Genesis 18:19
What does Genesis 18:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 18:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 18:19 means
God chose Abraham not only for the promise of a great nation but also because He knew Abraham would faithfully command his household to follow the Lord's way, practicing righteousness and justice. This obedience was crucial for the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham. This verse emphasizes God's sovereign knowledge of Abraham's character and his role in transmitting divine truth to future generations.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of Jehovah, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Jehovah may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of Jehovah, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Jehovah may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For I have made him mine so that he may give orders to his children and those of his line after him, to keep the ways of the Lord, to do what is good and right: so that the Lord may do to Abraham as he has said.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for I have known him, that he commandeth his children, and his house after him (and they have kept the way of Jehovah), to do righteousness and judgment, that Jehovah may bring on Abraham that which He hath spoken concerning him.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For I know that he will command his children, and his household after him, to keep the way of the Lord, and do judgment and justice: that for Abraham's sake, the Lord may bring to effect all the things he hath spoken unto him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For I know him that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of Jehovah, to do righteousness and justice, in order that Jehovah may bring upon Abraham what he hath spoken of him.
Context
This verse continues the Lord's justification for revealing His intentions to Abraham, directly elaborating on the reasons given in verse 18. It highlights Abraham's pivotal role in preserving and transmitting God's ways to his family. This emphasis on Abraham's righteous leadership provides further divine rationale for including him in the revelation of judgment, leading directly into the specific pronouncement about Sodom's sin.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 1:5
And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt-offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and renounced God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
- 1 Samuel 2:30
Therefore Jehovah, the God of Israel, saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now Jehovah saith, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
- 2 Samuel 7:20
And what can David say more unto thee? for thou knowest thy servant, O Lord Jehovah.
- 2 Timothy 1:5
having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also.
- Ephesians 6:4
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord.
- 1 Timothy 3:12
Let deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
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