Devine Scripture

Genesis 18:4

What does Genesis 18:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 18:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 18:4 means

Abraham's invitation included practical and immediate comfort for his weary guests. He offered water for washing their dusty feet, a necessary refreshment after travel in the arid region, and a place to rest under the shade of a tree. This attention to their physical needs before even mentioning food demonstrates a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to hospitality, ensuring their comfort and readiness before any further interaction. It reflects a genuine care for their well-being.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

let now a little water be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

let now a little water be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let me get water for washing your feet, and take your rest under the tree:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

let, I pray thee, a little water be accepted, and wash your feet, and recline under the tree;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But I will fetch a little water, and wash ye your feet, and rest ye under the tree.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Let now a little water be fetched, that ye may wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.

Context

This verse elaborates on Abraham's offer of hospitality, providing details of the immediate comforts he extended to his guests, following his earnest invitation in verse 3. This specific offer of foot-washing and rest under a tree is an important step in his role as host. It further emphasizes Abraham's commitment to exemplary hospitality, creating a welcoming environment for the divine visitors.

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

v.4This passage

v.5and I will fetch a morsel of bread, and strengthen ye your heart; after that ye shall pass on: forasmuch as ye are come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 19:2

    and he said, Behold now, my lords, turn aside, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your way. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

  • Genesis 24:32

    And the man came into the house, and he ungirded the camels; and he gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men that were with him.

  • John 13:5

    Then he poureth water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

  • 1 Samuel 25:41

    And she arose, and bowed herself with her face to the earth, and said, Behold, thy handmaid is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.

  • Genesis 43:24

    And the man brought the men into Joseph’s house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their asses provender.

  • Luke 7:44

    And turning to the woman, he said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thy house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath wetted my feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair.

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