apply the principles of Genesis 18:31 to my own life and prayers, particularly in situations where I feel overwhelmed or powerless?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character and His desire to show mercy and compassion to those who are righteous?
- In what ways can I, like Abraham, be a voice of prayer and intercession for those around me who may be facing judgment or difficulty?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:31
And he said, behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord,.... [See comments on Genesis 18:27]: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there; wouldest thou destroy it, such a number
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:31
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 18:31
Genesis 18:31 And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy [it] for twenty’ s sake.Ver. 31. Behold now, I have taken upon me.]
Sermons on Genesis 18:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Removing the Stumbling Blocks - Part 2 by Dan Augsburger | This sermon emphasizes the importance of persisting in prayer and praising God in all circumstances. It shares stories from the Bible, like Hannah's persistence in prayer for a chi |
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Day 147, Luke 11 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing what is most important in our prayers and desiring that our Father's name be hallowed. He de |
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Letter 198. by James Bourne | James Bourne emphasizes the importance of waiting upon the Lord, sharing personal experiences of carrying burdens and finding solace in God's promises. Through meditating on Psalms |
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Finishing the Course - 03 the Ministry of the Holy Spirit by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being free from the opinions of men and instead being open to the influence of the Holy Spirit. He highlights how in the Ol |
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Abraham's Prayer by Bill Barratt | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Abraham's prayer for the city of Sodom and Gomorrah. The speaker uses the analogy of knocks on his door to illustrate different |
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Elijah, Elisha and Ezekiel by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the humility and faithfulness of biblical figures like Elijah, Elisha, Ezekiel, Abraham, Job, and Moses. Despite their great honor and righteousness, the |
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Homily 72 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about Jesus' teachings to the multitudes and His disciples, emphasizing the importance of following God's commandments despite the hypocrisy of the religio |