Devine Scripture

Genesis 18:5

What does Genesis 18:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 18:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 18:5 means

Abraham minimized the extent of the meal he intended to provide, calling it merely "a morsel of bread," while promising it would strengthen their hearts. He assured them they could then continue their journey, framing their stop as a brief interlude. He further justified his offer by acknowledging that they had, by chance, come near his dwelling. The guests accepted, validating his hospitality. This humility and willingness to serve reveal a true servant's heart.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And let me get a bit of bread to keep up your strength, and after that you may go on your way: for this is why you have come to your servant. And they said, Let it be so.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I bring a piece of bread, and support ye your heart; afterwards pass on, for therefore have ye passed over unto your servant;' and they say, `So mayest thou do as thou has spoken.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I will set a morsel of bread, and strengthen ye your heart, afterwards you shall pass on: for therefore are you come aside to your servant. And they said: Do as thou hast spoken.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And I will fetch a morsel of bread; and refresh yourselves; after that ye shall pass on; for therefore have ye passed on towards your servant. And they said, So do as thou hast said.

Context

This verse concludes Abraham's initial offer of hospitality, detailing his understated promise of food and his guests' acceptance. It follows his offers of foot-washing and rest, bringing the setup for the meal to completion. This acceptance is crucial, as it leads directly to Abraham's preparations for the meal, which will itself become a significant context for the divine revelation to follow.

v.4let now a little water be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:

v.5This passage

v.6And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.

Cross references

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

  • Judges 19:5

    And it came to pass on the fourth day, that they arose early in the morning, and he rose up to depart: and the damsel’s father said unto his son-in-law, Strengthen thy heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward ye shall go your way.

  • Genesis 33:10

    And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found favor in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand; forasmuch as I have seen thy face, as one seeth the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.

  • Judges 6:18

    Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and lay it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.

  • Isaiah 3:1

    For, behold, the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah stay and staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water;

  • Judges 13:15

    And Manoah said unto the angel of Jehovah, I pray thee, let us detain thee, that we may make ready a kid for thee.

  • Genesis 19:8

    Behold now, I have two daughters that have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing, forasmuch as they are come under the shadow of my roof.

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