×

Genesis 18:31-33 meaning

Verses covered in this passage:

  • Genesis 18:31
  • Genesis 18:32
  • Genesis 18:33

Abraham continued to ask, what if there are 20 or 10 righteous people? God replied He would not destroy the city if 10 righteous are found. Then God departed, and Abraham returned home

Abraham continues his intercession, now in increments of ten.  After starting the bargaining at fifty, Abraham gets down to twenty, then decides to make one final ask. “Suppose ten are found there?” Interestingly, ten was the number in Lot’s family. There were Lot and his wife, two sons, two married daughters, two son-in-law’s, and two unmarried daughters (Genesis 19:12-14). God promises, “I will not destroy it on account of the ten.” We will soon learn, Lot must leave Sodom, so that God can punish the wicked (Genesis 19:16-17).

When the conversation between God and Abraham ended, the Lord departed and Abraham returned to his place, his tent by the Oaks of Mamre at Hebron (Genesis 13:18, 18:1). The events of this chapter took place in one afternoon at Mamre.

Biblical Text

31 And he said, “Now behold, I have ventured to speak to the Lord; suppose twenty are found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it on account of the twenty.” 32 Then he said, “Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak only this once; suppose ten are found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it on account of the ten.” 33 As soon as He had finished speaking to Abraham the Lord departed, and Abraham returned to his place.




Check out our other commentaries:

  • Deuteronomy 7:1-6 meaning

    God reemphasizes that Israel is set apart (holy) to their Suzerain (Ruler) God as a special possession. He instructs the Israelites to eliminate the people......
  • Jonah 1:17 meaning

    The LORD spares Jonah’s life by appointing a great fish to swallow him. Jonah spends three days and three nights in the belly of the......
  • Matthew 6:7-8 meaning

    Jesus teaches His disciples to pray to their Father who loves and understands them, not like the Gentiles who utter meaningless repetitions in order to......
  • Exodus 20:7 meaning

    In the 3rd commandment, the LORD prohibits the association of God’s holy name to something that is common. He promises that the offender would be......
  • Exodus 28:22-28 meaning

    The description of the breastpiece continues.......