Devine Scripture

Genesis 18:1

What does Genesis 18:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 18:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 18:1 means

This verse describes the unexpected appearance of the Lord to Abraham near the prominent oaks of Mamre during the hottest part of the day. Abraham was likely resting in the shade of his tent doorway, a common practice in the ancient Near East to escape the midday heat. The use of "Jehovah appeared unto him" signifies a direct and personal divine encounter, emphasizing God's initiative in revealing Himself to His servant. This appearance sets the stage for a profound interaction that will reaffirm God's promises and reveal His unfolding plan.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jehovah appeared unto him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jehovah appeared unto him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now the Lord came to him by the holy tree of Mamre, when he was seated in the doorway of his tent in the middle of the day;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jehovah appeareth unto him among the oaks of Mamre, and he is sitting at the opening of the tent, about the heat of the day;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the Lord appeared to him in the vale of Mambre as he was sitting at the door of his tent, in the very heat of the day.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jehovah appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre. And he sat at the tent-door in the heat of the day.

Context

This verse opens a new narrative, following the covenant of circumcision in Genesis 17. It immediately introduces a divine visitation, which will be the central event of the chapter. Understanding that this is the Lord Himself appearing to Abraham sets the tone for the significant revelations and reaffirmations of promises that are about to unfold, particularly regarding Sarah's future son.

v.1This passage

v.2and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood over against him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Exodus 4:1

    And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice; for they will say, Jehovah hath not appeared unto thee.

  • Genesis 26:2

    And Jehovah appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:

  • Acts 7:2

    And he said, Brethren and fathers, hearken: The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran,

  • Genesis 14:13

    And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew: now he dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner; and these were confederate with Abram.

  • Genesis 12:7

    And Jehovah appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto Jehovah, who appeared unto him.

  • Genesis 48:3

    And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,

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