Devine Scripture

Genesis 18:2

What does Genesis 18:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 18:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 18:2 means

Abraham, seeing three unknown men approaching, immediately displayed the highest form of ancient Near Eastern hospitality. He didn't wait for them to come to him but actively ran to meet them, bowing himself to the earth as a gesture of deep respect and humility. This swift and deferential action underscores his understanding of their importance, perhaps sensing a divine presence, and his cultural obligation to welcome travelers, especially those who appeared weary and traveling in the heat.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and 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,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and 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,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And lifting up his eyes, he saw three men before him; and seeing them, he went quickly to them from the door of the tent, and went down on his face to the earth;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he lifteth up his eyes and looketh, and lo, three men standing by him, and he seeth, and runneth to meet them from the opening of the tent, and boweth himself towards the earth,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he had lifted up his eyes, there appeared to him three men standing near to him: and as soon as he saw them, he ran to meet them from the door of his tent, and adored down to the ground.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, three men standing near him. And when he saw [them], he ran to meet them from the tent-door, and bowed himself to the earth,

Context

Following the Lord's appearance in verse 1, Abraham's immediate response to seeing the three men is detailed here. This verse initiates the demonstration of Abraham's significant hospitality, which is a key theme in the early part of the chapter, providing the setting for the subsequent divine revelations. His actions here establish the respectful and welcoming atmosphere for the important conversation ahead.

v.1And Jehovah appeared unto him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;

v.2This passage

v.3and said, My lord, if now I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 18:16

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

  • Judges 13:6

    Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of the angel of God, very terrible; and I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name:

  • Genesis 44:14

    And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph’s house; and he was yet there: and they fell before him on the ground.

  • 2 Kings 2:15

    And when the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho over against him saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

  • Genesis 43:28

    And they said, Thy servant our father is well, he is yet alive. And they bowed the head, and made obeisance.

  • Genesis 19:1

    And the two angels came to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot saw them, and rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face to the earth;

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