Devine Scripture

Genesis 18:8

What does Genesis 18:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 18:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 18:8 means

Abraham presented a full and rich meal to his guests, consisting of butter, milk (likely sour milk or yogurt, a common refreshment), and the prepared calf. He then humbly remained standing by them under the tree while they ate, signifying his continued service and deference. The detail that "they did eat" reaffirms the physical reality of their presence, even as one of them is the Lord Himself. This action further emphasizes Abraham's exemplary hospitality.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And 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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he took butter and milk and the young ox which he had made ready and put it before them, waiting by them under the tree while they took food.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he taketh butter and milk, and the son of the herd which he hath prepared, and setteth before them; and he is standing by them under the tree, and they do eat.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

He took also butter and milk, and the calf which he had boiled, and set before them: but he stood by them under the tree.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he took thick and sweet milk, and the calf that he had dressed, and set [it] before them; and he stood before them under the tree, and they ate.

Context

This verse describes the culmination of Abraham's hospitality, with the full meal being served to the three men. It follows the strenuous preparations detailed in verses 6 and 7. The act of eating together in Abraham's presence creates a context of intimacy and established trust, essential for the significant divine message that is about to be delivered concerning Sarah and the promise of a son.

v.7And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto the servant; and he hasted to dress it.

v.8This passage

v.9And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 17:8

    and will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

  • 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.

  • Galatians 5:13

    For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another.

  • Revelation 3:20

    Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

  • 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.

  • Luke 24:30

    And it came to pass, when he had sat down with them to meat, he took the bread and blessed; and breaking it he gave to them.

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