Devine Scripture

Genesis 18:17

What does Genesis 18:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 18:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 18:17 means

As they walked, the Lord internally deliberated whether to reveal His plans concerning Sodom to Abraham. This rhetorical question highlights the special relationship between God and Abraham and implies that, due to this unique bond, it would be appropriate to share His intentions. It sets the stage for God's justification for revealing His plans, emphasizing Abraham's role in the divine covenant.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the Lord said, Am I to keep back from Abraham the knowledge of what I do;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Jehovah said, `Am I concealing from Abraham that which I am doing,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the Lord said: Can I hide from Abraham what I am about to do:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jehovah said, Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing?

Context

This verse initiates a new, profound discussion between the Lord and Himself, directly following the departure towards Sodom in verse 16. It reveals the Lord's internal reasoning for including Abraham in His divine counsel regarding the impending judgment. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the revelation of Sodom's sin and Abraham's subsequent intercession, emphasizing their unique covenant relationship.

v.16And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.

v.17This passage

v.18seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

Cross references

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

  • James 2:23

    and the scripture was fulfilled which saith, And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness; and he was called the friend of God.

  • Amos 3:7

    Surely the Lord Jehovah will do nothing, except he reveal his secret unto his servants the prophets.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:7

    Didst not thou, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and give it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?

  • John 15:15

    No longer do I call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from my Father I have made known unto you.

  • 2 Kings 4:27

    And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came near to thrust her away; but the man of God said, Let her alone: for her soul is vexed within her; and Jehovah hath hid it from me, and hath not told me.

  • Genesis 19:24

    Then Jehovah rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from Jehovah out of heaven;

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