Genesis 18:28

Genesis 18:28 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

suppose the fifty righteous ones lack five. Will You destroy the whole city for the lack of five?” He replied, “If I find forty-five there, I will not destroy it.”

King James Version KJV

Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.

American Standard Version ASV

peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, I will not destroy it, if I find there forty and five.

Bible in Basic English BBE

If by chance there are five less than fifty upright men, will you give up all the town to destruction because of these five? And he said, I will not give it to destruction if there are forty-five.

Free Bible Version FBV

“What if there are forty-five good people, just five less? Are you still going to wipe out the whole town just because there are five fewer people?” “I won't destroy it if I find forty-five,” the Lord replied.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

If there shall lacke fiue of fiftie righteous, wilt thou destroy all the citie for fiue? And he saide, If I finde there fiue and fourtie, I will not destroy it.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

peradventure there are lacking five of the fifty righteous — dost Thou destroy for five the whole of the city?' and He saith, 'I destroy [it] not, if I find there forty and five.'

World English Bible WEB

What if there will lack five of the fifty righteous? Will you destroy all the city for lack of five?” He said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Peradventure there will lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

What if there be five less than fifty just persons? wilt thou for five and forty destroy the whole city? And he said: I will not destroy it, if I find five and forty.

Translation for Translators T4T

But what will you do if there are only 45 righteous people? Will you destroy everyone in the whole city because there are only 45 and not 50 righteous people?” Yahweh replied, “I will not destroy it if I find that there are 45 righteous people.”

Plain English Version PEV

What if you find only 45 good people in that town, will you still finish up that town?” God said, “If I find 45 good people there, I will not finish up that town.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:28

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 18:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB א֠וּלַי יַחְסְר֞וּ/ן חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים הַ/צַּדִּיקִם֙ חֲמִשָּׁ֔ה הֲ/תַשְׁחִ֥ית בַּ/חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה אֶת כָּל הָ/עִ֑יר וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ לֹ֣א אַשְׁחִ֔ית אִם אֶמְצָ֣א שָׁ֔ם אַרְבָּעִ֖ים וַ/חֲמִשָּֽׁה

א֠וּלַי ʼûwlay H194 perhaps Adv

יַחְסְר֞וּ/ן châçêr H2637 to lack V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים chămishshîym H2572 fifty Adj

הַ/צַּדִּיקִם֙ tsaddîyq H6662 righteous Art | Adj

חֲמִשָּׁ֔ה châmêsh H2568 five Adj

הֲ/תַשְׁחִ֥ית shâchath H7843 to ruin Part | V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms

בַּ/חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה châmêsh H2568 five Prep | Adj

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הָ/עִ֑יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

אַשְׁחִ֔ית shâchath H7843 to ruin V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

אֶמְצָ֣א mâtsâʼ H4672 to find V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

שָׁ֔ם shâm H8033 there Adv

אַרְבָּעִ֖ים ʼarbâʻîym H705 forty Adj

וַ/חֲמִשָּֽׁה châmêsh H2568 five Conj | Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 18:28

א֠וּלַי 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.

יַחְסְר֞וּ/ן châçêr H2637 "to lack" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

To lack or be without something is what this word means. It describes a state of need or shortage, often used in stories of struggle or hardship. The Bible talks about lack in books like Psalms and Proverbs.

Definition: 1) to lack, be without, decrease, be lacking, have a need 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lack 1a2) to be lacking 1a3) to diminish, decrease 1b) (Piel) to cause to lack 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be lacking

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: be abated, bereave, decrease, (cause to) fail, (have) lack, make lower, want. See also: Genesis 8:3; Psalms 23:1; Psalms 8:6.

חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים 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/צַּדִּיקִם֙ 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.

חֲמִשָּׁ֔ה châmêsh H2568 "five" Adj

This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.

Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)

Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.

הֲ/תַשְׁחִ֥ית shâchath H7843 "to ruin" Part | V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms

This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.

Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)

Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.

בַּ/חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה châmêsh H2568 "five" Prep | Adj

This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.

Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)

Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

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.

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 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.

לֹ֣א 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.

אַשְׁחִ֔ית shâchath H7843 "to ruin" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" 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.

אֶמְצָ֣א mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)

Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.

שָׁ֔ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

אַרְבָּעִ֖ים ʼarbâʻîym H705 "forty" Adj

The number forty is what this Hebrew word represents, often used in the Bible to mark significant periods of time, like the 40 days of rain in Genesis or the 40 years of Israel's wilderness journey.

Definition: forty

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: -forty. See also: Genesis 5:13; Judges 13:1; Psalms 95:10.

וַ/חֲמִשָּֽׁה châmêsh H2568 "five" Conj | Adj

This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.

Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)

Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.

Study Notes — Genesis 18:28

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 18:28 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:28
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:28
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:28
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:28
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:28
Sermons on Genesis 18:28

Context — Abraham Intercedes for Sodom

26So the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom, on their account I will spare the whole place.” 27Then Abraham answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes—

28suppose the fifty righteous ones lack five. Will You destroy the whole city for the lack of five?” He replied, “If I find forty-five there, I will not destroy it.”

29Once again Abraham spoke to the LORD, “Suppose forty are found there?” He answered, “On account of the forty, I will not do it.” 30Then 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.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 18:29	Once again Abraham spoke to the LORD, “Suppose forty are found there?” He answered, “On account of the forty, I will not do it.”
2	1 Kings 20:32–33	So with sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.’” And the king answered, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, and they quickly grasped at this word and replied, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” “Go and get him!” said the king. Then Ben-hadad came out, and Ahab had him come up into his chariot.
3	Genesis 18:26	So the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom, on their account I will spare the whole place.”
4	Job 23:3–4	If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat. I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments.
5	Numbers 14:17–19	So now I pray, may the power of my Lord be magnified, just as You have declared: ‘The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion, forgiving iniquity and transgression. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers upon their children to the third and fourth generation.’ Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people, in keeping with the greatness of Your loving devotion, just as You have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.”

Genesis 18:28 Summary

In Genesis 18:28, Abraham is talking to God about the city of Sodom and asks if He will destroy it if there are not enough righteous people. God says He will spare the city if there are forty-five righteous people, showing His mercy and justice. This verse teaches us that God is willing to listen to our prayers and consider our pleas, just like He did with Abraham (as seen in Genesis 18:20-33). It also reminds us of the importance of living a righteous life, as our actions can impact those around us, and encourages us to trust in God's mercy and justice, as described in Psalm 145:8-9.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the number of righteous people in Genesis 18:28?

The number of righteous people in Genesis 18:28 represents the minimum number required for God to spare the city of Sodom from destruction, as seen in Genesis 18:26, where God agrees to spare the city if fifty righteous ones are found.

Is God's mercy and justice evident in this verse?

Yes, God's mercy and justice are evident in Genesis 18:28, as He is willing to spare the city for the sake of a few righteous people, demonstrating His mercy, while also upholding justice by destroying the city if wickedness prevails, as seen in Genesis 18:20-21.

How does Abraham's interaction with God in this verse demonstrate his faith?

Abraham's interaction with God in Genesis 18:28 demonstrates his faith by showing his trust in God's character and his willingness to intercede on behalf of others, as seen in his bold yet humble approach to God in Genesis 18:27.

What can we learn from God's response to Abraham's plea in this verse?

We can learn from God's response that He is a God of mercy and compassion, willing to listen to our prayers and consider our pleas, as seen in Genesis 18:28 and other verses like Psalm 145:8-9, which describe God's gracious and merciful nature.

Reflection Questions

What would happen if I were to intercede for my city or community like Abraham did for Sodom?
How can I demonstrate mercy and compassion to those around me, just as God shows mercy to the righteous in Genesis 18:28?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of righteous living and its impact on those around me?
How can I apply the principles of Genesis 18:28 to my own life and prayers, trusting in God's mercy and justice?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:28

Peradventure there should lack five of the fifty righteous,.... Or there should be but forty five; for Abraham perceived, by the Lord's answer, that there were not fifty righteous persons in the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:28

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 18:28

Lack of five, Heb. for five, or because of five, to wit, which are lacking or wanting. The same supplement we have also .

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:28

Genesis 18:28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for [lack of] five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy [it].Ver. 28. Peradventure, &c.]

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:28

28. There shall lack five — First he drops to forty-five; then to forty; then to thirty; then to twenty; and finally to ten. Conant observes on this whole passage that it has “no parallel, even in sacred history.

Sermons on Genesis 18:28

	Sermon	Description
	I Am Thy Strength and Shield - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher describes a scene of immorality and sin in the world, with prostitutes and drug users. However, he emphasizes that these things do not move or concern
	Go "In the Spirit" by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the power of prayer and intercession, illustrating how one person's prayers can impact entire nations. He reflects on Abraham's negotiation with God rega
	Humble Souls by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks emphasizes that humble souls are closest to God, experiencing profound communion and clarity in their vision of both God's glory and their own sinfulness. He illustra
	(Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 2. Where Job Went Wrong by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Job and explores where Job went wrong in his understanding of God's moral philosophy. The speaker explains that the ancient Orien
	Why Doesn't God Do Something? by Vance Havner	Vance Havner addresses the profound question of why God seems silent in the face of suffering and tragedy, drawing parallels to the cries of Job and the psalmists. He reflects on p
	The Canaanite Woman - Great Faith by Joel Beeke	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a beggar who comes to his family's door asking for a sandwich. Initially, the speaker's grandmother tells him to tell the
	The Secret of the Vision by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes the deep longing of the soul to find God, as expressed in Job's cry for divine presence. He outlines several ways to encounter God: through nature, His Word