Devine Scripture

Genesis 18:7

What does Genesis 18:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 18:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 18:7 means

Abraham's hospitality extended beyond breadmaking; he personally selected a choice, tender calf from his herd. He then entrusted it to a servant, who wasted no time in preparing it for the meal. This act of drawing from his own valuable livestock demonstrates the exceptional quality and generosity of the meal Abraham intended to serve, far exceeding what a traveler might expect, underscoring the deep respect he held for his visitors.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto the servant; and he hasted to dress it.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto the servant; and he hasted to dress it.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And running to the herd, he took a young ox, soft and fat, and gave it to the servant and he quickly made it ready;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Abraham ran unto the herd, and taketh a son of the herd, tender and good, and giveth unto the young man, and he hasteth to prepare it;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he himself ran to the herd, and took from thence a calf, very tender and very good, and gave it to a young man, who made haste and boiled it.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf tender and good, and gave [it] to the attendant; and he hasted to dress it.

Context

This verse continues the description of Abraham's lavish meal preparations, directly following his instructions to Sarah in verse 6. It highlights his personal involvement and the significant resources he committed to hosting his guests. This generous act further sets the stage for the intimate interaction that will take place during and after the meal, emphasizing the importance of the visitors and the occasion.

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

v.7This passage

v.8And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 15:23

    and bring the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat, and make merry:

  • 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.

  • Amos 6:4

    that lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;

  • Malachi 1:14

    But cursed be the deceiver, who hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a blemished thing; for I am a great King, saith Jehovah of hosts, and my name is terrible among the Gentiles.

  • Genesis 19:3

    And he urged them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

  • Matthew 22:4

    Again he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them that are bidden, Behold, I have made ready my dinner; my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come to the marriage feast.

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