Genesis 18:2

Genesis 18:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And 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.

King James Version KJV

And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

American Standard Version ASV

and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood over against him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth,

Bible in Basic English BBE

And lifting up his eyes, he saw three men before him; and seeing them, he went quickly to them from the door of the tent, and went down on his face to the earth;

Free Bible Version FBV

He looked up and all of a sudden he saw three men standing there. As soon as he saw them, he ran over to meet them and bowed low to the ground.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And he lift vp his eyes, and looked: and lo, three men stoode by him, and when he sawe them, he ranne to meete them from the tent doore, and bowed himselfe to the grounde.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and he lifteth up his eyes and looketh, and lo, three men standing by him, and he seeth, and runneth to meet them from the opening of the tent, and boweth himself towards the earth,

World English Bible WEB

He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood near him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he lifted up his eyes and looked, and lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when he had lifted up his eyes, there appeared to him three men standing near him: and as soon as he saw them he ran to meet them from the door of his tent, and adored down to the ground.

Translation for Translators T4T

Abraham looked up [MTY] and was surprised to see three men standing near him. Actually, one was Yahweh, and the other two were angels. When he saw them, he ran to meet them. He prostrated himself with his face on the ground to show respect,

Plain English Version PEV

and he looked up and saw 3 men standing nearby. He got up quickly, and he ran to meet them, and he got down on his knees and put his face near the ground to show them respect.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:2

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 18:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּשָּׂ֤א עֵינָי/ו֙ וַ/יַּ֔רְא וְ/הִנֵּה֙ שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה אֲנָשִׁ֔ים נִצָּבִ֖ים עָלָ֑י/ו וַ/יַּ֗רְא וַ/יָּ֤רָץ לִ/קְרָאתָ/ם֙ מִ/פֶּ֣תַח הָ/אֹ֔הֶל וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ אָֽרְצָ/ה

וַ/יִּשָּׂ֤א nâsâʼ H5375 to lift Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

עֵינָי/ו֙ ʻayin H5869 eye N-cd | Suff

וַ/יַּ֔רְא râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

וְ/הִנֵּה֙ hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part

שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj

אֲנָשִׁ֔ים ʼîysh H376 man N-mp

נִצָּבִ֖ים nâtsab H5324 to stand V-Niphal

עָלָ֑י/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

וַ/יַּ֗רְא râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

וַ/יָּ֤רָץ rûwts H7323 to run Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לִ/קְרָאתָ/ם֙ qirʼâh H7125 befall Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

מִ/פֶּ֣תַח pethach H6607 entrance Prep | N-ms

הָ/אֹ֔הֶל ʼôhel H168 tent Art | N-ms

וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ shâchâh H7812 to bow Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms

אָֽרְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 land N-cs | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 18:2

וַ/יִּשָּׂ֤א nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

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.

עֵינָי/ו֙ ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cd | Suff

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

וַ/יַּ֔רְא râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

וְ/הִנֵּה֙ hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | 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.

שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj

This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.

Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)

Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.

אֲנָשִׁ֔ים ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

נִצָּבִ֖ים nâtsab H5324 "to stand" V-Niphal

To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.

Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary

Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.

עָלָ֑י/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

וַ/יַּ֗רְא râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

וַ/יָּ֤רָץ rûwts H7323 "to run" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To run or rush, often used to describe someone moving quickly, as seen in the story of the runners in Jeremiah 51:31. This verb appears in various forms, including running swiftly or darting. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or haste.

Definition: : run/runner/messenger 1) to run 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to run 1a2) runners (participle as subst) 1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry 1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post. See also: Genesis 18:2; 2 Kings 11:6; Psalms 18:30.

לִ/קְרָאתָ/ם֙ qirʼâh H7125 "befall" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.

Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)

Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.

מִ/פֶּ֣תַח pethach H6607 "entrance" Prep | N-ms

A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.

Definition: opening, doorway, entrance

Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.

הָ/אֹ֔הֶל ʼôhel H168 "tent" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.

Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)

Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.

וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ shâchâh H7812 "to bow" Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.

Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel

Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.

אָֽרְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs | Suff

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 18:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 18:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:2
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:2
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:2
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:2
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:2
Sermons on Genesis 18:2

Context — The Three Visitors

1Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent.

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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Hebrews 13:2	Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
2	Genesis 18:22	And the two men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD.
3	Genesis 19:1	Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown,
4	Genesis 23:7	Then Abraham rose and bowed down before the people of the land, the Hittites.
5	Judges 13:3	The angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “It is true that you are barren and have no children; but you will conceive and give birth to a son.
6	Genesis 32:24	So Jacob was left all alone, and there a man wrestled with him until daybreak.
7	Genesis 44:14	When Judah and his brothers arrived at Joseph’s house, he was still there, and they fell to the ground before him.
8	Genesis 43:26	When Joseph came home, they presented him with the gifts they had brought, and they bowed to the ground before him.
9	Genesis 18:16	When the men got up to leave, they looked out over Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them off.
10	Genesis 43:28	“Your servant our father is well,” they answered. “He is still alive.” And they bowed down to honor him.

Genesis 18:2 Summary

[In Genesis 18:2, Abraham saw three men standing nearby and he ran to meet them, bowing low to the ground, because he recognized that they were important visitors. This shows us the importance of being hospitable and respectful to others, especially those who may be representatives of God (as seen in Hebrews 13:2). Abraham's actions also demonstrate his humility and reverence in the presence of the divine, which is an example for us to follow (as seen in Proverbs 22:4). By following Abraham's example, we can cultivate a sense of awareness and recognition of God's presence in our daily lives.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the three men that Abraham saw in Genesis 18:2?

The Bible does not explicitly state who the three men were, but based on the context and the fact that one of them is referred to as 'the Lord' in Genesis 18:1, it is likely that they were heavenly beings, possibly angels or a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, as seen in other scriptures like Genesis 19:1 and Joshua 5:13-15.

Why did Abraham run to meet the three men in Genesis 18:2?

Abraham ran to meet the three men because he recognized that they were important and possibly divine visitors, and he wanted to show them hospitality and respect, as seen in his actions of bowing low to the ground and offering them water to wash their feet in Genesis 18:4.

What can we learn from Abraham's response to the three men in Genesis 18:2?

We can learn from Abraham's example the importance of being hospitable and respectful to others, especially those who may be representatives of God, as seen in Hebrews 13:2, which reminds us to entertain strangers, for by doing so, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

How does Genesis 18:2 relate to other biblical accounts of divine visitations?

Genesis 18:2 is similar to other biblical accounts of divine visitations, such as the visit of the angel of the Lord to Gideon in Judges 6:11-24, and it highlights the theme of God's presence and interaction with humanity, as seen in verses like Genesis 3:8 and Exodus 24:9-11.

Reflection Questions

What would you do if you were in Abraham's place and saw three mysterious men standing nearby?
How can you show hospitality and respect to others, especially those who may be in need or who may be representatives of God?
What can you learn from Abraham's example of humility and reverence in the presence of the divine?
How can you cultivate a sense of awareness and recognition of God's presence in your daily life, as Abraham did in Genesis 18:1-2?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:2

And he lifted up his eyes and looked,.... To see if he could observe any passengers coming that way: and, lo, three men stood by him; having perhaps descended at once from heaven upon the spot near

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:2

And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, Lift up his eyes ... and, lo, three men.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:2

Three men, as they seemed to be, though indeed they were angels in men’ s shape. Bowed himself toward the ground; a respect usually paid to persons of quality, such as these seemed to be.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:2

Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw [them], he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,Ver. 2. And he lift up his eyes and looked.] As "pursuing hospitality" (that is the apostle’ s expression, Romans 12:13), and waiting an opportunity of doing good. Charity is no churl. "The liberal man deviseth liberal things"; "he considereth the poor and needy". Praeoccupat vocem petituri , as Augustine expounds it, he stays not till he is asked a good turn; he ministereth to the uses, not only "to the necessities of the saints," as the apostle’ s word is, and as Bishop Hooper’ s and Dr Taylor’ s practice was. The one had his board of beggars sent for, and served every day with whole and wholesome meats, ere himself sat down to dinner. And the other went once a fortnight at the least, to the almshouse, and other poor men that had, many children, and were sick, to see what they lacked, and to supply them. And bowed himself toward the ground.] Piety is no enemy to courtesy; it doth not remove but rectify it, that it be not only complimental and ridiculous. Potest Augur Augurem videre et non ridere? So it may be said of our common cringers. Aug. in Psalm ciii. ταιςχρειαις Usibus, non necessitatibus. Nequis existimet prius non succurrendum proximo quam ad necessitatem sit redactus. Act. and Mon., fol. 1369, 1388. Cicero.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:2

(2) Three men.—Jewish commentators explain the number by saying that, as no angel might execute more than one commission at a time, one of the three came to heal Abraham, the second to bear the message to Sarah, and the third to destroy Sodom. More correctly one was “the angel of Jehovah,” who came as the manifestation of Deity to Abraham, and the other two were his companions, commissioned by him afterwards to execute judgment on the cities of the plain, The number three pointed also to the Trinity of Persons in the Godhead, and is therefore read by our Church as one of the lessons for Trinity Sunday. But we must be careful not to use it as a proof of this doctrine, lest the inference should be drawn of a personal appearance of the Father and of the Holy Ghost, which would savour of heretical impiety.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:2

Verse 2. Three men stood by him] נצבים עליו nitstsabim alaiv, were standing over against him; for if they had been standing by him, as our translation says, he needed not to have "run from the tent door to meet them." To Abraham these appeared at first as men; but he entertained angels unawares, see Hebrews 13:2.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:2

2. lo, three men] The sudden appearance of the three men before the tent is especially recorded. Their approach had not been observed. As in the case of Gen 32:24, Joshua 5:13, Judges 13:10-11, the angelic visitants are not distinguishable from ordinary men. bowed himself to the earth] Cf. Genesis 19:1, Genesis 23:7, Genesis 33:3, Genesis 42:6; the regular gesture of salutation towards those of higher rank.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:2

2. Three men — An angelophany, in which the celestial messengers took on the form and habits of ordinary men.

Sermons on Genesis 18:2

	Sermon	Description
	The Gospel, Possessions and Prosperity - Session 1 by David Platt	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the gospel and its implications for our lives. He highlights five different threads of the gospel, emphasizin
	(Through the Bible) Genesis 15-18 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and his encounter with three men, who are believed to be angels. Abraham shows great hospitality to them, offering them
	Few Find the Way to Life - Part 2 by Zac Poonen	This sermon addresses the importance of knowing and understanding the Bible, emphasizing the need to base our beliefs and arguments on God's Word rather than personal opinions. It
	Why Christ Became a Servant of the Jews by John Piper	John Piper emphasizes that Christ became a servant to the Jews to fulfill God's promises and to demonstrate His truthfulness, urging the church to welcome one another across differ
	Surrounded by Angels by Basilea Schlink	In this sermon transcript titled "Surrounded by Angels," Basilia Schlink shares her experiences of ministering in slum areas with a traveling chapel. Despite facing threats and att
	(Through the Bible) Genesis - Part 2 by Zac Poonen	This sermon delves into the life of Abraham, showcasing his journey of faith, obedience, and the consequences of both listening to God and following human advice. It emphasizes the
	Unreached Peoples: The Tajik People of Central Asia by Paul Hattaway	This sermon focuses on the history, culture, and people of the Tajik community in Central Asia, highlighting their resilience, unique heritage, and warm hospitality. It explores th