Genesis 18:26

Translations

Modern

So the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom, on their account I will spare the whole place.”

Traditional

And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.

Literal

And YHWH said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous in the midst of the city, then I will spare the whole place on their account.”

Latin

Dixitque Dominus ad eum: Si invenero Sodomis quinquaginta justos in medio civitatis, dimittam omni loco propter eos.

Original

Hebrew

English

So the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom, on their account I will spare the whole place.”

Notes

Genesis 18:22–33

Abraham probably thought there were more righteous people in Sodom and Gomorrah than there were (see study note on 19:14). Concerned for them, he made a legal appeal to the Lord based on God's justice. His prayer might seem bold, as if he were negotiating with God. But he approached God with true humility and respect. He did not try to convince God to act against his will. Instead, he prayed for the well-being of others (compare with Lot’s prayer, 19:18–23).

God is a fair judge. "Righteousness exalts a nation" (Proverbs 14:34). Righteous people help preserve society (compare Matthew 5:13).

Genesis 18:16–33

God trusted Abraham as his prophet (18:16–21; see 20:7). In return, Abraham pleaded that God would save Sodom (18:23–32; see Hebrews 7:23–26). God can do anything he wants. This passage confirms it will be fair and right.

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Symbolic Numbers

Events

Sodom Destroyed

Related verses

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.
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.
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.
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.
Isaiah 19:24
In that day Israel will join a three-party alliance with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing upon the earth.
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.”
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.

Places

Sodom: Wicked city destroyed by God for its sins

Glossary

Abraham Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Cities of the Plain Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Hebron (Place) Mamre (Place) Patriarchs, Period of the Peter, Second Letter of Prayer Presence of God Remnant Sodom and Gomorrah

Topics

Abraham: His Questions About the Destruction of the Righteous and Wicked in Sodom Boldness: Instances of, in Prayer: Abraham Communion: Abraham Condescension of God: Indulges Abraham's Intercession for Sodom Curiosity of Abraham, to Know Whether God Would Destroy the Righteous People Who Lived in Sodom God: Appearances of To Abraham God: Grace of God: Mercy of Holy Boldness: Abraham Intercession: Additional Instances of in Behalf of Sodom Intercession: Intercessional Influence of the Righteous Intercessory Prayer: Abraham Prayer: Answered for Sodom Prayer: Exemplified by Abraham in his Inquiry Concerning Sodom Prayer: Importunity In Presumption: Abraham, in Questioning About Sodom Privileges of Saints: Interceding for Others Religion: Outstanding Religious Persons: Abraham Sodom: Abraham's Intercession For

Genesis 18:26

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