Genesis 18:21
Genesis 18:21 in Multiple Translations
I will go down to see if their actions fully justify the outcry that has reached Me. If not, I will find out.”
I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
I will go down now, and see if their acts are as bad as they seem from the outcry which has come to me; and if they are not, I will see.
I'm going to see if these complaints that have reached me are completely true. I'll know if they're not.”
I will goe downe nowe, and see whether they haue done altogether according to that crie which is come vnto me: and if not, that I may knowe.
I go down now, and see whether according to its cry which is coming unto Me they have done completely — and if not — I know;'
I will go down now, and see whether their deeds are as bad as the reports which have come to me. If not, I will know.”
I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come to me; and if not, I will know.
I will go down and see whether they have done according to the cry that is come to me: or whether it be not so, that I may know.
So I will go down now, and I will see if all the terrible things that I have heard are true or not true.”
I will go down and find out if they are really doing those bad things that I heard about.” That’s what the man said, the one that was God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:21
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 18:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵֽרֲדָה
נָּ֣א
וְ/אֶרְאֶ֔ה
הַ/כְּ/צַעֲקָתָ֛/הּ
הַ/בָּ֥אָה
אֵלַ֖/י
עָשׂ֣וּ
כָּלָ֑ה
וְ/אִם
לֹ֖א
אֵדָֽעָה
אֵֽרֲדָה
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-1cs
נָּ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
וְ/אֶרְאֶ֔ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
הַ/כְּ/צַעֲקָתָ֛/הּ
tsaʻăqâh
H6818
cry
Part | Prep | N-fs | Suff
הַ/בָּ֥אָה
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Art | V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
עָשׂ֣וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
כָּלָ֑ה
kâlâh
H3617
consumption
N-fs
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֵדָֽעָה
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 18:21
אֵֽרֲדָה
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-1cs
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
נָּ֣א
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.
וְ/אֶרְאֶ֔ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
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.
הַ/כְּ/צַעֲקָתָ֛/הּ
tsaʻăqâh
H6818
"cry"
Part | Prep | N-fs | Suff
A cry or outcry is what this word represents, often a cry of distress that reaches God's ears, as seen in Exodus where the Israelites cry out against slavery.
Definition: 1) cry, outcry 1a) outcry (against) 1b) cry of distress (especially as heard by God)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: cry(-ing). See also: Genesis 18:21; Nehemiah 5:1; Psalms 9:13.
הַ/בָּ֥אָה
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Art | V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
עָשׂ֣וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
כָּלָ֑ה
kâlâh
H3617
"consumption"
N-fs
This word refers to the act of completely destroying or consuming something, like the complete destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:28.
Definition: 1) completion, termination, full end, complete destruction, consumption, annihilation 1a) completion 1a1) completely, altogether (adv) 1b) complete destruction, consumption, annihilation
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: altogether, (be, utterly) consume(-d), consummation(-ption), was determined, (full, utter) end, riddance. See also: Genesis 18:21; Jeremiah 5:18; Isaiah 10:23.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לֹ֖א
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.
אֵדָֽעָה
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
Study Notes — Genesis 18:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 18:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:21
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:21
- Sermons on Genesis 18:21
Context — Abraham Intercedes for Sodom
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,
21I will go down to see if their actions fully justify the outcry that has reached Me. If not, I will find out.”
22And the two men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD. 23Abraham stepped forward and said, “Will You really sweep away the righteous with the wicked?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 3:8 | I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. |
| 2 | Genesis 11:5 | Then the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the sons of men were building. |
| 3 | Zephaniah 1:12 | And at that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish the men settled in complacency, who say to themselves, ‘The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.’ |
| 4 | Psalms 139:1–24 | O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD. You hem me in behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea, even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me”— even the darkness is not dark to You, but the night shines like the day, for darkness is as light to You. For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be. How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God, how vast is their sum! If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with You. O God, that You would slay the wicked— away from me, you bloodthirsty men— who speak of You deceitfully; Your enemies take Your name in vain. Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD, and detest those who rise against You? I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them as my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 8:2 | Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments. |
| 6 | Joshua 22:22 | “The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! He knows, and may Israel also know. If this was in rebellion or breach of faith against the LORD, do not spare us today. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 17:10 | I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. |
| 8 | Genesis 11:7 | Come, let Us go down and confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.” |
| 9 | Exodus 33:5 | For the LORD had said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I should go with you for a single moment, I would destroy you. Now take off your jewelry, and I will decide what to do with you.’” |
| 10 | Micah 1:3 | For behold, the LORD comes forth from His dwelling place; He will come down and tread on the high places of the earth. |
Genesis 18:21 Summary
In Genesis 18:21, God says He will go down to see if the actions of Sodom and Gomorrah are as bad as people have said. This shows that God is a fair and just judge who wants to make sure He has all the facts before making a decision. It's like when a parent investigates a situation before punishing their child - they want to make sure they understand what really happened. This verse reminds us that God is patient and willing to listen, and that we should strive to be fair and just in our own judgments, as seen in Psalm 11:4 and Exodus 34:6-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God say He will go down to see if the actions of Sodom and Gomorrah justify the outcry against them?
God is a just and fair judge, as seen in Psalm 11:4, and He wants to ensure that His judgment is based on a thorough understanding of the situation, as stated in Genesis 18:21.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
This verse shows that God is a God of justice and mercy, who carefully considers the actions of people before making a judgment, as also seen in Exodus 34:6-7.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's omniscience?
Although God is all-knowing, as stated in Psalm 147:5, this verse suggests that He sometimes chooses to investigate and confirm the facts before taking action, as seen in Genesis 18:21.
What can we learn from God's approach to judging Sodom and Gomorrah?
We can learn that God is patient and willing to investigate before making a judgment, and that we should also strive to be fair and just in our own judgments, as encouraged in Proverbs 24:23-25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need God to investigate and bring justice, and how can I invite Him to do so?
- How can I balance the need for justice with the need for mercy and compassion in my own relationships and decisions?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate God's character of justice and mercy in my daily interactions with others?
- How can I trust God's judgment and timing, even when I don't fully understand the situation, as seen in Genesis 18:21 and Psalm 37:3-7?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:21
I will go down now,.... The Son of God in an human form now with Abraham, who proposes to go from the place where he was, which perhaps was on higher ground, to the plain in which Sodom and Gomorrah
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:21
I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know. I will go down ... and see.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:21
i.e. I will inquire into the truth of the thing. God here speaks after the manner of men, and for the example and instruction of judges to search into causes ere they pass sentence. Whether they have done altogether; Heb. Whether they have made a consummation or accomplishment; i.e. whether they have filled up the measure of their sins. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:21
Genesis 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know. Ver 21. I will go down now, and see, &c.] The Sodomites sinned as freely and securely as if God knew nothing. Now therefore he is come to know, that is, to give them to know that he knew all, as well as if he had been in their bosoms.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:21
(21) I will go down.—God examines before He punishes (see Note on Genesis 11:5) with the same care and personal inspection as the most conscientious earthly judge. Altogether.—Some take this word, not as an adverb, but as a noun (comp. Isaiah 10:23), and translate “I will see whether they have done according to the cry of it: (in which case there shall be for them) utter destruction.” But the ellipse is harsh; and inquiry, the knowing and not the punishing, is the prominent thought in the words of Jehovah. Hence too the last clause, “I will know.” The two angels go to Sodom to give the people a final trial. If they meet with upright treatment, then God will know that there are limits to the wickedness of its inhabitants, and it will be spared.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:21
Verse 21. I will go down now, &c.] A lesson to magistrates, teaching them not to judge according to report, but accurately to inquire into the facts themselves. - Jarchi.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:21
21. I will go down] Cf. Genesis 11:5; Genesis 11:7. The Dead Sea lies in a deep depression to which there would be a continuous descent from Hebron; so that the words may be also understood quite literally. The strong anthropomorphism is in the character of J.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:21
21. I will go down — From the high lands of Hebron to the vale of Siddim. This manner of speaking is every way appropriate to the form in which the Lord revealed himself on this occasion.
Sermons on Genesis 18:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Revival Stories: John Wesley by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon transcript, John Wesley recounts a powerful experience he had while preaching in May 1739. As he was preaching on the words "be still and know that I am God," God be |
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David and Goliath by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the promise of a land flowing with milk and honey, which is described as the glory of all lands on earth. He emphasizes the importance of cas |
|
The Resurrection of the Hidden Talent by Carter Conlon | In this sermon on Matthew chapter 25, the preacher discusses the parable of the talents. He explains that the kingdom of heaven is like a man who goes on a journey and entrusts his |
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The Will of God - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of renunciation in the Christian life. He highlights how God often puts us in situations where we must choose to let go or hol |
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There Is Still a Song by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prophet Habakkuk and his cry to God about the evil and oppression he sees in the world. Habakkuk questions why God allows such injustice |
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God's Purpose and Plan by Francois Carr | This sermon emphasizes the journey of Moses from Egypt to the promised land, highlighting the importance of living in God's perfect will and not getting stuck in the wilderness or |
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Israel's Call Upon God by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Moses and the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. He emphasizes how God heard the cry of the Israelites and remember |