Genesis 18:23
Genesis 18:23 in Multiple Translations
Abraham stepped forward and said, “Will You really sweep away the righteous with the wicked?
¶ And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou consume the righteous with the wicked?
And Abraham came near, and said, Will you let destruction come on the upright with the sinners?
Abraham came to him and asked: “Are you really going to wipe out the good people along with the wicked?
Then Abraham drewe neere, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
And Abraham draweth nigh and saith, 'Dost Thou also consume righteous with wicked?
Abraham came near, and said, “Will you consume the righteous with the wicked?
And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
And drawing nigh he said: Wilt thou destroy the just with the wicked?
Abraham came closer to him and said, “Will you really destroy righteous people along with wicked ones?
Abraham went up close to God and asked him, “Are you going to kill all the good people, as well as the bad people?
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:23
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 18:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּגַּ֥שׁ
אַבְרָהָ֖ם
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
הַ/אַ֣ף
תִּסְפֶּ֔ה
צַדִּ֖יק
עִם
רָשָֽׁע
וַ/יִּגַּ֥שׁ
nâgash
H5066
to approach
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְרָהָ֖ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/אַ֣ף
ʼaph
H637
also
Part | Adv
תִּסְפֶּ֔ה
çâphâh
H5595
to snatch
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
צַדִּ֖יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
רָשָֽׁע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
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 18:23
וַ/יִּגַּ֥שׁ
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
אַבְרָהָ֖ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
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.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/אַ֣ף
ʼaph
H637
"also"
Part | Adv
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
תִּסְפֶּ֔ה
çâphâh
H5595
"to snatch"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This word means to snatch or sweep something away, like destroying or consuming it. It can also mean to gather or catch up something. The KJV translates it as consume, destroy, or add.
Definition: 1) to sweep or snatch away, catch up, destroy, consume 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be snatched away 1a2) to sweep or snatch away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swept away, be destroyed 1b2) to be caught up, be captured 1c) (Hiphil) to catch up, gather
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: add, augment, consume, destroy, heap, join, perish, put. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 27:1; Psalms 40:15.
צַדִּ֖יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
רָשָֽׁע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
Study Notes — Genesis 18:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 18:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:23
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:23
- Sermons on Genesis 18:23
Context — Abraham Intercedes for Sodom
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?
24What if there are fifty righteous ones in the city? Will You really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous ones who are there? 25Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 16:22 | But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the whole congregation?” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 24:17 | When David saw the angel striking down the people, he said to the LORD, “Surely I, the shepherd, have sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house.” |
| 3 | Genesis 20:4 | Now Abimelech had not gone near her, so he replied, “Lord, would You destroy a nation even though it is innocent? |
| 4 | Job 34:17 | Could one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One, |
| 5 | Hebrews 10:22 | let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. |
| 6 | Genesis 18:25 | Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” |
| 7 | Psalms 11:4–7 | The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men. The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked; His soul hates the lover of violence. On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion. For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face. |
| 8 | Romans 3:5–6 | But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms. Certainly not! In that case, how could God judge the world? |
| 9 | Job 8:3 | Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right? |
| 10 | Jeremiah 30:21 | Their leader will be one of their own, and their ruler will arise from their midst. And I will bring him near, and he will approach Me, for who would dare on his own to approach Me?” declares the LORD. |
Genesis 18:23 Summary
In Genesis 18:23, Abraham is asking God if He will destroy the good people along with the bad people in Sodom. Abraham is concerned about his nephew Lot and his family, and he wants to know if God will spare their lives. This verse shows that God is a just and merciful God, who desires to save those who are righteous, as seen in Genesis 18:25 and Psalm 145:17. By looking at this verse, we can see that God is fair and loving, and that He wants us to trust Him, even when we don't understand what's happening, just like Abraham did in Genesis 18:23 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated Abraham to ask God this question in Genesis 18:23?
Abraham's concern for the righteous people in Sodom, particularly his nephew Lot, prompted him to ask God if He would really destroy the righteous along with the wicked, as seen in Genesis 18:23 and Genesis 13:12-13.
Is Abraham questioning God's justice in Genesis 18:23?
Abraham is not questioning God's justice, but rather seeking to understand how God's justice would be applied in this situation, knowing that God is the Judge of all the earth, as stated in Genesis 18:25.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's mercy and judgment?
This verse highlights the balance between God's mercy and judgment, as Abraham appeals to God's character, knowing that God is both merciful and just, as seen in Psalm 103:8 and Romans 3:26.
What can we learn from Abraham's boldness in approaching God in Genesis 18:23?
Abraham's example teaches us that we can approach God with confidence and humility, as seen in Hebrews 4:16, and that God desires a personal relationship with us, as stated in Jeremiah 29:12-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I feel like God is judging the righteous along with the wicked, and how can I apply Abraham's example of faith and humility in those situations?
- How can I balance my understanding of God's mercy and judgment, and what role does faith play in trusting God's sovereignty?
- In what ways can I, like Abraham, be an advocate for others, particularly those who are suffering or facing judgment, and how can I intercede for them in prayer?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how can I apply that knowledge to my daily life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:23
And Abraham drew near,.... To the Lord; he approached nearer to him, to have more close and intimate conversation with him on the subject of the destruction of Sodom, which he perceived, by what had
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:23
And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? And Abraham drew near.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:23
i.e. He approached unto God to inquire of him, and to pray unto him; for so the phrase of drawing near to God is used, .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:23
Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?Ver. 23. And Abraham drew near.] A privilege proper to such as have "a true heart," "full assurance of faith," and "a good conscience". "The hypocrite shall not come before him" He must stand without as a vagrant at the gate, that knows not whether the master is providing for him an alms, or a cudgel. But the upright comes into the parlour; yea, "dwells in God’ s presence," in the light of his countenance. Wilt thou also destroy the righteous?] Single suits speed not: we must back them with sound arguments, and reason the case with God concerning his judgments.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:23
(23) Abraham drew near.—As Jewish commentators remark, this word is especially used of prayer, and Abraham’s intercession is unspeakably noble. Nor must we suppose that he thought only of Lot. Doubtless he remembered the day when he had restored the persons and spoil to the king of Sodom. He had then seen their human affection; the joy of parent meeting with child, and friend with friend; and he hoped that there were good people among them, and that so marvellous a deliverance would work in many of them a true repentance. Neither must we suppose that Abraham adroitly began with a large number, with the intention of lessening it. It was the readiness with which each prayer was heard which made him in his earnestness continue his entreaties. It thus illustrates the principle that the faith of the believer grows strong as he feels that his prayers are accepted, and he ventures finally to offer petitions, nothing wavering, which at an earlier stage would have seemed to him to ask more than he might venture to hope from the Divine goodness. Destroy.—Heb., sweep away; and so in Genesis 18:24. The difference is not without force; for the verb “to sweep away” gives the idea of a more indiscriminate ruin than the usual word destroy, which Abraham substitutes for it in Genesis 18:28; Genesis 18:31-32.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:23
Verse 23. Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?] A form of speech similar to that in Genesis 18:17, an invariable principle of justice, that the righteous shall not be punished for the crimes of the impious. And this Abraham lays down as the foundation of his supplications. Who can pray with any hope of success who cannot assign a reason to God and his conscience for the petitions he offers? The great sacrifice offered by Christ is an infinite reason why a penitent sinner should expect to find the mercy for which he pleads.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:23
23. Abraham drew near] Abraham’s intercession comes as a reply to Jehovah’s statement in Genesis 18:20-21, from which the doom of the cities might be inferred. It forms one of the most striking and pathetic passages in the book. It expresses the generous instincts of the patriarch’s nature. Nothing can exceed the dignified simplicity and deference in the utterance of his submissive expostulation. What adds to the effect, is that the servant of Jehovah, the nomad sheikh, pleads on behalf of the people of the Plain, dwellers in cities, sunk in iniquity. His concern for Lot, doubtless, forms the motive of the intercession, though Lot’s name and relationship are not put forward in extenuation of the plea. The great principle on which it rests is that the action of God cannot be arbitrary; and that Jehovah will not act as the heathen gods, but only in accordance with the perfect standard of justice. The virtues of mercy and forgiveness, which operate in the human heart, are assumed to be proportionately more potent in the counsels of Jehovah. If this abstract reasoning holds good, the safety of Lot and his family may be left securely in the hands of perfect justice. consume] A word for utter destruction, as in Genesis 19:15; Genesis 19:17. the righteous with the wicked] Cf. especially the similar passage in Jeremiah 5:1, “run ye too and fro through the streets of Jerusalem … if ye can find a man, if there be any that doeth justly, that seeketh truth; and I will pardon her.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:23
23. Abraham drew near — He perceived the purpose of wrath, and was moved with the thought of a whole city, or group of cities, perishing, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
Sermons on Genesis 18:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 18:22-23 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, Abraham is having a conversation with God about the destruction of the city of Sodom. Abraham starts by asking if God would spare the city if there were fifty right |
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(Through the Bible) Revelation 16 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's judgment and the second coming of Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and keeping one's faith strong, |
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Isaiah Chapter 62 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing the church from God's perspective, despite our current circumstances. He reminds the audience that God is working to |
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Abraham & Lot - Leonard Ravenhill by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal anecdote about a fellow preacher in Dallas who had a unique introduction to his sermon. He then offers advice to a young man who beli |
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The Transforming Power of Jesus by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, Basil Schlink emphasizes the importance of having faith in God's power to change the world. He believes that the current state of the world is a result of our lack |
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The Life of Abraham - Part 7 by W.F. Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of approaching the Bible not just as a source of facts or ammunition, but as a way to understand the heart and mind of God. He |
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The Power of a Praying Mom by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the destructive nature of pride and the necessity of brokenness in the church, urging believers to move beyond routine worship and seek a deeper connection |