Devine Scripture

Genesis 18:22

What does Genesis 18:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 18:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 18:22 means

Following the disclosure of the Lord's intentions regarding Sodom and Gomorrah, two of the men departed and headed toward the cities, presumably the two angels who accompanied the Lord. However, Abraham remained standing before the Lord Himself. This separation of the companions signifies that a more intimate and significant dialogue is about to occur between Abraham and the Lord, particularly concerning the fate of Sodom.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the men turned from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before Jehovah.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the Lord.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the men turned from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before Jehovah.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the men, turning from that place, went on to Sodom: but Abraham was still waiting before the Lord.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the men turn from thence, and go towards Sodom; and Abraham is yet standing before Jehovah.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they turned themselves from thence, and went their way to Sodom: but Abraham as yet stood before the Lord.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the men turned thence, and went towards Sodom; and Abraham remained yet standing before Jehovah.

Context

This verse marks a further separation and a crucial shift in the narrative, as two of the visitors depart for Sodom, while Abraham remains with the Lord. It directly follows the Lord's declaration of His investigative plans in verse 21. This moment of Abraham standing "yet before Jehovah" is vital, establishing the intimate setting for Abraham's profound intercession on behalf of the cities, which is about to begin.

v.21I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

v.22This passage

v.23And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou consume the righteous with the wicked?

Cross references

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

  • Acts 7:55

    But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

  • 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;

  • Jeremiah 18:20

    Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember how I stood before thee to speak good for them, to turn away thy wrath from them.

  • 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.

  • Ezekiel 22:30

    And I sought for a man among them, that should build up the wall, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none.

  • Genesis 18:1

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

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