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Genesis 18:27

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Genesis 18:27 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Abraham answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes—

King James Version KJV

And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:

American Standard Version ASV

And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, who am but dust and ashes:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Abraham answering said, Truly, I who am only dust, have undertaken to put my thoughts before the Lord:

Free Bible Version FBV

“Since I've started, let me go on speaking to my Lord, even though I'm nothing but dust and ashes,” Abraham continued.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Abraham answered and said, Behold nowe, I haue begun to speake vnto my Lord, and I am but dust and ashes.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Abraham answereth and saith, 'Lo, I pray thee, I have willed to speak unto the Lord, and I — dust and ashes;

World English Bible WEB

Abraham answered, “See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord, although I am dust and ashes.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I, who am dust and ashes, have taken upon me to speak to the LORD.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Abraham answered, and said: Seeing I have once begun, I will speak to my Lord, whereas I am dust and ashes.

Translation for Translators T4T

Abraham replied, “I should not be bold like this and speak to you, God, because I am as worthless as dust and ashes [MET].

Plain English Version PEV

Then Abraham said, “Look, I know that I am just a man and you are God, but I’m being brave and I’m talking to you. I want to ask you another question.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:27

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 18:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּ֥עַן אַבְרָהָ֖ם וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר הִנֵּה נָ֤א הוֹאַ֨לְתִּי֙ לְ/דַבֵּ֣ר אֶל אֲדֹנָ֔/י וְ/אָנֹכִ֖י עָפָ֥ר וָ/אֵֽפֶר
וַ/יַּ֥עַן ʻânâh H6030 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְרָהָ֖ם ʼAbrâhâm H85 Abraham N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הִנֵּה hinnêh H2009 behold Part
נָ֤א nâʼ H4994 please Part
הוֹאַ֨לְתִּי֙ yâʼal H2974 be willing V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
לְ/דַבֵּ֣ר dâbar H1696 to speak Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
אֲדֹנָ֔/י ʼĂdônây H136 Lord N-mp | Suff
וְ/אָנֹכִ֖י ʼânôkîy H595 I Conj | Pron
עָפָ֥ר ʻâphâr H6083 dust N-ms
וָ/אֵֽפֶר ʼêpher H665 ashes Conj | N-ms
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 18:27

וַ/יַּ֥עַן ʻânâh H6030 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
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.
הִנֵּה hinnêh H2009 "behold" 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.
נָ֤א 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.
הוֹאַ֨לְתִּי֙ yâʼal H2974 "be willing" V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
To be willing or undertake something is the meaning of this word. It involves agreeing to or showing willingness to do something, like accepting an invitation or resolving to take action.
Definition: 1) to begin, make a beginning, show willingness, undertake to do, be pleased, be determined 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to agree to, show willingness, acquiesce, accept an invitation, be willing 1a2) to undertake 1a3) to resolve, be pleased, be determined
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: assay, begin, be content, please, take upon, [idiom] willingly, would. See also: Genesis 18:27; Judges 19:6; Hosea 5:11.
לְ/דַבֵּ֣ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
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.
אֲדֹנָ֔/י ʼĂdônây H136 "Lord" N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
וְ/אָנֹכִ֖י ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Conj | Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
עָפָ֥ר ʻâphâr H6083 "dust" N-ms
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
וָ/אֵֽפֶר ʼêpher H665 "ashes" Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to ashes, often symbolizing worthlessness or something worthless. It is used to describe something that has been destroyed or reduced to nothing.
Definition: 1) ashes 2) (CLBL) worthlessness (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: ashes. See also: Genesis 18:27; Psalms 147:16; Psalms 102:10.

Study Notes — Genesis 18:27

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 3:19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground— because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”
2 Isaiah 6:5 Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”
3 1 Corinthians 15:47–48 The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. As was the earthly man, so also are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven.
4 Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man.”
5 Genesis 18:30–32 Then Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak further. Suppose thirty are found there?” He replied, “If I find thirty there, I will not do it.” And Abraham said, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord, suppose twenty are found there?” He answered, “On account of the twenty, I will not destroy it.” 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.”
6 Job 4:19 how much more those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundations are in the dust, who can be crushed like a moth!
7 Ecclesiastes 12:7 before the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
8 Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart:
9 Genesis 2:7 Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.
10 Job 30:19 He throws me into the mud, and I have become like dust and ashes.

Genesis 18:27 Summary

In Genesis 18:27, Abraham is acknowledging his own humility and limitations before God, recognizing that he is just a human being made of 'dust and ashes'. This posture of humility allows him to approach God with boldness and confidence, as seen in his prayer for Sodom. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn the importance of approaching God with humility and reverence, while also trusting in His mercy and justice (as seen in Psalm 103:8-10). By recognizing our own limitations and trusting in God's character, we can pray with boldness and confidence, just like Abraham.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for Abraham to describe himself as 'dust and ashes' in Genesis 18:27?

Abraham's statement is an expression of humility, recognizing his own mortality and insignificance before God, similar to what we see in Job 42:6 where Job says 'I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes'

Is Abraham being presumptuous by speaking to the Lord in Genesis 18:27?

No, Abraham is demonstrating faith and trust in God's character, as seen in Genesis 18:25 where he appeals to God's justice, and God responds by engaging in a conversation with him

How does Abraham's statement in Genesis 18:27 relate to his prayer for Sodom?

Abraham's humility and recognition of his own limitations serve as a backdrop for his bold intercession on behalf of Sodom, demonstrating his confidence in God's mercy and justice, as seen in Genesis 18:23-25

What can we learn from Abraham's example in Genesis 18:27 about approaching God in prayer?

We can learn the importance of humility and reverence in our approach to God, as well as the value of bold and persistent prayer, as encouraged in Luke 11:9-10 and Hebrews 4:16

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to approach God with humility and recognition of my own limitations?
  2. How can I balance boldness and humility in my prayers, as Abraham does in Genesis 18:27?
  3. What are some ways I can demonstrate faith and trust in God's character, as Abraham does in this conversation with God?
  4. How can I apply the principles of Genesis 18:27 to my own life and relationships, particularly in situations where I need to intercede on behalf of others?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:27

And Abraham answered and said,.... In a very humble and modest manner, encouraged by the answer given him: behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord; suggesting that it was bold and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:27

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 18:27

In regard of the composition of my body, which was taken out of the dust, and shall return into it again. See ,48.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:27

Genesis 18:27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which [am but] dust and ashes:Ver. 27. Which am but dust and ashes.] Gnaphar veephar , ÷ïíéò et cinus ; none so humble as they that have nearest communion with God. The angels that stand before him, cover their faces with two wings as with a double scarf.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:27

Verse 27. Which am but dust and ashes] עפר ואפר aphar vaepher, words very similar in sound, as they refer to matters which so much resemble each other. Dust - the lightest particles of earth. Ashes - the residuum of consumed substances. By these expressions he shows how deeply his soul was humbled in the presence of God. He who has high thoughts of himself must have low thoughts of the dignity of the Divine nature, of the majesty of God, and the sinfulness of sin.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:27

27. dust and ashes] Two alliterative words in the Heb. (âphar va-êpher) which defy reproduction in English: cf. Genesis 1:2, Genesis 4:14. For the dust of man’s frame, cf. Genesis 2:7, Genesis 3:19. See a similar use of the phrase in Job 30:19; Job 42:6.

Sermons on Genesis 18:27

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen Finishing the Course - 03 the Ministry of the Holy Spirit by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being free from the opinions of men and instead being open to the influence of the Holy Spirit. He highlights how in the Ol
Bill Barratt Abraham's Prayer by Bill Barratt In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Abraham's prayer for the city of Sodom and Gomorrah. The speaker uses the analogy of knocks on his door to illustrate different
Clement of Rome Elijah, Elisha and Ezekiel by Clement of Rome Clement of Rome emphasizes the humility and faithfulness of biblical figures like Elijah, Elisha, Ezekiel, Abraham, Job, and Moses. Despite their great honor and righteousness, the
St. John Chrysostom Homily 72 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches about Jesus' teachings to the multitudes and His disciples, emphasizing the importance of following God's commandments despite the hypocrisy of the religio
Thomas Brooks Dust and Ashes by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes the humility of Abraham, who recognizes himself as 'dust and ashes' when speaking to God. This acknowledgment reflects the inherent baseness of humanity an
St. John Chrysostom Homily 65 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of humility and lowliness of heart, contrasting it with the dangers of arrogance and pride. He emphasizes how true greatness comes from s
Thomas Brooks A Very Little Worm by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true assurance in God is accompanied by profound humility, as demonstrated by biblical figures like David, Abraham, Jacob, Job, Moses, and Paul. Each
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