Genesis 18:24
Genesis 18:24 in Multiple Translations
What 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?
Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
Peradventure there are fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou consume and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
If by chance there are fifty upright men in the town, will you give the place to destruction and not have mercy on it because of the fifty upright men?
What if there are fifty good people in the town? Are you still going to wipe it out despite the fifty good people there?
If there be fiftie righteous within the citie, wilt thou destroy and not spare the place for the fiftie righteous that are therein?
peradventure there are fifty righteous in the midst of the city; dost Thou also consume, and not bear with the place for the sake of the fifty — the righteous who [are] in its midst?
What if there are fifty righteous within the city? Will you consume and not spare the place for the fifty righteous who are in it?
Peradventure there are fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are in it?
If there be fifty just men in the city, shall they perish withal? and wilt thou not spare that place for the sake of the fifty just, if they be therein?
What will you do if there are only 50 righteous people in the city? Will you really get rid of them all, and not spare the place/city for the sake of the 50 righteous people who are in the city?
There might be 50 good people that live the right way down there in that town. Will you still finish up that town? Or will you save that town to save those 50 good people?
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:24
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 18:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אוּלַ֥י
יֵ֛שׁ
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
צַדִּיקִ֖ם
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
הָ/עִ֑יר
הַ/אַ֤ף
תִּסְפֶּה֙
וְ/לֹא
תִשָּׂ֣א
לַ/מָּק֔וֹם
לְמַ֛עַן
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
הַ/צַּדִּיקִ֖ם
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
בְּ/קִרְבָּֽ/הּ
אוּלַ֥י
ʼûwlay
H194
perhaps
Adv
יֵ֛שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
chămishshîym
H2572
fifty
Adj
צַדִּיקִ֖ם
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
הָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
הַ/אַ֤ף
ʼaph
H637
also
Part | Adv
תִּסְפֶּה֙
çâphâh
H5595
to snatch
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תִשָּׂ֣א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לַ/מָּק֔וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Prep | N-ms
לְמַ֛עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
chămishshîym
H2572
fifty
Adj
הַ/צַּדִּיקִ֖ם
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Art | Adj
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/קִרְבָּֽ/הּ
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 18:24
אוּלַ֥י
ʼûwlay
H194
"perhaps"
Adv
Ulay means perhaps or if not, used to express uncertainty or doubt. It appears in various forms, such as peradventure or unless. It helps to convey tentative ideas.
Definition: 1) perhaps, peradventure 2) if peradventure 3) unless 4) suppose
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: if so be, may be, peradventure, unless. See also: Genesis 16:2; 1 Samuel 14:6; Isaiah 37:4.
יֵ֛שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
chămishshîym
H2572
"fifty"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number fifty, used in various biblical contexts like measurements and quantities. It appears in Leviticus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) fifty 1a) fifty (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of fifty (with other numbers) 1c) fiftieth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: fifty. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:2; Isaiah 3:3.
צַדִּיקִ֖ם
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.
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
הָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הַ/אַ֤ף
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.
תִּסְפֶּה֙
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.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
תִשָּׂ֣א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
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.
לַ/מָּק֔וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Prep | N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
לְמַ֛עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
chămishshîym
H2572
"fifty"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number fifty, used in various biblical contexts like measurements and quantities. It appears in Leviticus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) fifty 1a) fifty (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of fifty (with other numbers) 1c) fiftieth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: fifty. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:2; Isaiah 3:3.
הַ/צַּדִּיקִ֖ם
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Art | 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.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/קִרְבָּֽ/הּ
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
Study Notes — Genesis 18:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 18:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:24
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:24
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:24
- Sermons on Genesis 18:24
Context — Abraham Intercedes for Sodom
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?” 26So the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom, on their account I will spare the whole place.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 5:1 | “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem. Look now and take note; search her squares. If you can find a single person, anyone who acts justly, anyone who seeks the truth, then I will forgive the city. |
| 2 | Isaiah 1:9 | Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah. |
| 3 | Matthew 7:13–14 | Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. |
| 4 | Genesis 18:32 | Finally, Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak once more. Suppose ten are found there?” And He answered, “On account of the ten, I will not destroy it.” |
| 5 | Acts 27:24 | and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And look, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.’ |
Genesis 18:24 Summary
In Genesis 18:24, Abraham is asking God if He would spare the city of Sodom if there are fifty righteous people living there. This shows that Abraham cares about the people in the city and wants to see them saved. It also shows that God is willing to listen to our prayers and consider our requests, as seen in Psalm 145:18. Abraham's question helps us understand that God values righteous living and wants to see people turn to Him, as taught in Proverbs 10:2-3 and Romans 2:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Abraham trying to accomplish by asking about the number of righteous people in Sodom?
Abraham is attempting to understand God's mercy and justice, seeking to spare the city if there are any righteous individuals present, as seen in Genesis 18:24 and further discussed in Genesis 18:25-26.
Is Abraham questioning God's judgment or trying to negotiate with Him?
Abraham is not questioning God's judgment, but rather seeking to understand His ways and interceding on behalf of the righteous, as exemplified in Genesis 18:23 and supported by the concept of prayer in Psalm 119:145-152.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
This verse showcases God's willingness to listen and consider the pleas of His people, demonstrating His mercy and justice, as also seen in Exodus 34:6-7 and Psalm 103:8.
How does this verse relate to the concept of prayer and intercession?
Abraham's conversation with God in Genesis 18:24 illustrates the power of prayer and intercession, highlighting the importance of advocating for others, as taught in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and exemplified in the lives of biblical figures like Moses and Daniel.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply Abraham's example of intercession in my own life, praying for those around me?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with my need to show mercy, as seen in God's character?
- In what ways can I seek to understand God's ways and will, even when faced with difficult or uncertain circumstances?
- What does this verse teach me about the value and importance of righteous living, and how can I strive to live a righteous life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:24
Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city,.... Within the Pentapolis, which consisted of five cities; and so ten righteous persons are supposed to be in each, as Jarchi observes,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:24
Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:24
Within the city, i.e. in the cities concerned, as appears by , and ; the singular number for the plural, as is frequent, as , compared with , and oft elsewhere. Or the city Sodom alone is mentioned, but the rest are comprehended under it, either because of its eminency, or because they were subject or subordinate to it, as may seem probable from the history, .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:24
Genesis 18:24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that [are] therein?Ver. 24. Peradventure there be fifty righteous.] Charity presumes the best, hopes the best. The disciples could not imagine that Judas was so very a traitor: each one suspects himself sooner than him. And when our Saviour said, "What thou doest do quickly"; they thought he had meant of making provision, or giving something to the poor.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:24
24. spare the place] The word in the Heb. means literally “and take away for the place,” i.e. its guilt, and so “forgive,” as in Numbers 14:19.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:24
24. Peradventure there be fifty — He begins his intercession with this moderate number. Surely if half a hundred righteous people are living in the city, for their sake it should be spared.
Sermons on Genesis 18:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:1-1:8 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Daniel and its relevance to the end times. The book is divided into two parts: the first six chapters are historical and the last |
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Breaking the Yoke by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of crossing the line with God. He emphasizes that there comes a point when even the prayers of righteous individuals like Job, Da |
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Zadok and Abaithar Priesthoods - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a Bible preacher and encourages others to do the same. He highlights the power of using both the eye and ear to conv |
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To Live Is Christ, to Die Is Gain (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for more zeal and a fresh Bible study in the lives of believers. He describes a vision that the prophet Jeremiah had, where he saw |
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We've Forgotten How to Blush by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the state of God's people in Israel during a time of rebellion and turning away from the truth. He references Jeremiah 5:1-3, where God chall |
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The Destiny of Man by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling our destiny as Christians. He explains that our destiny is to live for the glory and honor of |
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Sermons on Job #1 (Introduction) by John Calvin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of serving God in spirit and truth, as stated in John 4:24. He refers to Jeremiah 5:1, where God calls for people who seek tr |