Genesis 18:4
Genesis 18:4 in Multiple Translations
Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.
Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
let now a little water be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
Let me get water for washing your feet, and take your rest under the tree:
Let me have some water brought so you can wash your feet and rest under the tree.
Let a litle water, I pray you, be brought, and wash your feete, and rest your selues vnder the tree.
let, I pray thee, a little water be accepted, and wash your feet, and recline under the tree;
Now let a little water be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.
Let a little water, I pray you, be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
But I will fetch a little water, and wash ye your feet, and rest ye under the tree.
Allow my servants to bring a little water and wash your feet, and rest under this tree.
I will get a work-man to bring water so that you can wash your feet, and then you can rest in the shade of this tree.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:4
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 18:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֻקַּֽח
נָ֣א
מְעַט
מַ֔יִם
וְ/רַחֲצ֖וּ
רַגְלֵי/כֶ֑ם
וְ/הִֽשָּׁעֲנ֖וּ
תַּ֥חַת
הָ/עֵֽץ
יֻקַּֽח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Q-Juss-3ms
נָ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
מְעַט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
little
N-ms
מַ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
וְ/רַחֲצ֖וּ
râchats
H7364
to wash
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
רַגְלֵי/כֶ֑ם
regel
H7272
foot
N-fd | Suff
וְ/הִֽשָּׁעֲנ֖וּ
shâʻan
H8172
to lean
Conj | V-Niphal-Impv-2mp
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
הָ/עֵֽץ
ʻêts
H6086
tree
Art | N-ms
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 18:4
יֻקַּֽח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Q-Juss-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
נָ֣א
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.
מְעַט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
"little"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
מַ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וְ/רַחֲצ֖וּ
râchats
H7364
"to wash"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
The Hebrew word for washing or bathing, used in Exodus 30:19 where priests had to wash their hands and feet before entering the temple. It means to clean or purify oneself, as seen in 2 Kings 5:10 where Elisha tells Naaman to wash in the Jordan River.
Definition: : wash 1) to wash, wash off, wash away, bathe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wash, wash off, wash away 1a2) to wash, bathe (oneself) 1b) (Pual) to be washed 1c) (Hithpael) to wash oneself 2a) (Hithpael Passive) to be regarded clean, trustworthy
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: bathe (self), wash (self). See also: Genesis 18:4; Leviticus 16:4; Psalms 26:6.
רַגְלֵי/כֶ֑ם
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
וְ/הִֽשָּׁעֲנ֖וּ
shâʻan
H8172
"to lean"
Conj | V-Niphal-Impv-2mp
To lean means to support oneself or trust in something, like God. In Psalm 37:7, it means to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. This concept is central to the biblical idea of trust and faith.
Definition: 1) to lean on, trust in, support 1a) (Niphal) to lean, lean upon, support oneself 1a1) of trust in God (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: lean, lie, rely, rest (on, self), stay. See also: Genesis 18:4; 2 Chronicles 16:8; Proverbs 3:5.
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
הָ/עֵֽץ
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
Study Notes — Genesis 18:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 18:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:4
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:4
- Sermons on Genesis 18:4
Context — The Three Visitors
2And 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.
3“My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by.
4Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.
5And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.” 6So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick! Prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 24:32 | So the man came to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and feed were brought to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of his companions. |
| 2 | Genesis 19:2 | and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” |
| 3 | Genesis 43:24 | And the steward took the men into Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet, and provided food for their donkeys. |
| 4 | Luke 7:44 | And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 25:41 | She arose, then bowed facedown and said, “Here is your maidservant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” |
| 6 | 1 Timothy 5:10 | and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work. |
| 7 | John 13:5–15 | After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him. He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “Never shall You wash my feet!” Peter told Him. Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not only my feet, but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus told him, “Whoever has already bathed needs only to wash his feet, and he will be completely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” For He knew who would betray Him. That is why He said, “Not all of you are clean.” When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, “Do you know what I have done for you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. |
Genesis 18:4 Summary
[Genesis 18:4 shows us that Abraham was a kind and generous man who wanted to take care of his visitors' needs. He offered them water to wash their feet and a place to rest under the tree. This act of hospitality is a great example for us to follow, just like Jesus taught in Matthew 25:31-46, where He says that serving others is the same as serving Him. By showing kindness and care to others, we can reflect the love and character of God, as seen in 1 John 4:7-12, where love is described as a fundamental aspect of God's nature.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of washing feet in Genesis 18:4?
In biblical times, washing feet was a common practice of hospitality, as seen in Genesis 18:4, where Abraham offers to wash the feet of his visitors, and also in Genesis 19:2 and Luke 7:44, where foot washing is a sign of respect and welcome.
Why did Abraham offer rest under the tree in Genesis 18:4?
Abraham's offer of rest under the tree was an act of kindness and hospitality, providing shade and comfort to his weary travelers, much like the rest promised in Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites believers to come to Him for rest.
Is Genesis 18:4 related to the concept of spiritual rest?
While Genesis 18:4 specifically refers to physical rest, the idea of rest is a recurring theme in the Bible, including spiritual rest, as seen in Hebrews 4:9-11, where believers are encouraged to enter into God's rest, and Psalm 116:7, where the psalmist finds rest in the Lord.
How does Genesis 18:4 demonstrate Abraham's character?
Genesis 18:4 showcases Abraham's kindness, generosity, and humility, as he quickly attends to the needs of his visitors, demonstrating a heart of hospitality and service, similar to the character of Jesus in John 13:1-17, where He washes the feet of His disciples.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show hospitality to others, just as Abraham did in Genesis 18:4?
- How can I, like Abraham, create a welcoming environment for those who come into my life?
- What are some things that prevent me from offering rest and refreshment to others, and how can I overcome these obstacles?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a servant's heart, as Abraham did in Genesis 18:4, and how might this impact those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:4
Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet,.... Which was very refreshing to travellers in hot countries, who walked barefoot or in sandals; and this he proposes to be done by one
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:4
Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: And rest yourselves under the tree , [Hebrew, wªhishaa`ªnuw (H8172)] - and recline, by stretching
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:4
A practice usual in those parts, 24:32 43:24 ,5 , because they used to travel either bare-footed, or only with sandals to cover and secure the bottom of their feet.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:4
Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:Ver. 4. And wash your feet.] Fouled with going barefoot; as in these parts men used to do, because of the great heat.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:4
(4) Wash your feet.—This is the first necessity of Oriental hospitality (Judges 19:21), not merely because the feet, protected only by sandals, are soiled by the dirt of the roads, but because it cools the whole body, and allays the feverishness caused by the heat of travelling. Thus refreshed they are “to rest,” Heb., to lay themselves down, in the shade.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:4
Verse 4. Let a little water - be fetched, and wash your feet, c.] In these verses we find a delightful picture of primitive hospitality. In those ancient times shoes such as ours were not in use and the foot was protected only by sandals or soles, which fastened round the foot with straps. It was therefore a great refreshment in so hot a country to get the feet washed at the end of a day's journey; and this is the first thing that Abraham proposes. Rest yourselves under the tree] We have already heard of the oak grove of Mamre, Genesis 12:6, and this was the second requisite for the refreshment of a weary traveller, viz., rest in the shade.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:4
4. wash your feet] Abraham’s offer of hospitable welcome is said to be a faithful representation of the reception of a traveller by an Eastern sheikh. Here we have its various aspects of (1) the courteous greeting; (2) the feet washing; (3) the repast and personal attendance by the host; (4) the escort on the road at departure. The washing of the feet is necessary for comfort as well as cleanliness in the East where sandals are worn. Cf. Genesis 19:2, Genesis 24:32, Genesis 43:24; Luke 7:44; John 13:14. rest yourselves under the tree] Abraham invites them to recline in the shade, while the meal is made ready. It does not necessarily indicate the posture at the meal. Judging from 1 Samuel 9:22; 1 Samuel 20:5, 1 Kings 13:20, a sitting posture was usual among the Israelites. Probably we should understand that, in this scene, as in Genesis 27:19, Judges 19:6, those who ate were seated on the ground, the food being placed in front of them.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:4
4. Wash your feet — Ablutions of all kinds are very common in the East, and considered essential as safeguards against the leprosy. But feet washing was among the most common rites of hospitality. Comp.
Sermons on Genesis 18:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Life of Abraham - Part 2 by John Hunter | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and his encounter with God. He emphasizes the importance of being in touch with God and having energy and vitality in o |
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Christians of Both Sexes by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of hospitality and service within the brotherhood, highlighting the care and provisions offered to travelers and guests, including the act |
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(Genesis) Genesis 24:32-35 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the relationship between Christ and the Church, using the analogy of the Church becoming the bride of Christ. He explains that the Father and |
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(Genesis) Genesis 43:24-30 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the emotional reunion between Joseph and his brothers. Joseph is overwhelmed with emotion and quickly leaves the room to weep in private. He |
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The Seed by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing Luke chapter 8, where Jesus goes throughout every city and village preaching the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. The preacher |
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The Danger of Familiarity by Chip Brogden | Chip Brogden emphasizes the danger of taking the presence of Jesus for granted, highlighting how familiarity can lead to contempt and a casual attitude towards divine things. He co |
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Faith Working by Love by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches on the importance of faith working through love, emphasizing that true righteousness comes through Christ alone, not by works. He highlights that while good w |