Devine Scripture

Genesis 18:16

What does Genesis 18:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 18:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 18:16 means

After the specific promise concerning Sarah, the three men rose from their meal and turned their attention towards Sodom, indicating a new purpose for their journey. Abraham, continuing his role as host, accompanied them as they set out on their way. This physical transition from the meal to the journey subtly shifts the narrative's focus from the promise of life to the impending judgment, foreshadowing the weighty discussion about Sodom.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the men went on from there in the direction of Sodom; and Abraham went with them on their way.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the men rise from thence, and look on the face of Sodom, and Abraham is going with them to send them away;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when the men rose up from thence, they turned their eyes towards Sodom: and Abraham walked with them, bringing them on the way.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the men rose up thence, and looked toward Sodom; and Abraham went with them to conduct them.

Context

This verse marks a clear transition in the narrative, as the visitors depart and turn their focus towards Sodom, immediately following the conclusion of the discussion about Sarah in verse 15. Abraham's accompaniment signals his continued engagement with the divine visitors. This movement sets the scene for the Lord's revelation of His intentions regarding Sodom and the subsequent intercession by Abraham.

v.15Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.

v.16This passage

v.17And Jehovah said, Shall I hide from Abraham that which I do;

Cross references

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

  • Acts 20:38

    sorrowing most of all for the word which he had spoken, that they should behold his face no more. And they brought him on his way unto the ship.

  • 3 John 1:6

    who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God:

  • Romans 15:24

    whensoever I go unto Spain (for I hope to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company)—

  • Acts 21:5

    And when it came to pass that we had accomplished the days, we departed and went on our journey; and they all, with wives and children, brought us on our way till we were out of the city: and kneeling down on the beach, we prayed, and bade each other farewell;

  • Acts 15:3

    They therefore, being brought on their way by the church, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

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