Genesis 18:18
Genesis 18:18 in Multiple Translations
Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and through him all the nations of the earth will be blessed.
Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
Seeing that Abraham will certainly become a great and strong nation, and his name will be used by all the nations of the earth as a blessing?
Abraham will definitely become a great and powerful nation, and all the nations on earth will be blessed through him.
Seeing that Abraham shalbe in deede a great and a mightie nation, and all the nations of the earth shalbe blessed in him?
and Abraham certainly becometh a nation great and mighty, and blessed in him have been all nations of the earth?
since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed in him?
Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
Seeing he shall become a great and mighty nation, and in him all the nations of the earth shall be blessed?
Abraham’s descendants [MTY] will become a great and powerful nation. And people of [MTY] all nations will be blessed because of what I do for him.
You know, Abraham’s family will be a big and powerful nation one day, and I will use his family to do good things for all the nations in the world.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:18
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 18:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַ֨בְרָהָ֔ם
הָי֧וֹ
יִֽהְיֶ֛ה
לְ/ג֥וֹי
גָּד֖וֹל
וְ/עָצ֑וּם
וְ/נִ֨בְרְכוּ
ב֔/וֹ
כֹּ֖ל
גּוֹיֵ֥י
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
וְ/אַ֨בְרָהָ֔ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
Conj | N-proper
הָי֧וֹ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Ptc
יִֽהְיֶ֛ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/ג֥וֹי
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-ms
גָּד֖וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
וְ/עָצ֑וּם
ʻâtsûwm
H6099
mighty
Conj | Adj
וְ/נִ֨בְרְכוּ
bârak
H1288
to bless
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
ב֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
גּוֹיֵ֥י
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-mp
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
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 18:18
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.
הָי֧וֹ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Ptc
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
יִֽהְיֶ֛ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/ג֥וֹי
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
גָּד֖וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
וְ/עָצ֑וּם
ʻâtsûwm
H6099
"mighty"
Conj | Adj
This word means mighty or powerful, often describing something as strong or numerous. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power and strength.
Definition: 1) mighty, vast, numerous 1a) mighty, strong (in number) 1b) numerous, countless
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] feeble, great, mighty, must, strong. See also: Genesis 18:18; Proverbs 7:26; Psalms 10:10.
וְ/נִ֨בְרְכוּ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
ב֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
גּוֹיֵ֥י
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Genesis 18:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 18:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:18
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:18
- Sermons on Genesis 18:18
Context — Abraham Intercedes for Sodom
16When the men got up to leave, they looked out over Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them off.
17And the LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?
18Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and through him all the nations of the earth will be blessed.
19For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.” 20Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Because their sin is so grievous,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galatians 3:8 | The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” |
| 2 | Genesis 26:4 | I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, |
| 3 | Galatians 3:14 | He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. |
| 4 | Genesis 22:17–18 | I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” |
| 5 | Genesis 12:2–3 | I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you. ” |
| 6 | Ephesians 1:3 | Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. |
| 7 | Psalms 72:17 | May his name endure forever; may his name continue as long as the sun shines. In him may all nations be blessed; may they call him blessed. |
| 8 | Acts 3:25–26 | And you are sons of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers when He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.’ When God raised up His Servant, He sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.” |
Genesis 18:18 Summary
[This verse tells us that Abraham will become a great and powerful nation, and through him, all nations will be blessed. This means that God's promise to Abraham will bring good things to people all around the world, as seen in Genesis 12:3 and emphasized in Acts 3:25. It's a reminder that God's plans are bigger than just one person or family, and He wants to use us to bring blessings to others, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:16. By following God's commands and trusting in His promises, we can be part of bringing light and love to a world in need.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Abraham will become a great and powerful nation?
This refers to the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, as stated in Genesis 12:2, where God says He will make Abraham a great nation, and this promise is further emphasized in Genesis 18:18 as a guarantee of Abraham's future greatness and the blessing of all nations through him.
How will all nations of the earth be blessed through Abraham?
This is a reference to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would be a descendant of Abraham and would bring salvation to all nations, as prophesied in Isaiah 49:6 and fulfilled in Acts 3:25-26, where it is stated that through Jesus, all nations would be blessed.
Is this verse talking about Abraham's physical descendants or something more spiritual?
While Abraham's physical descendants, the Israelites, would indeed become a great nation, the blessing to all nations through Abraham ultimately points to the spiritual blessing of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, as explained in Galatians 3:8 and Romans 4:16-18.
What role does faith play in the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham?
Faith is crucial, as seen in Romans 4:20-22, where Abraham's faith in God's promise is highlighted as the reason for God's fulfillment of those promises, demonstrating that faith is essential for receiving God's blessings and promises, as also emphasized in Hebrews 11:6.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for you personally to be blessed, and how can you be a blessing to others, just like Abraham was called to be?
- In what ways can you, like Abraham, trust God's promises even when the outcome seems uncertain or impossible?
- How does the promise that all nations will be blessed through Abraham relate to your own role in sharing the Gospel with people from different backgrounds and cultures?
- What are some ways you can, like Abraham, demonstrate faith and obedience to God's commands, even when they are difficult or require significant sacrifice?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:18
Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation,.... Which was fulfilled in the nation of Israel, so called, not so much for the largeness of the place they dwelt in, and the number
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:18
Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:18
q.d. Seeing I have done greater things for him, how can I deny him the less? Compare the argument, . God’ s ways are not like men’ s ways. Former favours to men are arguments why they should do no more, but to God they are motives for the adding of new ones.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:18
Genesis 18:18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?Ver. 18, 19. Seeing that Abraham, &c.] God’ s first motive here is, from his own antecedent love to Abraham, as the second from his consequent.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:18
Verse 18. Shall surely become a great and mighty nation] The revelation that I make to him shall be preserved among his posterity; and the exact fulfilment of my promises, made so long before, shall lead them to believe in my name and trust in my goodness.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:18
18. blessed in him] See note on Genesis 12:3.
Sermons on Genesis 18:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Praying for Your Children by William Scribner | William Scribner emphasizes the importance of praying for our children's salvation, highlighting the necessity of consistent prayer and effort for their early conversion to prevent |
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Epistle 232 by George Fox | George Fox preaches to all friends gathered in the name of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the contrast between those who have fallen from righteousness and holiness and those who remain |
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(People God Uses) 04 Knowing the Word of God by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of running the race of serving the Lord Jesus Christ with all-out effort. He refers to the book of Acts, highlighting the powe |
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(Genesis) Genesis 15:6-10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of making contracts and having written agreements in the time of Abraham. He explains that in those days, contracts were made |
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(Galatians) Ch2:1-Ch4:7 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of being under the new covenant of Christ. They explain that when we were children, we were held in bondage under the restriction |
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Essential Principles of the Christian Life - Part 1 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes three simple principles of the Christian life. The first principle is that the form of scripture is the word of God, meaning that when we hol |
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Faithfulness of God by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own experience of burning out and being left as a heap of ashes. He then discusses the story of Moses and the burning bush as a lesson i |