Devine Scripture

Genesis 18:23

What does Genesis 18:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 18:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 18:23 means

Abraham, seizing the opportunity to speak with the Lord, humbly yet boldly drew near and began his intercession. His immediate concern was the potential for the righteous to be consumed along with the wicked. This question reveals his understanding of divine justice and his deep concern for those who might be innocent, directly appealing to God's character as a just judge.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Abraham came near, and said, Will you let destruction come on the upright with the sinners?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Abraham draweth nigh and saith, `Dost Thou also consume righteous with wicked?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And drawing nigh, he said: Wilt thou destroy the just with the wicked?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also cause the righteous to perish with the wicked?

Context

This verse marks the beginning of Abraham's famous intercession, directly following his remaining alone with the Lord in verse 22. Abraham's initial question immediately establishes the central theme of his plea: the justice of God in distinguishing between the righteous and the wicked. This sets the stage for the progressive bargaining that follows, revealing Abraham's compassionate heart and theological understanding.

v.22And the men turned from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before Jehovah.

v.23This passage

v.24Peradventure there are fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou consume and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?

Cross references

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

  • Job 34:17

    Shall even one that hateth justice govern? And wilt thou condemn him that is righteous and mighty?—

  • 2 Samuel 24:17

    And David spake unto Jehovah when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done perversely; but these sheep, what have they done? let thy hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.

  • Psalms 73:28

    But it is good for me to draw near unto God: I have made the Lord Jehovah my refuge, That I may tell of all thy works.

  • Numbers 16:22

    And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?

  • Job 8:3

    Doth God pervert justice? Or doth the Almighty pervert righteousness?

  • Hebrews 10:22

    let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water,

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