Genesis 18:25
What does Genesis 18:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 18:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 18:25 means
Abraham vehemently argued that it would be entirely contrary to God's character to destroy the righteous alongside the wicked, asserting that such an act would make the righteous no different from the wicked. He confidently declared, "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" This powerful rhetorical question appeals directly to God's inherent justice and righteousness, affirming the certainty of His moral perfection and His just governance of the world.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked, that so the righteous should be as the wicked; that be far from thee: shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
KJV
King James Version · 1611That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked, that so the righteous should be as the wicked; that be far from thee: shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let such a thing be far from you, to put the upright to death with the sinner: will not the judge of all the earth do right?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Far be it from Thee to do according to this thing, to put to death the righteous with the wicked; that it hath been--as the righteous so the wicked--far be it from Thee; doth the Judge of all the earth not do justice?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Far be it from thee to do this thing, and to slay the just with the wicked, and for the just to be in like case as the wicked; this is not beseeming thee: thou who judgest all the earth, wilt not make this judgment.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Far be it from thee to do so, to slay the righteous with the wicked, that the righteous should be as the wicked — far be it from thee! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?
Context
This verse presents Abraham's strong theological argument, expanding on his plea to spare Sodom in verse 24. His assertion of God's perfect justice is crucial to his intercession. This theological grounding provides the framework for his continued bargaining, demonstrating his profound understanding of God's character and establishing the basis for his persistent appeals to divine righteousness.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 58:11
So that men shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: Verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth.
- Job 8:20
Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, Neither will he uphold the evil-doers.
- Job 34:17
Shall even one that hateth justice govern? And wilt thou condemn him that is righteous and mighty?—
- Job 8:3
Doth God pervert justice? Or doth the Almighty pervert righteousness?
- Psalms 11:5
Jehovah trieth the righteous; But the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
- Ecclesiastes 8:12
Though a sinner do evil a hundred times, and prolong his days, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, that fear before him:
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